Which is better to file a K1 or a K3

[Slim2484 1]

Hello everyone,

 

me and my fiance are new to the process and we are seeking to file for him to come and stay with me here in the U.S. we are trying to figure out which visa is best for filing K1 or K3 considering trump has passed new laws we want to make sure we file for the best and quickest visa.

[Just Paul 4,591]

K3 isn't processed any more.   Either a K1 or spousal.  See the guides.

[Slim2484 1]

3 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

K3 isn't processed any more.   Either a K1 or spousal.  See the guides.

Thanks for the response it is now called CR1 correct? Is that what the spousal is?

[Just Paul 4,591]

Just now, Slim2484 said:

Thanks for the response it is now called CR1 correct? Is that what the spousal is?

Yes the CR1

[Just Paul 4,591]

They both have their own advantages and disadvantages.   One is faster, one is cheaper, one makes you wait to work and travel and the other gives you that right away.

[Slim2484 1]

2 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

They both have their own advantages and disadvantages.   One is faster, one is cheaper, one makes you wait to work and travel and the other gives you that right away.

I have done research but what my fiance is saying is that after the new law passed he says that they arent issuing cubans K1 visas and right now and if so it will take a long time to obtain one when it is suppose to be the fastest route, He also says marrying in Cuba is a faster route which i assume is the CR1 way.

[Just Paul 4,591]

2 minutes ago, Slim2484 said:

I have done research but what my fiance is saying is that after the new law passed he says that they arent issuing cubans K1 visas and right now and if so it will take a long time to obtain one when it is suppose to be the fastest route, He also says marrying in Cuba is a faster route which i assume is the CR1 way.

There is no new immigration laws.  Other than the consulate being closed and recreational travel limited, you are misinformed.

[Slim2484 1]

1 minute ago, Paul & Mary said:

There is no new immigration laws.  Other than the consulate being closed and recreational travel limited, you are misinformed.

So you would agree that the K1 is the best way to go ? Instead of marrying in Cuba also have you heard of any recent couples who filed for a K1 visa with a cuban recently and got approved ?

[Just Paul 4,591]

17 minutes ago, Slim2484 said:

have you heard of any recent couples who filed for a K1 visa with a cuban recently and got approved

There is a great search tool here.    For K1's there have been at least 20 members that got NOA1s vs 3 Spousal this year.

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=4&op2=d&op3=1&op4=2&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,

210,211&op6=All&op66=All&op7=Cuba&dfile=No&adv=0

 

 

21 minutes ago, Slim2484 said:

So you would agree that the K1 is the best way to go ?

 

It is up to you.  We decided on CR1 because it gave her travel and work right away versus waiting 6 to 8 more months for the permits and another 6 months or so for the Green Card.   The CR1 was cheaper in the long run.  We were also living in Mexico so we weren't apart and were able to the the DCF option. 

[Slim2484 1]

3 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

There is a great search tool here.    For K1's there have been at least 20 members that got NOA1s vs 3 Spousal this year.

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?cfl=0&op1=4&op2=d&op3=1&op4=2&op5=5,6,8,10,11,13,14,15,16,17,18,20,21,22,25,26,27,28,108,110,111,208,

210,211&op6=All&op66=All&op7=Cuba&dfile=No&adv=0

 

 

 

It is up to you.  We decided on CR1 because it gave her travel and work right away versus waiting 6 to 8 more months for the permits and another 6 months or so for the Green Card.   The CR1 was cheaper in the long run.  We were also living in Mexico so we weren't apart and were able to the the DCF option. 

how much did it come out to if you don't mind me asking .

[Ryan H 3,791]

Moved from K1 Progress Reports to What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration forum.

[Just Paul 4,591]

6 minutes ago, Slim2484 said:

how much did it come out to if you don't mind me asking .

$1,360 including Immigrant fee.   

 

Look at this comparison:

 

 

Edited June 19, 2019 by Paul & Mary

[Slim2484 1]

The only upfront fee is the $535 for the petition first correct ?

[Just Paul 4,591]

1 minute ago, Slim2484 said:

The only upfront fee is the $535 for the petition first correct ?

Yes only $535 to start.

 

One other thing to know is that if you go thru the K1 and it is denied it can not be appealed if refused at the interview.  You lose the time and money.   A spousal visa can be "reaffirmed" which is essentially appealed.

 

Make sure you meet the financial requirements of I-864P so there aren't any surprises.

[bakphx1 785]

The current processing time for K1 isn’t much faster than a CR1.  

 

I’ve read so many posts here of people having relationship/financial struggles once their fiancé is here, they get married and then the new spouse must stay home alone all day while the other goes to work. Some relationships ended because of this.  

 

With a CR1 you can drive , study and work right away.

 

other visas have been abandoned because a family emergency came up back home before AOS could be completed and they couldn’t get Advance Parole in time.

 

I personally think the K1 is the cruelest visa out there.  Too many restrictions.  No matter how anxious you are to see your significant other, it’s worth the wait.