Establishing the bona fides of the relationship between two parties is one of the most important
aspects in the fiancee visa application. The majority of denials issued at the US Embassy
stage of the process are based on the consular’s conclusion that both parties do not have a
genuine relationship. Also, lack of supporting evidence may result in determination that
the alien fiancee pursues obtaining immigration benefits and the marriage is not a primary
purpose of going to the United States. It is important to understand this aspect beforehand
and accumulate all necessary evidence accordingly. The United States Embassy does not offer an
appeal process, thus it is crucial that quality evidence is presented to USCIS during the
initial filing and to the United States Embassy during the actual fiancee visa interview.
With development of technology the methods of communication between couples have changed
accordingly. Nowadays it is quite rare that both parties correspond using letters or greeting
cards. Even calling cards become obsolete. The primary methods of correspondence that
our clients typically utilize are as follows: emails, chat, Skype calls and chat, text messaging,
facebook messaging, online accounts for calling internationally. These methods of communication
are great for the purposes of the fiancee visa application as it is relatively easy to retrieve
and print out records of ongoing communication all the way from initiation of the relationship.
However, the same technology can be used by the government officials to conduct further
research in order to ensure that the genuine relationship between both parties exists.
Below we will review methods of social media correspondence and advise you as to any potential
red flags that these methods can raise in the eyes of the government officials. FACEBOOK.
Many people utilize facebook for the purposes of daily communication. It is a quite convenient
method, however, there are several important aspects that you need to pay attention to:
First, your relationship status. It would be advisable that both of your profiles indicate
your relationship status as “in a relationship”or “engaged”. Listing your status as single
or not placing any relationship status at all can raise concerns about your relationship.
Secondly, review your status updates. It is important that all information in your application
and social profile is consistent and would not raise any doubts regarding your serious
intent to marry. Also, if in the course of the whole process you do not mention in your
social profile your fiance and an upcoming marriage – it may seem quite strange to
say the least. Third and the most important: photos with your fiance. If you or your fiance
use facebook it is critical that you have photos of both of you together. Having plenty
of pictures, but none of them with your spouse-to-be may look very suspicious. Also, having pictures
showing you with the ex-girlfriend or ex-boyfriend could be quite a solid reason for concern.
CHAT, EMAIL and TEXTS. Typically, couples have a substantial record of emails, chats
and text messages. Undoubtedly, this type evidence is perfect as it clearly shows words
of love and affection to one another. However, it critical to understand a few major points:
√ If you indicate on the application that you have initially met (online or physically)
on such and such date it is recommended to provide evidence of correspondence that covers
the whole duration of your relationship. It is not necessary to provide USCIS with every
single email or text message, however, you must ensure that there are no time gaps in
the provided compilation of your correspondence. For instance, if you provide a set of emails
covering the month of September and the next set covers December – it is not a good indicator
to the adjudicating officer. If you have terminated your correspondence for a certain period of
time – this must be clearly explained on a separate sheet of paper.
√ Your breakups or arguments. Whereas many couples experience disagreements and can even
split for a certain period of time it is relevant that you make it clear that both of you have
eventually reunited. Submitting evidence that indicates your disagreement or even a breakup,
but does not contain any further correspondence showing your reunion – can definitely endanger
the successful outcome of your case.
√ If your correspondence contains any information that can be potentially misconstrued it would
be advisable to exclude these particular records. However, if this particular piece of information
is relevant to your application please provide clarification to avoid any possible misunderstanding
on a part of the USCIS or the Embassy.
√ You must carefully review all evidence you submit. Make sure that you exclude any
out-of-context information that may be misinterpreted by the officer. Also, it is crucial not to
over-document the case and submit only quality evidence that most clearly shows your romantic
relationship.
Social media and modern methods of communication present a convenient tool for the purposes
of daily correspondence and maintaining records of it. But at the same time your not well
maintained social profiles or some certain records of correspondence could present a
basis for concern about the veracity of your relationship. Some applications filed without
proper representation or professional assistance receive denials at the Embassy stage of the
process. This is especially tragic as the US Embassy does not offer an appeal for the
fiancee visa process. Both parties applying for a dual intent fiance visa must realize
that the government officials can use electronic methods to conduct further research to ensure
that your relationship is legitimate and bona fide. In my next video I will overview the
role of search engines in conducting such research. Always remember that in the fiancee
visa process your relationship is at stake and worries/delays are definitely not worth
the money saved on proper professional assistance and representation. Please feel free to contact
our office with any further questions you may have about the process.