Seriously contemplating withdrawing the K-1 and switching to a CR-1

[lcl404 0]

Context: My fiancé is American and lives there, I have a NZ passport but based somewhere in Asia (we're both second gen immigrant asians).
We've been long distance for 2 years and got engaged last year, we sent the K-1 application in end of November 2025, and got the confirmation it was received not long after in Dec.
But with how things are unfolding in the States, I feel like I would feel so much safer doing the CR-1 and landing already with a GC, not to mention I would have the rights to work straight away without relying on my to-be husband until I get my work permit. (He can support the both of us financially but I'm not sure how not being financially independent will affect me)

I don't know if it'd make me safer for sure, but the peace of mind seems like it's worth the maybe a year longer wait.

Statistically I know most likely I would be fine on the K-1 route, I know this is pretty much just "peace of mind vs shorter wait", but I feel like making a big move on a comfortably mind set is quite important. I do fear I might grow to resent a longer wait, but so far we've been really strong in our LDR.

 

Is this crazy to consider? Has anyone had experience doing this? 

Edited 14 hours ago by lcl404

[wildbug100420 427]

57 minutes ago, lcl404 said:

Context: My fiancé is American and lives there, I have a NZ passport but based somewhere in Asia (we're both second gen immigrant asians).
We've been long distance for 2 years and got engaged last year, we sent the K-1 application in end of November 2025, and got the confirmation it was received not long after in Dec.
But with how things are unfolding in the States, I feel like I would feel so much safer doing the CR-1 and landing already with a GC, not to mention I would have the rights to work straight away without relying on my to-be husband until I get my work permit. (He can support the both of us financially but I'm not sure how not being financially independent will affect me)

I don't know if it'd make me safer for sure, but the peace of mind seems like it's worth the maybe a year longer wait.

Statistically I know most likely I would be fine on the K-1 route, I know this is pretty much just "peace of mind vs shorter wait", but I feel like making a big move on a comfortably mind set is quite important. I do fear I might grow to resent a longer wait, but so far we've been really strong in our LDR.

 

Is this crazy to consider? Has anyone had experience doing this? 

No experience but you will have to pay new fees. Also you will have to be together when married or if you aren't then you will have to be together again when filing 130. 

[lcl404 0]

9 minutes ago, wildbug100420 said:

No experience but you will have to pay new fees. Also you will have to be together when married or if you aren't then you will have to be together again when filing 130. 

Yes I'm quite aware the filing fees of the k-1 is non refundable, though afaik the K-1 is generally more expensive due to the AOS, so even losing the filing fee and switching to the CR-1 would come out to be cheaper overall. And yes of course we would be together to get married, but I don't think we need to be living together to file for the i-30.

[wildbug100420 427]

2 hours ago, lcl404 said:

Yes I'm quite aware the filing fees of the k-1 is non refundable, though afaik the K-1 is generally more expensive due to the AOS, so even losing the filing fee and switching to the CR-1 would come out to be cheaper overall. And yes of course we would be together to get married, but I don't think we need to be living together to file for the i-30.

No you don't have to be together to file i130 but if you marry remotely you do need to meet again before filing. Also please complete your timelines. You may get lucky and receive interview quickly if you decide to stick with k1 and do AoS. In our case my now wife got her EAD quickly but are stuck waiting for interview for green card. 

[Dashinka 26,620]

It is entirely up to you, but overall the CR1 is generally a better option, not just because of the current political environment, but because the immigrant avoids the AoS process that can vary widely in processing times.  It is definitely not crazy to consider switching particularly since the I129F was only filed relatively recently.

 

Good Luck!

[FromTheHills 24]

There is no risks being in the US on the k-1. Zero problems. That alone is not a good enough reason to switch visa.

[JeanneAdil 7,498]

Just my opinion but switching is not such a bad idea

 

As we read here from so many that wish they had done CR1 instead of K1

K1 

they get tired of waiting for all the approvals 

1. to be able to travel back home to see family and friends

2. to work and make new freinds

3. to get that SS # if they don't act fast which hampers getting DL in some cases and bank accounts

 

K1 to AOS is more expensive 

and so many just plain get homesick when they are forced to wait around , not working and depending on someone for everything 

 

i think homesickness is the worse even though we have all the social media to talk to family and friends back home 

[JeanneAdil 7,498]

i should have added that , in my case,  i had family emergency and needed to head back home fast and was able to do it as i had the spouse visa and I 551 stamp

with a K1 I could not have gone to help family thru this emergency 

guess i lucked out when my K1 was denied and i ended up getting married and going spouse visa

 

BTW,  if you are not returning to live in birth country,  go ahead and get that police certificate now  / saves time later

 

[W199 564]

My friend did that because his fiancée  decided she wanted the security of being married before giving up her job and life and moving to the USA.  It worked out fine for them.

 

The costs are complicated. Being married this year affects his taxes, either more or less, depending on complex factors. For me, I took a HUGE hit in taxes by doing a K-1. Then the costs of flying to meet you again to get married, the wedding itself, the dress, even flying over guests/parents, etc... can affect the costs. 

 

For myself, my Wife got her EAP/AP very quickly. Nearly 1 year before she even needed it.  She spent the time learning to drive, getting accustomed to everything, going places with me, and focusing on our relationship, and only about a year later was she ready to look for a job.  It really helped didn't rush into getting a job sooner.

 

Even the CR-1 is going to have some risks. Its a very low risk, but what if it is not approved, then you will be stuck married, or during that 1.5 year wait, the LDR goes sour.

 

Everyone and every relationship is so different and has different priorities.  Just decide what is your priority, where you want to get married, and do what are you are sure won't cause resentment and hurt the relationship, for the both of you.  Either is going to be a good choice, I think.  

 

[pushbrk 14,393]

Not crazy at all.  Decide based on your mutual priorities.