K3 or CR1/IR1: which takes longer?

[Marielle L 0]

Hello everyone,

I am a new member at Visa Journey. My husband and I have been reading the forums and timelines, but we are still unsure of whether to request the K3 or CR1/IR1 visa. I understand that the K3 was created to make the process faster than the CR1/IR1. Yet I was recently advised by a lawyer, and I see from the current approvals, that the CR1/IR1 is a little bit faster right now. We are about to request a visa, and our main concern is not the cost, but that my husband can come to the U.S. as soon as possible (as I know it is for so many people here). It seems like there's no way to know whether wait times will become longer or shorter, since there has been a lot of fluctuation for both visas over the last year. So how can we decide?

Any guidance you can give us in making this decision will be very helpful. Thank you!!

[Reba 2]

When the K3 was originally created it *was* intended to be faster processing than the Cr1/Ir1, however processing has changed considerably in the past year or two, and now it is no longer the case in many countries. In some countries, they do still process the K3 faster so I'd suggest if the processing timelines in your country show the K3 is faster by a few months, go with that. If however, the processing timelines show that the Cr1 is faster, or within a month or two of the K3 processing, I'd say go for the Cr1, it is the better visa, and allows your spouse to get settled in the US quicker, as it comes with work authorization and SSN. With the K3 you have to apply separately for those, and that can take several extra months after arrival, which does make settling more difficult.

[notime4haterz 0]

You're going to have to file an I-130 before you can file an I-129F... and I think the only correct answer is that no matter which you choose, it's gonna take long...so prepare yourself to wait at least, minimum a year from the time you file until the time you might be able to have your spouse with you.

[msnoob 3]

The processing times will vary by service center and by petition type. I dont recall seeing situations where the K3 slowed down the process. For Vermont, at least, it appears that they are processing the K3s but not the CR1s. Like stated before, be prepared for a wait. If it happens quicker, you will be pleasantly surprised.

[YGandMAT 0]

The processing times will vary by service center and by petition type. I dont recall seeing situations where the K3 slowed down the process. For Vermont, at least, it appears that they are processing the K3s but not the CR1s. Like stated before, be prepared for a wait. If it happens quicker, you will be pleasantly surprised.

In our case the CR1 would have taken 4 months longer, so we were happy we went the K3 route.

[SteveColo 0]

I'd suggest if the processing timelines in your country show the K3 is faster by a few months, go with that.

I've never seen anywhere processing times by country ... can you show me where that info is?

According to the 'time lines' section here ... for the CVC (my area) the time between NOA1 and NOA2 for an I-130 is 198 days ... the time between a NOA1 and a NOA2 for a I-129F is 90 days ... that is a 3-4 month difference.

Now I'm new to this, and I'm still trying to figure this all out ... so I'll ask those in the 'know' here ... don't BOTH a CR1 and a K3 have to go through the NVC at about the same processing times ... and if so, then the advantage of the K3 "time wise" shows up (at least when it comes to getting your spouse home sooner).

[Reba 2]

at the specific consulate websites, they show processing times for the different visas.

[Completely 3]

Hello everyone,

I am a new member at Visa Journey. My husband and I have been reading the forums and timelines, but we are still unsure of whether to request the K3 or CR1/IR1 visa. I understand that the K3 was created to make the process faster than the CR1/IR1. Yet I was recently advised by a lawyer, and I see from the current approvals, that the CR1/IR1 is a little bit faster right now. We are about to request a visa, and our main concern is not the cost, but that my husband can come to the U.S. as soon as possible (as I know it is for so many people here). It seems like there's no way to know whether wait times will become longer or shorter, since there has been a lot of fluctuation for both visas over the last year. So how can we decide?

Any guidance you can give us in making this decision will be very helpful. Thank you!!

If you are looking to get your spouse into the United States as soon as possible then the K-3 visa is the way to go. However, if speed is not essential and if it is important that your spouse is a permanent resident from the moment he/she enters the US and will be able to work upon entry into the country, then the Immigrant (CR-1 and IR-1) visas are a better fit.

Actually K3 is faster according to others but CR1 maybe be longer but less headache as you dont have to file AOS and EAD.. .

The K-3 visa is faster up front, but a spouse who enters the country on a K-3 visa must adjust his or her status to conditional residency after he or she enters the United States. The time and money saved by getting the K-3 visa is made up because the adjustment of status demands an additional investment of time and money.

Edited November 3, 2008 by Completely