Based upon the cureent processing times, which visa is the most reliable and fastest to obtain?

[Riggs 0]

Hello all,

I have read so many differing opinions on this: Based upon the cureent processing times, which visa is the most reliable and fastest to obtain (e.g., K1, K3, CR-1, etc.)?

I live in New Jersey in the US.

I was planning on going the K3 route and marrying in the Philippines next month.

I just want to be sure I do it in the most reliable and fastest way possible.

I greatly appriciate and help/feedback on this issue.

Thnaks much!

Steve

[Otto 83]

All depends on couple of things (obviously one being if you're already married or not) - secondly, it depends on what you want when your fiancé/spouse gets to the US. K1 is almost always the fastest route to the US, but when the foreign fiancé/spouse will have to spend time waiting to adjust status oncer here in order to drive, work etc. (Besides being the only route if you're not already married.)

If married already - CR-1 is typically the recommended route - costs less (in the long run) than K-3 and has the added benefit of getting a PR/Green Card upon arrival.

Definitely some personal choices to be made.

[Ed+Cindy 1]

My advice (take with a grain of salt): Do the CR-1 route (if that is a viable option for you).

We did the K-1, but had I known about Direct Consular Filing 6 months ago, I would have done that. I have residency in my fiance’s country, but now I am back in the US and too involved with my job, plus finances don’t allow me to leave and return.

Most people will do fine on the K-1 route, but there seems to be 10% or so that get stuck in some vortex at the USCIS, where their petition sits for ages. We are at 4 months now, and most people who filed when we did have been approved. I do not know when we will be approved.

USCIS is slow and not organized (IMO). It’s also hard to get any kind of status from them, and they seem to have little accountability (like most organizations under DHS). If you can avoid them, then do.

Also, the K-1 route will force your fiancé to adjust status in the US, which will take time. Once they get here, there will be a period of months where they can’t do some things easily until they get certain paperwork (EAD, travel docs, etc).

[Riggs 0]

Hi,

thanks for the feedback so far!

Since we are not yet married, we could fo either visa. However, I have been hearing that the K1, is getting slower these days, about even with the k3 and CR-1. Plus, I figured if we were already married then there would be less chance for selectivity in the handling of the visa process and therefore it would be less likely that they would reject the or hold the visa.

I can't figure out what to do. I just want to be certain that I am applying for the most reliable visa and one that will get her here in the least amount of time.

Appreciate the help.

Steve

[Otto 83]

I can't figure out what to do. I just want to be certain that I am applying for the most reliable visa and one that will get her here in the least amount of time.

You have to evaluate what it is you want for your fiancé/spouse once she arrives in the US. Is it important that she drive/work immediately - is it OK if she doesn't for a few months...etc.

As far as reliability, they're all reliable visas - K1 is still the fastest to get to the US. CR-1 (if married) is arguably 'better' than a K3.

Check the Guides (if you haven't already) to see some of the Pros/Cons of each visa type Click - Which Visa Do We Need? for more tips.

[Riggs 0]

I can't figure out what to do. I just want to be certain that I am applying for the most reliable visa and one that will get her here in the least amount of time.

You have to evaluate what it is you want for your fiancé/spouse once she arrives in the US. Is it important that she drive/work immediately - is it OK if she doesn't for a few months...etc.

As far as reliability, they're all reliable visas - K1 is still the fastest to get to the US. CR-1 (if married) is arguably 'better' than a K3.

Check the Guides (if you haven't already) to see some of the Pros/Cons of each visa type Click - Which Visa Do We Need? for more tips.

Hi,

I am not really concerned with her driving and working. but isn't the K1, more selective and open for them to hold or reject for reasoning such as age difference etc., things that may not evn be an issue if they know your already married?

Also, what is the current time difference between the visas to issuance: K1, K3, Cr-1?

Thanks much

Steve

[Otto 83]

Hi,

I am not really concerned with her driving and working. but isn't the K1, more selective and open for them to hold or reject for reasoning such as age difference etc., things that may not evn be an issue if they know your already married?

Also, what is the current time difference between the visas to issuance: K1, K3, Cr-1?

Thanks much

Steve

There may be some truth to your line of thinking but for a majority of folks the difference is minimal at best. That said - if there were any 'issues' (as you described) there is no guarantee a K3 or CR-1 would be any 'easier' if one just got married and subsequently filed a K3/CR-1 (in other words, the hurdles would still be there).

Time differences are up-to-date and ongoing and can be found HERE (look under Statistics).

Edited February 12, 2009 by Karin und Otto

[Riggs 0]

Hi,

I am not really concerned with her driving and working. but isn't the K1, more selective and open for them to hold or reject for reasoning such as age difference etc., things that may not evn be an issue if they know your already married?

Also, what is the current time difference between the visas to issuance: K1, K3, Cr-1?

Thanks much

Steve

There may be some truth to your line of thinking but for a majority of folks the difference is minimal at best. That said - if there were any 'issues' (as you described) there is no guarantee a K3 or CR-1 would be any 'easier' if one just got married and subsequently filed a K3/CR-1 (in other words, the hurdles would still be there).

Time differences are up-to-date and ongoing and can be found HERE (look under Statistics).

Hi,

I was thinking more on the lines that: if they were interviewing her for a fiancee visa and they thought that the age difference was a factor, then they might not believe the intent to actually marry was there. However, if we were already married, then there would be no reason to question the trival things. Just my cautious thinking I guess. I just want to be sure i can get her here. Trying to figure out the best way to go to avoid delays and problems.

Thanks much!

Steve