CR1 - higher chance of denial if couple only met in-person once?

[m29a 0]

To keep things as brief as possible:

 

American and Filipina talk online early 2023

 

American visits and marries (Utah online) Filipina in PH for 6 days in early 2024

 

American files CR1 shortly after arriving back home

 

CR1 case pending USCIS for 11 months (also showing 11 months estimate, but that estimate has been wrong/bounced around multiple times)

 

American does not currently have plans for a second visit, but certainly will if the case is going to really depend upon it.

 

I recall reading posts on here about Utah online marriage CR1 cases meeting one time being enough but someone correct me here if wrong.

 

Do you think it will result in notable suspicion on the interview step (maybe even CFO too?) that this couple only met in person that one time in 2024?

To be clear this thread is not about relationship advice, but specifically the validity of a case.

 

Everything else in the case on submission at USCIS checks out in terms boarding passes, passport stamps, two receipts (airbnb, mall), 13 decent variety pictures (including a family member on American side, and multiple on Filipina side), and consistent (showing monthly to keep it contained) call logs and message captures and a few emails exchanges since first talking in 2023. I also later included extras like group call screen captures including family members, as well as updated fresh call logs and message captures since.

Thank you all.

[Boiler 46,226]

Putting aside the logic of marrying someone you have only been with for a few days I think even Manilla might find this a stretch.

 

Why do you not want to spend time together?

[SalishSea 18,191]

33 minutes ago, m29a said:

To keep things as brief as possible:

 

American and Filipina talk online early 2023

 

American visits and marries (Utah online) Filipina in PH for 6 days in early 2024

 

American files CR1 shortly after arriving back home

 

CR1 case pending USCIS for 11 months (also showing 11 months estimate, but that estimate has been wrong/bounced around multiple times)

 

American does not currently have plans for a second visit, but certainly will if the case is going to really depend upon it.

 

I recall reading posts on here about Utah online marriage CR1 cases meeting one time being enough but someone correct me here if wrong.

 

Do you think it will result in notable suspicion on the interview step (maybe even CFO too?) that this couple only met in person that one time in 2024?

To be clear this thread is not about relationship advice, but specifically the validity of a case.

 

Everything else in the case on submission at USCIS checks out in terms boarding passes, passport stamps, two receipts (airbnb, mall), 13 decent variety pictures (including a family member on American side, and multiple on Filipina side), and consistent (showing monthly to keep it contained) call logs and message captures and a few emails exchanges since first talking in 2023. I also later included extras like group call screen captures including family members, as well as updated fresh call logs and message captures since.

Thank you all.

I could see that timeline and lack of face to face time being an issue, yes.   Not at the USCIS stage, but for the consulate.   

[Theersink 25]

One time in person for 6 days? In my opinion at the very least you will have added scrutiny but I would be very nervous about getting an approval from the CO based on 6 days in person. Most will tell you on here that at least 2 weeks each visit on 2 separate occasions is recommended. As it stands it appears that you visited to just satisfy the consummation requirement. My advice would be to visit again for as long as feasibly possible, 2 weeks at least to reduce any suspicion of the CO at time of the interview. Those extra 14 days in person would likely carry more weight than all of the chat and video logs you have submitted. Honestly the cost of the visit will pay for itself when you consider the alternative of an outright denial of the visa and what has already been spent in fees and waiting time. Just my opinion.

Edited Wednesday at 07:38 PM by Theersink

[pushbrk 13,163]

The best relationship evidence is the evidence of time spent together in person.  Even making sacrifices to spend time together in person, is what people in real relationships do.  "I'll go if I really have to...." is not the kind of thinking that brings success in this kind of process.

[mam521 2,238]

This all sounds rather....contractual.  If I think that and I'm just a layperson off of the street, how do you think that will look to a CO, trained to adjudicate a case and sniff out fake relationships?  

[m29a 0]

Thanks for the replies. 

 

Yeah, I fully expected and understand thoughts that the quick marriage is nonsensical, but I believe that every relationship has their own (unique) dynamics at play. We feel that there can be cases of "if you know, then you know" if something is right and you trust that person to be there for you despite normal struggles. We talked about everything the first year -- including crucial feelings on children, goals, hobbies etc -- already experienced instances of misunderstandings and hurt feelings (this is standard in just about any relationship) yet remain strong and committed as ever and there are zero regrets even if some will think it's crazy but the truth is that nobody judging can really know all the details of the situation. And frankly I do think that simple love exists, so putting up various goalposts for a somewhat "cookie cutter" relationship is not always appropriate.

 

I (the American) have struggled with panic attacks in large crowded areas (like airports and planes) -- setting aside the fact that sitting at JFK airport for 8 hour layover, and a 16 hour plane ride (not mentioning that initial jet to get to JFK) is not exactly easy or pleasant. Yet It's doable and worth it and that's why I mentioned a second trip is possible and may be needed. Obviously the whole process is a challenge, but we all have different feelings on what is more or less challenging.

 

Yes we really wanted to spend time together, but the thought was that the waiting and being apart is acceptable in the short term (what's 1-2 years compared to decades together?).

 

The initial reasoning for no second visit was because after checking USCIS a month after filing, the estimate showed a surprising 6 month, then slowly ticked down to 1 month as time went on, ending up no estimate/unexpected delay in September. So the thought was hey, why visit again when this may work out far quicker than expected? Then October rolled around and it reset to 3 months, then in December 12 months, to big surprise.

 

I'll admit the estimate shouldn't have been taken too seriously but I'm of the opinion that there shouldn't be that estimate there if it's so inconsistent. I'll also admit we were unaware that there was a significant backlog in interview scheduling (initially thought it'd maybe be a month, not 6-8+ month).

 

Right now? In theory it could still be accepted anytime, next month or in 3 months, with the interview then happening late this year. But yes now things look clear it could easily take longer than expected and going into a 2026 interview with the possible "Why didn't your husband visit you again in the past two years?" becomes challenging even with an honest response and other proof checks out. It'd depends how strict the interviewer is, as I've seen cases where it can be easy with essentially no grilling.

 

That said, if someone really knew all the details and proof so far, I think it'd be far-fetched to call it contractual. I mean, who is messaging and doing hours video calls every day if the relationship isn't genuine? That's a lot of wasted time, and for what? Not to mention the family members of both sides being involved (including in-person that single visit).

 

But I'll admit my logic wasn't entirely sound and I appreciate now that I am thinking of this before it's too late. And part of these long distance relationships always involve plenty of doubt from watchers.

 

I'll be booking a two month visit for March.

[pushbrk 13,163]

1 hour ago, m29a said:

I'll be booking a two month visit for March.

Great idea.  While we can understand the difficulties  you describe, I assure you that no Consular Officer cares about your difficulty with seeing each other.  Take a tranq. LOL

[Lemonslice 4,981]

3 hours ago, m29a said:

Thanks for the replies. 

 

Yeah, I fully expected and understand thoughts that the quick marriage is nonsensical, but I believe that every relationship has their own (unique) dynamics at play. We feel that there can be cases of "if you know, then you know" if something is right and you trust that person to be there for you despite normal struggles. We talked about everything the first year -- including crucial feelings on children, goals, hobbies etc -- already experienced instances of misunderstandings and hurt feelings (this is standard in just about any relationship) yet remain strong and committed as ever and there are zero regrets even if some will think it's crazy but the truth is that nobody judging can really know all the details of the situation. And frankly I do think that simple love exists, so putting up various goalposts for a somewhat "cookie cutter" relationship is not always appropriate.

 

I (the American) have struggled with panic attacks in large crowded areas (like airports and planes) -- setting aside the fact that sitting at JFK airport for 8 hour layover, and a 16 hour plane ride (not mentioning that initial jet to get to JFK) is not exactly easy or pleasant. Yet It's doable and worth it and that's why I mentioned a second trip is possible and may be needed. Obviously the whole process is a challenge, but we all have different feelings on what is more or less challenging.

 

Yes we really wanted to spend time together, but the thought was that the waiting and being apart is acceptable in the short term (what's 1-2 years compared to decades together?).

 

The initial reasoning for no second visit was because after checking USCIS a month after filing, the estimate showed a surprising 6 month, then slowly ticked down to 1 month as time went on, ending up no estimate/unexpected delay in September. So the thought was hey, why visit again when this may work out far quicker than expected? Then October rolled around and it reset to 3 months, then in December 12 months, to big surprise.

 

I'll admit the estimate shouldn't have been taken too seriously but I'm of the opinion that there shouldn't be that estimate there if it's so inconsistent. I'll also admit we were unaware that there was a significant backlog in interview scheduling (initially thought it'd maybe be a month, not 6-8+ month).

 

Right now? In theory it could still be accepted anytime, next month or in 3 months, with the interview then happening late this year. But yes now things look clear it could easily take longer than expected and going into a 2026 interview with the possible "Why didn't your husband visit you again in the past two years?" becomes challenging even with an honest response and other proof checks out. It'd depends how strict the interviewer is, as I've seen cases where it can be easy with essentially no grilling.

 

That said, if someone really knew all the details and proof so far, I think it'd be far-fetched to call it contractual. I mean, who is messaging and doing hours video calls every day if the relationship isn't genuine? That's a lot of wasted time, and for what? Not to mention the family members of both sides being involved (including in-person that single visit).

 

But I'll admit my logic wasn't entirely sound and I appreciate now that I am thinking of this before it's too late. And part of these long distance relationships always involve plenty of doubt from watchers.

 

I'll be booking a two month visit for March.

Others have had their partners visit in a third country closer to the US, this might be another way for you to see each other/easier itinerary for you (from memory, @devusr lived in the Caribbean for a little while).

 

8-hour layover in JFK sounds nightmarish, please let us know if we can help you find a smoother path to destination.  

[lenny_k 13]

Glad you’re visiting. You have to have evidence of having met in person at least once after the marriage ceremony. That’s a nonnegotiable. 

[mam521 2,238]

10 hours ago, Lemonslice said:

Others have had their partners visit in a third country closer to the US, this might be another way for you to see each other/easier itinerary for you

This was going to be my suggestion.  Then you both might get a holiday out of the deal and it will be just the 2 of you to really spend time together.  

 

Another consideration to manipulate flights to give you better options is to put in a time when you want to arrive.  It often helps.  Or, either plan to spend more to get a better route or make an overnight stop at JFK, grab a quiet hotel room, have a breather and then proceed.