Will the USCIS finds it Suspicious if we met on a Dating App?

In the age of digital and app-based romances, more and more people are finding their soulmates in places we couldn't have imagined a couple of decades ago. But what if your perfect match is halfway across the world? That’s where the K-1 visa comes into play, helping lovebirds from different nations get their chance at a happily ever after in the U.S. Now, I know what you're thinking. "But wait—will USCIS raise an eyebrow if we met online?" Let's break it down!

USCIS has kept up with the times better than some of our favorite sitcoms from the 90s. With the global boom in online dating, the agency understands that genuine relationships can bloom in the vast meadows of the internet. The key here is the word 'genuine.' As long as you and your partner can prove that your love is the real deal, where you met is just a part of your unique love story.

Here are the things you should take note:

1. Document Everything: Keep records of your conversations, pictures together and travels. These details paint a picture of your relationship’s timeline.

2. Meet in Person: This might sound obvious, but you need to have met in person at least once in the two years before applying for the K-1 visa. It’s a chance to make memories and tick off a crucial USCIS box.

3. Be Transparent: When it’s time to fill out those forms, honesty wins the game. Tell your story exactly as it is, including how you met online. It adds authenticity and trust to your application.

USCIS officers are like your most discerning friends—they can spot a catfish or a phony plot twist from miles away. But they also recognize true love when they see it. Meeting through a dating app is as valid as any other. In fact, in today’s world, it’s pretty standard.

So, to all the international lovers navigating this exciting journey from matching on an app to planning your future together in the U.S., keep your spirits high and your evidence of love even higher.

Patricia Elizee is the managing partner of the Elizee Law Firm, an immigration law firm located at 1110 Brickell Avenue, Suite 315, Miami, Florida 33131. Phone 305-371-8846. The law firm was established in 2012. Ms. Elizee earned her Juris Doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law and her Masters in Law from the University of Washington School of Law.