Bringing someone you love to the U.S. on a fiancé visa sounds simple on paper. But the truth is, the process is full of checks to help make sure the relationship is real. If U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) sees signs that a couple may be faking their relationship to get a green card, they can delay or even deny the visa.
While many couples have honest intentions, USCIS still looks closely. They do this not to doubt your love but to protect the system from abuse. Even if your relationship is real, it is important to understand how your actions and paperwork might raise red flags.
Small things that raise big questions
Little details can catch USCIS’s attention. To avoid problems, here are some key things to keep in mind:
- Inconsistent stories: If you and your partner give different answers about how you met or when you got engaged, it can cause doubt. Practice discussing your timeline together.
- Short relationship history: A very short courtship might be seen as suspicious. Show proof of regular contact, like texts, video calls or travel history.
- Few or no in-person visits: If you have never met in person or only met once, it may not be enough. Try to include photos, plane tickets or hotel receipts to prove your time together.
- Minimal proof of the relationship: USCIS looks for signs like shared plans, photos, letters or engagement announcements. The more evidence you have, the better.
- No plans for a wedding: Since the K-1 visa requires you to marry within 90 days, you should have at least some idea of where, when or how you plan to tie the knot.
These signs do not always mean your visa will be denied, but they can lead to more questions or delays if you are not prepared.
If you feel unsure about what USCIS might question, you are better off preparing yourself with the help of a legal professional to avoid surprises.