CR-1 vs. K-1?

[kimmie 2]

We are trying to decide which is the best route to go, hopefully starting this fall/winter. What made you choose one over the other? I know personal circumstances vary, but just wondering what factors were important in your decision. Thanks in advance! :-)

[calibob 73]

What works best for you?

Bob

[Matt&Deb 2]

Our advise was K1 is quicker then CR-1.... but no matter what you choose it is a LONG process. Are you married? If so... you need to apply as married.

[kimmie 2]

Can't get that link to open. :-( Will try again when I get home - thanks Bob!

No, not married yet. I keep flip-flopping between the K-1 to get him here faster and the CR-1 because it seems like less hassle in the end. Suppose I should make a decision at some point though LOL!

[jennie ann 15]

We just finished the CR-1 process, and I'm really glad we went that way. It does take a bit longer (our own process was a little on the long side for CR-1 cases even, but that was due to an unfortunate USCIS screw-up), but to me it feels more permanent when it's done, like he's really going to be home for good when he gets here next week! I like that we can start our lives together right away (he can work and travel freely), we don't have to pay $1000+ for adjustment of status later, and the next time we have to worry about any immigration stuff is in two years when applying for removal of conditions and getting a 10-year green card.

There are obviously numerous other factors to consider (for example, I think the financial requirements in terms of showing that you can support your fiance(e)/spouse are different). One I can think of off the top of my head is what you have in mind for your wedding. Ours was very spontaneous – my husband was just here visiting me, we needed to find a way to be together again (and to spend our lives together), so we looked at our options and decided to get married, which we did about one week later at City Hall with just my immediate family and one close friend present. Going the K-1 route may allow you more time to plan a proper wedding but still be able to start the visa application process quickly. For us though, neither of us are that into weddings, and we loved our little private ceremony. We're having a proper reception with family and friends this fall, so that will be our chance to celebrate with others. And of course, going the CR-1 route doesn't mean you can't have a big wedding, depending on how you plan.

Well, I hope that helps. This is all just my personal opinion/experience, obviously, but I think that's part of what you were looking for. Good luck!

[kimmie 2]

Thanks Jennie for sharing your experience. And congrats on getting to the finish line!!

I know everyone's experience will be different, and that they aren't cookie cutter, but it's still nice to hear a success story.

Thanks again!

[David And Katie 5]

Well Katie and I had discussed getting married and going down the CR1 route, but her family probably wouldn't have been in love with _that_ idea (mine either).

And I think she wanted her big white wedding Guys can roll their eyes here, its ok.

I know one thing though, if I had to do it again, I would NOT plan a huge white wedding on the basis of one of the couple getting a visa. The amount of stress I am under as the beneficiary is immense. I would have preferred to either get married and do the CR-1, or do a K1 and have a small, simple wedding that hasn't cost $$$$ and can be rearranged if I don't get my visa.

As it stands now, I am having my interview tomorrow *knocks on wood* so hopefully I will get that side of it sorted out.

[kimmie 2]

Thanks for your response David! :-)

Yeah, not sure how my family will handle it either way we go... And I already had one big white wedding and he doesn't care, so jeans and t-shirt at the town hall it will be! Just thinking if we do the K-1 we can file sooner...trying to squeeze in yet another trip to get married first would delay that a bit. But nervous about his ability to travel back to the UK on the K-1 should there be an emergency or something. Decisions, decisions. :-)

Congrats on getting so close to the finish line!!!!