Just starting the process and so confused

[tatelee 2]

Hi everyone,

So, me and my now fiancee are just looking into all the Visa options, and everything is so confusing! Im not too sure where to post this topic but, after reading through the guides, it seems like the IR-1/CR-1 visa is the best route? I just have a few basic questions....and I apologize, as I am sure they have been asked a million times. I am from Canada and he is American.

1) Which visa is the most recommended: K-1, K-3 or IR-1/CR-1?

2)If we were to apply for the IR-1/CR-1 after we were married, can I move to the states while it is being processed or do I have to wait until I am actually approved? If not, am I able to go to the US to visit or am I stranded in Canada away from him while we await the approval?

3)Is he able to visit me while we are waiting for it to be processed?

4)Do we have to be married in the US, or can we be married in Canada?

5) Are the parameters for visiting while the visa is being processed after marriage the same for the k-3 and the IR-1/CR-1 Visas?

6)I know this is an american immigration website but just wondering if anyone knows if the process is easier for him to immigrate to Canada than me to go to America?

Thank you so much!!

[Divs 35]

Hi everyone,

So, me and my now fiancee are just looking into all the Visa options, and everything is so confusing! Im not too sure where to post this topic but, after reading through the guides, it seems like the IR-1/CR-1 visa is the best route? I just have a few basic questions....and I apologize, as I am sure they have been asked a million times. I am from Canada and he is American.

1) Which visa is the most recommended: K-1, K-3 or IR-1/CR-1?

K3 is pretty much obsolete, so it would be either the K1 or the IR1/CR1. Not really sure which to recommend, but from my experience, I'd go with the IR1/CR1.

2)If we were to apply for the IR-1/CR-1 after we were married, can I move to the states while it is being processed or do I have to wait until I am actually approved? If not, am I able to go to the US to visit or am I stranded in Canada away from him while we await the approval?

You cannot move to the states while it is being processed. Moreover, in all likelihood, you will be denied entry into the country while your immigrant visa is underway.

3)Is he able to visit me while we are waiting for it to be processed?

Yes, there won't be any issues with him visiting you.

4)Do we have to be married in the US, or can we be married in Canada?

You can get married in either of the two countries. What is more important is the marriage certificate, wedding photographs, family presence, etc.

5) Are the parameters for visiting while the visa is being processed after marriage the same for the k-3 and the IR-1/CR-1 Visas?

The K3 visa is pretty much obsolete now.

6)I know this is an american immigration website but just wondering if anyone knows if the process is easier for him to immigrate to Canada than me to go to America?

I'm not qualified enough to answer this question. Apologies.

Thank you so much!!

[RandyN 10]

Hi everyone,

So, me and my now fiancee are just looking into all the Visa options, and everything is so confusing! Im not too sure where to post this topic but, after reading through the guides, it seems like the IR-1/CR-1 visa is the best route? I just have a few basic questions....and I apologize, as I am sure they have been asked a million times. I am from Canada and he is American.

1) Which visa is the most recommended: K-1, K-3 or IR-1/CR-1?

2)If we were to apply for the IR-1/CR-1 after we were married, can I move to the states while it is being processed or do I have to wait until I am actually approved? If not, am I able to go to the US to visit or am I stranded in Canada away from him while we await the approval?

3)Is he able to visit me while we are waiting for it to be processed?

4)Do we have to be married in the US, or can we be married in Canada?

5) Are the parameters for visiting while the visa is being processed after marriage the same for the k-3 and the IR-1/CR-1 Visas?

6)I know this is an american immigration website but just wondering if anyone knows if the process is easier for him to immigrate to Canada than me to go to America?

Thank you so much!!

If you are just engaged, you'll have to do the K-1. The others are for those that are already married.

You can't move to the US until you have the visa, but you, as a Canadian, can visit for up to 6 months in a year

Yes, you can visit, but you'll need to show strong ties to Canada to cross the border. They will know that a petition has been filed on your behalf, so never lie about it.

With a K-1, you'll have to marry in the US. The others, I think you can get married anywhere.

Yes, the same parameters.

Not sure which is easier, but there are a lot of forms for both countries.

[sulhaq 60]

You will have to go the K1 route if you are engaged and the CR-1 route if you are married. If you go the K1 route you will have to marry in the US, and after your marriage it is not advisable to leave the country until your adjustment of status to that of US Permanent Resident has been completed. So, you will be stranded in the US for a few months. If you go the CR-1 route, in all likelihood you will marry in Canada but you will then be stranded in Canada until your CR-1 process completes. K1 takes anywhere from 3-8 months to complete, while CR-1 takes anywhere between 6-12 months on average. Now you can decide which is best for you. I personally recommend K1 if you want to be with your husband as soon as possible. However, remember then that you might not be able to leave the USA after your marriage for a few months. On the other hand, even though CR-1 takes longer than K1, it is much easier to obtain and denial rate is low, since you are already husband and wife. Hope this helps. Good luck.

[RandyN 10]

Here is a thread that might help:

My link

[tatelee 2]

Thanks for your quick answers everyone! They really help a lot!

[sheeshkabelle 153]

Hi everyone,

So, me and my now fiancee are just looking into all the Visa options, and everything is so confusing! Im not too sure where to post this topic but, after reading through the guides, it seems like the IR-1/CR-1 visa is the best route? I just have a few basic questions....and I apologize, as I am sure they have been asked a million times. I am from Canada and he is American.

1) Which visa is the most recommended: K-1, K-3 or IR-1/CR-1?

2)If we were to apply for the IR-1/CR-1 after we were married, can I move to the states while it is being processed or do I have to wait until I am actually approved? If not, am I able to go to the US to visit or am I stranded in Canada away from him while we await the approval?

3)Is he able to visit me while we are waiting for it to be processed?

4)Do we have to be married in the US, or can we be married in Canada?

5) Are the parameters for visiting while the visa is being processed after marriage the same for the k-3 and the IR-1/CR-1 Visas?

6)I know this is an american immigration website but just wondering if anyone knows if the process is easier for him to immigrate to Canada than me to go to America?

Thank you so much!!

1) I'd personally go with getting married then file for a CR-1. Takes a little longer to get an interview, but cheaper in the long run. When your husband comes to the US he will have a green card. No waiting and no more fees for another two years.

2) No. You can visit though!

3) Yes. Canadians are allowed to visit for 180 days with out a visa. Just make sure the visiting spouse brings plenty of evidence they will return to Canada and they are not trying to circumvent the immigration laws.

4) You can be married anywhere in the world with a CR-1. A K-1 you have to get married in the U.S.

5) see 3.

6) There's pros and cons. They both take a long time (9-12 months) and they're both expensive. U.S. immigration is a lot of paperwork. Canadian immigration is one and your done (one form but takes a long time to get through the process)