No commonality – a “Red Flag” in Fiance K1 visa case.

Having very little in common is a huge “Red Flag” for couples seeking a Fiance k1 visa. It undoubtedly raises suspicion among interviewers as to what your true motives are: Actual genuine loving relationship or just for a Green Card?

This is the most prevalent reason for denials and a big concern for those innocent couples in this situation.

If you fit into this criteria, then be aware which of these “red flags” are present in your case. And, what to do about it so you don’t give the wrong impression. Preparation is key. It’s in your interest to make sure to prepare well for the interview with plenty of “proof of relationship” and practice your K1 visa interview questions and answers.

So, in no particular order, here’s a list of what factors can fill the Consular’s mind with doubt about your Fiance K1 visa petition.

Big Age Difference (Fiance K1 visa)

First and foremost: a large age difference (age gap) in a fiance k1 visa case has no legal grounds for a denial. But it will attract a lot of attention if the age difference is huge. What’s considered huge? perhaps 15+ years.

Although couples with bigger age differences have been approved without question. On the other hand, couples with a very minor age gap have been denied due to lack of bona fide evidence. It all depends on your evidence.

If you can satisfactorily prove a bona fide relationship then you shouldn’t expect a denial. Normally, an older male sponsoring a younger female is overlooked. But, the opposite does not apply everywhere.

If an older female sponsors for a younger fiance then a consular surely reviews it for evidence of a sham relationship. Why? they feel a younger male may be seeking entry into the US for economic reasons — not genuine love and marriage to the US citizen fiancee. 

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Different backgrounds (Fiance K1 visa petition)

Aside from large age difference being a “red flag” in a fiance k1 visa case, certain background differences can also raise questions about your integrity. Again, being from a different background (or having no commonalities) are not legal reasons for denial of a visa. This is very true for situations where the K-1 visa couple met online.

It’s undoubtedly true that love has no boundaries. But it will fall upon you to prove that your relationship is not a convenient sham for gaining a Green Card. Does your story make sense? is it believable? or do your relationship circumstances hint at the idea that it’s a cover up? How will your Facebook affect your K-1 visa case?

But, If it seems obvious at the interview that you do not share many of the following things, then you have a problem in your hands:

• • Ethnicity – The law does not judge against the union of genuine couples with a different race, caste, or color. However, even legitimate fiance(e) k1 visa partners feel stress and unfair pressure because of their ethnic differences.
    

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    If your relationship is nontraditional in this sense, then you ought to backup your case with plenty of “proof of relationship”. You need to demonstrate that, regardless of having ethnic differences, you have a loving relationship and you’re not conducting a sham marriage for a Green Card.

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    Unfortunately, misuse of the immigration system makes it difficult for real couples to have success without problems. So, you must be aware of how your case may be negatively perceived.
    

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    It’s especially difficult for multi-race (mixed race, or interracial couples) to prove that their relationship started and evolved due to attraction and love. If you’re going against the norm, can you prove it’s just due to love? Unfortunately, many will find it an uphill battle.

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• • Different Religion – Some people have strong religious affiliations or commitments. Many are particular of the religion of their partners. If you two have different religions or sets of beliefs, is your engagement/relationship common in your culture? or socially acceptable?
    

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    A different religion is not legal criteria for k1 visa denial. However, you must understand the typical social view of your relationship. Honest couples may need to be extra alert about this situation. 

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• • Language Barrier – Needless to say communication is vital for every relationship. There must be a language with which you fluently speak to one another. How do you keep in contact?
    

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    Your goal should be to show the Interviewing officer that you keep open communication.In the Consular’s mind, ample evidence must prove that there is no language barrier.
    

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    How can you justify your relationship if you cannot understand each other?What language do you speak together? Does one fiance(e) have trouble speaking the language? If so, how do you work around this? Can you say that he/she is trying to learn the language? Having a different language can present problems during the k1 visa interview.

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• • Culture – Cultures dictate a lot of your values, lifestyle, decisions, likes/dislikes and much more. Being from apparently different cultures and backgrounds, does it seem strange that you’re in a loving relationship? or that differences between cultures do not present obstacles?
    

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    If you grew up and lived in vastly different worlds, it’s your obligation to prove how you two are comfortable with each other’s backgrounds and can respect each other’s differences.Again, the focus is on disproving fraud by having convincing bona fide evidence in your favor.
    
    For example, some cultures do not allow unwed men/women to spend unsupervised time together. Do you have enough compelling proof to show an intent to marry even though you hardly got face time?

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• • Social / financial / Educational differences – Your social class, financial position or educational qualifications say much about you. Normally, couples are attracted to those within a similar social class, financial position or educational qualification. Usually, a minor difference in any one of these categories won’t present a problem. However, if one fiance(e) is noticeably distinct compared to the other, the Interviewing officer will ask for more details.

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• Hobbies/interests – This is probably treated as one of the least weighted uncommonalities in fiance(e) k1 visa cases. It is helpful to have many hobbies or interests shared in common. It would aid in proving your bona fide relationship. It’s doubtful that a lack of hobbies or recreation will get a k1 visa denial. But it’s advisable that you also present shared hobbies or interests as bona fide evidence to strengthen your fiance(e) k1 visa petition.

Is your fiance(e) relationship believable?

The truth is that you don’t have to be completely compatible with your fiance to get a k1 visa. Not all your likes, dislikes, background, language, etc. have to match. But it’s extremely important to highlight that your relationship is believable. Having things in common will definitely help in proving that.

Your focus should be to play devil’s advocate and make sure you’re not wrongfully perceived as scamming the system. The best way to do this is having quality “proof of relationship” for the K1 visa interview.

You should prepare to address any major concerns that Consulars may have about the relationship if necessary. After that point, it won’t matter if an Embassy is considered “hard” for the K-1 visa process.

The reason behind the interview is to distinguish between authentic couples and fraud schemes to get visas or Green Cards. Having many red flags in your fiance(e) k1 visa case will rise suspicion. You must be prepared.