I have been reading/researching for a few weeks now, and am hoping someone can clear something up for me.
Several months ago, it was suggested by a mutual friend who moved here from the Dominican Republic several years ago, that a friend of hers who still resides there would be a great match for me. We began chatting online, and things evolved to me going to visit him in the D.R. last week. We hit it off great and wish to pursue a relationship and hopefully marriage.
Rather than jump right into a K1, we both would prefer to do the responsible thing and get to know each other a little better, and have him come visit me here on a B2 Visa for a couple weeks, to make sure it's a good fit.
I understand it is not appropriate to enter the country on a B2 "with the intent to marry." I also understand that "honesty is the best policy" when dealing with USCIS.
So, my question is this ... is it best to have my new friend be honest in his B2 interview, and explain the exact nature of our dating and our intentions to possibly marry via K1 at a later date, or would it be best to leave any discussion of dating/marriage out of it, and just pretend it's a simple "tourism" trip?
Also, it is my understanding that he was previously denied about 2 years ago, for not having close enough ties to his country, despite letters from his work and school, and his mother and sister living nearby. Unfortunately, he rents an apartment (not owned), does not own a car, and has no savings or investments. I see that the state department says that letters of invitation and affidavits of support are "allowed" but will not be considered. If his living situation isn't any different than 2 years ago, and an invitation or affidavit of support from me will not considered as a factor in approving a B2, is it likely a waste of time to attempt B2 again, meaning we should just take the plunge and go for K1?
Lastly, not that I believe it matters, but I will clarify that we are gay. As far as I can tell, that is no longer an issue from a legal/policy standpoint. But I would welcome any feedback or warnings in regard to how our sexual orientation could impact the process.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Marc
Several months ago, it was suggested by a mutual friend who moved here from the Dominican Republic several years ago, that a friend of hers who still resides there would be a great match for me. We began chatting online, and things evolved to me going to visit him in the D.R. last week. We hit it off great and wish to pursue a relationship and hopefully marriage.
Rather than jump right into a K1, we both would prefer to do the responsible thing and get to know each other a little better, and have him come visit me here on a B2 Visa for a couple weeks, to make sure it's a good fit.
I understand it is not appropriate to enter the country on a B2 "with the intent to marry." I also understand that "honesty is the best policy" when dealing with USCIS.
So, my question is this ... is it best to have my new friend be honest in his B2 interview, and explain the exact nature of our dating and our intentions to possibly marry via K1 at a later date, or would it be best to leave any discussion of dating/marriage out of it, and just pretend it's a simple "tourism" trip?
Also, it is my understanding that he was previously denied about 2 years ago, for not having close enough ties to his country, despite letters from his work and school, and his mother and sister living nearby. Unfortunately, he rents an apartment (not owned), does not own a car, and has no savings or investments. I see that the state department says that letters of invitation and affidavits of support are "allowed" but will not be considered. If his living situation isn't any different than 2 years ago, and an invitation or affidavit of support from me will not considered as a factor in approving a B2, is it likely a waste of time to attempt B2 again, meaning we should just take the plunge and go for K1?
Lastly, not that I believe it matters, but I will clarify that we are gay. As far as I can tell, that is no longer an issue from a legal/policy standpoint. But I would welcome any feedback or warnings in regard to how our sexual orientation could impact the process.
Thanks in advance for your feedback!
Marc
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