K-1 versus K-3

[mikeolga2012 0]

My fiancee and I are considering getting married in Kazakhstan this Summer when I visit her for two weeks. Will it be easier to get approval for her and her children by applying for a K-1 or a K-3 Visa? She was told that a K-3 would be easier to get approval and could be done quicker than the K-1. Anyone have insight on this? It would be great (and a miracle) if we could have her and the children return with me in July. I have found that attorneys and paperwork can be done quickly in Kazakhstan for a price.

I plan to travel to Astana and Almaty with her and her family - soon to be my family, spending the last week traveling ourselves on a "Honeymoon" to Charyn Canyon, Almaty, and Bayanoul, traveling by train to see her country. Any ideas of places to visit pass along to us.

On my trip to KZ, I have a 10 hour layover in Kiev. Is it practical to apply for Ukraine Visa to trvael around Kiev for a few hours since it may be a long time (if ever) I visit there again. Input?

Michael

[Inky 1,111]

The K-1 is easier because the K-3 is obsolete and no longer used. So you really have only 1 choice there lol. If you want to go the spousal route you go CR-1.

[feli114 65]

ki is a fiance visa. If you get married, then you cant file the k1

[Ryan H 3,925]

On my trip to KZ, I have a 10 hour layover in Kiev. Is it practical to apply for Ukraine Visa to trvael around Kiev for a few hours since it may be a long time (if ever) I visit there again. Input?

US Citizens do not require a visa for Ukraine for stays less than 90 days in a 180 day period.

[MissAAA 9]

I hear K1 is faster

[Adriene H 89]

K-3 is pretty much an obsolete visa

[Kitten & Lion 0]

My fiancee and I are considering getting married in Kazakhstan this Summer when I visit her for two weeks. Will it be easier to get approval for her and her children by applying for a K-1 or a K-3 Visa?

///

Anna and I, are having that exact same discussion !

with transportation costs, and difficulty of visitor visas,

the only way her Parents would be able to attend the wedding,

is if we have it in Kazakhstan, probably in July.

-

from what i read, on FAQ's on this great site, the CR-1

(since the K-3 has gone away)

would require about 3 months longer on average, but,

it would be about $1000 cheaper.

...my biggest worry thought, is how to prove a true marriage,

with joint property etc, when you have never lived together?

so, i'm still considering the K-1.

(plus, i want her here sooner, even if it costs more!)

[Kitten & Lion 0]

but obviously, if the K-3 has gone away, and you get married,

then, your only option, is the CR-1.

(since she would be your wife, not fiancee.)

-

in which case, you'd probably get her and the children to the USA,

maybe early next year, judging by other timelines.

-

also, even if she has full custody, you still need permission,

from the Father for them to leave. He needs to sign a form.

Best Wishes!

[mikeolga2012 0]

Well my trip is nearing and we are waiting on our NOA2 to arrive. Alot of good advice from everyone and I greatly appreciate that. I read that if Olga and I get married before our K-1 is complete, then we start over from zero. My question is this: I was told in the Orthodox religion there is usually two weddings, the church wedding and the civil (legal) wedding. Would it jeapordize our K-1 by having the religious ceremony for her family? And then legally get married her in the States after she arrives.

[bigdog 377]

A wedding is a wedding, the advantage to the CR1 is she will come with a GC, less expensive, saves an another filing for AOS and an interview. We did K1 would have done a cr1 instead. Personal choice.

[Harpa Timsah 13,263]

Would it jeapordize our K-1 by having the religious ceremony for her family?

Yes. You must be unmarried, in all ways, shapes, and forms, when the K-1 beneficiary enters in the US on a K-1 visa. If the consulate considers your religious wedding a real one (and I think they would... you are married in the eyes of god), then her visa will be denied. If it was important for you to get married in KZ, then a spousal visa would be appropriate for you. A K-1 is to get married in the US, only!

Edited June 30, 2012 by Harpa Timsah