The K-1 SEEMS like it is a wonderful, fast way to get your novia/novio to the US. In most countries that is the case. But in the DR it is EXTREMELY difficult to prove a bonda fide relationship especially if:
1. There is a huge age difference.
2. Your courtship has been very short.
3. You wanna take a very poor Dominican(a) to the US to get married.
If you want to improve the odds, the best way is to get married in the DR and go for the K-3 or CR-1 visa, and even then, it really shouldn't be a casual relationship. They WILL find out if your relationship is less than genuine. Also, the process is much longer. many people just don'y have any idea of what they are facing for any of these visas. One more thing I almost forgot. In order to sponsor your loved one, you will need to make at least 125% of the poverty wage in the US. many people find out (mostly students) that they don't have the income needed to qualify to bring their loved one into the US.
I'm certainly am NOT trying to dissuade anyone from bringing their loved one to the US. If I had my way it would be alot easier. I just see so many people say things like "Oh, you just go to the embassy and they give you a K-1" when the road is long and hard and you will be spending LOTS of time away from your loved one and a fair amount of money. It has been 6 months for us so far and we have at least 2 or maybe 3 more to go........and we are MARRIED. That being said, my offer to help still stands. I am not an immigration lawyer, but I am totally immersed in this process and I can steer you away from the pitfalls that most people will fall into. You can PM me or write in the forum if you want. I don't get to post every day, and right now I am moving so be patient
I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Hope this helps someone avoid a mistake or two.
-Tim
Wedding pics at
http://www.twincactus.com