Ryanya

Is there much of a difference in the approval rate for one vs the other? That's assuming approval rates are even public knowledge, of course. Since we've known each other less than a year and only co-habitate when I'm visiting (which is typically 3 week periods every 3-6 months), and don't share a bank account, my assumption is that our case for a K-1 would be stonger than a CR-1. Then again, maybe many/most CR-1's are from similar situations? I've no idea, but the thought of waiting 17 months and then being rejected - I don't know that I could survive that. Anyway, thanks for all of the information thus far - it really helps. PS: This is regarding Thailand (initial answer was removed above).

Before (like a couple of years ago), wasn't it the case that you had to be married for 2+ years in order to get that immediate adjustment upon coming to America? Have things changed, or am I misremembering?

Continuing my research, I was directed uscis.gov to order to check current estimates of processing times. It says Fiance vs Spouse visa are 10 months vs 17 months for the "80% of cases completed" mark. Is that the time between filing the form (I-129 vs I-130) and the foreign interview? And do these numbers change much month to month? I had been hearing "about a year", so it tracks, but seven months difference is substantial!

Lots to consider. Thank you for the pointers!

Your question made me think of one of my own; sorry if it is dumb (or in the wrong place) - I'm new to the process. Does it make much of a difference from a processing time perspective whether you marry and then come to the US, versus doing it the other way around? I know it's different paperwork (K-1 vs CR-1?), and it makes a difference on how things go later on (regarding adjusting status etc..). But if the goal is to start your lives together as soon as possible, then is one approach significantly better (mainly faster) than the other? My assumption would be to marry first, as you already know you want to spend your lives together, so why wait? But if that means a difference of months before you actually get to start that life, then maybe holding off on the ceremony makes sense.