K1 visa abroad

[yoshi5462 1]

Hello! I am new to this forum/ website so forgive me if I am placing this question in the wrong location or if this has been asked before.

A little background, I am a USC living and working abroad in Japan and I am engaged to a Japanese citizen. We would really like to start a life back in the states as soon as possible. Since my main concern is doing the fastest process I know that Japan no longer has DCF and I have researched a lot about the K1 visa but I still have a few questions. I plan on using my mother's address for the process and my brother for a co-sponor. I have filed all of my taxes so I do not have to worry about that.

1) Is it possible to stay in Japan with my fiance while the K1 visa is being processed (We really do not want to separate and would like to return to America at the same time). Has anyone experienced this process while staying abroad?

2) If the K1 process is possible from abroad would these documents be enough to prove re-establishing domicile: drivers license, active American bank account, affidavit stating that we will stay with my mother until we find an apartment, estimation of moving costs from a moving company, proof of job applications?

3) I know that another option would be to marry in Japan and file CR-1 but it is my understanding that the K1 visa is faster, is this still true?

Thank you for all of your help! I really appreciate it!

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum~

~Inquiry about family visas~

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

1. yes, we have several VJers on here doing that,

2. yes, that sounds solid.

3. yes-ish; CR-1 petitions filed from abroad even when there is no DCF, are often auto expedited, and wit the K1, how fast your case will be processed depends a lot on the service center your case gets routed to. But yeah, overall the K1 is still faster.

[yoshi5462 1]

Thank you for your help!!