Same sex K1 requests in nonaccepting countries

[Pakyman 9]

I am new to your forum and have a general question.  Has anyone here had any experiences with K1 visa requests in countries that condone gay marriage?  I met someone from Pakistan, and our plan is for him to move to the US and become my husband.  I would like to hear from others about their experiences and/or advice.

[Rusty72 68]

You'll be dealing with the American government. So cannot see too much issue. Unless they physically detain him.

 

[geowrian 22,337]

This is not an issue for US immigration....same sex marriage is permitted federally.

[Cyberfx1024 7,980]

1 hour ago, Pakyman said:

I am new to your forum and have a general question.  Has anyone here had any experiences with K1 visa requests in countries that condone gay marriage?  I met someone from Pakistan, and our plan is for him to move to the US and become my husband.  I would like to hear from others about their experiences and/or advice.

This is actually a common question here and there is no issue because you will be dealing with the US Government not the Pakistan Government 

[hm139 55]

The word you're looking for is "condemn" -- "condone" means accept/tolerate.

[Boiler 45,522]

Did you meet in the US?

[EandH0904 1,184]

While everyone is saying it's no problem as you're dealing with US government (and I agree), as Pakistan is a more difficult consulate to get approved through, just make sure you have as much info as possible up front. 

 

As you cant marry in his country and do a CR1 if you have an unsuccessful K1, there as increased need for you to have an approved K1. (You could in a 3rd country if possible).

 

So I would look at things like how much time have you spent together. Does his family/know approve? 

 

I asked my husband how it would work in his country as homosexuality is illegal in his country also. He said the biggest concern is maybe people would talk about you when you were getting papers together....police certification, etc. If your family didnt know they might find out etc etc. 

 

So yes while you're dealing with the US I am sure the culture/risk is a little intimidating. Just try to have all proof you need and front load your petition to the best of your ability. 

 

Good luck!

[Pakyman 9]

3 hours ago, Boiler said:

Did you meet in the US?

I actually met him online through Facebook and flew to Pakistan about 3 months later.  Early on, i sought out an immigration attorney who gave us the advice to meet while we considered our visa options.  His family just learning about him, surprisingly welcomed me.  I am hoping to return in time to travel with him to Islamabad for his interview.  

[ddtenor2 80]

My husband, who is Brazilian, had no issues when we applied for a K-1 visa as a same sex couple.  Same-sex marriage is not universally legal in Brazil; it is based upon each state's laws.  I agree with others who have written that you are dealing with the U.S. government, not the Pakistani government.  However, since Pakistan is such a difficult embassy, be sure to front load your I-129F petition.  Here on VJ, I've read of too many cases in Pakistan where the CO refuses to look at any additional evidence brought to the interview and denies the visa.  To improve the chances of success, plenty of face time is advisable.  Try to have more than one visit.  Where possible, include airline boarding passes, chat logs, email transcripts, pictures together (especially with family), receipts for hotels, meals, sightseeing, etc.  You might even include affidavits from your fiancee's family saying they know and approve of the relationship.

 

Good luck in your journey!!

 

I forgot to mention, also include photocopies of all your passport stamps that show either of you entering and leaving any country at the times where the two of  you were together.  These lend credence to the receipts you include.

Edited August 5, 2018 by ddtenor2
Include additional info

[kris&me 572]

Agree with above but the issue is the CO who interviews ur

Any CO can deny a visa and if the CO is from Pakistan and is himself/herself against this,   they will look for a reason to deny

One CO denied a CR1 because the man and new wife had both gone thru a divorce with former spouses /maybe she will see this and chime in

[p-ana 933]

47 minutes ago, ddtenor2 said:

My husband, who is Brazilian, had no issues when we applied for a K-1 visa as a same sex couple.  Same-sex marriage is not universally legal in Brazil; it is based upon each state's laws.  I agree with others who have written that you are dealing with the U.S. government, not the Pakistani government.  However, since Pakistan is such a difficult embassy, be sure to front load your I-129F petition.  Here on VJ, I've read of too many cases in Pakistan where the CO refuses to look at any additional evidence brought to the interview and denies the visa.  To improve the chances of success, plenty of face time is advisable.  Try to have more than one visit.  Where possible, include airline boarding passes, chat logs, email transcripts, pictures together (especially with family), receipts for hotels, meals, sightseeing, etc.  You might even include affidavits from your fiancee's family saying they know and approve of the relationship.

 

Good luck in your journey!!

 

I forgot to mention, also include photocopies of all your passport stamps that show either of you entering and leaving any country at the times where the two of  you were together.  These lend credence to the receipts you include.

Just FYI since 2013 by law gay couples can get married anywhere in Brazil 

[gfcarr1982 5]

Ukraine does not allow same-sex marriage, and is fairly homophobic.  To help with the K1 application, I included my monther and my youngest son on one of my trips to Ukraine.  That way, we had photos of the whole family together, not just the two of us.  

 

If his parents are accepting, it may be beneficial to include them in family photos that you submit with your K1.

[TM92 527]

10 hours ago, EandH0904 said:

You could in a 3rd country if possible

Marriage in the US with a tourist visa and return abroad to file CR-1 is also possible; see thread below:

 

[NikLR 13,227]

10 minutes ago, TM92 said:

Marriage in the US with a tourist visa and return abroad to file CR-1 is also possible; see thread below:

 

Lets be realistic about the OP's fiance's chances of getting a tourist visa to the USA.... It's pretty darn slim. 

[TM92 527]

1 minute ago, NikLR said:

Lets be realistic about the OP's fiance's chances of getting a tourist visa to the USA.... It's pretty darn slim. 

Agree; I was just providing info for future readers. OP already filed I-129F on 2018-05-23: http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=304628