K-1 vs. CR-1 and affidavit of support

[Pizzicato 0]

Hello VJ members,

I'm fairly new to the group and am hoping for some advice on the K-1 vs. the CR-1. I like how the CR-1 allows my foreign spouse the right to work and travel immediately. On the other hand, I like how the K-1 gives us at least a short window in which we can be together in the US prior to getting married (she won't be able to get a tourist visa). If it's clear that we're just not working out here, we could possibly call off the marriage before I legally obligate myself to support her with the I-864 (I assume the I-134 affidavit of support, included with the K-1 application, would also be void if we don't marry, since she would have to leave the country).

Am I thinking the right way about this? I'm not predicting that my relationship would fail in the US, I just want to be a realist.

[pddp 240]

Would you be willing to quit your job, sell your home, pack up all your belongings, say goodbye to your family and friends and move to another country for a 90-day trial period during which your fiance(e) can decide if s/he wants to keep you or not?

[Pizzicato 0]

Would you be willing to quit your job, sell your home, pack up all your belongings, say goodbye to your family and friends and move to another country for a 90-day trial period during which your fiance(e) can decide if s/he wants to keep you or not?

Actually, I was thinking the 90-day K-1 period would be an opportunity for us to "try out" each other. Who knows--she may discover that her feelings toward me have changed, or that life in the US has lost its appeal, or that she misses her friends and family too much to be apart from them. This is a big deal for her, I get it. But it is for me, too--worst case, besides any emotional damage, I could potentially end up supporting an ex-spouse for the cost of benefits at 125% of the poverty level for the next 10 years. The K-1 window gives us a little time to get to know each other better before we make this important decision.

But having said that, I'm not convinced it's the best way to go and am open to hearing other ideas. Whatever path I go down, the ultimate goal is a fulfilling relationship for both of us.

[pddp 240]

It sounds like your relationship is not (yet?) at a stage where you should be thinking about marriage and you probably need to spend more time getting to know each other.