How many in person meetings for the K1?

[chris181 2]

Hello all,

 

I know for the K1 that they require at least one meeting within 2 years, but sometimes it's uncertain how strict they are, when it comes to proving a bonafide relationship. 

 

Me and my fiancee met once in November, 2023, and got engaged then. Now, our K1 embassy interview at Manila is scheduled for August, 2024.

 

So, my question, do you think they'll want more than that one meeting, or should a buy a plane ticket?

 

Thanks

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

[Spicy Chickenjoy 14]

You are correct, the K-1 requires having met each other in person at least once within the last 2 years. You fulfill that requirement and do not need to plan for another meeting.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

The above answer is correct for USCIS's purposes.

 

More crucial is the consulate at which the beneficiary will be interviewing.

"Tough" consulates prefer as much in-person "face time" as you can show evidence of.

Manila is not a tough consulate; they hand out K-1 visas like candy in comparison with others.

Visit for the sake of your relationship.

[chris181 2]

Much appreciated. I'll spend that money on the wedding and honeymoon then.

 

Blessings, all 🙏🏼

[Scandi 4,166]

8 hours ago, Spicy Chickenjoy said:

You are correct, the K-1 requires having met each other in person at least once within the last 2 years. You fulfill that requirement and do not need to plan for another meeting.

The "one meeting in the last two years" rule is to get your petition approved. For the K-1 visa, it can take A LOT more than that to get approved, depending on the embassy. OP is going through an easy embassy and might be fine with just one visit, while at other embassies you still get denied even after having met multiple times. 

OP: I would visit again. You'll know each other better the more time you spend together in person. Not only does it strengthen your relationship, but it also gives you an even better chance at a visa approval.

[Spicy Chickenjoy 14]

25 minutes ago, Scandi said:

The "one meeting in the last two years" rule is to get your petition approved. For the K-1 visa, it can take A LOT more than that to get approved, depending on the embassy. OP is going through an easy embassy and might be fine with just one visit, while at other embassies you still get denied even after having met multiple times. 

OP: I would visit again. You'll know each other better the more time you spend together in person. Not only does it strengthen your relationship, but it also gives you an even better chance at a visa approval.

Yes, you are right. But his question was specifically about the meeting requirement. Of course more visits are better, especially to maintain the relationship.

Edited July 5 by Spicy Chickenjoy

[chris181 2]

My main concern is that I don't want to give them many reasons to deny the K1 at the interview, but if I thought it would add any significant weight to the decision, I would definitely go there again. But seeing as they don't even let the petitioners inside for the interview... 

 

Ultimately, the issue may be more of an economical one for me, as flying to Manila isn't a cheap endeavor, or it's a minimum of $1200 dollars just for the flight, then tack on the accommodations, etc. 

 

All things considered, I hope that the people at the embassy responsible for making the K1 approvals aren't oblivious or apathetic to the emotional, financial, and time investment that's involved, just to get to the interview stage... I also can't imagine that the levels of visa fraud are all that significant, considering how difficult they make the process, but perhaps they do that to specifically deter people...

 

Anyway, as they say, time will tell. ✌🏼🥴