Nat&Amy

Worked fine for me as well. Definitely risky, but the Consulate in Rio is notoriously efficient, so that is a plus if all your docs are okay and there are no special circumstances to your case.
 
Even so, you know what they say: hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

The simple answer is if work is an issue do not go the K1 route

I second this. 
 
Speaking from recent experience (October last year), it was a straightforward process from beginning to end. From my first contact by phone to getting passport in 24 hours after appointment, they were nothing short of helpful and accommodating (LA office). Again, it is worth repeating. This is NOT the expedited service. Post offices don't even play a role. The whole thing is done through Passport Agencies.
 
OP, here is what I recommend you do:
 
1. Look up timelines of your field office here on VJ. I found out mine did same day oath because the date of interview and date of oath were the same for many members.
 
2. If they do same day oath, plan to gather everything you need for the URGENT TRAVEL passport processing, so that you are all set when your 14-day window opens.
 
3. Call Passport Agencies and schedule an appointment. If the nearest office doesn't have availability, try another. In your case, seems like a minor hassle compared to cancelling your trip abroad or rescheduling oath ceremony, which I would not recommend. 

I wouldn't dismiss the option of getting a U.S. passport quickly, if same day oath is offered to you. The expedited processing that doesn't involve urgent travel is unpredictable (could take 3 weeks, or could take 8 weeks), but the expedited processing when you have travel within 14 days is completely different and is known to be reliable. I would not dismiss this option at all. So, based on that, I personally wouldn't turn down doing the same day oath ceremony. 

The fact you said "in order to get her here quickly" makes me think you might be thinking of AOS on a tourist visa. This is fraud. There is no loophole if you already have immigrant intent.
But let's say I misinterpreted you, and you only want to get her a visitor visa in order to just visit you in US.

You said she never left the country, so I'm thinking she never had a US visa, correct? So that would be her first time ever applying for an American visa. Right now, waiting times for a visitor visa in Brazil are at 400 days or more. And it's 2 days of interviews now from accounts I heard. You can try speeding it up by constantly checking the website to see if earlier dates opened, but it's luck. Some despachantes (visa agents) promise you to get it quickly but I can't attest to that. 

Just another perspective. I am on day 436 waiting for my K1 petition to be approved, only planning on being in US by October now. My US tourist visa expired a few months before I applied for K1. I won't even risk renewing it because I am pretty sure it will be a waste of time and $160 (it's almost R$900 here) because I have immigrant intent and have weak ties to my country. I'm young, have an American fiancé, work from home and live with my parents. I have travelled abroad a couple of times and have a tourist visa/work permit from Canada, and I am 99% sure they will deny my renewal (note that there isn't an interview in my case for renewals, I still won't risk it).

Her being young, recently graduated, with an American fiancé and living with her parents is a bad sign. When I first got my visitor visa I was also young and going through university, I was also going to travel with my parents, we went to Disney World. The officer gave me a hard time but in the end approved my visa. I don't think this will happen nowadays. The letter you intend to have her present won't mean much to the officer, same as her having crochet business or you being a soldier.

You say you intend to get marry in Brazil. Can't get married in Brazil on a K1. But if you do it, apply for a spouse visa. And wait. And wait. And in-between, visit in other countries or come visit her in Brazil, forget about her in US before the spousal visa is in hands. I met my fiancé 2 times in Mexico, but your fiancé will need a visa to enter Mexico though if she doesn't have a US/Canada one. Maybe think of other countries you both can go and is easier for her to enter. We don't need a visa to enter many countries in Europe.

Just my two cents being from Brazil, but do listen to all experienced users here on this thread.

That's not what you said in your original post. It's difficult to give you accurate advice when there are so many moving parts in your story.
 
No one said it was illegal. My point was: when you were granted a five-year visa to do a Master's, there were several things considered in that decision: your program, the university offering you admission, the costs involved. The risk profile of students applying for a Master's is different from those applying for ESL. So, the moment you switch schools and downgrade your program, of course you get more scrutinity. And depending on the school you're going to, yeah, you might have to answer questions about how exactly you plan to fund your Master's if cost was decisive in your decision to change language schools. 
 
Or you might not have to answer any questions at all. It's impossible to predict what CBP will say or do, so the only advice anyone can offer is to be honest and succinct. Don't volunteer information, and be prepared.
 

I have been in VisaJourney long enough to know that a LOT of K1 cases end up poorly - from the ones that are processed super fast to the ones that take years. I see three problems with your argument:
 
1. Video chatting and meeting every now and then for two years is very, very different from living together, sharing bills, problems, priorities, cultural differences, spending time with relatives you might or might not like, and other routine grievances. So, choosing a K1 to spend more time doing long distance does very little to tell you how successful married life will be with that person. 
 
2. The idea that a scammer would not be willing to wait two years to scam for a green card is wishful thinking at best. Time and again we see stories of people that do a complete 180 when they set foot in the US after YEARS of relationship, fiance visa and spousal visa alike. 
 
3. The K-1 is financially problematic, perhaps not for you, but for many that overlook the real costs of having to adjust status. It's not just the fees, but living on one income for an extended period of time, the draining of savings and the inability to get a DL or to travel abroad for a family emergency, for example. All of those can really strain a relationship - a quick search here on VJ will confirm that.
 
Sure, each person has their own priorities but there is nothing intrinsically good about a K1 visa. It does not bind you into marriage until it's issued, sure, but it does not give you any predictor of what marriage life will be like either. That's the risk one chooses to take when entering an international long-distance relationship. No marriage comes with guarantees, not even local ones, so choosing a K1 just "to be sure" you're going to last is not an option I would recommend, for the reasons I mentioned above.

I have been in VisaJourney long enough to know that a LOT of K1 cases end up poorly - from the ones that are processed super fast to the ones that take years. I see three problems with your argument:
 
1. Video chatting and meeting every now and then for two years is very, very different from living together, sharing bills, problems, priorities, cultural differences, spending time with relatives you might or might not like, and other routine grievances. So, choosing a K1 to spend more time doing long distance does very little to tell you how successful married life will be with that person. 
 
2. The idea that a scammer would not be willing to wait two years to scam for a green card is wishful thinking at best. Time and again we see stories of people that do a complete 180 when they set foot in the US after YEARS of relationship, fiance visa and spousal visa alike. 
 
3. The K-1 is financially problematic, perhaps not for you, but for many that overlook the real costs of having to adjust status. It's not just the fees, but living on one income for an extended period of time, the draining of savings and the inability to get a DL or to travel abroad for a family emergency, for example. All of those can really strain a relationship - a quick search here on VJ will confirm that.
 
Sure, each person has their own priorities but there is nothing intrinsically good about a K1 visa. It does not bind you into marriage until it's issued, sure, but it does not give you any predictor of what marriage life will be like either. That's the risk one chooses to take when entering an international long-distance relationship. No marriage comes with guarantees, not even local ones, so choosing a K1 just "to be sure" you're going to last is not an option I would recommend, for the reasons I mentioned above.

You are focused on the time before marriage.  The benefits of a spousal visa take place after marriage.   I have seen no evidence that engagements are looked upon more favorably than marriages.   
For the record, My wife and I met on May 12th, 2015...married on July 30th, 2015. 

Problem here is everyone wants to hurry
over and over we see;  "what's the fastest way to bring someone here"
fiancee or spouse or parent 
none of these visa petitions should be "the fastest way"
u need to understand the financial burden especially for older parents 
 
Love will not concur all when it comes to money problems or disagreement on how to raise kids 
and some will divorce even if married to another USC  -nothing is guaranteed in life
 
all of it is by choice but everyone should research the visa and expectations that go along with it 
 
but if u r not sure about marriage,  don't
if u think the K1 gives u time to decide ,  don't do it till u have decided 
there is nothing wrong with dating
And there is nothing wrong with dating several (contrary to popular belief) 
dating long distance is hard but meet as much as possible and get to know each other 
love is one thing but u need to LIKE each other 

I have been in VisaJourney long enough to know that a LOT of K1 cases end up poorly - from the ones that are processed super fast to the ones that take years. I see three problems with your argument:
 
1. Video chatting and meeting every now and then for two years is very, very different from living together, sharing bills, problems, priorities, cultural differences, spending time with relatives you might or might not like, and other routine grievances. So, choosing a K1 to spend more time doing long distance does very little to tell you how successful married life will be with that person. 
 
2. The idea that a scammer would not be willing to wait two years to scam for a green card is wishful thinking at best. Time and again we see stories of people that do a complete 180 when they set foot in the US after YEARS of relationship, fiance visa and spousal visa alike. 
 
3. The K-1 is financially problematic, perhaps not for you, but for many that overlook the real costs of having to adjust status. It's not just the fees, but living on one income for an extended period of time, the draining of savings and the inability to get a DL or to travel abroad for a family emergency, for example. All of those can really strain a relationship - a quick search here on VJ will confirm that.
 
Sure, each person has their own priorities but there is nothing intrinsically good about a K1 visa. It does not bind you into marriage until it's issued, sure, but it does not give you any predictor of what marriage life will be like either. That's the risk one chooses to take when entering an international long-distance relationship. No marriage comes with guarantees, not even local ones, so choosing a K1 just "to be sure" you're going to last is not an option I would recommend, for the reasons I mentioned above.

Marry ASAP and file as soon as you have all the required documents
but, discuss with your partner if they’re okay with potentially needing to Uber and rely on others for transport until they get their EAD. 
It might be okay as everything is still new but after 5 or so months it might get a little frustrating… 

Some embassies give applicants a harder time than others. I don't entirely agree with the overall opinion here that your application is likely to be denied. There's no way to tell and, as another member pointed out, I have seen predictions here turn out entirely wrong. At the embassy, they will look at the totality of your application and a denial might require a combination of inconsistencies. I would argue that a term of endearment (however inappropriate for the circumstances) might be taken less seriously than showing pictures of an engagement ceremony. And again: embassy. Each has their own way of going about K1s. For now, take a deep breath. And keep us updated!

OP, you understand that a visitor visa is for visiting, right? Sure, by all means propose, but plans like yours are the reason why it is so difficult for citizens of some countries to get a non-immigrant visa these days.

OP, you understand that a visitor visa is for visiting, right? Sure, by all means propose, but plans like yours are the reason why it is so difficult for citizens of some countries to get a non-immigrant visa these days.

YOU are planning to bring someone over on a nonimmigrant visa and then have her stay and adjust status.   THAT is FRAUD.

Shaking head in disbelief. Why are we continuing to discuss extremely stressful approaches to this travel need when there is a perfectly simple already outlined way to get the passport before traveling ? 
 
Im out 🤪. Going back to baking my sourdough bread 🤣

This, right here. And also, what does ASAP mean? Today, tomorrow, in one week? Have tickets been bought yet? Last October I was able to get an appointment in three days before my trip and got the passport in hand the next day. Call 8774872778 and inquire, much better than trying serendipitous ways to leave the country without the right document to get back in.

If you are offered a same day oath ceremony you can get your passport in time if you can work the logistics 
 
 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html
 
you can get a passport for emergency travel. It requires an in person visit to a passport office .. my closest one was 5 hrs drive each way.. and some careful timing in booking an appt .. appt xan only be made via phone no more than 10 business days prior to the travel date 
 
10 business days before your travel, call the number on the link above and get an appt at the passport office. Have your booking details in hand as you will be asked for the record locator 
 
Attend the oath ceremony and receive your certificate. 
 
Fill out and print the passport application. Consider applying for a passport card also. Get your photos printed. Gather any other documents required .. birth certificate, marriage certificate etc  .. and photocopy your naturalization certificate.  ( several good quality copies)!
 
Attend the passport office appt.. hang around for 2-5 hrs .. return to the office and pick up your passport and naturalization  certificate 
 
return home
 
breathe 
 
pack 
 
enjoy !!! 

Do what everyone else who needs their passport for immediate urgent travel does .. use the process that has been put in place by the passport office to get a new passport for imminent urgent travel. Possibly inconvenient and time consuming yes but … its there for this very reason 
https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/get-fast.html

OP, the way you phrased things, the whole plan hinges on your parents coming to the US on a visitor visa to "help you with postpartum" and then waiting until you become a citizen so that you can apply for their GC. Obtaining a non-immigrant visa to enter the country with immigrant intent is illegal. Don't do that.

OP, the way you phrased things, the whole plan hinges on your parents coming to the US on a visitor visa to "help you with postpartum" and then waiting until you become a citizen so that you can apply for their GC. Obtaining a non-immigrant visa to enter the country with immigrant intent is illegal. Don't do that.

ISOs can ask pretty much whatever they want.  Had @ImmigrantKrish answered “yes”   the next question might have been, “in the past 5 years”?
 
*  If the answer was “yes” well bad stuff happens.  
 
* If the answer was “no”, the ISO might have delayed approval to verify that CBP admitted Krish as a returning resident, versus  letting an NTA drop on the floor. 
 
Even if you are concerned about the question, one applicant’s question is not a guarantee others will get the same question. For example, I had over  500 days of absence in the statutory 5 year period.  The question asked of Krish (a LPR for 9 years) wasn’t asked of me (an LPR for 32 years).  
 
As a famous immigrant once said (who I am sure had  more days of absence than you): you miss 100 percent of the shots you don’t take.  
 
The longer you pine over this decision the more likely something will happen that makes it harder to naturalize.  

As long as you can afford the zero income and not working for 12 months .. and have a joint sponsor lined up for the I864 AOS requirements .. it is fine .. warning .. you might not want to leave Aus after living there !!! 

Just passing by to share my experience, in case there are others in a similar situation.
 
In the end of August I received the notice my citizenship interview had been scheduled for October 6th. Local office was San Bernardino and, from other timelines, I saw they were doing same-day oaths. Great!
 
Only one caveat. Last year I booked an international trip to celebrate our anniversary, and we were supposed to leave on October 14th. With a same-day oath, I would no longer have my green card to travel back to the US.
 
I did as other VJ members recommended and got in touch with the Passport Agency line to try and schedule an appointment, and was lucky enough to get one in LA for October 12th. Mind you, I called them exactly after leaving my oath ceremony on Oct. 6th.
 
The passport was ready for pickup today at 1pm! Success.
 
So if you have an international trip coming up and are in the limbo post-oath, I sincerely recommend contacting the Passport Agency service before giving up hope. From beginning to end they were very accommodating and courteous. 
 
I'm not going to lie, having no passport the night before our trip was SUPER stressful but I'm glad it worked out in the end. (And the passport is the next-gen one, very nice!)