She's been in contact with him and internet "dating" him for the last year. They are talking about getting married in October when he will visit her in South Africa. Do they need to petition a fiancee visa for her first, or can they get married and then petition a spousal visa. Will there be problems because they have never met in person yet?
They are really serious and very much in love. Please help. They talk every day through Yahoo messanger and see each other on the webcam. Friends of her who immigrated to the US have met him and says he's a great guy.
2007-08-12 07:51:38 · 3 answers · asked by Anonymous in Politics & Government ➔ Immigration
Quite apart from the immigration rules requiring evidence of a proper "eye-to-eye" physical relationship your friend should consider that a long-distance relationship changes when you meet. You get to find out about all the annoying little habits the other person has. For that reason, it is better to spend a few holidays together first.
My wife and I spent three months online and on the phone - several hours a day - before we met physically. After we did that, our relationship changed. It was better because we were physically together but we also had to re-learn what the other was like. We spent two more holidays together over four months (whilst talking every day for several hours and getting the big issues that make or break any marriage resolved). After that third visit, I proposed and we then had two further visits (including a full two weeks together). We could have called it off at any point until I actually sold my house and bought a one-way plane ticket.
What I'm trying to say is that internet relationships are no substitute for real-time physical interaction.
Returning to immigration matters, one visit which includes getting married will cause immigration to look very closely at the petition. There is no guarantee it will be approved on that basis.
2007-08-12 08:11:29 · answer #1 · answered by skip 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Doesn't matter what her friends say.... she has not met him. And, coming from a Christian penpal site means nothing. They need to meet and spend time together for a while before making any kinds of plans.
2007-08-12 07:58:06 · answer #2 · answered by Sweetharttt 7 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Caution your friend. Without ever meeting in. person it is very risky to marry on the first actual meeting. After his visit there, perhaps she should come here and meet his friends and family.
2007-08-12 08:31:51 · answer #3 · answered by Bibs 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋