K1 v K3 v CR-1

[tahaboy 0]

Hi People!

I have been through all the gudies, FAQ's, and posts on the site (all the stuff is highly informative) but I have a situation in hand to which I am not sure what is the best approach. I would be very greatful if anyone out here could give me some guidance.

I met my gurl when i vistied USA in May 08 on a tourist visa (it is still valid). We had no intention of seeing each other and eventually getting married when we first met and hence did not document that trip (I have no photos etc of her and me together). I came back to India, we kept in touch tru email/chat and somewhere along the way cupid struck. We currently are in touch with each other on daily basis tru phone. Basically, I currently do not have enough evidence to demonstrate that I met my gurl in person.My fiancee does plan to make a short trip (2-3 weeks) to India towards the end of Dec. We plan to properly document that trip and perhaps even exchange rings.

In view of the above would it be a wise idea to go in for a K1 visa fter she concludes er trip to India? I read on the post that insufficent perosnal meetngs could be a ground for delaying, if not denying a K1 visa. My assessment is that I may just be on the borderline and it is possible that K1 could backfire for me. Any thoughts people?

Given that we are absolutely sure that we intend to marry, would K3 be a better option? I understand that there is not too much of a difference in terms of fees and processing times (avg processing time is about 6 months right?) between a K1 and K3. Or would CR-1 be a better option for me? It definately is a cheaper option but I guess its way too lenghty. I read the avg processing time is abt 900 days or so. Is that correct or am I reading the statistics wrongly? But I also read that nowadays CR-1 is also being processed rather fast.

Also if i enter upon a K1/K3 as against a CR-1 would getting a work permit be longer? I guess it takes abt 90 days or so once I enter the US. Would that be longer than the time it would take to process my CR-1?

Basically I am little confused abt the best way to go about it. I have all the information but what I am lacking is a practical perspective. I would really apperciate if some one from out here could share a few thoughts and help me zero in on the right option.

look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Taher

[sara..... 371]

hi, just my thoughts on this but if you do not have enough evidence for k-1 you do not have enough for CR-1...k-3 is useless because you still have to pay the aos after getting to the USA.

my suggestion to you .......when she comes to india take lots of pics make sure that they include pics with ur family........we were asked for engagement pics we dont have engagement pics so make sure that have someone take plenty of them......you have the chance get evidence to comply with k-1 with out any problems........also when she makes her time line make sure that she includes your first meeting.....also for the interview make sure that you have lots of emails and snail mails back and forth to each other as well as screen shots of you both talking with web cam on chats. Save all your chats so that you can print out a few for the interview time.......india is one of the harder embassies to get approval from but if you do everything that you can do you should be fine.......at some point she will need a notarized letter from her parents about the engagement that would be at you interview time

good luck

sara

[Usui Takumi 1,562]

K3 is not really worth the money any longer. I would say the CR1 is probably the best visa to get because your 100% free to do what you like when you enter the US (ie. working etc.) This is assuming that a wedding in India is possible.

As Estadia has said make sure you follow all of the "culture" requirements that your consulate "requires" (I highlighted "requires" because many consulates expect certain customs to have taken place or they will automatically flag the visa as "fraud"...even though they do not openly require it). You might dive into the India section of this forum if you go the CR1 route (Regional Forums) and get more opinions from some CR1 visa holders about exactly what the consulate expects.

Edited December 2, 2009 by Sousuke