Questions regarding possible Red Flags

[Gareth's Girl 0]

Before I get into my actual questions and concerns, I want to make it clear that I have searched previous threads and I am still unclear how to proceed. Here is my situation: I was previously married. I met my foreign fiancee online (a pen pal at that time) while I was going through the process of getting divorced last year after 2 years of a very rocky relationship and having seperate lives except for finances and assets. Long story short Gareth (foreign fiancee) and I fell in love during this time and met in person in May of this year when we decided we wanted to get married. I have read that it is a possible red flag at Gareth's interview if the date my divorce was finalized is close to the date Gareth and I became engaged and started this whole process. I am not sure what I can provide him with if this comes up as an issue. I know I have a long wait till he actually has an interview, but I would like to be prepared. He has come to the US to visit me since my first visit to the UK (visit in May when we met in person) and I am going to visit him again in October. He has met my family and friends and I have met his family. I am not sure if I should have letters from my family and friends as proof that our relationship is solid and that we do intend on getting married. I don't know if just our correspondences (emails, phone calls, letters, etc.) are enough to show that we are serious. I don't know if I should write a letter. I am very confused and just need some clarity. If anybody can help, I would really appreciate it. Thank you!

[kmplisa 0]

I never heard of this being a problem. Divorces can take a long time to get finalized and before the final date a couple could already be separated and dating others. As long as the process has been filed, all parties can date but not get married (until the final date)

This is just my opinion as I'm not completely positive, But as long as you can prove your relationship, it shouldn't matter and if they ask too many questions about this, just remember, divorce is not against the law and i don't think they can use it against anyone. Just say you were separated and you guys were just waiting on the final date. Everyone has the right to move on, even if its one day after the final divorce date. In my opinion of course.

Edited August 21, 2007 by kmplisa

[Olya2007 0]

I can' help with an answer, however I can assure you that there are some people in the same situation. Including me .I submitted my petition in just 2 days after my final divorce date , being separated with my ex for 1.5 y prior to that . It also worries me a lot because I read somewhere here on VJ that it IS a red flag....Just thought that I can't wait for another year, or even a half of year with submitting my petition until it looses its "redness"...

[RosemarieL 0]

I am in the same situation too. We filed as soon as I got the paper copy of my decree absolute so I hope there will be no problem.

[Jason-Sasha 1]

I filed shortly after my divorce was finalized. and i even had an active petition filed on behalf of my exwife. I'm praying that they will not bump into each other as one is being canceled and the other is being reviewed for approval. As long as you are legally able to marry, you are eligible.

[Gareth's Girl 0]

Thank you all for taking the time to respond to my question. It is nice to know that I am not the only one out there going through the same thing. This process is very stressful and I worry far too much for my own good. Thank you all again.

[Jenn! 918]

At the interview, the CO will use many things to determine whether you should receive a visa. You are right that a divorce finalized within a short time of filing the petition can be a red flag. But these sorts of things are scrutinized more often at high-fraud consulates and couples that have several red flags may run into difficulties.

[*JG* 2]

We filed just under 2 months after my divorce was finalized. No issues at all.