Less than 90 days or more than 90 days?

[I/O]

I submit that if one complies with the letter and intent of immigration laws they will have very little difficulty with the initial visa.

I wish that I could agree with this for we "Small Fry" down at the bottom of the world, but unfortunately it is not so.  I have no experience, if a little knowledge of the USA system and it appears that when used correctly, it works quite well.  Ours doesn't.

Approval or denial of Fiance' visa application for here has more to do with timing than substance.  It seems, applications towards the end of the "Financial Year" (1 July - June 30 here) are rarely approved regardless of how water tight they may be and yet early in the financial year, some very lose applications are all but rubber stamped.  Seems Quota's are more the issue than anything else. 

The part which really annoys me is that I have seen two couples who are more than genuine and have put all their ducks in a row be denied and messed around for the better part of 12 months before finally winning approval in the courts.  Only to have Moscow (Au Embassy) demand they re-submit all paper-work (Up dated) before they will grant the visa.   

What it demonstates, is that all the court orders in the world are useless until some snivelling little visa clerk actually applies that sticker to the passport.  What is even more unbelievable is that visa clerk, who is making life changing decisions for other people, is not even Australian.  Anyway, I shouldn't have gotten so far off topic here having my Sunday rant.!!

BTW Federer belted Gonzalaz 6, 3 and 3.

I/O

[Turboguy]

I think when you are into a part of life where the hormones, imagination, dreams, heart and fantasies all come into play in the decisions that are made people are just not going to always act with common sense.   You will never have a perfect K-1 system.

I think anyone would have to agree that the more time you are able to spend together before saying those two little words the better.    I have a feeling though with all the one week wonders from a large tour group that William did,  if those same people had been given the option of doing a quicky marriage on the spot at the end of their 3 -5 days together and bringing their bride back on the same plane with them that 95% of them would have been stupid enough to do it.

As much complaining as we do about the immigration policies I think at least part of the intent is to protect us from our own stupidity.  I do have to agree with I/O though, there is little fairness in how the rules are applied.   Applications are handled by people and not all view things the same.   Sometimes people have good and bad days and sometimes people have their own biases that come out in their work.  We don't deal with a quota system in K-1s but I have a feeling (an nothing personal meant here) that if jb and Ken (Catz) were employed in imigration they would both perform their job differently.  Well in real life I am sure there is someone similar to each handling applications.

[I/O]

I think when you are into a part of life where the hormones, imagination, dreams, heart and fantasies all come into play in the decisions that are made people are just not going to always act with common sense.

T/G This sounds more like an admission than a statement.   BTW, we don't officially have Fiance' visa quota's either, but in reality we do.

I think the respective systems are just fine as they are.  However, I think the administration both on the control and parity side in both cases need improvement.

Back to the topic.  I would strongly urge anyone to get as much time in together as is humanly possible prior to even thinking about a K-1 or SC300 visa.  I have seen a few comment that it can become a clinical or even scientific approach.  Romance or relationships are largely considered an art.  However, an international relationship does take on a certain clinical or scientific dimension and one of the basics of science is removing the risks and things which have proven not to work.

Short term exposure prior to a commitment to marriage most often does not work.  Exceptions are always thrown around, but they remain just that, exceptions.  If anyone considers they are "Exceptional" at organising their romance and marriage, good luck to them, but I don't consider I am, thus I try to eliminate as many risks as is possible.  Puting oneself under a 90 day gun can only increase the risks.


I/O

[Michelangelo]

Face time is important -and we probably all agree on that.

Types:
1- time in her country and time in her city or tiny village
2- time in another country, often a 'vacation' setting
3- time in your home town, the West.

I think all three types can be beneficial. No?
Choice number 2, is probably a little less beneficial than
the other two, but far from not being beneficial at all.

Interesting, I would rank the importance of these just the opposite, as 3, 2, 1.    Yes, (1) it is important to see how she interacts with family and friends.  But (2) she becomes the person she will be with you when you get her away from her home town and truly alone with you.  And (3) you truly only see who she is after you have lived with her in the west for months.

[Photo Guy]

I agree- number three is the most important and we both realized that.
The arbitrary visa system does not facilitate that.

BC- By 'facilitate', I mean the government should get out of our way
for the most part, and focus on issues like terrorism, preventing
over-stays, crime, etc.

William- my point was that sponsorship requirements might
be a great way to prevent over-stays.  also..are all
Tourist Visa requirements the same for ALL poor countries,
or are there political manipulations involved?

jb, sure we K-1 folks are small potatos in the grand scheme of things,
but I think it's a huge mistake to sit back and be passive or
apathetic about how visas and immigration laws are structured.

I'm not 'whining'. I'm simply looking at immigration/visa policies
in a critical way. As an example- it's been stated that the K-1 has its
origins many decades ago, (to facilitate) war brides. When should we
restructure it to reflect today's global environment? Should we wait
another 50 years?

You may have had less than 90 days of face time, or maybe more.
I agree with those who say- it depends on the individuals involved,
and how 'open' they are, how closely they look at each other.

I think it's a great idea to see your potential fiancee in ALL SITUATIONS,
including stressful situations. You must see how she argues, how she
vents her emotions, how she makes amends, how she reacts to
a rude stranger, etc.   

If you become engaged before she lives in your country, it will be
a surprise to see how she deals with culture shock, your lifestyle,
and dozens of other things.  The govt does not facilitate that
adjustment process, and maybe it should with anew visa type-
a sponsored 'Visitor's Visa'.

[Michelangelo]

Here it is in a "nutshell."

The K-1 is flawed because it is misused...

It's because a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a woman to marry; that's backwards thinking.  The K-1 should be for couples who happen to fall in love abroad and decide to live in the USA, and the K-1 would allow them to come here and be married.

The solution is to live with the girl in the foreign country for an extended time, then do the K-1.

Not realistic?  Perhaps.  But using the K-1 as a trial period is not realistic, either.

Go figure...

[CaptB]

Michaelangelo,

I think the person she really is.....and at her most natural.....will be at home. I don't think she is going to change much when she arrives in the US (or other). The most important reason to observe on her home turf........is to see how she is regarded......by the others around her. Some guys claim (whose relationship has gone sour) that "she" changed after she got here. I think the truth is.......they missed these already existing (negative) traits........because they did not pay attention when they were with her.....in her home town.


Capt B

[Photo Guy]

CaptB- isn't HER reaction to your home environment an important issue?
I agree that it may not need to be important, but it could be. It is
difficult to know in advance.

M: 'It's because a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a woman to marry'

Well-stated. This is at the core of the problem. In today's global environment, where
there is so much movement of individuals between countries, often for business
purposes, that directive is severely antiquated. Not only movement- there's been a
great increase in communications too. Reading between the lines,
the govt IS SAYING a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a
woman to marry

Guys, do you think that makes sense? I don't.  I think Michaelangelo's statement
emphasizes the obvious real problem. 

[BC]

Michaelangelo,

I think the person she really is.....and at her most natural.....will be at home. I don't think she is going to change much when she arrives in the US (or other). The most important reason to observe on her home turf........is to see how she is regarded......by the others around her. Some guys claim (whose relationship has gone sour) that "she" changed after she got here. I think the truth is.......they missed these already existing (negative) traits........because they did not pay attention when they were with her.....in her home town.


Capt B

Another bullseye Capt B.

Now someone will come along, turn the tables and propose that having her visit allows her to evaluate him in his own environment.. Sadly an aspect that has rarely, if ever been discussed here in this context. 

We want to peek and poke until we know everything about her in exchange for 'Trust me baby~!'

For most, quite impractical anyway.. 






 

[BC]

M: 'It's because a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a woman to marry'

Well-stated. This is at the core of the problem. In today's global environment, where
there is so much movement of individuals between countries, often for business
purposes, that directive is severely antiquated. Not only movement- there's been a
great increase in communications too. Reading between the lines,
the govt IS SAYING a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a
woman to marry

Guys, do you think that makes sense? I don't.  I think Michaelangelo's statement
emphasizes the obvious real problem. 

PG, I think you totally misread and misquoted Michelangelo's post.

Gotta get rid of those rose colored glasses man..

[Photo Guy]

Yes, her opinion is even more important than yours. <grin>
Whether she says it or thinks it in advance or not, she will
find herself judging her new home environment as it becomes
her new reality...with you as her anchor.

Michaelangelo's post also makes the point that the K-1 is
setup for those who happen to fall in love overseas.
Well, guess what- MOST of the guys here at RWD are
actively seeking a woman from the FSU. They aren't
just happening to fall in love with someone over there.
That's a big difference and points out the inherent flaws of the
current K-1 Visa. Michaelangelo talks about a system that creates
for many, the need to work around the antiquated system.

The K-1 should be for couples who happen to fall in love abroad and decide to live in the USA, and the K-1 would allow them to come here and be married.

Who decides the purpose of a particular visa?
That directive eliminates 90% of men here at RWD who are
actively seeking a woman from the FSU. ...That directive does make
sense for war brides, many years ago.  So, is it immoral to want to
find a wife in the FSU, to actively seek them out? LOL
It is sort of like the govt is saying,
'It's okay if you romance your future bride while stationed over there
in the military, or while doing business over there, but if it's some
other thing, we don't want to think about it.' It's goofy and manipulative.

[KenC]

Photo,
It is not "goofy and manipulative" at all.  It (the K-1) was just never intended for your purpose.  It wasn't engineered to hurt your love life dude!  It was intended to accommodate the GI's, that's all.  And it is the system that we have to work within.  Deal with it.  It is not a conspiracy man.  Your idea of revolutionizing the visa system is a pipe dream at best.  Write your congressman and tell him your thoughts if you want to change things.

Your concept of a sponsorshiped visa is a tricky area in my mind.  I know you are thinking in wholesome thoughts of romancing a lady on your home turf, but I see it as an avenue for some very unsavory activities.  Bringing girls over to be sex slaves or prostitutes comes to mind.

If you spent your time and energy on how to work within the system as you do dreaming of changing it, you may find a loophole or an avenue to make it work in your favor as I did. 

I do agree that the K-1 doesn't allow time enough for the foreign woman to acclimate or accept her new environment seems a bit unfair.  But I hope you were joking when you said "her opinion is even more important than yours" because that is a statement of a man beaten down by American feminism.
KenC

[William3rd]

This all seems parallel to the old "pot" debates.

Who decides? Congress.
Why? Under the Constitution, to promote the general welfare, etc. etc. etc.
How do you change it? By initiative or amendment to the law.

Well, the vast majority of the populace could give a rats derriere about alien fiancee law. As I said some time before, there is no positive public perception.

What you need to do is form a committee, get a BIG pot of money together to gain admission to your representatives, and "educate" them. If they could be persuaded that 6 months of admission is better somehow than 90 days, then you might get the change. Personally, six months might be better but there are a lot of problems in the extension.

However, the negative forces will have their say as well. So- the trade off might be things like relationships of over a year before filing, one woman per lifetime, VAWA for fiancees, etc. etc. etc.

SO, any of you keyboard cowboys wanna get a posse together and ride to Washington? Put a couple grand in the kitty? I would be happy to give what input I can in assisting your endeavor. However, my out of pocket interest is ZERO.

For several reasons. . . . .

The other alternative is marry abroad and just deal with it.

[BC]

The other alternative is marry abroad and just deal with it.

amen..

Remember, if you think your arm is being twisted speak to the offending party directly.

For most an infopass appointment is not necessary, just look up when you are brushing your teeth.

[Turboguy]

I have never studied the history of the K-1 visa but I can not argue with it having been designed for war brides.   Of course on the other hand the were mail order brides who were real mail order brides long before the war brides came along and I have a feeling it was more of a modification of regulations.

As far as the statement by M/A that It's because a man should NOT go to a foreign country to find a woman to marry' there is one other aspect of this that I would like to mention.  If you spend much time at VJ, which I do now as my K-1 is in the process, it does not take long to realize that those who have a fiancee from the FSU and even throwing in S.A. and the Philippines are a small part of the K-1 visas.   Most K-1 visas are not a result of someone going to a foreign country looking for a women to marry.  In the over all scheme of things you will even find many AW marrying guys from abroad.   It seems to me that since that is the situation that any laws do not just have us in mind but the whole scope of fiancee and marriage visas. 

[I/O]

P/G Having only read bits and pieces of your story, I don't profess to know it in any depth, but one thing is becoming painfully obvious to me over recent times and that is, you continue to refer to that situation with a seeming view to wish to change the legislation in order to help you be more successful.

I am not sure if you have read the topic "Are you ready", but I seriously think you should.  Introspection is the overiding theme that comes through in almost every post there.  It is good advice.  I would venture to suggest that almost everyone here on RWD has been through the pain of a failed relationship at some point in their lives.  Do those people try to change the rules of engagement? No, of course not. 

You are trying to imagine a situation where the rules of engagement change and I can tell you that we will all be looking at the under side of the grass from 6 feet down long before that happens. It is time for you to let go of the failure, do some serious self and situational analysis, then decide whether or not, within the current system, you can really make something like the pursuit of a foreign wife work.  If you can't within the current system for reasons of time available or finances or whatever, then you have some very simple decisions to make.  Either change your situation to allow for this pursuit or target your romantic inclinations elsewhere.

You seem to me like a really decent guy, but I think you are not being either realistic or practical at the present.

I/O

[Photo Guy]

All meaningful change begins with 'thinking' first. I am not talking about being practical
or impractical. I am not talking about whether or not change is immediately
feasible. I am not talking about my situation in the grand scheme of things.
I am just encouraging a discussion.

Sure, you can go over there to Irkutsk or wherever and get married
and deal with it, but that's besides the point.

Again there are three ways to spend face time with the potential gal of your dreams:

1- time with her on your home turf
2- time with her on her home turf
3- time with her in a third country- a vacation setting

I think #1 is very important. That got me thinking about visas-
tourist visas, work visas, student visas, etc.  How do each of these
function? What are the goals of each of these? Can any of these
visas facilitate situation #1?  ...#2 and #3 are more easily accomplished
with our current visa system, so that brings me back to the
problem of situation #1.

When your finacee arrives here in the West, she will be faced with
a difficult period of adjustment. There will be problems and challenges.
Given that, how can our visa system be changed to help eliminate
those problems and make adjustment easier for your fiancee?

One way, would be to setup a new visa type that allows her to
spend time in her new country, under the guidance and responsibilty
of you, her sponsor. Call it a Visitor's Visa. Within current law,
the government has either an oblivious attitude about the problems
of her adjustment, or an attitude of 'love conquers all'.  That's
nice, but not exactly practical.

This new visa type could also be used to make it easier for
peoples of various cultures to experience life in another country,
as sponsored 'visitors'. 

I see a lot of people here throwing up their hands and sitting back
in a spirit of apathy. I think that's a cop-out.  I'm just providing food
for thought here, nothing more, no hidden agenda.

about me: If I do eventually end up marrying a woman from the FSU,
I will probably spend a lot of face time in her country, along with
communications through letters, emails, and phone calls.
In other words, I will deal with the current visa system, just like
everyone else.

As I do that, I will be wondering why a woman in Norway can
come here with a Tourist Visa, while my gal in %#*'pol cannot.
...because the current system is badly flawed and needs to
be scrutinized.
...what can you tell me about women from Norway? <grin>
 

[William3rd]

"That got me thinking about visas"- here are the basics-
tourist visas- TEMPORARY NON IMMIGRANT VISA- to see Disneyland, etc. VISITOR comes to the US for a defined purpose and defined duration INTENDING to return home at the conclusion. B1- business, B2- pleasure. Requires sufficent ties, etc. TALKED about ad nauseum already here and elsewhere.
work visas- TEMPORARY NON-IMMIGRANT VISA- depending on the visa type, alien comes here to work and may be required to be with a certain employer. Some visas, such as H1, usually require bachelors degrees or better and a legitimate employer. Some categories may not require a specific employer but since I do not handle any of these types of seasonal or training visas, I will not give any further details.
student visas, etc.- TEMPORARY NON IMMIGRANT VISA- alien comes here for the purpose of study at a school approved by the government. no home schooling here . Alien must show the same as in the B visa plus sufficient finances, etc.

K visa is a "wobbler"- TEMPORARY NON IMMIGRANT VISA for 90 days but if an event occurs, it can convert to immigrant status.

To bring someone in under these other categories with a possibility of a future marriage can get sticky.

[BC]

PG..

You are stuck on this visit you on 'your home turf' deal like a broken record.

Fact is that you have to take a lot of time on her turf first to find, woo and evaluate whether or not she is interesting enough to invite to your home.

Once you get her visa with your new scheme she's going to be sitting home alone with the clock ticking towards whatever point the government gives this new scheme, 3 months, 6 months, a year...  Your vacation/sick time is history. Yeah a few good weekends, maybe some traveling and a few hours each evening (maybe) before you crash.  All the while she has no idea how things will turn out after you send her back and with more than 3 months out of country no chance in hell of getting her old job back, no motivation at all because she doesn't see light at the end of the tunnel.. maybe major depression on top of it all (pretty normal under the circumstances).

The whole time you are jobbing, constantly worrying about the 50K bond you paid 5K fees for, stressed out with your boss for a little more free time, can't concentrate because she calls every 20 mins etc, etc, etc.

She's (and you) are gonna go through hell anyway adjusting if she married you in the first place so why do it twice?

The current K1 isn't that bad even if you choose to abuse..  They're actually doing you a favor.

With your proposed scheme one could easily invite one after another to visit for extended periods without any hint of commitment.  In a year or two I'd be burnt out on RW but what the heck those Brazilian girls sound like real fun...  The relationship with my K9 would probably last longer than all those those KX's put together.. 

What do you feel would be acceptable conditions for this new visa?

[Photo Guy]

BC,
Yes, I've been saying things twice like a broken record, so I'll make this my
last post on the subject. Either you're willing to open your mind to
the possibilities or not.  BTW, you don't have to read this topic
if the subject of 'face time' is not important to you.

As for multiple visits- I don't see that as a bad thing. I don't see the
negative ramifications. I don't ever hear about people complaining
when a foreigner arrives again on a work visa, or hear about
complaints about the time span being too long for an individual
here on a tourist visa.... 'But they were already here on a tourist
visa two years ago!!'  -no I never hear that opinion - my guess is that
people are not concerned about the free movement/visitation of
foreigners who pose no threat, in terms of national security, crime,
disease, etc.

BC wrote:
What do you feel would be acceptable conditions for this new visa? 

I'm not sure. We could start by incorporating a lot of the requirements
of a K-1, Tourist or Work visas.  I've known people who have been working
over here for three years, using Work Visas. Rather than for work, I think
the sponsor should be able to show a level of financial support- as
already required with a K-1.  I imagine there would be a flood of
applicants, so this could be offset by a large fee before the visa
is granted, say $500.  This new Visitor's Visa could be based on
conditions where an individual knows of a foreign friend, a lover, or
maybe his wife's mother, a carpenter friend etc. A major stipulation
would be sponshorship. You would be required to vouch for the foreigner
and support them financially for the period of the visa. Of course,
the application process would require full background checks,
to discover any hidden 'dangers'.

 

[I/O]

P/G You may have missed the fact that I have posted in this topic and section once or twice, so the inference in your PM, that I don't consider visas a valid discussion, is invalid.

I wonder have you written one letter to your political reprasentative on this matter? That would be a very practical way to start if you actually want to achieve something.

I quote the Russian Philosopher of the 1800's, Herzen, "A thought without an action is a dream". You claim to have the thought, so I suggest you attach it to an "Action" and you just never know, maybe you will achieve your dream.  Somehow, on this particular subject (Romance visas), I don't think it is even a dream, I think it is pi$$ing into the wind.

I/O

[Photo Guy]

I/O,
you wrote:
I am not sure if you have read the topic "Are you ready", but I seriously think you should.  Introspection is the overiding theme that comes through in almost every post there.  It is good advice.  I would venture to suggest that almost everyone here on RWD has been through the pain of a failed relationship at some point in their lives.  Do those people try to change the rules of engagement? No, of course not.

You are trying to imagine a situation where the rules of engagement change and I can tell you that we will all be looking at the under side of the grass from 6 feet down long before that happens. It is time for you to let go of the failure, do some serious self and situational analysis, then decide whether or not, within the current system, you can really make something like the pursuit of a foreign wife work.

These are dismissive statements that just avoid discussion and sidetrack the topic.
Introspection certainly is a good thing, but you can also say that maturity
and patience are valuable too. The topic is about face time together, not
something else. It goes without saying that a mature couple with 20 days
of face time will probably be more successful than an immature couple with
100 days of face time.

More face time (and knowing oneself) will help a couple succeed.
Do you agree with that?  Or do you want to avoid that concept and
branch off to the introspection topic? Your personal advice for me is
ridiculous. I/O, Don't pretend that you know me.  -but, feel free to reply to
my PM. Dialogue is good. I recommend you begin a topic called:
'The Value of Introspection'  You could begin with examples from
your personal experiences...

..I don't care if others haven't tried to change the rules of engagement.
...does change scare you?
 
Free speech is a great thing.  And the goal of increased 'face time'
is a worthwhile endeavor, and I hope it provides food for thought for
those newbies out there about to romance a woman fromthe FSU.
And food for thought for those who care about the purposes of
various visas.

'Are you Ready?' is also a great topic. Go there, check it out. Peace.

[BC]

BC,
Yes, I've been saying things twice like a broken record, so I'll make this my
last post on the subject. Either you're willing to open your mind to
the possibilities or not.  BTW, you don't have to read this topic
if the subject of 'face time' is not important to you.

I thought I addressed this by mentioning that even if she could come for an extended period most folks would not have the time for her once she arrived anyway having blown their free time during the search and seek phase.  It would only make some kind of sense in the context that you write or email the woman a few times and invite her to visit without taking the time to go to her country or even meet her first.  When it comes to face to face time as it relates to this quest you have to burn the candle on both ends.

As for multiple visits- I don't see that as a bad thing. I don't see the
negative ramifications. I don't ever hear about people complaining
when a foreigner arrives again on a work visa, or hear about
complaints about the time span being too long for an individual
here on a tourist visa.... 'But they were already here on a tourist
visa two years ago!!'  -no I never hear that opinion - my guess is that
people are not concerned about the free movement/visitation of
foreigners who pose no threat, in terms of national security, crime,
disease, etc.

That's because these folks on tourist visas met the minimum requirements that shows clear intent to go home.  Most do.

BC wrote:
What do you feel would be acceptable conditions for this new visa? 

I'm not sure. We could start by incorporating a lot of the requirements
of a K-1, Tourist or Work visas.  I've known people who have been working
over here for three years, using Work Visas. Rather than for work, I think
the sponsor should be able to show a level of financial support- as
already required with a K-1.  I imagine there would be a flood of
applicants, so this could be offset by a large fee before the visa
is granted, say $500.  This new Visitor's Visa could be based on
conditions where an individual knows of a foreign friend, a lover, or
maybe his wife's mother, a carpenter friend etc. A major stipulation
would be sponshorship. You would be required to vouch for the foreigner
and support them financially for the period of the visa. Of course,
the application process would require full background checks,
to discover any hidden 'dangers'.

Quite honestly this sounds like my grandmother describing how she bakes a cake.  'A little of this, a little of that'

The missing ingredient is still the guarantee that the visitor would return home.  A 500 buck fee won't do that.  How 'bout this recepie:

Current tourist visa rules and if the CO decides there is not enough evidence to indicate intent to return home the sponsor could submit a financial bond for 100K or so.  It would have to be that high to even start to deter those with illegal intent of importing working girls.  Now if your woman skipped on you it would be your responsibility since you would need proof of return to collect the bond you deposited. - ouch.

The more you look into it you will find how balanced and generous the current deal is.

[William3rd]

I incorporate everyting that I have said in the past on this thread with special emphasis on how things can be changed. It isnt worth retyping.

If you want it changed, then get up and do something about it. Find like minded individuals and lobby for change.

As I said before, any changes in the area that you are successful with may also end up with changes in the area that you do not want to have.

Time to drive a stake through the heart of this undying thread so I think I will pass on any further reading

[CaptB]

I/O,

As you can see.........my "Are you Ready" thread is already slowly sinking into the sunset. A few folks (most already married) thought the subject was valuable. But I have learned that posting such threads here....and on the RWG.......get similar responses.........ie lukewarm. Too many would rather be concerned with "teeth"........or "breasts......whos are bigger.....RW or UW?"............or total preocupation with "scam" sites etc........rather than doing what it takes to attract, find and keep a woman from the FSU.

To address this thread. One of the prerequisites for a K-1......you "must" meet her in her home country and provide proof. What Photo Guy is missing......is that "her" environment is what shaped who she is. Some guys who brought a woman over on a k-1.......and things went sour........want to blame the woman. Even "Maxx" agreed that some red and pink flags were "ignored". I don't buy that "she" will mysteriously turn into a beast.....after arrival........and that bringing here to observe her would have prevented that. The only thing that bringing her here will do........is confirm that she will be happy here. My wife and I were married in Russia. She said she would move, adapt, thrive and be happy.........anywhere.........as long as it was with........her husband ( and yes.....even with the challenges......I could be happy residing in Russia).

Her environment (her turf).......will tell you all you need to know about the person she "is".
You need to observe, talk with her friends and family.....coworkers......and don't dismiss things that don'r smell right......as cultural differences. You can have misunderstandings....to be sure. How she (and you) deal with these things will speak volumes. If you don't do most of your observation on her home turf.......I don't think you can even take the first step.....to see first......if she is really for you.

As William says......you can waste alot of energy trying to circumvent the system......and have her sent back for visa fraud. I say.......you can spend years trying to change the system......or live with it......and move on like the rest of did. Life is too short.....and we are not getting any younger. The k-1 system is'nt perfect......but despite this........many here are happily married......in spite of it.


Capt B