K1 Fiance Visa In Person Meeting Requirement

I would like to marry my high school girlfriend from Turkey.  We have not seen each other in 20 years.  However, we talk on the phone , email each other, and skype each other regularly.  Can I do a K1 Fiance Visa for her?

No.  Under this fact pattern you are not currently eligible to successfully obtain a K1 fiance visa for her.

One of the requirements for a K1 fiance visa is that you have seen your fiancé face-to-face and in person within the last two years.  USCIS strictly enforces this requirement.

In your situation, even if your fiancé is your high school girlfriend, if you have not seen her, face to face and in person, within the last two years, then you will not have met this requirement.  Therefore your  K1 visa petition will not be granted.  In your case I would suggest that you meet with her, in person, before filing for the K1 fiance visa. (Seeing each other over the internet via Skype does not meet this requirement.  It is not enough).

If you cannot meet your fiancé face to face and in person because of cultural, religious or extreme hardship (medical) reasons you may be able to obtain a waiver of this requirement.

If you are unable to visit your fiance due to financial reasons you should save up or borrow the money in order to visit each other.  USCIS will not waive the in person meeting requirement due to financial difficulties. If you have a medical, cultural or religious basis for not meeting your fiance in person you should consult with an experienced fiance visa Attorney about the possibility of a waiver of this requirement.

If you would like more information about the fiance visa process please read our blog article: “Top 10 Things You Should Know About the Fiance Visa Process“.

In 2019 the denial rate for fiance visa cases nationwide is about 50%.  Our office has an approval rate of almost 100% during this same period.

Lawrence Gruner is a fiance visa attorney  with over 20 years of experience handling fiance visa cases.

His office  is located in downtown Sacramento, California.  He would be happy to talk to you about your Immigration case and all of your immigration options. You may call us toll free at 888-801-6558 or email us at attorneygruner@gmail.com

The information provided on this site is not legal advice but general information only. Immigration laws and requirements do change and different laws can apply to your case.  Immigration cases can be very complicated.  Every case is different.  You should talk to a competent Immigration Attorney prior to proceeding with any Immigration case.