scabrera3175

We are getting married because we want to be together. We are committed to each other and are ready for the next step in life together. We want to create a future together. Those of us in this situation are super frustrated with everything, but I think we also understand. I know that in order for there to be good outcomes, there must be patience and hope. Obviously we want to be together ASAP (I think all of us do), but we also want to make sure that we are making a smart decision too. This all may even be a sign from God, the Universe, a higher power, etc -- because I do plan on starting graduate school by next year anyway. I have a feeling that by that time, the visa will still not be processed. Heck, he might finally be able to come to the US by the time I graduate from graduate school. When we decided to get married, we decided out of love and appreciation for one another, but also because we know that this whole process would take time, so it would still give us time to live our lives separately before joining together again and moving forward together.

My two cents:
are you getting married just to expedite the process of you two being together soon? I think one of the hardest things about spousal based immigration is finding the balance between the romantic human aspect of being in a serious relationship and the cold heartless immigration process. Marriage is a big big deal and a big commitment, and that’s without adding immigration, coronavirus, furloughs, and the Trump agenda. And whether you both are ready to go through this despite only knowing each other for only a couple of months is a decision up to y’all. I would rank my priorities (be together sooner, cost/AOS constraints, actually being married, etc) and from there decide what to do. Unfortunately the coronavirus thing has muddled everything up, and nobody really knows what will happen going forward. Best of luck to all of us! 

Hi there, I am in the same situation as you and I feel your pain. The going back and forth is the worst! Here are things I’ve used to evaluate as well that may be helpful: 
 
1. Do you prefer your family to be at the wedding? It may be harder in a foreign country for this to happen. 
2. The money used to travel, get married, stay in a hotel (etc) may VERY well be more than the new adjustment of status fees (~2200). So “saving money” by just getting married isn’t so cut and dry. You could save hardcore in the next (possibly year it will take) so you could absorb the brunt of being the sole provider from anywhere from 6-12 months.. or longer. 
3. At least you are in the system already, especially with impending furloughs. 
4. Don’t feel bad about your decision to do the K1. You made the best choice you could at the time. 
5. No one has any idea when embassies will open, how long the backlog will take to process, or how the furloughs will prolong the process. You just have to make the best decision for you ❤️
6. You can at anytime still make the decision to get married and process the CR-1. Even in a year from now if you are still waiting. If that’s what’s best. 
 
hope that helps and hang in there!! 
 

As you know no one can predict the future.  You’ve pretty much listed your options; continue the k1 route or he can apply for a visa and come here marry, withdraw the k1 and file cr1. If he doesn’t get an ESTA and you are till bent on going the CR1 route you can find a third country you can marry in. Personally I wouldn’t go this route because you have to find a place you can both travel to and make sure you guys meet the requirements to obtain a marriage license in that country as well as may have to deal with the translation of documents - but plenty of people do it.

At the time the k1 was your best option- if you wanted to start the immigration process ASAP- you guys weren’t married. Unfortunately those that chose the k1 for the sole purpose of being together faster often regret the route they took- both during COVID and non-COVID times.
The decision is obviously up to you and your fiancé how you want to proceed: continue the k1, try to get an ESTA to marry and file CR1 or marry in 3rd country and file CR1. Vote in November.

You really only have 2 options:
1) wait out the K-1 process (we also applied in June and we decided to stick with it due to the difficulties with traveling)
2) don't withdraw K-1 until you either can get your fiancé to visit you in the US or you arrange to get married in a third country 
 

You said the k1 appealed to you because it gave you time to strengthen and deepen your relationship .. that’s a good reason !! While the covid situation is preventing you from meeting again in person right now , it’s really not stopping you from doing what you felt you needed to do .. I’d encourage you to continue to do this in all the ways you can. Long distance relationships are hard yes .. but you have a great advantage in already having spent significant time together in person.. you do know each other already .. you can grow your relationship  really well during these challenging times .. even if it’s not in person .. read books together .. do some solid discussing of how you are each reacting and responding to the current challenges .. grow in knowing each other’s heart.. understand what’s important to each other and why even if you don’t understand .. and I believe it will serve you well in the years to come by doing so .. just my thoughts !