K-1 or K-3 IR1/CR1 Visa

[lost_at_sea 995]

How long after the issue of green card do you have to travel is it 6 months like the K-1?

If you get the CR-1 visa, you'll have 6 months to use it (enter the USA) from the date you have your medical. You don't technically have the GC until you've entered the USA on that visa.

Once you've entered the USA, the visa will get stamped and will act as a temporary green card (your physical plastic one will arrive a month or two after you've entered so long as you pay the IV fee) and you can leave the USA the same day if you like - you can travel and work straight away. You don't get caught up being stuck in the USA until AP or GC comes through, like K1s do.

[alicia98981 128]

I personally say go with the CR-1. It takes about the same amount of time as the K1, possibly just a little longer. However the benefit of the CR-1 is that you come into the US immediately with all the rights of a green card holder and you get your green card shortly after. What they don't tell you with the K1 is that once you do your adjustment of status, it's still not over. There are still more interviews and fees you have to pay to stay and work legally. When its all said and done, most of the headache is behind you when you enter the country on CR1 status. If you can sacrifice a few months apart, in favor of less paperwork and fees and dealing with US government, I'd say go with the CR1 . . .

[Misha'sgirl 44]

I have no other experience except with the K1 and I support the idea of it--just easy process for the most part. But I can't advise you on the K3 IR1/CR1 which may turn up best for you.. Good luck!

Edited January 7, 2014 by Misha'sgirl

[raven52 233]

In my opinion, I would file the K-1, as I just read an approval on this site after 2 months for the K-1. More times than not it is quicker, and the AOS.,,.., is very easy. My wife arrived in April 24, of this past year, and we are finished. No problems, no interview, no cival surgeon.,.,.,it was so smooth!

But we did have a problem in the Phils. as she failed her chest x-ray, and cost us nearly 3 months, she still was here in 10 months 4 days.

Read this site, read Igor's list, see who is getting approved quicker, from what service center..,.,.,but I remain, K-1! No ddoubts, from us! We had a great wedding, well planned, no problems..,.,

[raven52 233]

What is the most important thing to you, being with your loved one (K-1)or spending a few months going through AOS..,.,.which is very easy, unless you have, problems, with conforming to the requirements?

[JayMain626 21]

If you get the CR-1 visa, you'll have 6 months to use it (enter the USA) from the date you have your medical. You don't technically have the GC until you've entered the USA on that visa.

Once you've entered the USA, the visa will get stamped and will act as a temporary green card (your physical plastic one will arrive a month or two after you've entered so long as you pay the IV fee) and you can leave the USA the same day if you like - you can travel and work straight away. You don't get caught up being stuck in the USA until AP or GC comes through, like K1s do.

Would I be able to travel on the temporary one you mean?

[JayMain626 21]

Also I was reading the CR1 forum would it be advise able to get a housing lease or buy a house before filing the I-130

[nobbie 105]

Thanks Why would you have gone the other way? Just so you could plan the wedding how you wanted it? Or just the fact you can go straight to work and don't have to adjust your status?

Just for the speed of getting a GC and being able to travel and work.

Dont worry at all about travelling on an ESTA while the process is going on, all I had was a return flight, mainly because i never gave it a thought. Would do no harm to have something else but i never needed it even when the CPB bloke could see on his computer I had a K1 petition ongoing.

Planning a wedding is a bit of a nightmare on a K1 if you want family over as I did/do. So we did what many K1's do, quick ceremony in the park with 1/2 dozen people there then we are doing the family and friends thing in the spring.

[JayMain626 21]

Just for the speed of getting a GC and being able to travel and work.

Dont worry at all about travelling on an ESTA while the process is going on, all I had was a return flight, mainly because i never gave it a thought. Would do no harm to have something else but i never needed it even when the CPB bloke could see on his computer I had a K1 petition ongoing.

Planning a wedding is a bit of a nightmare on a K1 if you want family over as I did/do. So we did what many K1's do, quick ceremony in the park with 1/2 dozen people there then we are doing the family and friends thing in the spring.

Thank you

Does anyone know if it makes any differance to the CR1 application where you get married for instance UK or in the US

[NikLR 13,220]

It makes zero difference where you get married. The UK has some weird rules about getting married there though that you'd want to check out.

[JayMain626 21]

Do you know if there's any strange laws in Michigan the would mean our marriage in the UK would not count

[christeen 966]

In the USA married is married (even in Michigan) unless we are dealing with same sex marriages...