CR-1 vs K3

[sandilove 0]

My fiance (US citizen) and I (filipino), are planning to get married in Philippines.. What's the difference between K3 and CR-1? We have read about both on websites but we'd like to hear from people with experiences.

Which is better to get? which one is faster?

[DarwishAE 19]

The K3 is pretty much obsolete these days since it will be processed at basically the same rate as an i-130 would for a CR-1. In the past the i-130 took much longer to process so K3 visas made sense. But, with a K3 you are not receiving an immigrant visa, therefore you would have to adjust your status in the future to became a permanent resident. That means even more fees and forms.

With the CR-1 you are getting a green card. You will be a lawful permanent resident when you enter the US. Since you will be married less than 2 years there are conditions placed on the immigrant visa you must remove eventually by filing the proper forms.

I thought the K3 was a great way to be able to be with my husband in the US while we waited for the i-130. But then I learned the processing times are the same so it is good to go with the CR-1 so my husband will not have to adjust his status in the future.

[bestofboston 36]

Just file for CR1 visa. Once you obtain the NOA1 for the I-130 (CR1) visa, you can file for I-129 (K3) visa but the K3 will die in the process. Bottom line, just file for CR1 visa because they no longer process K3 visa's.

I was naive at the time and filed both. The money and energy spent on the K3 was a waste of money.

[bigdog 377]

Forget the K3, do a straight filing, good luck.