CR-1 vs K-1?

[arfneb 0]

So my fiance and I have been engaged without a ring since October 2010, and as of now have been together for 17 months. After I have finished my studies I am going over to the US (I'm from the UK) for a month. We were planning on getting "properly" engaged then, then once I return to England, we would start the K-1 process.

However, recently, the idea of a CR-1 visa has been very alluring. Just getting married on the Visa Waiver, returning to England and applying for the Spouse Visa to come back permanently. I have no intention of going on the VWP and trying to stay- I know they hate that and we want to do everything right. So far the only down side I can see is that we'd spend the best part of our first year of marriage apart. But seeing as we've already been doing that since I returned to England, I know we can wait.

So my question is, would it be harder to get the CR-1 visa then the K-1? We were going to get a joint bank account when I come over, but I'm not sure how else we would prove the marriage was valid, apart from marriage licenses and such.

Thanks for reading

[Lytha 2]

Like in my own situation, me and my husband were also debating on CR1 or K1

We decided to go for the CR1, the process tends to take just a little longer, but it's well worth it once you arrive in the USA.

You'll have a greencard, will be able to get a SSN. Basically, you can start your life right away, the way I look at it at least.

CR1, get married right away. Go back to your homecountry, file the paperwork. Your wife than will file the paperwork, at first that's the I 130, and than the process can begin. To me, it was the best way we could go. We just got started on the process ourselves, the waiting is long, being apart is hard. But, always keeping hopes up. We will be together SOME time ...

It's not 'harder' to get the one or the other, as for proof of bonafide marriage: I joint account is great, and we also included affidavit letters (notarized) of fam members and friends who know about our ongoing marital union. Besides that, pictures, greeting cards stating both names, anything that 'proves' you are together.

You can check the many guides and the wiki pages for all of your questions about CR and K1

They were very helpful to me!

Good luck!

I hope it helps!

[calibob 73]

If you have the patience then CR1 is your pick. There are so many more benefits to doing it this way. My favorite reason was MUCH less paperwork and dealing with government agencies. My wife will have a green card upon entry for two years then the 10 year green card thereafter till she naturalizes. Just look at the pro's and con's. The CR1 path is much less stress in my mind. Best of luck and congrats on the engagement/upcoming wedding!! Check this out!!

Bob

Edited March 27, 2011 by calibob

[Done--Really 331]

We went thru the same thought process, and got married when she was here in November, and she returned home. We got all the paper work together for the CR-1 and filed in early January. Much less hassle in the long run.

As to joint bank accounts, it all depends on the bank. Theoretically you need a Social Security number, but our bank--TD Bank--allowed her to add her name to the account just with her passport, I-94, and marriage license. It took a few days to process and get her debit card, but it was painless, and now she also has access to the account thru ATM's back home--another real benefit to show that there are valid transactions in the account from both of us.

I know that Bank of America will also open joint accounts for folks here illegally--at least in my part of NJ--so they would likely open a joint account for the two of you as well. Check around if your first try fails.

If your fiance has insurance, make you the beneficiary, ditto for an IRA, add you to the lease, add you to credit card accounts, etc, etc. And of course take some pictures at the wedding even if it is a tiny civil ceremony.

[Ryan H 3,812]

So my question is, would it be harder to get the CR-1 visa then the K-1? We were going to get a joint bank account when I come over, but I'm not sure how else we would prove the marriage was valid, apart from marriage licenses and such.

Thanks for reading

I think you were planning to include this anyway, but you would also include, pictures, emails, phone records, chat logs, etc. The same things you would use for a K1.

No difference in wait times from NOA1 to NOA2 for K1 and CR-1. CR-1 has processing steps at NVC before interview. Select the course that works best for you.

Best wishes!

[arfneb 0]

Thank you for you're replies, they have enforced what we were already thinking.

My worry is, we'll probably be filing for the visa very soon after we marry and I am out of the country- so we'll have been married a matter of weeks to a few months before my fiance sends the application off. Would the shortness of our marriage hurt our case?

[calibob 73]

Not at all, just document the wedding, submit the license or wedding contract with pictures, a couple of affidavits (notarized) and any other supporting docs you have and join in the waiting game.....there is an end and the payoff is for a lifetime......best of luck!!

Bob