CR1 over K1

[Fr8dog 535]

CR-1 without a doubt (in case you're still debating that part).

I wouldn't worry too much about the ESTA entries  just don't be "that Dutchman" that gets argumentative with border officers. 😀

Have you guys run the numbers yet for her income, will she be able to clear the bar to support you or do you guys have a co-sponsor lined up? If not get that sorted out first.

 

[JD2 224]

59 minutes ago, Fr8dog said:

Have you guys run the numbers yet for her income, will she be able to clear the bar to support you or do you guys have a co-sponsor lined up? If not get that sorted out first.

With all due respect, I would file the I-130 right away.  You have tons of time to figure out sponsor while the I-130 is processing.

[Fr8dog 535]

7 hours ago, JD2 said:

With all due respect, I would file the I-130 right away.  You have tons of time to figure out sponsor while the I-130 is processing.

Very true, but if you aren't clearing the limit and can't find a co-sponsor your throwing away perfectly good money on filing fees. The original statement about supporting the USC financially made me wonder.

[JD2 224]

1 minute ago, Fr8dog said:

Very true, but if you aren't clearing the limit and can't find a co-sponsor your throwing away perfectly good money on filing fees. The original statement about supporting the USC financially made me wonder.

The I-130 will still be good whenever you find a sponsor and are ready to proceed at NVC.

[Tdore 0]

On 12/10/2025 at 3:36 AM, rbv_shard said:

For you, since you the visa beneficiary are the main breadwinner and travel both directions is visa-free, you definitely want the spouse visa (CR-1/IR-1) not K-1.  Longer waiting time before permanent entry, but the ability to work immediately after permanent entry weighs heavily in your situation -- you won't need to have any significant gap in your employment.  K-1 visa would be 5-12 months unable to work.

 

Evidence of financial co-mingling shouldn't be necessary until removal of conditions.

 

What you cannot do while visiting on ESTA is work, and that includes remotely for your European employer.

Yea I think I am going to aim for the CR1 (and if it ever opens also apply just in case for the DV lottery I guess). I feel like K1 would indeed be way too much of a financial hit as well as that it would put more pressure on her.

 

Working on ESTA is something my company doesn't like either. So to be able to visit more, I just work more hours a week so I can trade my extra hours for hours off (and then use vacation days or buy if needed).

[Tdore 0]

On 12/10/2025 at 7:33 PM, Fr8dog said:

CR-1 without a doubt (in case you're still debating that part).

I wouldn't worry too much about the ESTA entries  just don't be "that Dutchman" that gets argumentative with border officers. 😀

Have you guys run the numbers yet for her income, will she be able to clear the bar to support you or do you guys have a co-sponsor lined up? If not get that sorted out first.

 

To be able to just 'live' in the area she has to be making enough that it would automatically be the 125%. And there's also some different income streams that we aren't sure will count (medicaid for taking care of her son, child support from her ex and then potentially some cottage baking sales)