K1 or K3 for a Mexican citizen?

[mexigrl64 0]

Hi,

This is my first post (at least in many years). My ex-fiancee and I tried 5 years ago for him to get a visitors visa for the US. He tried unsuccessfully over the course of a year. At that time Hurricane Katrina hit and wiped out my home town - we were out of touch for a long time and eventually drifted apart. The stress from trying to get his visa got the best of us as well.

We are back in touch and trying to decide if we want to move forward with our relationship again. The truth is, I'd like him to get a visitors visa and spend a few months with me here in the US to see how he adjusts and how "we" adjust. However, after what we went through before I doubt it is possible. The previous time he was working full time, had a home, etc. Now with the conditions in Mexico he is unemployed. I can't imagine he'd qualify.

So, it looks like the option may be to give it a go and hope we are a lasting couple (as in the next oh 30 years at least...we are both 45). Would it make more sense for us to get married in Mexico and then process the visa or to try for the fiancee visa? I would prefer to go there, spend some time (since I can) and then get married and come back and file. What would be the advice of those who have done (or are doing) this?

Thank you - I'm so glad this community is here for advice and information!

Laura

[lucyrich 20]

There's not much difference between the ease of getting one visa versus the other. The requirements are almost identical (with the obvious change that the K-3 or CR-1 requires a marriage license). The timelines are roughly similar, but I don't follow them closely these days, so you may want to check recent timelines. I'll warn you that timelines can change quickly and radically, so if you choose the type of visa that appears fastest on the date you file, it may be slow by the time you finish.

That's what happened to us -- when we started, it looked like a K-3 would be faster than a K-1, and a CR-1 would take years longer than either of the K choices. But after we filed for our K-3, things flip-flopped, and it turns out the K-1 would have been fastest, followed by the CR-1, and finally the K-3.

But really, it sounds like you may want to choose a visa based on the location and timing of the marriage more than anything else. And that seems like a good way to choose. Since it sounds like you have the opportunity to spend some time together in his country, it sure sounds like that would be a good idea, whichever visa opportunity you eventually pursue.

[Dakine 26]

Best just to go with the K1.