Fiance or Spouse?

[mgjbtx 0]

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I'll ask it once more.

I am from Canada, and fiance is from US. Originally, the plan was to go through the K-1 visa process, and get married in the US, because that is where we are going to live. But then I saw somewhere else on the forum that is easier with a CR-1 (??) and also less expensive.

I haven't even thought about looking into him coming to Canada to get married, and then us going to the US with me as a spouse rather than a fiance. For those of you who have more experience: which is easier/more cost effective? Are there just as many restrictions and hoops to jump through to get married in Canada as there are in the US?

I knew this would be complicated, but wow!!

[payxibka 10,045]

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I'll ask it once more.

I am from Canada, and fiance is from US. Originally, the plan was to go through the K-1 visa process, and get married in the US, because that is where we are going to live. But then I saw somewhere else on the forum that is easier with a CR-1 (??) and also less expensive.

I haven't even thought about looking into him coming to Canada to get married, and then us going to the US with me as a spouse rather than a fiance. For those of you who have more experience: which is easier/more cost effective? Are there just as many restrictions and hoops to jump through to get married in Canada as there are in the US?

I knew this would be complicated, but wow!!

Moving this thread to General Immigration discussion... topic is not solely about K-1 process or procedure

[Inky 1,110]

CR-1 will take about a year, you will be waiting in Canada with the ability to visit him in the US.

Getting a marriage certificate can take longer in Canada than the USA. Especially for some provinces where it can take months to register the marriage.

CR-1 will be interviewed for only in Montreal QC.

Many people call Montreal the black hole because it takes quite a long time for interviews and corresponding.

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes montreal is known for taking longer for CR-1 than K-1, however.

Compare:

K-1 (FEES ~$1800)

K-1 cannot take a job until getting EAD or Green-card, this can take MONTHS after arrival

K-1 cannot get a DL until they have EAD or Green-card, can use foreign DL in most states though.

K-1 becomes land locked and cannot travel out of the USA until having green-card or AP doc, which can take MONTHS to get.

CR-1 (FEES ~$900)

CR-1 gets green-card the moment they arrive in the USA so can take a job immediately

CR-1 gets green-card so can apply for a DL

CR-1 gets green-card so can immediately travel, conceivable the next day, passport is stamped I-551 which allows work and travel

Ask your self, do you want to be able to seek employment shortly after arriving? This one comes up often on the forums the complaining about being couped up at home for MONTHS after arriving on a K-1

[VanessaTony 3,567]

I'm sure this question has been asked a million times, but I'll ask it once more.

I am from Canada, and fiance is from US. Originally, the plan was to go through the K-1 visa process, and get married in the US, because that is where we are going to live. But then I saw somewhere else on the forum that is easier with a CR-1 (??) and also less expensive.

I haven't even thought about looking into him coming to Canada to get married, and then us going to the US with me as a spouse rather than a fiance. For those of you who have more experience: which is easier/more cost effective? Are there just as many restrictions and hoops to jump through to get married in Canada as there are in the US?

I knew this would be complicated, but wow!!

The VISA fees make the CR-1 cheaper, but unless you're currently together (or married) then you'll need to pay for a flight to get married before filing, and that can bring the cost in line with the K1 depending on where you're from.

- The K1 is a visa you can apply for right now. The CR1 means you need to get together and get married first.

- The K1 has you apart as fiance/s, the CR-1 means you get married then leave your spouse

- The K1 means waiting several months before you can work/leave the US (around 3-6 months).

- The CR1 means working immediately on entry, and being able to leave the US immediately.

The K1 would have you together quicker but mean you're "stuck at home". The CR-1 is cheaper in terms of fees and leaves you able to work/travel. So you need to ask yourself what's more important to you. Filing now and being together ASAP? Or filing later, waiting longer and being able to work/travel immediately? If your fiance is financially secure enough to support you while waiting to work it's not really that big of a deal but some people REALLY can't handle being cooped up.

**Edit - I went the K1 route. i don't regret it because:

1. I wouldn't want to leave my husband

2. We weren't okay with a "quickie" wedding before I left the US last time I was there

3. My (now) husband is financially secure enough to support me whilst not working

4. I get bored easily but am also easily entertained to the months without being able to work doesnt' bother me (that's what housewives do after all right?!)

Edited February 14, 2011 by Vanessa&Tony