5 K1 Visa Mistakes That Can Get You Denied (Avoid These!)
Did you know that thousands of K1 visas get denied every year,
often for simple mistakes?
I’ve helped thousands of couples successfully through the K1 process myself,
and I know the little details that USCIS and the consulates are looking for.
Mistake #1 Not Enough Proof of Relationship
Submitting your K1 application only with a plane ticket and some screen shots from video chats attached is simply not enough.
The consular officer, needs to be confident that your relationship is bona fide.
That its sincere that you both know each other well enough to have made your decision to become a family. As part of the Front Loaded Petitions that we craft, we include proofs of the various ways you communicate, the activities you share, and proof that your respective families are aware of and included in your plans to be together.
Mistake #2 Wrong or Missing Documents
Forgetting a form, missing a page, or using an outdated version can lead
to delays or denial.
The application forms change regularly. And this especially happens when there is a new President Before submitting be sure to check the USCIS website to ensure that you are using an unexpired form version.
Mistake #3 Inconsistent Information
The Consular officer goes over your application very carefully before the interview with your fiance begins. He/she (think of him as a governmental Sherlock Holmes) is looking for any subtle clues that might indicate a couple is not bona fide. Any inconsistencies, even very small ones on dates, names, addresses may trigger unwanted suspicions.
A couple came to me to redo their application, after their DIY K1 visa application had been denied in Vietnam. It turns out she said “they got engaged in March“ and he said “they got engaged in April.”
This inconsistency led to their denial. It was an honest mistaketurns out he had talked about marriage in March, which she considered a proposal, while in his mind it didn’t count until he “formally” proposed a month later.
Before submitting be sure to cross check your answers and your fiancees. Ensure that all answers are consistent and you both are on the same page.
Mistake #4 Weak Financial Evidence
In order to be approved for the Fiance Visa, not only does the American sponsor need to demonstrate it is a bona fide relationship, but ALSO that he/she has the financial stability to support his/her future family once the fiancee comes to USA. US policy is that the government is already supporting enough people on welfare, and it does not want to add foreign immigrants as recipient of public benefits.
When applying for the K1 visa be sure to review your finances and ensure that your income or cash assets exceed the government eligibility guidelines. If not then as early as possible confirm that someone with solid income can
act as your financial co-sponsor.
Mistake #5 Poor Interview Preparation
During the interview the consular officer, normally asks a few questions about the couples experiences together, families, plans for the future.Failing to answer basic questions about the relationship is a red flag.
Prior to the interview, be sure to practice together. Know each others daily routines, life details, travel history, family names.
To help our clients prepare for the interview we share with them 155 practice questions for them to study together..
Getting denied means years of delays and lost money, but now you know the 5 mistakes to avoid.
This is Fred Wahl, the VisaCoach, here to personally guide you every step of the way on your journey to a happy life together in the USA.
