Fiance Visa K1: Visa Fraud

The U.S. Embassy, Consular section in Manila reports the second highest number of visa fraud cases, following only the American Consulate in the Dominican Republic. The Philippine government for some time now has outlawed “mail order marriages”. In addition, the US I-129F Fiancée Visa Petition carries with it two requirements which prevent a “mail order marriage”:

*The couple must have met in person within two years of the visa petition. Photographs of the couple together in front of recognized locations preferably with date stamp are extremely vital.

*The lady fiancée must marry the gentleman within 90 days or return home.

The I-129F Petition for Fiancée Visa is intended for American citizens who legitimately show a genuine relationship and intention to marry with a foreign lady. Penalties under Section §1325(c) of the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1997 (as amended) for fraud conviction are severe: 5 years imprisonment or $250,000 fine or both.