Cr1 - the right choice?

[pcubes99 20]

I've been pretty set on going the k1 route but the latest research is making me question it a bit.

 

Backstory:

I'm a us citizen and my girlfriend of 6 years was denied entry and sent back to her home country, Taiwan. Customs said it was because she used esta too often and on the transcript, she admitted to using esta to stay in the US to get married. 

I wanted to go with k1 since it would be faster to get her here but I'm worried her k1 will be denied simple because she said she was planning on getting married with using an esta.

 

I meet the requirements for cr1, but besides taking longer, is there other disadvantages with the cr1 in my case?

 

The risk should be lower with the cr1 or am I also being too optimistic?

 

 

[Roel 7,191]

K1 is not that much faster than CR1 visa.

CR1 visa has more advantages, like no AOS and the spouse can work/travel upon entry. With K1 there is long wait before spouse receive work permit/travel permit/green card.

 

Neither K1 or CR1 would be denied because of the ESTA being refused. It has 0 impact.

[Roel 7,191]

@missileman another opportunity for you to post your awesome K1/CR1 comparison post. 😛

[pcubes99 20]

Please post or is there a link I can find?

[Crazy Cat 39,363]

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1
    Slightly faster arrival in the US (currently about 5 months sooner)    
    More expensive than CR-1    
    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)    
    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 5-6 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 5-6 months)    
    Some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period    
    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.

  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (currently about 5 months later)

    Less expensive than K-1    
    No Adjustment of Status(I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    
    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    
    Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    
    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card within 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US    
    Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

    Spouse has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US.
   

 

[Ryan H 3,791]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration forum.