Does pregnancy make the K1 process any easier or faster?

[Birzun 0]

I am American. My fiancee is Canadian and pregnant. We've been together for almost 5 years. We've been wanting to start the K1 process for a while now, but there have been money issues. I think I've read that the total K1 process from start to marriage can take 2 years or so. I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application and might hasten the process? I just want to be a family as quickly as possible at this point. I can't travel there often enough to see them. Is there any shot we could be living together by the time she has the baby (probably about 8 months from now)?

Also, what about WHERE the baby is born? We plan to both live in the US as soon as we can. If the baby is born in Canada, will it be difficult for them both to move here through the K1 process? Please feel free to give me as much information as possible. Thanks!

[Girl from Celebes 588]

I am American. My fiancee is Canadian and pregnant. We've been together for almost 5 years. We've been wanting to start the K1 process for a while now, but there have been money issues. I think I've read that the total K1 process from start to marriage can take 2 years or so. I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application and might hasten the process? I just want to be a family as quickly as possible at this point. I can't travel there often enough to see them. Is there any shot we could be living together by the time she has the baby (probably about 8 months from now)?

Also, what about WHERE the baby is born? We plan to both live in the US as soon as we can. If the baby is born in Canada, will it be difficult for them both to move here through the K1 process? Please feel free to give me as much information as possible. Thanks!

Nope. Pregnancy can't use to expedite the process.

K-1 visa processing time from I-129F to approval is vary. Some people took only a few months and some others took years (when they were in AP). In average, it usually take less than a year.

[TBoneTX 47,521]

I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application and might hasten the process?

Welcome to the forum! The answer to the above is no; all that it proves is that someone got someone else pregnant. DNA results might or might not be required. A CRBA (consular record of birth abroad) might be required. There are other variables.

Personal caution: If you think that you have money troubles now, just wait till the baby arrives.

[Pitaya 2,577]

I am American. My fiancee is Canadian and pregnant. We've been together for almost 5 years. We've been wanting to start the K1 process for a while now, but there have been money issues. I think I've read that the total K1 process from start to marriage can take 2 years or so. I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application and might hasten the process? Does not make any difference, if it did there would be a lot more pregnant fiancees. Additionally, it will add another person to your household for affidavit of support purposes . I just want to be a family as quickly as possible at this point. I can't travel there often enough to see them. Is there any shot we could be living together by the time she has the baby (probably about 8 months from now)? Read pinned thread, Yes You Can Visit, at the top of the forum page. Keep in mind that this whole process is on their time line, not yours.

Also, what about WHERE the baby is born? We plan to both live in the US as soon as we can. If the baby is born in Canada, will it be difficult for them both to move here through the K1 process? If the baby is born in Canada, look at CRBA, the child would be USC. Suggest that you read up on CRBA. Please feel free to give me as much information as possible. Thanks!

Welcome to the forum.

Take this opportunity to learn more about the immigration process, located at the top of the forum page. Suggest that you figure out the costs of immigration processes, it is not cheap. Check in at the Canada Regional Forum for more Canada-specific info.

Good luck on your immigration journey.

[msbau764 245]

Welcome to the forum! The answer to the above is no; all that it proves is that someone got someone else pregnant. DNA results might or might not be required. A CRBA (consular record of birth abroad) might be required. There are other variables.

Personal caution: If you think that you have money troubles now, just wait till the baby arrives.

that is very vague.

If you want the latest crib, latest clothes and most up-to-date gadgets for your baby, yeah it will be pretty expensive.

No healthcare = expensive.

Sick baby = expensive.

daycare = very expensive

Generally speaking, asumming the baby is relatively healthy, costs tend to go up when kids go to school and/or need daycare. Newborns are "cheap" so to speak.

full disclosure: my info is based on redditors and parents.

[d3adc0d3 186]

The K1 (fiance visa) process typically takes 6-10 months (excluding exceptions and countries with a high fraud rate). After that, there's the AOS (another $1070) and if you're married less than 2 years after that it's another $590 to lift conditions on your wife's GC.

The CR1 (spousal visa) process takes about 8-14 months (excluding exceptions and countries with a high fraud rate). After that if you're married less than 2 years at the point of GC issuance (once she enters the US on the CR-1 visa), you'll need to lift conditions on your wife's GC.

You'll likely need a DNA test and to file the CRBA (Consular Report of a Birth Abroad), so the child can be considered a US Citizen.

If finances are more the concern than getting your fiance to the US, I would suggest the CR1 route. Cheaper in the long run and you two can plan the wedding on your own timeline.

[msbau764 245]

The K1 (fiance visa) process typically takes 6-10 months (excluding exceptions and countries with a high fraud rate). After that, there's the AOS (another $1070) and if you're married less than 2 years after that it's another $590 to lift conditions on your wife's GC.

The CR1 (spousal visa) process takes about 8-14 months (excluding exceptions and countries with a high fraud rate). After that if you're married less than 2 years at the point of GC issuance (once she enters the US on the CR-1 visa), you'll need to lift conditions on your wife's GC.

You'll likely need a DNA test and to file the CRBA (Consular Report of a Birth Abroad), so the child can be considered a US Citizen.

If finances are more the concern than getting your fiance to the US, I would suggest the CR1 route. Cheaper in the long run and you two can plan the wedding on your own timeline.

when you say DNA Test, you are referring to babies that are already born. Is that correct?

[baron555 934]

I am American. My fiancee is Canadian and pregnant. We've been together for almost 5 years. We've been wanting to start the K1 process for a while now, but there have been money issues. I think I've read that the total K1 process from start to marriage can take 2 years or so.

Wrong, figure about 10 months.

I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application

Not really, it's only proof something happened under the covers, doesn't do anything on it's own about the legitimacy of the relationship.

and might hasten the process?

No affect at all.

I just want to be a family as quickly as possible at this point. I can't travel there often enough to see them. Is there any shot we could be living together by the time she has the baby (probably about 8 months from now)?

Yes, is you file today.

Also, what about WHERE the baby is born? We plan to both live in the US as soon as we can. If the baby is born in Canada, will it be difficult for them both to move here through the K1 process?

No

Please feel free to give me as much information as possible. Thanks!

[d3adc0d3 186]

when you say DNA Test, you are referring to babies that are already born. Is that correct?

Yes, it's for the CRBA.

In addition if your partner has the child in Canada, if you file the CRBA, than the child is a US citizen. Please read through this.

Edited November 5, 2014 by d3adc0d3

[YouAndMeForever 1,022]

I am American. My fiancee is Canadian and pregnant. We've been together for almost 5 years. We've been wanting to start the K1 process for a while now, but there have been money issues. I think I've read that the total K1 process from start to marriage can take 2 years or so. I guess if we're having a baby or have had a baby, the "proof" of the relationship should be pretty easy for the application and might hasten the process? I just want to be a family as quickly as possible at this point. I can't travel there often enough to see them. Is there any shot we could be living together by the time she has the baby (probably about 8 months from now)?

Also, what about WHERE the baby is born? We plan to both live in the US as soon as we can. If the baby is born in Canada, will it be difficult for them both to move here through the K1 process? Please feel free to give me as much information as possible. Thanks!

Being pregnant doesn't make a difference, you will be treated like everyone else.

No matter where the baby is born, s/he will be automatically a U.S. citizen because you're the father.

Here is a useful link about "Birth of U.S. citizens abroad" that you might wanna check out:

http://travel.state.gov/content/passports/english/abroad/events-and-records/birth.html

Edited November 5, 2014 by YouAndMeForever

[Pitaya 2,577]

when you say DNA Test, you are referring to babies that are already born. Is that correct?

It would very likely be the case in that you are filing a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and applying for a US Passport for the newborn child. Check out this VJ Forum for more information: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/154-consular-reports-of-birth-abroad-crba/

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/212239.pdf

[d3adc0d3 186]

It would very likely be the case in that you are filing a Consular Report of Birth Abroad (CRBA), and applying for a US Passport for the newborn child. Check out this VJ Forum for more information: http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/154-consular-reports-of-birth-abroad-crba/

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/212239.pdf

heh... you and I typed this up at the same time (me editing my post).

[Birzun 0]

Wow, you guys rock. Such detailed replies in such a short time span. We don't have much in savings and with the hollidays rolling around, that doesn't seem to improve very much anytime soon. I'll discuss all this with her and we'll make a decision from there. I'll keep this page favorited and hopefully update you guys eventually. Thank you so much!

[LiliBurd 85]

Something else to consider... Where does she want to give birth? If you go the K-1 route and she moves in with you before she has the baby, she will probably not be able to go back to Canada to deliver because she will still be adjusting her status.

If you can easily travel to her for visits and be there for the delivery perhaps it would be better to start the process now, as it can take a while, but only finalize everything and have her move after the baby is born. That way she can take advantage of free healthcare, be followed by the same doctors, and not put herself through the stress of moving.

Just something to consider.

Congratulations! and Good luck!

[moemac59 193]

Something else to consider... Where does she want to give birth? If you go the K-1 route and she moves in with you before she has the baby, she will probably not be able to go back to Canada to deliver because she will still be adjusting her status.

If you can easily travel to her for visits and be there for the delivery perhaps it would be better to start the process now, as it can take a while, but only finalize everything and have her move after the baby is born. That way she can take advantage of free healthcare, be followed by the same doctors, and not put herself through the stress of moving.

Just something to consider.

Congratulations! and Good luck!

Amen LilliBurd. I say take advantage of the Canadian Healthcare system instead of giving birth in the US...save yourself and her the money.