Older Couple, Canadian Beneficiary [split topic]

[PhilM 1]

Trying to figure out the best option for us given our situation based on this information.  My girlfriend is Canadian and I'm from the US.  I'm retired with a pension and she is due to retire very soon with a pension so being able to work in the US is not a concern.  Where and when we get married is not a concern either.  It would be nice to save money, but our main concern is being able to spend as much time together while going through the K-1 or CR1 process- both of which are clearly lengthy.  (Love blooms eternal even in your older years, lol.) It appears that the CR1 would allow us to visit each other throughout the process, but I understand that she must return to Canada after our marriage and I must petition for her with a spousal visa. Any idea how long this petition would take? It appears that via the K1, we could be together in both countries while going through the application process as long as we keep track of the 6 month cumulative time she spends in the US as we do now.  When we cross the US border, she would produce the valid documentation recommended on this website to prove her ties to Canada. We would also have the K-1 process paperwork on hand to show that our truthful intention is to legally get her a green card which is the case. Although I know we could be subject to "interrogation"  when crossing into the US, it appears that the K-1 process is the better option for us. However, I would appreciate comments from those of you that can speak from experience in case I'm missing something.  Thanks in advance.  

[Orangesapples 1,954]

4 hours ago, PhilM said:

Trying to figure out the best option for us given our situation based on this information.  My girlfriend is Canadian and I'm from the US.  I'm retired with a pension and she is due to retire very soon with a pension so being able to work in the US is not a concern.  Where and when we get married is not a concern either.  It would be nice to save money, but our main concern is being able to spend as much time together while going through the K-1 or CR1 process- both of which are clearly lengthy.  (Love blooms eternal even in your older years, lol.) It appears that the CR1 would allow us to visit each other throughout the process, but I understand that she must return to Canada after our marriage and I must petition for her with a spousal visa. Any idea how long this petition would take? It appears that via the K1, we could be together in both countries while going through the application process as long as we keep track of the 6 month cumulative time she spends in the US as we do now.  When we cross the US border, she would produce the valid documentation recommended on this website to prove her ties to Canada. We would also have the K-1 process paperwork on hand to show that our truthful intention is to legally get her a green card which is the case. Although I know we could be subject to "interrogation"  when crossing into the US, it appears that the K-1 process is the better option for us. However, I would appreciate comments from those of you that can speak from experience in case I'm missing something.  Thanks in advance.  

If working doesn't matter, K1 will be faster. Is it important for her to be able to travel to Canada immediately? If not, K1 is good enough. Also, is it important for her to be able to drive? In certain states you can't get a license without a valid EAD or a green card. Check your state's DMV website to see what documents are required. 

[PhilM 1]

Thanks for your input.  She won't need to travel back to Canada for a few months after I submit the I-129F. Then we'll go to Canada for a few months in the summer to stay at her place while we wait for the NOA2 and the request for her to submit info to the US Consulate.  Then we'll return to the US and wait for the Visa.  Driving in the US in the interim will not be an issue.  So overall, it looks like the K-1 Fiance Visa is our best option.  

[NikLR 13,227]

K1 has the adjustment of status afterwards.  That is what the previous poster was referring to.  The k1 is almost twice as expensive and almost twice as long to green card.  During the AOS stage the beneficiary cannot travel or often do much without the petitioner since they often cannot have a driver's license until they recieve their EAD about 4-6 months after filing for the AOS.  You cant just look at the K1 without also looking at the adjustment of status.