20 YR OLD MARRYING 17 YR OLD

[AnthonyS 0]

Hi, I'm getting married soon to my girlfriend who is 17 and i'm 20. I just wanted to know if I can start the K-3 process after our marriage, or would I have to wait until she is 18? And please don't lecture me about how we're too young, i've known her for a few years now and she's my best friend and I love her. I would just like a helpful response. Thank you.

[TomTom 0]

From what I know the minimum age is 18, unless you can prove that she is free to marry (ie. by a court in her own country, blessings of her parents, ...).

[KarenCee 3]

Hi, I'm getting married soon to my girlfriend who is 17 and i'm 20. I just wanted to know if I can start the K-3 process after our marriage, or would I have to wait until she is 18? And please don't lecture me about how we're too young, i've known her for a few years now and she's my best friend and I love her. I would just like a helpful response. Thank you.

No lecture here...her age is not my concern but it might be with the USCIS. Since she's only 17 I believe she is going to need parental permission. You might want to check with your state, if she is the one moving here she may fall under the requirements for marriage. Also I think the I-129F requires the petitioner or beneficiary to be of legal age to marry OR have parental permission.

[iamjasonbunch 0]

ya know... as something to think about... these agencies find any excuse to reject an application. My advice is that she is almost 18. If you could wait it out a bit, it may save you many headaches. The entire process has taken 6 months for me. For others, it has taken longer. So waiting and having patience is part of this all. If you can wait it out till her 18th Birthday, it may be a smoother ride than if you go this route, but then again... it may be just fine. But you must comply with all US laws. Also, I would check her countries laws, because you said you will get married there. You do not want to end up in jail in a foreign country. I know most countries around the world have the legal age to marry set at 18, and if you are under that parental consent is required. If you are coming under a K1 visa remember that parental consent changes between states. Some states require both parties to have parental consent in the form of notarized copies of documents, court visitations, counselors, the list can go on. This might be a complicated case, and my advice would be to just wait a little. You are not guaranteed a visa. You make the case complicated, you are setting yourself up for delays and possible denile. You might want to look into the laws of the country where you wish to be married.

In a case like this, I would say that doing things by yourself would be quite risky. Most visa cases do not require the assistance of a law professional. But, I do think that professional legal advice would be your best bet if you decide to move on with this case unless you have a great understanding of the laws of your fiancee's country and the US.

Another thing to think about is this. I know that when a US citizen travels to another country, he is required to comply with all US laws.

The United States has laws that prohibit sex with minors in other countries and has greatly increased government efforts to combat this problem. Under the Protect Act of 2003, United States citizens or residents who engage in sexual activity abroad with a child under 18 can face 30 years in a U.S. prison. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement is now actively investigating American sex tourists abroad and making arrests.

Remember that when you are going through your interview process as well. Just some things to think about. You do not want to find yourself not complying with the law and finding yourself in prison when what you really had was a legit relationship with a girl you love. Thats why I would suggest that you wait till she is 18 to begin this process.

[Lona.C. 16]

this is the link for I-129 process I am a MOM my kids are young adults both just a year older then you guys ,

BUT NO lecture here as I am in same process with I-129F visa , as long as you are happy love has no agelimits but please do look in for the financuel information ,

i do belive you have to be over the poverty status which is i belive 40,000 a year in income ,

but someone here might be able to confirm better ,

as for the age of your fiancee she would need parentals permission ,

( my thinking on that is , if my kid came to me at age 17 and I knew her and her future husband been together for a period of couple years and are realy happy and he treats her like gold , ya can bet ya sweet hinny yes I would sign the permission , cose like I said love has no age limits and whos there to say young people cant stay happy for the rest of theyre lifes once they found the right person )

( but if shes goin to be 18 soon , my advise would be waite few month , whats a few month if you can have a lifetime of happyness together ) wish you both the best in the future and good luck , Lona

[AnthonyS 0]

Thanks for all the responses. We actually took out a marriage license when I was 19 and she was 16. People in Guyana can get married between 14 and 18 with parental permission. Her mom signed for her. Everyone in her family approves of us. But after taking out the license, we decided to wait another year. Seeing that it's legal for us to get married, will it still be a problem with the USCIS? If we go through with the wedding, should I just wait until she's 18 to start the process or completely wait until she's 18 to get married? Thanks again.

[Urge To Race 2]

Thanks for all the responses. We actually took out a marriage license when I was 19 and she was 16. People in Guyana can get married between 14 and 18 with parental permission. Her mom signed for her. Everyone in her family approves of us. But after taking out the license, we decided to wait another year. Seeing that it's legal for us to get married, will it still be a problem with the USCIS? If we go through with the wedding, should I just wait until she's 18 to start the process or completely wait until she's 18 to get married? Thanks again.

You have license, her mom's permission. I think you are okay to go ahead with the wedding. How close is it to her 18th birthday? If you don't want to wait to apply, try including a notarized letter from her parents (you will need one for the bona fides of marriage requirement), saying they approve of the union. Good luck!

[pushbrk 12,893]

Hi, I'm getting married soon to my girlfriend who is 17 and i'm 20. I just wanted to know if I can start the K-3 process after our marriage, or would I have to wait until she is 18? And please don't lecture me about how we're too young, i've known her for a few years now and she's my best friend and I love her. I would just like a helpful response. Thank you.

The answer to your direct question is that if you are legally married, you can start the visa process by filing an I-130 petition. Parental permission is an issue for the jurisdiction in which the marriage takes place, not any US Federal agency involved in the visa process, except in the off chance the visa interview were to happen while she is still 17. She may need parental permission to immigrate.

An issues that could come up during the process, related to her age, would be at the time of interview. You would be wise to document your relationship very well, in case there is an question of the bona fides of your relationship. This is not difficult. Make certain you keep evidence of your meetings and ongoing communication. If you don't have the last few years documented welll, save what you have and start documenting your relationship now.

Study the Guides for help in understanding the process and then come back with any questions. IMO, there is no need for you to mention your fiancee's age in further questions, unless you want more of the preaching and lectures you specifically asked not to hear.

Edited June 9, 2007 by pushbrk

[AnthonyS 0]

Study the Guides for help in understanding the process and then come back with any questions. IMO, there is no need for you to mention your fiancee's age in further questions, unless you want more of the preaching and lectures you specifically asked not to hear.

There is a need for me to mention her age, how else will I get help from my questions? The main reason for my post is to get help regarding the age issue. Thanks for your help btw.

[KarenCee 3]

An issues that could come up during the process, related to her age, would be at the time of interview. You would be wise to document your relationship very well, in case there is an question of the bona fides of your relationship. This is not difficult. Make certain you keep evidence of your meetings and ongoing communication. If you don't have the last few years documented welll, save what you have and start documenting your relationship now.

This is the issue that you would definately have the most concern about, the area that the USCIS might have issue with. Normally age difference, or age alone, isn't a big concern. Most of the couples who have age differences have well documented their case and proof of their relationship. I hope you have done the same.

[pushbrk 12,893]

Study the Guides for help in understanding the process and then come back with any questions. IMO, there is no need for you to mention your fiancee's age in further questions, unless you want more of the preaching and lectures you specifically asked not to hear.

There is a need for me to mention her age, how else will I get help from my questions? The main reason for my post is to get help regarding the age issue. Thanks for your help btw.

Of course you needed to mention her age in this thread. My suggestion is for "further questions".

Now, I don't want to lecture you either but if there is one thing that is critical in this visa process it is that you must read carefully and interpret literally. You'll be answering a lot of questions during the process, whether they be on forms, in forums or in person. It is absolutely critical that you read carefully and interpret literally. If you have any questions, be clear about them. Avoid using pronouns as much as possible becaue their misuse and misinterpretation can be a source of major misunderstanding.

Unless your further questions directly relate to your beloved's age, it need not be mentioned again.

[Munesh and Suz 0]

Thanks for all the responses. We actually took out a marriage license when I was 19 and she was 16. People in Guyana can get married between 14 and 18 with parental permission. Her mom signed for her. Everyone in her family approves of us. But after taking out the license, we decided to wait another year. Seeing that it's legal for us to get married, will it still be a problem with the USCIS? If we go through with the wedding, should I just wait until she's 18 to start the process or completely wait until she's 18 to get married? Thanks again.

Hi there - it doesn't look like you've been on for a while but I feel compelled to reply. In America, you're considered a legal adult at 18. Any younger and you're still a minor and marriage is very very questionable. I don't know what you've done since last year but I wish you all the luck in the world. Be very careful but also VERY truthful in everything that you say and answer. If I were you I would wait until she was of legal age.

[Damian 0]

OHH BOY....you will LOVE the guyana embassy! Just wait and see my friend...just wait and see

anyway, wait till your girl is 18. its better. you've wait this long, you can wait a few more weeks.

Hi, I'm getting married soon to my girlfriend who is 17 and i'm 20. I just wanted to know if I can start the K-3 process after our marriage, or would I have to wait until she is 18? And please don't lecture me about how we're too young, i've known her for a few years now and she's my best friend and I love her. I would just like a helpful response. Thank you.

[ApprovalPlease 0]

If you aren't married yet, K1 is much faster, I wish I did K1 before marriage instead of K3 after marriage.

[*JG* 2]

I'd say wait until she is 18. It will make things so much easier on you.

Good luck to you!