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Jackie43

Should we apply K-1 or CR1 right now?

By Jackie43 in What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration

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Jackie43 Apprentice

Jackie43   3

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
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Posted

Hello everyone, My fiancé and I have been contemplating which action we should take right now with everything that’s going on with Covid-19.  We were originally leaning towards the K1 because we wanted to be together sooner, but we’re now conflicted about if the process for both will be about the same time due to K1 not being processed currently (so I have read here.) I’m thinking of just skipping the K1 process and go ahead and get married then apply for CR1. So I guess I’m asking is there anything that I should be aware of that would sway our decision in either direction? 

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   39,207

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
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****Moved to What Visa Do I Need?****

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

August 7, 2022: Wife filed N-400 Online under 5 year rule.

November 10, 2022: Received "Interview is scheduled" letter.

December 12, 2022:  Received email from Dallas office informing me (spouse) to be there for combo interview.

December 14, 2022: Combo Interview for I-751 and N-400 Conducted.

January 26, 2023: Wife's Oath Ceremony completed at the Plano Event Center, Plano, Texas!!!😁

February 6, 2023: Wife's Passport Application submitted in Dallas, Texas.

March 21, 2023:   Wife's Passport Delivered!!!!

May 15, 2023 (about):  Naturalization Certificate returned from Passport agency!!

 

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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Crazy Cat Grand Master

Crazy Cat   39,207

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
 Timeline
Posted (edited)
11 minutes ago, Jackie43 said:

Hello everyone, My fiancé and I have been contemplating which action we should take right now with everything that’s going on with Covid-19.  We were originally leaning towards the K1 because we wanted to be together sooner, but we’re now conflicted about if the process for both will be about the same time due to K1 not being processed currently (so I have read here.) I’m thinking of just skipping the K1 process and go ahead and get married then apply for CR1. So I guess I’m asking is there anything that I should be aware of that would sway our decision in either direction? 

The biggest hurdle will be in actually being able to marry.  If you can overcome that, the I recommend the CR-1.

 

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  (Pre-Covid)
    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.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (Pre-Covid)

    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.
  �


 

Edited by Lucky Cat

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

August 7, 2022: Wife filed N-400 Online under 5 year rule.

November 10, 2022: Received "Interview is scheduled" letter.

December 12, 2022:  Received email from Dallas office informing me (spouse) to be there for combo interview.

December 14, 2022: Combo Interview for I-751 and N-400 Conducted.

January 26, 2023: Wife's Oath Ceremony completed at the Plano Event Center, Plano, Texas!!!😁

February 6, 2023: Wife's Passport Application submitted in Dallas, Texas.

March 21, 2023:   Wife's Passport Delivered!!!!

May 15, 2023 (about):  Naturalization Certificate returned from Passport agency!!

 

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   43,425

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

There are a few very specific situations where a K1 may be better you do not mention any.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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DaveAndAnastasia Experienced

DaveAndAnastasia   2,078

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Russia
 Timeline
Posted

Just nitpicking, but assuming you actually have the option of doing either at this time, it's "Should we apply for a K-1 right now or get married and then apply for a CR-1?".

 

Applying for a K-1 requires that you not be married, and applying for a CR-1 requires that you be married, and since you can't be married and not married at the same time, you can't have the option of doing both at the same time.

 

Here's what your options could be

  • If you can meet somewhere (the US, Jamaica, or a third country) and marry, you can do that and then file for a CR-1; I have no idea what travel restrictions may or may not exist right now for that, or if either you or your fiance(e) feel safe traveling right now
  • If you have met in person in the last two years, you can file for a K-1 now
  • If your fiance(e) is currently in the US, and did not intend to marry and adjust status when he or she entered the US, then you can get married and adjust status

  

K-1                             AOS                            
NOA1 Notice Date: 2018-05-31    NOA1 Notice Date: 2019-04-11   
NOA2 Date: 2018-11-16           Biometrics Date: 2019-05-10    
Arrived at NVC:  2018-12-03     EAD/AP In Hand: 2019-09-16     
Arrived in Moscow: 2018-12-28   GC Interview Date: 2019-09-25      
Interview date: 2019-02-14      GC In Hand: 2019-10-02
Visa issued: 2019-02-28
POE: 2019-03-11
Wedding: 2019-03-14

ROC                             Naturalization
NOA1 Notice Date: 2021-07-16    Applied Online: 2022-07-09 (biometrics waived)
Approval Date: 2022-04-06       Interview was Scheduled: 2023-01-06
10-year GC In Hand: 2022-04-14  Interview date: 2023-02-13 (passed)
                            	Oath: 2023-02-13

 

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Jackie43 Apprentice

Jackie43   3

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted
1 hour ago, Boiler said:

There are a few very specific situations where a K1 may be better you do not mention any.

If you don’t mind could you please list a few of those situations. I would most appreciate it. 

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Jackie43 Apprentice

Jackie43   3

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted
58 minutes ago, DaveAndAnastasia said:

Just nitpicking, but assuming you actually have the option of doing either at this time, it's "Should we apply for a K-1 right now or get married and then apply for a CR-1?".

 

Applying for a K-1 requires that you not be married, and applying for a CR-1 requires that you be married, and since you can't be married and not married at the same time, you can't have the option of doing both at the same time.

 

Here's what your options could be

  • If you can meet somewhere (the US, Jamaica, or a third country) and marry, you can do that and then file for a CR-1; I have no idea what travel restrictions may or may not exist right now for that, or if either you or your fiance(e) feel safe traveling right now
  • If you have met in person in the last two years, you can file for a K-1 now
  • If your fiance(e) is currently in the US, and did not intend to marry and adjust status when he or she entered the US, then you can get married and adjust status

 

 

 

2 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

The biggest hurdle will be in actually being able to marry.  If you can overcome that, the I recommend the CR-1.

 

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  (Pre-Covid)
    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.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (Pre-Covid)

    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.
  �


 

 

2 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

The biggest hurdle will be in actually being able to marry.  If you can overcome that, the I recommend the CR-1.

 

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  (Pre-Covid)
    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.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (Pre-Covid)

    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.
  �


 

 

58 minutes ago, DaveAndAnastasia said:

Just nitpicking, but assuming you actually have the option of doing either at this time, it's "Should we apply for a K-1 right now or get married and then apply for a CR-1?".

 

Applying for a K-1 requires that you not be married, and applying for a CR-1 requires that you be married, and since you can't be married and not married at the same time, you can't have the option of doing both at the same time.

 

Here's what your options could be

  • If you can meet somewhere (the US, Jamaica, or a third country) and marry, you can do that and then file for a CR-1; I have no idea what travel restrictions may or may not exist right now for that, or if either you or your fiance(e) feel safe traveling right now
  • If you have met in person in the last two years, you can file for a K-1 now
  • If your fiance(e) is currently in the US, and did not intend to marry and adjust status when he or she entered the US, then you can get married and adjust status

 

My fiancé has traveled to Jamaica every month for a year up until he no longer could travel due to COVID. Right now Jamaica borders are open so yes it is possible for us to marry now and with saying that I just wanted to know if K1 or CR1 is the better option with talks of a longer processing times for K-1. Thank you for your feedback! 

2 hours ago, Lucky Cat said:

The biggest hurdle will be in actually being able to marry.  If you can overcome that, the I recommend the CR-1.

 

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  (Pre-Covid)
    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.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (Pre-Covid)

    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.
  �


 

Thank you for this info. It’s very helpful! 

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Boiler Grand Master

Boiler   43,425

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Wales
 Timeline
Posted

Gay marriages where there could be difficulties due to religious issues.

 

Children over 18 and under 21.

“If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.”

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Jackie43 Apprentice

Jackie43   3

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted
10 minutes ago, Boiler said:

Gay marriages where there could be difficulties due to religious issues.

 

Children over 18 and under 21.

I see. Neither of these scenarios apply to my situation. Thank you for responding. 

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