K1 Visa (Fiancee versus Wife)

[Islandboy725 0]

Hey guys, I would like to know which is the easier process. I've heard if I marry outside the U.S. and then file for my new wife, or apply for a K1 then go that route. Thoughts?

[teeak 224]

There's pros and cons to both. Here's a comparison chart: http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

With the K-1, you'd be together quicker but, it's more expensive and she wouldn't be able to work or travel right away since she'd need to file more forms to obtain a green card and work/travel authorization.

With the CR-1, the process takes longer but, she'd be a permanent resident as soon as she landed in the US.

[Islandboy725 0]

Thanks, this is indeed a wealth of information.

[JFH 12,189]

It's a personal choice. Each relationship is different. Everyone's financial circumstances are different. Have a good read through the comparison and decide what is best for your circumstances. The quickest way isn't always the best way. Likewise the cheapest way may not be the best way.

[Ontarkie 13,883]

~~Moved to What Visa Do I Need, from K1 P&P as the OP is exploring both options.~~

[afortunada 182]

It seems like this is a 50/50 split between everyone here in the VJ community.

You can note the differences as how they appear on paper, in a perfect-scenario kind of way, but each case is different.

A lot of people who file K-1 say they wish they would have done CR-1. And, many CR-1 petitioners who wish they would have done K-1!

Sorry this isn't much help, but it really is an entirely personal choice.

[SAbokkie 3]

I've heard that the K1 visa process is quicker than the K2 (If you were to get married outside of the US) I came here on a K1 VISA the process took 5 months from the time we applied to me arriving here. My Fiance visited me halfway through the process to split our time apart. Best of Luck with your decision.

Hey guys, I would like to know which is the easier process. I've heard if I marry outside the U.S. and then file for my new wife, or apply for a K1 then go that route. Thoughts?

[Islandboy725 0]

This is very interesting guys, I just got off the phone with an attorney and she said the K1 is quicker (at least for Ukraine).

[p-ana 933]

I've heard that the K1 visa process is quicker than the K2 (If you were to get married outside of the US) I came here on a K1 VISA the process took 5 months from the time we applied to me arriving here. My Fiance visited me halfway through the process to split our time apart. Best of Luck with your decision.

A k2 is a derivative of the k1, meaning is granted for the k1 persons children.

For married people is either a cr1/ir1 or a k3 (these are obsolete though)

A k1 is currently granted faster, but then it needs an adjustment of status after entering the USA and getting married, also costs more

[SAbokkie 3]

whoops my bad typo.. thanks

A k2 is a derivative of the k1, meaning is granted for the k1 persons children.

For married people is either a cr1/ir1 or a k3 (these are obsolete though)

A k1 is currently granted faster, but then it needs an adjustment of status after entering the USA and getting married, also costs more

[aaron2020 11,651]

Faster doesn't mean better.

The K-1 has big cons such waiting for an EAD to work and AP to travel internationally. That's 90 days of sitting around with nothing to do.

The CR-1 allows a person to work and travel internationally immediately.

Every couple will need to make the choice based on their specific situation.

Edited July 22, 2016 by aaron2020

[Ortolan 381]

Although at the time we filed the K1 was quicker, we chose the CR-1 and married in the U.S., then he went back to his home country.

That year apart was one of the hardest I've ever experienced. I'd choose the K1 if I had it to do all over again, in a heartbeat.

[aaron2020 11,651]

Although at the time we filed the K1 was quicker, we chose the CR-1 and married in the U.S., then he went back to his home country.

That year apart was one of the hardest I've ever experienced. I'd choose the K1 if I had it to do all over again, in a heartbeat.

He could have file for AOS without having to leave the US.

[Ortolan 381]

He could have file for AOS without having to leave the US.

I know, but there were a few other factors (house sale pending) that made it necessary for him to return. It was a matter of timing. If we'd had no other responsibilities, I'd have chosen the K1.

[NikLR 13,220]

Chose the cr1 path before marriage. Lack of travel with k1 made it not appropriate for us. We also liked that the cr1 was cheaper in immigration fees and i could work asap.