Hello all

Just signed up after browsing through some of the info on the site.

I'm a UK citizen and I'm madly in love with an American woman (met through my cousin who lives in US). We are looking to marry and for me to emmigrate there. We have some time yet before we start the visa application process (she has to get a divorce).

A few questions if someone could point me in the right direction:

1. Still trying to make our mind up whether to go for a K1 or K3. I've seen the comparisons on the site, but frankly my head is spinning. Which one is more beneficial to me being able to work soonest after arrival in USA?

2. She has some financial problems (past debts) and is having to file Chapter 7 bankruptcy. She still has a decent job that pays well above the 125% Poverty Guidlines for the Affidavit of Support, but can anyone see this being a problem for the petition?

Apologies if this is not the right place to ask these questions.

Darren

Welcome Darren! Is the spire still wonky? Been a while since I've visited yer neck of the woods.

Hope others can help you with your queries. Good Luck.

Welcome to VJ the best place ever regarding immigration

1. K3 is better because you can work as soon you arrive in US..k1 means you have 3 months to get married and than you adjust your status and get your CG

2. as long as she makes enough according to the poverty line, and she has her tax returns all good

I never expected a reply like that!!!

We prefer the term crooked, but yep, it's still wonky! Although I'm sure its only time before its Risk Assessed by the local council and deemed a safety liability and has to be straightened. Or somebody sues the Church of England for mental trauma caused by the fear that the spire would topple on them.

What's your link with Chesterfield?

Ex-girlfriend lived there. You'll be glad to hear I don't judge everyone from Chesterfield by her.

Cheers and good luck again.

Actually K1 filers can work as soon as you arrive but K3s must file for an EAD. K1s can get a temp EAD upon arrival to the US but K3 filers can't. My husband just came on a K3 so I know this to be true.

The downside to K3 is that it takes a little longer to be approved, right?

I would do a K-1...it's a bit faster and you can work upon arrival.

Good job - you begrudge a northerner at your peril!!

Thanks for the wishes, Steve.

CR-1 is actually the fastest way to a green card, but K-1 or K-3 options are faster for getting back together.

With CR-1 you will get a greencard upon entry. With both K-1 and K-3 you have to file for AOS before you can get an EAD and eventually a green card. If you enter through JFK airport on a K-1 you can get a temporary EAD thats valid for 90 days. EAD generally takes about 90 days to approve after you file for it, but you need to file for it with or after AOS, otherwise it may only be temporary.

Just don't travel thru Dublin, cos then you won't.

True Dublin and a few other airports (Mostly Canadian) handle immigration at the airport before you board the plane.

OK, I'm starting to get confused now. I really appreciate all the advice and tips I'm getting here, though. It appears to me that the most common way is through a K1 then to apply for EAD after getting married. Am I wrong? Is there much of a difference in processing time between a K1 & K3?

I'm getting a little lost. Methinks I need to read, study and re-read the Guides & FAQ's then come back to the forums for advice.

Most people on these forums have filed for K-1. And then applied for an EAD with AOS.

K-1 is a bit faster, but not necessarily by much.

Both K-1 and K-3 require you to file for AOS/EAD before you can work. (Unless you enter through JFK on a K-1)

K-1 is only valid for a single entry (can renter if you have applied for AP), while K-3 is valid for multiple entries for 2 years. But that doesn't matter once you receive your green card.

CR-1 on the other hand takes a bit longer, but you get your green card upon entry and are able to work right away.