K1 approved, what next ?

[Going through 5,671]

1 hour ago, IBE2CA said:

How would the USCIS know or find out about a celebration/ceremony of a  "mock wedding" among her family members prior to being granted a K1 Visa? We would like to do the same for her family. Of course, we would not share any photos at the interview or post on social media. We would not apply/file  for a marriage license either until she reached the US. It seems a couple could have a "mock wedding" ceremony ( un-documented) for her family to celebrate before she leaves? The couple would not be married legally.

What is your plan if during the interview she is outright asked if there was any engagement ceremony performed, any formal gathering/party beforehand, or any "mock wedding"...wouldn't be uncommon a question for a CO to ask.

  

Presumably she would tell the truth?

 

It's just as easy enough to have the "mock wedding" in the foreign country AFTER the legal wedding in the USA....doesn't have to be before---added benefit is 0% risk of a K1 denial as a result of any mock wedding done first, instead of afterwards.

 

 

Edited January 21, 2019 by Going through

[eduardo12305 30]

IS NOT Columbia is COLOMBIA. 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

3 hours ago, IBE2CA said:

How would the USCIS know or find out about a celebration/ceremony of a  "mock wedding" among her family members prior to being granted a K1 Visa? We would like to do the same for her family. Of course, we would not share any photos at the interview or post on social media. We would not apply/file  for a marriage license either until she reached the US. It seems a couple could have a "mock wedding" ceremony ( un-documented) for her family to celebrate before she leaves? The couple would not be married legally.

If you want more information than in the upper right corner of this page is a search box. Use the words "marriage ceremony" and you will have more examples. http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/641345-k-1-visa-wedding-ceremony/

https://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/690759-k1-interview-denial/

[Dashinka 24,840]

3 hours ago, IBE2CA said:

How would the USCIS know or find out about a celebration/ceremony of a  "mock wedding" among her family members prior to being granted a K1 Visa? We would like to do the same for her family. Of course, we would not share any photos at the interview or post on social media. We would not apply/file  for a marriage license either until she reached the US. It seems a couple could have a "mock wedding" ceremony ( un-documented) for her family to celebrate before she leaves? The couple would not be married legally.

In our case we brought our wedding album to the AOS interview and the IO did ask us about the wedding ceremony.  Now of course photos are generally secondary evidence, but the IO was very interested in them.  No one can say for sure what the IO will ask during an AOS interview, but you are sworn to tell the truth, so in the end it is simply a gamble.

 

Good Luck!

Edited January 21, 2019 by Bill & Katya

[IBE2CA 34]

Thanks for all for the advice....I called her today and we both agreed and decided to call off the ceremony...not worth the risk.  Although she is disappointed...we would be devastated if we got denied on this sticking point.  Good thing we caught it early, We planned on a May 25th ceremony and we were to meet next month to put down he deposit on the venue in Colombia. Now the trip to Jamaica will just be a nice romantic vacation.

[IBE2CA 34]

Ive read on VJ where "experts" are giving advice not to even show engagement party photos? My fiancee (to be) birthday is in 3 weeks. I have planned a surprise birthday party with one of her family members for her and 30 guests.  Its not formal, but with Mariachi, DJ and sit down dinner at the local country club. My plan is to propose to her during this Birthday party.  Nobody knows about the proposal.  Are you guys saying not to share those photos on social media or at the interview either?

[Going through 5,671]

2 hours ago, IBE2CA said:

Thanks for all for the advice....I called her today and we both agreed and decided to call off the ceremony...not worth the risk.  Although she is disappointed...we would be devastated if we got denied on this sticking point.  Good thing we caught it early, We planned on a May 25th ceremony and we were to meet next month to put down he deposit on the venue in Colombia. Now the trip to Jamaica will just be a nice romantic vacation.

You don't have to call it off completely---just postpone it until after marriage in the US.

[IBE2CA 34]

14 hours ago, Going through said:

You don't have to call it off completely---just postpone it until after marriage in the US.

Of course! In this situation, this entire process,  patience is the key ingredient. Instant gratification does not come into play here. I have a greater appreciation for the immigrants that have endured the process to enter the USA legally. We will wait and follow the wisdom of others before us. The risk is not worth the temporary reward and to wait another 18-24 months after a denial of a K1 and re-file for a CR1.