K-1 Visa is Overwhelming

[HeatDeath 430]

Hi Rebecca,

Welcome to VJ! Best way to start is to click on the "guides" at the top of this page.

Since you will be in Japan, like other folks have said, the DCF is the quickest, fastest, and cheapest way to go. Once he is approved, they will grant him a green card that will allow him to work in the US and travel outside the US without restriction (except working at most federal jobs )

The K1 fiance visa is more expensive and you have to adjust status to get a green card, which means he will be waiting 3-6 months while in the US to be able to work and travel.

If you want to be more efficient, you could get married now and apply two years later--this will save you about $600 in later immigration fees because if you move to the US before your 2nd wedding anniversary, your future husband will only be granted a conditional visa good for 2 years. After two years, you have to file again to prove that you have a bonafide marriage, more paperwork, etc etc.

Best of luck! There is a DCF specific forum here on VJ to look through as well. Lawyers are generally useless unless you have a complicated case (past crimes, hard consulate, etc etc), by the way. Use the resources here and save the $$

I've +1'd every recommendation for DCF, and I wish I could +1 this a couple more times! Marrying now, if you two feel you're ready, and DCF'ing 2 years from now will definitely be the quickest, cheapest, most efficient way to get him into the US 2+ years from now.

[JoyDee 21]

When I was in grad school, I was a TA. If you have the chance to do a TA'ship, then there is a good chance that your pay (even part time) will be higher than the minimum for a household of two.

Yes, it depends what kind of grad program you are applying for. If it is a Phd you are more likely to get paid, a MA, not likely. Also, if you start school in the fall you won't have a full year of pay for the tax return.

[Amy and Nick 37]

Again, DCF for the CR-1 is the way to go IMO.

If you are looking for the cheapest way: CR-1 is it

If you are looking for the most efficient way :CR-1 is it

The only drawback most people find with CR-1 is the time it takes (8-10 months compared to 6-8 months for K-1). However as you are in no hurry, and can file DCF so you wont have to be seperated, this seems to be the best option for you.

Good luck!

[Shenzhen 34]

Hello!

My name is Rebecca. I'm a US citizen and I have been living in Japan and dating a Japanese citizen for two years.

In two years (probably April 2013), I want to return to America with my boyfriend and we intend to get married and live our lives in America.

It is a bit early, but I've been looking into a K1 visa for him and it looks rather lengthy and expensive.

As I'm making income in Japan right now, I will be, in a sense, "jobless" when I return to America and intend to go to grad school. Thus, my income will be 0 when I apply for a K1 visa. Will that affect my application, even if I have savings?

When is the best time to start doing all of this?

As it's still really early, is there an easier way to get married in the US and grant my boyfriend legal status?

Definitely the DCF and I read some are even faster than the 8-12 months. Like 6 months or less. Also maybe some tax advantages as well. Along with saving money from the filing fees of Fiance vs Spousal. So many more benefits DCF is the best way to go.

[miyavi 0]

I don't think i saw this answered but when you file for a sponsor if you dont earn enough, would you need to file that sponsor with the i129f petition or the i130? or do you wait till they ask for it or in the case of an i129f, do you need to wait until you're going to apply for the residence to send the sponsor form in?

[HeatDeath 430]

I don't think i saw this answered but when you file for a sponsor if you dont earn enough, would you need to file that sponsor with the i129f petition or the i130? or do you wait till they ask for it or in the case of an i129f, do you need to wait until you're going to apply for the residence to send the sponsor form in?

You will need a cosponsor at the times you send an I-134 or I-864. Basically both the sponsor and cosponsor fill out one of those forms and supply all of the required documentation. You would then include both forms and sets of documentation.

Also, for questions like this that are only slightly related to the thread, you'll get more, better answers much more quickly if you start your own thread. No big deal, just sayin'.

Edited January 23, 2011 by HeatDeath