Question for a friend

[aravis227 1]

Hi everyone!

I hope I'm asking this in the correct forum, if not will someone let me know (or just move this thread) where would be better to ask this. My husband (Canadian) and I went through the K-1 process starting in 2009 so we're almost "done" with our journey (removal of conditions at the end of this year and then citizenship once he's eligible) and we couldn't have done it without the good advice, help, and support that I always got on the VJ forums. Now I have a friend who doesn't have internet access so I'm asking on her behalf. Her fiance is in England and they have not applied for anything yet. They are debating between applying for a K-1 or getting married and applying for an IR-1/CR-1. I've told her the pros and cons as I understand them (faster for a K-1, but less expensive for an IR1/CR1 and he'd be able to work right away), my/her only concern is about the actual getting married part. He has a visit planned very soon and they are discussing the possibility of getting married while he's here, then filing for a CR1 once he's back home. Has anyone done this? If they choose to do this, what is the best explanation for his visit that he can give?

Also, just for additional input besides mine, what recommendation would you give them? The IR1/CR1 or the K1? When I was waiting for my K1, the wait times were comparable (and the VJ guides say it still is), from your practical experience is that still the case?

[payxibka 10,045]

If they are going to be married here then the question is, when is he ready (or want) to relocate? If sooner rather than later, then they could file for a K-1 RIGHT NOW, versus having to wait until after a marriage event occurs at some point in the future...

[aravis227 1]

If they are going to be married here then the question is, when is he ready (or want) to relocate? If sooner rather than later, then they could file for a K-1 RIGHT NOW, versus having to wait until after a marriage event occurs at some point in the future...

He'd like to relocate ASAP, but they're also considering their financial situations. The visit is scheduled for a couple of weeks from now so it wouldn't add more than a month or two to when they filing, but if they marry and do a CR1 he can work while they wait for approval, then work right away when he moves here. When my husband moved here we had to wait 3-ish months for his EAD before he could start working. She has two or three kids at home (from a previous marriage), so they're a little bit concerned about money. Plus, according to the VJ list it's almost $1k less expensive to file for CR1, I haven't researched myself, so maybe there are fees I'm not seeing there (like all of the interview, medical, etc fees for K1), but it's a significantly smaller amount of money.

[Kimbear 53]

considering the circumstances financially if it were me i'd do the cr1, thus there would be no break inbetween working, and it would be a bit cheaper in the long run. Also as long as he keeps current ties etc to his country he should be able to visit her in the usa, unless you cannot visit while beingin progress for a cr1 in england. I'd ask in the regional forums to be sure on that part.