Which is best / faster for Fiance from Philippines K1 or CR-1 and confusion about wait times

[W199 468]

On 5/20/2025 at 4:38 AM, JerryH said:

I contacted Filipino Visa today and they quoted me a cost of $2,580 for their standard package and $4,280 for their VIP package. How did get their service for $600? Have I contacted the wrong agency? 

Wow! That is a ripoff for an agency! And sorry, no, that is NOT the same one as I used. But it has a very similar name!

 

Private Message me and I can give you the contact details.

Edited Sunday at 09:04 PM by Crazy Cat

[spicynujac 79]

Quote

On 5/17/2025 at 4:10 PM, JF083 said:

So going by the USCIS website then a K-1 processed through california could take a year before shes here and a CR-1(we will have been married less than 2 years) would take 2 plus years?   

 

CR/IR-1 took us about 17 months, and we applied when there was a large backlog of Covid-19 cases pending.  I've never read of a case taking 2 years, unless you drag your feet responding to requests or something.  Read CrazyCat's summary again, slowly, several times, highlighting the differences in the 2 visas and decide which is better for you.

 

For us CR/IR-1 was the right choice.  
This was recently highlighted again, when my wife became pregnant 2 months after arrival in the US, and wanted to return home to visit her family.  This would be difficult/risky/expensive if we did not have the IR-1 10 year permanent residency & green card.  As far as hiring an agency, the steps to do it yourself are laid out pretty clearly here.  We did everything ourselves and had no stumbles, but we also had no past divorces, children, etc. and have a straightforward case.  It will require some time to educate yourself so pick time vs. money...

IR stands for Immediate Relative, ie your wife.

Edited Sunday at 07:27 PM by spicynujac

[Crazy Cat 44,618]

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