Does anyone know how long consular processing times are at the Sydney consulate right now?

[Nate Ander 0]

My partner (in Sydney) and I (in US) are deciding between applying for CR-1 or K-1. We've always heard that CR-1 is preferred, but our lawyer just told us that consular processing times are like ~2 years now because the consulates were closed for so long, so K-1 may be better despite having to wait for work/travel authorization.
Any answers on the processing times will be helpful.

[JeanneAdil 6,554]

K1 is also taking far more time than normal also

and some embassies are interviewing CR1 and not K1 

and to AOS here in the US to work ,  be able to visit back home and all you need,  most are experiences 2 year wait for those 

so,  CR1 actually turns out (for many but not always) to be faster and cheaper and far more superior

[xxxBananaManxxx 23]

3 hours ago, Nate Ander said:

My partner (in Sydney) and I (in US) are deciding between applying for CR-1 or K-1. We've always heard that CR-1 is preferred, but our lawyer just told us that consular processing times are like ~2 years now because the consulates were closed for so long, so K-1 may be better despite having to wait for work/travel authorization.
Any answers on the processing times will be helpful.

Nate...  I have looked to progress an application for CR-1 and am based in Australia.  My timeline isn't particularly old and as such should give you some indication of what to expect.  I note that until recently NVC seemed to be able to get document qualification complete in around 4 weeks.  Recently this has blown out a little and is closer to 8 weeks.  There are obviously delays atm due to the Sydney consulate being closed (for lockdown and relocation) however this will likely be resolved and as such getting final interview usually takes around 1-2 months.

In any case, I sent my I-130 in mid December and had it approved by the start of March.  By the end of March I had recieved everything from NVC and paid the usual fees.  I then delayed submitting my application (to fit in with my own timetable) with the AOS, IV and support documents finalised at the start of August.  This was a delay of around 4 months.  In any case, I expect over the next 1-3 weeks we will be identified as Document Qualified by the NVC and will be waiting on final interview in Sydney (which hopefully won't be delayed too much longer given that Sydney appears to be coming out of lockdown soon).

In all, the US immigration process is a lot faster than the process we have in Australia....  There are also enough resources and support forums to help you navigate the process that you probably don't really need a lawyer (just my personal opinion) - Although we did use Boundless.com to assist in assembling the required documentation.

Hope this helps and good luck with whatever path you choose to pursue.