K1 Process is it right for me? Need help!

[geowrian 22,335]

All 3 would be taken into consideration. That doesn't mean they would all be combined in that consideration, though. The CO does not have an obligation to treat them as combined like the I-864.

[Matthew F 0]

9 minutes ago, geowrian said:

All 3 would be taken into consideration. That doesn't mean they would all be combined in that consideration, though. The CO does not have an obligation to treat them as combined like the I-864.

Okay thank you

[JFH 12,189]

Goodness! Slow down! You're 18 and have never even met face-to-face and you're talking about her parents making a contract with the government which could last many years (that's what the I-864 is, which is needed for AOS if you do the K-1 or for the CR-1). Go and visit, see if things even work out, get to know each other much better than you do already and then think about the next steps. I know it probably all sounds very exciting and exotic right now to have an American "girlfriend" and potentially the chance to live in the US and I'm sure a lot of your mates are jealous but there's a lot more to this than what you see in films. 

 

Whichever visa path you eventually take, it will cost a few thousand. With the K-1, not only does it cost a lot more than a CR-1 but you also will find yourself unable to work for several months. Call me old-fashioned, but I don't think married couples should be relying on parents to support them. If you're mature enough to get married then you should be paying your own way. If that means waiting and saving, so be it. The CR-1 would be far better so that you can earn your own keep from day one and not rely on the bank of mum and dad. 

[Alan&Rachelle 18]

My husband and I are both weeks away from our 21st birthdays but we met online and started a relationship when we were both 17. (Born 20 days apart in the same year.) I'm the US Citizen.

We applied for the K-1 Visa when we were both 19 after spending a total of five months together in person and we married at 20. By the time we had the wedding, we'd had well over seven months together of in person time. My husband was approved for his green card last week.

Honestly, I believe that the K-1 option was the best one for us and our situation was very similar to what yours is now. My dad was my cosponsor for the Affidavit of Support and we were approved without any issues for both the visa and the green card. We now both have jobs and make enough to live on and save up. Spending more time together in person besides the ten days might make your case stronger in the case of applying for the K-1 (and I would DEFINITELY do it before marrying if possible) but you're from a very low-fraud country and people are approved with low amounts of in person time all the time. If this is the path that you're seriously considering, I would do research into the K1 guides on this website and begin gathering evidence of a legitimate relationship. (Call logs, screenshots of you both on skype together, messages) When we sent out our K1 petition, it was at least 100 pages full of documents, relationship proof, and official forms so it's better to prepare early.

Best of luck to you and your girlfriend! Enjoy your visit together!

Edited September 27, 2017 by Alan&Rachelle

[Salty2305 504]

Please listen to all of the advice that you are being given. This process is stressful and expensive, if you cannot even visit each other until next year then how are you planning to pay for your medicals, visa fees etc? We all understand having a LDR and wanting to be together in person but you have to be really sensible and realistic about your plans. Just getting her parents to satisfy the income requirements on paper doesn't negate the need for you to think about where will you live, who's going to pay for your food and utilities, what are you planning to do for work, how will you get health insurance? etc.

 

Personally I would recommend as others have that you make an effort to spend as much time in person as possible before considering applying for the CR-1 Visa. If you get to that point, then you need to do a lot of research to understand the entirety of the process and this website is a great way to start. If I didn't have the option to stay at home, then that it is the route I would've gone down as well. 

[Crazy Cat 39,213]

I suggest you take a very close look at the CR-1 vs the K-1.

 

The CR-1 results in a Green Card within about 3 weeks of entering the US.

The CR-1 allows you to work immediately after entry into the US.

The CR-1 is much less expensive than K-1.

The CR-1 allows you to travel outside the US after receiving your Green Card

 

The K-1 requires you to file additional paperwork, evidence (AOS).  It results in a Green Card months and months after entering the US.

The K-1 does not allow you to work after entering the US.  You must file for additional EAD paperwork with the AOS .  Processing time until you can legally work is about 4-6 months.  (This, alone, is a huge factor for many couples).

The K-1 is much more expensive than the CR-1....quite a bit more

The K-1 does not allow you to leave the US after marriage until you receive permission via Advance Parole (additional paperwork submitted with EAD documents).  Processing time is 4-6 months.  Leaving the US prior to approval for A/P can be seen as abandoning your legal status in the US.

 

Both the CR-1 and K-1 result in a Green Card, but the processes are very different.

Good Luck in your journey..

 

[Prystine 184]

Ahh, to be 18 and in love.

 

1st off, slow down, you're both only 18 and you haven't even met in person yet. As exciting as it may be right now, an online relationship can be very very different once you spend some actual time together. You both should finish your studies, get jobs, and visit each other more then once for some actual quality time together 1st before jumping into marriage. The immigration process is neither easy, fast nor cheap (you will end up paying $5000+ for this process). Please slow down and take your time and if you still want to jump in with both feet, just due your due diligence and read the processes and guides for the full process, it doesn't just end with the K1/CR1, that is just the starting point.

[Dutchster 1,106]

While I have nothing against marrying at a "young" age, I will always advise -before jumping into marriage- to make at least a couple of visits and see if all goes well. It's not always the same as the internet, or over Skype. Just a little factor.  Marriage is a big commitment, remember that.

I'd say, finish your degree, let her become more financially stable than she is now. There is nothing against joint sponsors but people tend to forget what you are actually asking from them. Until you're a US Citizen, they will be on the hook for you - even when you divorce. 

Start comparing. Look and see what is the best for the both of you, but mostly you. I agree with what multiple posters already said, CR-1 is such a better option. I went for K-1 in 2016 but I was financially -and overall- dependent on my husband from July till May.  Can't lie, it was tough. Good luck in your journey, OP. 

Edit: And I'd say, you both should start working before this whole process. Not only to afford the whole process, but it's advisable to have some savings for when you're there just in case. Migrating is expensive. 

Edited September 27, 2017 by Dutchster