K3 visa or K1

[Ashley and Manuel 0]

Hi,

My name is Ashley and my fiance Manuel and I met December 31, 2010 in the amazonian region of Ecuador while I was there on a school trip, I'm a college student studying biology, he proposed this past winter and we plan to marry within the year. I've been reading up on the whole visa process for the K1 and the K3. I've also been reading that Guayquil will be a ######, for lack of a better word. Becuase I am a college student I am broke and don't have a bunch of money to be going back and forth to Ecuador. We've been seeing eachother and have a bunch of pictures of us together and a crapload of people, his family and my friends that know our relationship well. I guess I have two questions here, should we marry in Ecuador and apply for the K3 visa or apply for the K1 visa and marry in the states. Our relationship is very young and new for both of us. We are just trying to figure out the best and most efficent way to be together. Also, would it be too soon for us to start the visa process within the next 6-8 months. We don't want to waste the time and energy to be rejected because our relationship isn't as mature as others and we are young. I know we still have alot more reading and paperwork to go through but what would be the best way to start? Thanks so much

[SH&E 0]

Hi Ashley just to let ya know Ecuadorian law requires non-residents of Ecuador to reside in Ecuador for 75 consecutive days prior to the date they wish to marry thats why we went for the K1 my fiance can´t come to the country and spent this long there is only one exception and i´ts if you have children with Manuel... I just read your profile you are coming in the summer either one you go for you are going to need a co sponsor k1 its faster in most cases but in our case we were not that lucky still waiting for our NOA2

Edited January 27, 2012 by SH&E

[VivaBaños 2]

And I believe the K-3 visa is now obsolete (or moving in that direction). You'd need to apply for the CR-1 if you marry first.

[TBoneTX 43,419]

You'd need to apply for the CR-1 if you marry first.

Si, man; the CR-1 would be superior to the K-3 anyway.

The time that you spend together with him -- and your presence at his visa interview -- will be crucial if you're to survive the ####### Guayaquil consulate. Of note, I've not heard anyone say that their financial situation was ever questioned, or even mentioned. Regardless, make sure that you have sufficient income or a qualified cosponsor. If I were you, I'd budget my funds so that you're able to make multiple or at least lengthy trips back to Ecuador, both before and after you file either the I-129F (fiance/e) or I-130 (spousal) petition.

Edited to add: Whichever petition you end up filing, front-load it heavily and sensibly with "evidence of bona fide relationship." We can help, si man.

Read entire thread, if you haven't: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/110313-us-consulate-in-guayaquil-ecuador/

Edited January 27, 2012 by TBoneTX