CR1 vs K1..please help..still not sure....

[trulove 1]

hey all!!!

Just had another question about the CR1 visa...what are the pros and cons compared to the K1 visa other then it takes a few months longer...

Also when I do have my cr1 interview would my boyfriend have to go to the interview in Montreal????

Its expensive to fly both of us to Montreal ...and if we decide to go the K1 route...how long would that take possibly?? How many AOS interviews and how long before i get my ssn????

Thanks soo much

[Scott and Mhay 57]

With the CR-1, your husband would be able to work right away, get a 2 year greencard right away....of course getting a SSN. I have heard that there is only one embassy in Canada that does the interviews and that is the big hold-up for canada. I dont know if the K1 vs the CR-1 if it would go to different places. As far as the K-1 you have to adjust status and that is at a tune of around $1000. I feel the CR-1 visa is better, but with the K-1 you do get to live with your boyfriend for up to 90 days before getting married. Processing times will be close to the same...but the interview will hold you up. There will be people that have dealt with the process in canada along soon to give you first-hand experience.

Edited January 21, 2010 by Scott and Mhay

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Where is your boyfriend from in Canada? This will determine where the K visa interview will be. The only consulate that does Cr-1s is Montreal and yes, there is a huge backup.

Adjusting status is expensive and waiting 90 days to get your employment and travel authorization can be agonizing. However, the K-1 is slightly faster

Take a look at the link below for your pluses and minuses of the visas you asked about. Disregard the K3 visa

Good luck

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare

[trulove 1]

Thanks everyone for your help!!!

[Dakine 26]

Just a few reasons why to go with the CR-1. If you are eligible for a IR-1 then you would be nuts going with a K3!

The K3 has to adjust status which cost $1010 + $131 visas application fee.

Have to go thru the cost and hassles of getting a I-693 also.

K3 normally has to do biometrics and have a AOS interview. Time off from work cost the petitioner. PLUS the hassles of submitting the paperwork and going for the interview. Tain’t fun.. Especially if denied or questioned. Ever done a Stokes interview?

That’s the second interview if they are in doubt of your relationship.

Also a possibility of being deported. Yeah doesn’t happen much but it happens.

K3 has to wait about 90 days after they file to get EAD or GC so they can get SSN and be able to work.

CR-1 can work as soon as they get the GC and SS card in the mail. Normally with 6 weeks.

Can’t do a LOT of things without SSN. Like work or get a drivers license in some states.

Some K visas don’t get GC for a LONG time.

If petitioner goes belly up before you get GC you stand a chance of being deported.

If the petitioner loses his/her job after the interview you don’t have to worry about getting a co sponsor to adjust status!

CR-1 cost about $470

Get their GC and SS card in the mail within 6 weeks of arrival.

No biometrics , dealing with civil surgeons, AOS interviews, going to SSA for SS card.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.

Bottomline is anyone that goes with the K3 the way things are now are masochist!

[jundp 191]

hey all!!!

Just had another question about the CR1 visa...what are the pros and cons compared to the K1 visa other then it takes a few months longer...

Also when I do have my cr1 interview would my boyfriend have to go to the interview in Montreal????

Its expensive to fly both of us to Montreal ...and if we decide to go the K1 route...how long would that take possibly?? How many AOS interviews and how long before i get my ssn????

Thanks soo much

I think you might be confused with your visas.

CR1 is for SPOUSES not boyfriend/girlfriend.

K1 is for FIANCE(E) not spouses or boyfriend/girlfriend.

The question is do you want to get married in the USA and stay to adjust status or do you want to get married prior to entering the US?

For the CR1 you would need to be married prior to applying for that visa and you would apply from the beneficiaries home country. For the K1 you apply prior to being married, once you receive the visa you then enter the US, get married and adjust status.

It would be helpful for you to read the guides and have a look at processing times for each visa, after deciding whether you want to get married first or not.