Should we choose a K-1 visa or the K-3 visa?

[Tia_24 1]

Hey everyone.

 

I live in Canada and my SO lives in America. 

We're trying to figure out which process would be best for us to go with, and are looking for whichever one causes us to not be away from each other for very long/at all.

I'm trying to wrap my head around all the visa's and processes here, and we were thinking of the K-1 visa but it seemed like such a long process before we can finally give notice on my home and have me move over there with him and start a life together.

Would it be easier for him to come visit me here in Canada, us to get married here, and file for a 1-130/ k-3 visa so I can go back to America and be with him right away?

Is there any process that doesn't require us to be away from each other and put life on hold for so long?

Thank you!

 

[p-ana 933]

You already have a post about the same thing?

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

Feel like this has been asked so many times.....

 

K-3 is rarely used. it would be a CR-1.....

 

 

And either visa process you can technically visit and stay(as long as I-94 permits) in the US together while it is processing. Just have to go back for the interview/medical phase.

 

 

[s + j 71]

And I-130 takes way longer, approx 12 months. K-1 takes less than that usually. I think average is 6 months, mine was 4 months. There is no "be together right away" option available.

 

K-3 is obsolete. 

Edited March 29, 2017 by s + j

[geowrian 22,337]

As others noted, K-3 is obsolete. It would turn into a CR-1 anyway.

 

A K-1 would take about 6-8 months on average currently. A CR-1 is taking around a year currently.

 

If the goal is to minimize time apart, then a K-1 is probably the way to go. But K-1 is a more expensive and complex process, and does not grant a work permit or ability to re-enter the US after entry. That will come about 3-4 months after getting married in the US and filing for AOS. A CR-1 would let your SO work immediately after entry, and can travel abroad and re-enter the US.

[milimelo 4,503]

~Two identical duplicate topics removed. Per VJ terms, don't post more than one thread on the same issue. ~

 

VJ moderation 

[Leafsfan 54]

8 hours ago, Tia_24 said:

Hey everyone.

 

I live in Canada and my SO lives in America. 

We're trying to figure out which process would be best for us to go with, and are looking for whichever one causes us to not be away from each other for very long/at all.

I'm trying to wrap my head around all the visa's and processes here, and we were thinking of the K-1 visa but it seemed like such a long process before we can finally give notice on my home and have me move over there with him and start a life together.

Would it be easier for him to come visit me here in Canada, us to get married here, and file for a 1-130/ k-3 visa so I can go back to America and be with him right away?

Is there any process that doesn't require us to be away from each other and put life on hold for so long?

Thank you!

 

As mentioned by other posters, K3 is obsolete.

 

My experience is pretty recent, and had my CR1 case approved in 6 months (filed July 2016, Interviewed January 2017). When I was in the waiting room for my medical, I had the opportunity to speak with a K1 applicant and his wait was about the same length as mine. The interview is going to be in Montreal for either option, and you're going to need a medical exam done either way. K applicants need to adjust their status after getting married (another form and filing fee), and I've read that 3-4 months is the average wait time for their work permit. I had my social in the mail a week after entering at a POE. Which visa is best is ultimately up to you and your situation. Whichever course you go, you can still enter the US as a tourist on a B2 to visit your SO.

[TBoneTX 45,537]

This thread is locked -- OP has one that's now in the "What Visa Do I Need" forum.

Do NOT start any new threads on this or similar topics, at risk of spamming the forums.