Question about money sent to fiance

[joe.b 33]

I have a question about money transfers between fiances. Specifically, if there are small but regular payments from me, the U.S. citizen sponsor, to my fiance, the non-citizen beneficiary, is this considered suspicious if/when bank documents get reviewed by immigration agents? Let's say it's approximately $100 per month. I understand that immigration officials might find it suspicious if the beneficiary is sending payments, especially large payments, to the U.S. citizen, as it might look like the sponsor is getting paid for a sham marriage (or whatever the case may be). In our case, it's that $100 a month is a relatively small amount for me, but for my fiance in India, it could go a long way.

 

So the basic question is whether payments are only considered suspicious when it's from the beneficiary to the sponsor, or is it suspicious in either direction? If people think the circumstance I outlined could be considered suspicious, then I suppose I'd likely hold off sending my fiance money unless it's truly necessary.

 

Thanks for any input.

[NoMansLand2020 298]

@joe.b

 

I don't think it would be suspicious. I send my fiancée close to 400 per month. It pays for her rent, food and utilities for her and her two children and then the schooling for the kids. 

[joe.b 33]

3 hours ago, Solaris81 said:

@joe.b

 

I don't think it would be suspicious. I send my fiancée close to 400 per month. It pays for her rent, food and utilities for her and her two children and then the schooling for the kids. 

Thanks so much for your reply. That's really helpful to hear. It might be another case of me overthinking things during this process! 🙂

[TBoneTX 45,288]

Some consular officers won't even ask.  There might be questions about whether the beneficiary is wheedling money from the petitioner as part of a scam, or merely to get a rich gringo to support her and her family, but if you can document that this is voluntary on your part -- and, even better, that it was your idea, that should allay concerns.  Your $100 doesn't "feel" outrageous.

[GetOutside 164]

5 hours ago, joe.b said:

I have a question about money transfers between fiances. Specifically, if there are small but regular payments from me, the U.S. citizen sponsor, to my fiance, the non-citizen beneficiary, is this considered suspicious if/when bank documents get reviewed by immigration agents? Let's say it's approximately $100 per month. I understand that immigration officials might find it suspicious if the beneficiary is sending payments, especially large payments, to the U.S. citizen, as it might look like the sponsor is getting paid for a sham marriage (or whatever the case may be). In our case, it's that $100 a month is a relatively small amount for me, but for my fiance in India, it could go a long way.

 

So the basic question is whether payments are only considered suspicious when it's from the beneficiary to the sponsor, or is it suspicious in either direction? If people think the circumstance I outlined could be considered suspicious, then I suppose I'd likely hold off sending my fiance money unless it's truly necessary.

 

Thanks for any input.

I’m not sure if it’s considered suspicious, but I can say my husband (fiancé at the time) and I transferred large lump sums to each other’s accounts on a few occasions and nothing was ever said by an immigration officer. 

Edited August 6, 2020 by Jsg2016

[joe.b 33]

12 hours ago, Jsg2016 said:

I’m not sure if it’s considered suspicious, but I can say my husband (fiancé at the time) and I transferred large lump sums to each other’s accounts on a few occasions and nothing was ever said by an immigration officer. 

That's helpful to know, thank you!

[Ontarkie 14,222]

It all depends on the country. You need to look into how things are viewed where the interview will take place.

[SmallTownPA 72]

22 hours ago, joe.b said:

I have a question about money transfers between fiances. Specifically, if there are small but regular payments from me, the U.S. citizen sponsor, to my fiance, the non-citizen beneficiary, is this considered suspicious if/when bank documents get reviewed by immigration agents? Let's say it's approximately $100 per month. I understand that immigration officials might find it suspicious if the beneficiary is sending payments, especially large payments, to the U.S. citizen, as it might look like the sponsor is getting paid for a sham marriage (or whatever the case may be). In our case, it's that $100 a month is a relatively small amount for me, but for my fiance in India, it could go a long way.

 

So the basic question is whether payments are only considered suspicious when it's from the beneficiary to the sponsor, or is it suspicious in either direction? If people think the circumstance I outlined could be considered suspicious, then I suppose I'd likely hold off sending my fiance money unless it's truly necessary.

 

Thanks for any input.

You have a lot of speculation in this post.

 

A bonified relationship would include co-mingling of assets.  In fact its one thing they look for once you AoS.

 

Things like dowery's, wedding/engagement gifts etc are normal, and in some cultures still required.  If asked, just tell them why the money was transferred.

 

I've supported my fiance with over $6,000 for bills, illness, gifts, living expense.  I am 100% not concerned if they ask me anything about it.

[joe.b 33]

1 hour ago, SmallTownPA said:

You have a lot of speculation in this post.

 

A bonified relationship would include co-mingling of assets.  In fact its one thing they look for once you AoS.

 

Things like dowery's, wedding/engagement gifts etc are normal, and in some cultures still required.  If asked, just tell them why the money was transferred.

 

I've supported my fiance with over $6,000 for bills, illness, gifts, living expense.  I am 100% not concerned if they ask me anything about it.

Yes, there definitely was speculation on my part! I was asking because I wasn't sure if my speculation was correct. (And to be clear, I am not saying that I think that a transfer of money, large or small, is indicative of a sham relationship/marriage. I'm just not sure how U.S. immigration officers look at it.) I appreciate your reply!

[SmallTownPA 72]

3 hours ago, joe.b said:

Yes, there definitely was speculation on my part! I was asking because I wasn't sure if my speculation was correct. (And to be clear, I am not saying that I think that a transfer of money, large or small, is indicative of a sham relationship/marriage. I'm just not sure how U.S. immigration officers look at it.) I appreciate your reply!

No one knows what the CO is thinking.  Its not very productive to try and devine an outcome.

It could be that Monday is 'no one get's a K1 day!' because reasons.

And VJ is not a very good place to try and figure out whats going on.  You only get one side of the story, and you never see and paperwork/evidence.

Two people with almost identical circumstances can have wildly different outcomes.

 

If you care for your fiancee, then support them.  If you're asked about it, tell the CO the reasons.  In Vn I basically doubled my fiancee's income to support her and her son/family.  Nothing illegal/questionable about sending money to the person you care for.

 

Edited August 7, 2020 by SmallTownPA

[joe.b 33]

1 minute ago, SmallTownPA said:

No one knows what the CO is thinking.  Its not very productive to try and devine an outcome.

It could be that Monday is 'no one get's a K1 day!' because reasons.

And VJ is not a very good place to try and figure out whats going on.  You only get one side of the story, and you never see and paperwork/evidence.

Two people with almost identical circumstances can have wildly different outcomes.

 

Well, even knowing that it's impossible to know is helpful to know, so thank you! 😉