Help me to persuade my boyfriend to switch to CR! pls

[MRJ9987 31]

Hi Everyone, 

There is an overwhelming consensus on this website that CR-1 is a vastly superior visa.  I am trying to talk my boyfriend into getting married, dropping K-1, and submitting an application for CR-1.  

 

Other than the money that we are going to lose were we to do this (which sucks, but we can ear the cost), his main argument against is the processing time.  He wants the option that is the fastest and since we submitted K-1 two months ago, he thinks we will lose that two months if we reapply. 

 

Is the processing time shorter for CR-1?  I understand for K-1 it will take me about a year to get to NVC (barring the fact we will probably get an RFE - I forgot to put our names and dates on our passport photos) and then another year to sort through Montreal interviews.  Would the process for CR-1 be the same?  

 

I understand that CR-1 will come with an ability to start working as soon as I get into the US and I have made that argument to him already, so I definitely have some leverage there, but his main issuing is still the processing time.  

[Daphne . 1,701]

Are you the immigrant? If yes, tell your boyfriend that it is important for you to be an equal partner in the relationship. Being completely dependant of your USC spouse does not sound like a very ideal situation to me. Having you housebound for many months simply because he wants you in the US as soon as possible is very selfish in my opinion. Put your foot down and stand up for yourself! CR1 is the best option for the immigrant for sure! 

[Crazy Cat 39,561]

4 hours ago, MRJ9987 said:

Other than the money that we are going to lose were we to do this (which sucks, but we can ear the cost), his main argument against is the processing time.  He wants the option that is the fastest and since we submitted K-1 two months ago, he thinks we will lose that two months if we reapply. 

People make decisions for many reasons.  Some decisions are more short-sighted than others.  Some decisions are made based on emotion.  Here are the reasons I believe the CR-1 is vastly superior for most couples:

 

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

K-1        
    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 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 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
    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.
   

 

[Redro 4,601]

Show your boyfriend the K1 visa timelines for Canada 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?op6=All&op66=All&op7=Canada&op1=3&op2=&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5%2C6%2C8%2C10%2C11%2C13%2C14%2C15%2C16%2C17%2C18%2C20%2C21%2C22%2C25%2C26%2C27%2C28%2C108%2C110%2C111%2C208%2C210%2C211&cfl=

 

vs

CR1 timelines for Canada

 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?op6=All&op66=All&op7=Canada&op1=3&op2=&dfile=No&op3=5&op4=1&op5=5%2C6%2C8%2C10%2C11%2C13%2C14%2C15%2C16%2C17%2C18%2C20%2C21%2C22%2C25%2C26%2C27%2C28%2C108%2C110%2C111%2C208%2C210%2C211&cfl=0

 

You won't be losing anytime... you might gain time AND you'll be able to work and drive as soon as you arrive to the US as opposed to waiting 8-12 months for the privilege. 

 

 

[MRJ9987 31]

3 hours ago, Daphne K said:

Are you the immigrant? If yes, tell your boyfriend that it is important for you to be an equal partner in the relationship. Being completely dependant of your USC spouse does not sound like a very ideal situation to me. Having you housebound for many months simply because he wants you in the US as soon as possible is very selfish in my opinion. Put your foot down and stand up for yourself! CR1 is the best option for the immigrant for sure! 

Yes, I am the beneficiary and my boyfriend already knows what the difference is between K-1 and CR-1.  He will support me whatever decision I make.  

 

His primary concern is regarding the time.  Do you have any knowledge regarding how long it takes for CR-1 to be processed?  

Edited April 3, 2022 by MRJ9987
grammar

[MRJ9987 31]

49 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

People make decisions for many reasons.  Some decisions are more short-sighted than others.  Some decisions are made based on emotion.  Here are the reasons I believe the CR-1 is vastly superior for most couples:

 

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

K-1        
    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 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 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
    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.
   

Thanks, this comparison is really good.  The whole thing comes down on time for him.  Do you know any insights on processing of CR-1?  

[MRJ9987 31]

26 minutes ago, Kor2USA said:

Show your boyfriend the K1 visa timelines for Canada 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?op6=All&op66=All&op7=Canada&op1=3&op2=&op3=1&op4=1&op5=5%2C6%2C8%2C10%2C11%2C13%2C14%2C15%2C16%2C17%2C18%2C20%2C21%2C22%2C25%2C26%2C27%2C28%2C108%2C110%2C111%2C208%2C210%2C211&cfl=

 

vs

CR1 timelines for Canada

 

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/k1list.php?op6=All&op66=All&op7=Canada&op1=3&op2=&dfile=No&op3=5&op4=1&op5=5%2C6%2C8%2C10%2C11%2C13%2C14%2C15%2C16%2C17%2C18%2C20%2C21%2C22%2C25%2C26%2C27%2C28%2C108%2C110%2C111%2C208%2C210%2C211&cfl=0

 

You won't be losing anytime... you might gain time AND you'll be able to work and drive as soon as you arrive to the US as opposed to waiting 8-12 months for the privilege. 

 

 

Thank you, that is perfect!  This is exactly what I need to show him.  I thought only some states will not let you driving while waiting for your papers?  

[Redro 4,601]

12 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Thank you, that is perfect!  This is exactly what I need to show him.  I thought only some states will not let you driving while waiting for your papers?  

You need to double check with your state. I know Michigan won't let you drive until you get your EAD... 

 

this is for New York from 2010. Not sure if it has changed

 

Edited April 3, 2022 by Kor2USA

[MRJ9987 31]

8 minutes ago, Kor2USA said:

You need to double check with your state. I know Michigan won't let you drive until you get your EAD... 

 

this is for New York from 2010. Not sure if it has changed

 

Thanks!  I have been trying to Google the answer!  I would be moving to a very suburban area so not having an access to a car would be very inconvenient.  

[JeanneAdil 6,239]

9 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Thanks!  I have been trying to Google the answer!  I would be moving to a very suburban area so not having an access to a car would be very inconvenient.  

unless u live in a big city in the US with bus and taxis service,   a DL is needed 

where i live there are no buses.  no taxes , train service is even 2 hours away in Atlanta 

and i am not way out in the country 

 

the K visa use to be the faster way to get to the US/  its not the case anymore / in many embassies they are giving priority for interviews to spousal visa petitions

[Redro 4,601]

22 minutes ago, MRJ9987 said:

Thanks!  I have been trying to Google the answer!  I would be moving to a very suburban area so not having an access to a car would be very inconvenient.  

Forget timelines then.

Chat to your partner about your inability to work or (possibly) drive for 8-12 months after you arrive to the US. 

They should respect your desire to be a functioning member of society once you arrive. 

As a Canadian, you should be able to visit while things progress so at least you'll be able to see each other... 

 

Here is a google result on DLs and New York... 

https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/resources-non-us-citizens

I believe you're allowed to drive with your Canadian license while you wait for your EAD/ GC but don't hold me to it. 

Edited April 3, 2022 by Kor2USA

[Mike E 11,725]

Lost in this discussion is that more often than not, obtaining a CR-1 results in the beneficiary being married for less than 2 years at time the beneficiary enters the USA on the immigration visa.  This means the beneficiary has to file a removal of conditions form (I-751) and wait out that process.  At least one person on this thread has been waiting three years.  
 

Today a couple might prioritize the amount of time it takes to be together. Several years from now the couple might be think that was the wrong priority. 
 

Here is the work around. 
 

Definitely go the CR-1 route. Indeed get married immediately (can be done online to save time versus waiting for a meeting).  
 

Then after the couple meets again, file I-130.  Then assuming I-130 is approved less than 18 months after being married (huge assumption actually) the beneficiary waits until the 1.5 year wedding anniversary to upload documents to NVC and if the visa is delivered before the 2 year wedding anniversary, the beneficiary waits until the 2 year anniversary to enter the USA.  
 

As the visa will be good for 6 months from the medical examination, the benefits cry will be able to use the visa on or after the two year marriage anniversary without expiring.  

 

USCIS legally must issue a 10 year green card in this case.  

[JeanneAdil 6,239]

51 minutes ago, Kor2USA said:

Forget timelines then.

Chat to your partner about your inability to work or (possibly) drive for 8-12 months after you arrive to the US. 

They should respect your desire to be a functioning member of society once you arrive. 

As a Canadian, you should be able to visit while things progress so at least you'll be able to see each other... 

 

Here is a google result on DLs and New York... 

https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/resources-non-us-citizens

I believe you're allowed to drive with your Canadian license while you wait for your EAD/ GC but don't hold me to it. 

As a visitor, yes,  she can drive on Canadian DL 

as a NY resident when she moves,  she needs to apply for NY license 

 

You can drive in New York State with a valid driver license from another country. You do not need to apply for a New York State driver license unless you become a New York State resident. To get a New York State driver license, you must pass a written test, complete a 5-hour pre-licensing course, and pass a road test.

 

so after u make the actual move on your visa, u will need to go thru the process 

 

Even our Canadian snowbirds take their campers to Florida for 6 months of "winter " on Canadian license

Edited April 3, 2022 by JeanneAdil

[MRJ9987 31]

1 hour ago, JeanneAdil said:

unless u live in a big city in the US with bus and taxis service,   a DL is needed 

where i live there are no buses.  no taxes , train service is even 2 hours away in Atlanta 

and i am not way out in the country 

 

the K visa use to be the faster way to get to the US/  its not the case anymore / in many embassies they are giving priority for interviews to spousal visa petitions

We decided to go the K1 route because that's what my cousin did some five years ago and based on outdated information.  What is your source that some embassies are giving priorities to spousal visa petitions and do you know if Canadian consulate is one for them?  

[MRJ9987 31]

1 hour ago, Kor2USA said:

Forget timelines then.

Chat to your partner about your inability to work or (possibly) drive for 8-12 months after you arrive to the US. 

They should respect your desire to be a functioning member of society once you arrive. 

As a Canadian, you should be able to visit while things progress so at least you'll be able to see each other... 

 

Here is a google result on DLs and New York... 

https://dmv.ny.gov/more-info/resources-non-us-citizens

I believe you're allowed to drive with your Canadian license while you wait for your EAD/ GC but don't hold me to it. 

I did and he knows and understands all that.  He will support my decision to go with CR-1 but he is of personal opinion that he wants to chose the option that is the fastest.