Hello there...
I have a fianc in India ...for whom I intend to file paperwork very soon within 2-3 months but I am not sure which route should I choose to in order to be together quickly. My options are as follow, and please give your opinions to help me out in deciding-
(1) DCF = This option is not available in India as India doesn t allow DCF. Besides, I am in US and not in India.
(2) CR-1 =. I could marry my fianc from India at any time, its not a problem, but I just checked USCIS website and it says that its taking 19.5 months to 24.5 months to process I-130 petition now in Vermont. I live in NY. Then it would take another 3-5 months or more to deal with NVC and Consulate. Thus, it would be a very long long time...Covid has changed its processing time completely.
(3) K-1 = Its taking 7-11 months now...but the problem is- the consular officers in India are denying K-1 visa applications without giving any reason whatsoever and suggesting applicants to marry and file for CR-1. It has happened to 3 of my friends. If denied then all the money, time, energy in putting up the application/petition will be wasted for nothing and then will have to start from the beginning. Now, are they denying widely then I don t know but they denied to 3 of my friends for no reasons and suggested them to do CR-1. It could be because India comes into their list of fraud.
(4) K-3 = This option could go either way and would cost more money and more efforts but seems very quicker and viable option at least to ME. I could marry in India...then immediately file I-130 for CR-1 and once I get receipt for filing I-130 then I can immediately file for I-129f for K-3. Right now I-130 is taking 19-25 months to process in Vermont Service...so it can take whatever...and K-3 will be processed within 6-8 months. Yes, it would cost more money and more paperwork but at least I would be able to bring my fianc (future wife) quickly and don t have to always worried or having sword hanging over my head, by doing k-1 visa, that they might reject K-1 at the interview for no apparent reason and would suggest to go for CR-1 visa... This way, in my opinion, my fianc (after marriage) could come to US within 7-9 months.
So, PLEASE give your opinions, which would be greatly appreciated.