IR or K-1 visa which one works fastest?

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I went to school with my boyfriend and I moved to the states later. We met and started talking. I went to visit family and I visited him while there then we officially started dating.

We are making plans of getting married but i don't know which one will make the immigration process quicker.

if we do the K-1, we don't have any pics together (my mistake!!).

I need some advise on what to do.

I am still in school and he will be applying to school to do his masters but we both don't plan on living in the states permanently.

Thank you guys!

[KLS2010 30]

Umm.... if you are not planning on living in the states permanently, then why do you need a visa? Unless you mean you both want to live in the US for now, but at some stage in the future may want to move to another country.

There is nothing cheap, quick or easy about either a K1 or a CR-1 visa. Both have their advantages and disadvantages. Check out the guides here on VJ to see which one would be the best for you.

Strictly speaking though, the K1 is generally a couple of months quicker than the CR-1, but requires more paperwork to be filed after the marriage takes place in the US. And keep in mind that the beneficiary that enters on a K1 will not be able to work straight away either.

If I'm reading this right, you are the US citizen? And you are still a student? Also keep in mind that you will have to be able to prove you can support your partner, or you will have to get a co-sponsor that can.

[midge and isi 8]

In Ghana K-1 moves much quicker- I guess the question is if its worth it all if you are not planning on staying in the USA.

[John Dam Dam 4]

K1 is faster I guess.

[C-ma'am 684]

You need to keep in mind that, unfortunately, your country is considered a High Fraud Risk Country... and the petition for you will require LOTS of evidence that you've met and that you are a couple. Not having pictures, may play against you. You may want to head over to the regional area and read on this and ask the specific questions.

The consulate from Ghana is a very tough one, and your decision may be based on the evidence you'll have to present.

Both visas take roughly the same, and this is IF everything goes smoothly without any RFE (Request for Evidence). With the K1 you will have to file for Adjustment of Status after you get married, and with the CR1 you'll get your greencard (and ability to work) as soon as you come into the country. Overall, the K1 is a little more expensive.

You have some reading to do

EDIT: Oh yeah, and if you are not planning to stay in the US, either one of these visas may not be for you at this time. Once you are a Permanent Resident, you cannot be out of the US for certain periods of time at the risk of losing your residency.

Edited June 21, 2012 by Celeste & C

[Bryan and Isabel 29]

Its not really a matter of which one is faster than the other, yea sure we all want to be with our fiancees and the ones we love , thats why we are here! Do you really think people would choose the slower one by choice?? No, its a matter of which one works BEST for you and your partner. All the responses above are correct, The K-1 does move a little faster but the paperwork is tedious and must be done correctly the first time or will cause delays. The CR-1 is good as well it just requires you to spend a good amount of time in Ghana to get married there ( and depending on the type of marriage you need money up front ).

Either way, We are all playing the waiting game here. The winners are the ones who have patience, Good Things are worth waiting for.

GOOD LUCK!

[IcezMan_IcezLady 582]

I have read through all the replies..and i thank you guys.

I think we will do the marriage. I mentioned that we won't make the states our permanent residency but i have student loans to pay before I leave so we will living here for a while before doing the move.

I will keep reading more and I will y'all updated.Thanks for the help...

[usaind 3]

K1 is usually couple of months faster than CR1 , but it depends on case by case.

Read your consulate reviews before u decide on one, that is very important

[jaycali 415]

Depends what you mean faster.

From initial filing to visa in hand, the K-1 route is approx. 4 - 6 weeks faster.

From initial filing to green card, the CR-1 route is approx. 4 - 5 months faster.

Edited June 21, 2012 by jaejayC

[Zee Bee 61]

If you don't have pictures now but plan on visiting him in the future you can file the K-1.

Pictures are not required for the initial filing; you need to prove that you have met sometime in the past 2 years and you can do that with passport stamps, boarding passes, etc.

When we filed we did not have any pictures to send with the petition and we were approved with no problem. I had a visit between the filing and interview and we took pictures then to submit at the interview.