How long should you know each other before filing the I-129F?

You must watch out for these FOUR red flags which spring up when you have a quick K-1 fiance relationship.

Regardless of how long you’ve known each other, you’re still eligible to file the I-129F as long as you’ve met in the past 2 years. In terms of eligibility, being in a relationship for 5 days is just as good as 5 years.

In reality, however, a short, quick courtship may be seen as a Red Flag during the K-1 visa interview stage. Here are the 4 serious scenarios of different Red Flags

• ✚ First contact and quick first meeting
• ✚ Immediate engagement after first contact
• ✚ I-129F filed shortly after first meeting
• ✚ Relationship began during or right after divorce

Let’s discuss what the US immigration system require versus what are good “Rules of thumb” for the timeline of your engagement.

But first, think about this example.

Example, A US Citizen and beneficiary met 1 year ago for the first time in their home country. Back then they didn’t have a relationship. After coming back to the US, the citizen continued to talk over several months. 6 months later they developed a loving relationship and decided to get married. Are they eligible for the K1 even though at the time they met, they didn’t have a relationship?

We’ll answer this shortly.

What’s the I-129F form’s 2-year rule?

The meeting rule for the I-129F petition is simply that you two have been in each other’s presence in the last 2 years. It doesn’t matter how/where you met. It could’ve been

• ✦ anywhere in the world
• ✦ while working
• ✦ studying overseas
• ✦ while vacationing
• ✦ on a business trip
• ✦ or even by accident

In fact, you didn’t even have to been in a romantic relationship when you saw each other. Even if it was with the intention of getting engaged, or as friends and unaware that you would later develop a relationship.

In the first example, the couple met in the last 2 years. Assuming they’re otherwise eligible, the filing requirements were fulfilled: having met within the last 2 years and decided to marry each other. But there still might be something wrong in their timeline.

Is there a rule on how long you must know each other?

No. There is absolutely no guideline on the length of time you must have known each other before filing. It’s irrelevant. The only actual eligibility requirement is meeting face-to-face within the past 2 years.

In practice, it’s very relevant and a very important “Red flag” that can lead to a denial. You have to take an honest look at your relationship’s timeline. How does it fit with your previous relationships? Previous marriage? Or even previous petitions? What does your Facebook, Twitter show about your K-1 relationship?

What’s considered a quick K-1 relationship?

A quick Fiance K-1 visa relationship is one with very little time passing between getting acquainted and other major events. Let’s look at the four different types. For instance,

First contact and first meeting

Think about the length of time from your first contact and your first meeting. This might’ve started online, through the phone, or another way. How long did you two have a courtship? Meaning, how long did you guys talk before meeting?

Did you meet your fiance online and impulsively decided to get together in person (or get engaged) in a relatively short time?

First let’s figure out how long is a “short time” in terms of a relationship. Well, this depends on a couple of factors. Depending on your age, location, and commonality with your fiance(e). If you have lots in common with your fiance(e), such as ethnicity, culture, language, etc. then the Consular might consider it 2-3 months as “typical”.

However, if you share little commonality, different language, ethnicity, culture, etc. then it might take more time to convince the Consular of your legitimacy. Perhaps 6 months to several years (rule of thumb).

Importantly, will your fiance(e) be able to explain this sequence in the K-1 visa interview? Think of a logical reason why you two were interested enough in each other to take the next step in life.

This doesn’t apply if your first contact was actually your first meeting. For example, if you were introduced at a party for the first time.

Quick engagement after first contact

This means that you had first contact (phone, online, etc.) and then met shortly thereafter. Did you jump from first contact to an engagement? How quick was your decision to marry?

Having an engagement after the first few meetings isn’t dramatic if you’ve known each other for some time. Meaning, if you talked to each other for several months, it isn’t shocking to have a quick engagement. This is actually quite common for K-1 visa applicants.

In this case, their timeline is long enough to justify a first meeting and engagement (or relationship).

However, a quick engagement after short courtship is a Red flag. It can be odd that you relationship developed rapidly. The Consular will question how it’s possible for you to make a huge life decision in such a short time. It’s up to you two to figure out how to support your case with compelling proof that you’re genuine.

Filing the I-129F right after first meeting

It’s one thing to strike a quick relationship, meet once and then get engaged. Did you two file the I-129F right after your first meeting? This will top off the list of Red Flags. When it’s time for the K-1 interview, the Consular will question, “what was the hurry?”

Secondly, depending on how much evidence of a bona fide relationship you gathered, you may have further problems. It may be coincidental that you didn’t remember to take photos or gather proof of your relationship. But, this presents a bigger problem.

Does the lack of proof of relationship give the impression that you’re just fulfilling basic requirements of the I-129F as conveniently as possible? Does that make you seem legitimate? Or fraud? What does your social media say about your relationship? Do you have any “questionable” things on your Facebook, twitter page?

Give the following some serious consideration: is it wise for you two to wait a few months before filing the I-129F? Will it make your timeline seem less impulsive and more genuine?

Relationship began during “separation” or divorce

Surprisingly, this happens often. Not because of bad characters — rather because of the timing. Since US divorces take a long time, it’s possible to be dating someone else while “separated” or in divorce proceedings.

There aren’t any actual restrictions to date or be in a relationship while you’re “separated” or in divorce proceedings. However, remember, you must be officially divorced before filing the I-129F petition.

Just be aware of how the timeline may be perceived by the Interviewing officers. Will they ask, “What was the hurry?”

How many times should you have met?

That’s hard to say. It all depends on your convenience and opportunity to meet. It’s different for all couples.

Sometimes you have met only one time, while others have met multiple times before filing the I-129F. It’s less excusable for couples living in nearby countries to meet more often than for those living continents away.

You should also understand that if you have other “Red Flags” in your case, then it’s best to meet more often.

Finally, your fiance’s culture, society, social dating rules, etc. play a major role. How willing is his/her culture to dating?

What to do if you had a quick k-1 relationship

If you fall within one or more of these categories, all is not lost. It’s very typical for relationships to begin abruptly and blossom. You must be cognizant of the perception of your case to the US immigration officials.

You must avoid being seen as fraud or unusual. It may even be wise to wait a few months before filing the I-129F or going to meet your fiance(e).

Are you worried that your quick relationship might be a Red flag? Let’s discuss it in the comments below…