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which is faster spouse or fiance visa?

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me and my fiance are planning to get married here on philippines this december. but then in that case, we have to file for the CR-1 visa when he gets back in the US. i'm still thinking of having the k-1 visa which i heard is faster than the CR-1. help please on what to choose i just don't want to be away from him for a long time. thanks a lot for your opinions! i would greatly appreciate it =)

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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Here's the comparison

http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

We took the K1 route 'coz we don't want to be separated after the marriage.

Good luck on whichever route you'll take!

K1
05/22/12 - Mailed I-129F
08/17/12 - Approved I-129F NOA2 (85 days)
11/19/12 - Approved Visa!! (179 days)
12/01/12 - POE Honolulu, HI
12/21/12 - Wedding Day!
AOS, EAD and AP
01/05/13 - Mailed I-485, I-765 and I-131
01/09/13 - USCIS accepted case and received text
01/11/13 - Cashed check
01/08/13 - Received NOA1
01/18/13 - Received Biometrics Appointment Notice
01/22/13 - Early Biometrics Walk-in (scheduled Feb 7)
01/27/13 - We're pregnant!!
02/04/13 - Received Appointment Notice
03/04/13 - Approved EAD and AP (58 days)
03/12/13 - Received EAD and AP combo card
03/12/13 - Interview and Approved GC (63 days)
03/20/13 - Received Green Card

10/3/13 - Baby #1 arrived

2/17/14 - Pregnant again! LOL

10/20/14 - Baby #2 arrived
ROC
01/09/15 - Mailed I-751

01/12/15 - NOA

01/16/15 - Received NOA Letter

01/20/15 - Mailed DMV 1yr Extension

02/05/15 - Received Biometrics Letter

02/09/15 - Early Bio (Walk-IN)

02/19/15 - Biometrics Appointment

06/15/15 - Approved
06/15/15 - Card Ordered and Mailed

08/22/15 - Card Received

N-400 on or after 12/15/15



and they'll live happily ever, ever after...
Relationship Journey: Our pursuit to happiness

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thank you so much for the information =) as i have seen on your timeline, it already took you 5 months which is good compared to what i've seen with the CR-1 visa.

the best of luck to the both of you! =)

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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IMO and some who have gone the K-1 path, find the 'benefits' of the spousal visa are well worth the time.

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processingTimesDisplay.do

'PAU' both wife and daughter in the U.S. 08/25/2009

Daughter's' CRBA Manila Embassy 08/07/2008 dual citizenship

http://crbausembassy....wordpress.com/

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Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Philippines
Timeline

me and my fiance are planning to get married here on philippines this december. but then in that case, we have to file for the CR-1 visa when he gets back in the US. i'm still thinking of having the k-1 visa which i heard is faster than the CR-1. help please on what to choose i just don't want to be away from him for a long time. thanks a lot for your opinions! i would greatly appreciate it =)

When i asked an attorney about this, he said fiance is faster but there's too many paperworks to do when your fiance gets here. cr1 is not as fast as k1 but your fiance's paper are all good. i went ahead and did k1 instead. i'd rather have him get here faster. Hope this helps.

****** Whatever comments i post are based only on what I've done or experienced during this journey. ******

And we should be here to help each other.

Peace out! =)

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Nigeria
Timeline

I personally think CR-1 is the better choice :blush: It only took my case exactly 6 months from start to getting the visa. But good luck with whatever you choose :thumbs:

as1cJV3-O6k0610MDAwNTQ2NnN8MDAwMTY0NHN8SGFwcGlseSBNYXJyaWVkIDop.gif
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When i asked an attorney about this, he said fiance is faster but there's too many paperworks to do when your fiance gets here. cr1 is not as fast as k1 but your fiance's paper are all good. i went ahead and did k1 instead. i'd rather have him get here faster. Hope this helps.

yeah i've seen there's a lot of things to do after you get married in the US. thank you for the info =)

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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I personally think CR-1 is the better choice :blush: It only took my case exactly 6 months from start to getting the visa. But good luck with whatever you choose :thumbs:

thank you so much! and i've seen there's a little difference between the timeframe of filing for a fiance visa compared to the spouse visa.. and the advantage of the CR-1 is that there's less paperworks to do. =)

wishing you a happy married life =)

IMO and some who have gone the K-1 path, find the 'benefits' of the spousal visa are well worth the time.

https://egov.uscis.gov/cris/processingTimesDisplay.do

yes definitely worth the time =) thanks!

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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me and my fiance are planning to get married here on philippines this december. but then in that case, we have to file for the CR-1 visa when he gets back in the US. i'm still thinking of having the k-1 visa which i heard is faster than the CR-1. help please on what to choose i just don't want to be away from him for a long time. thanks a lot for your opinions! i would greatly appreciate it =)

They are almost processed the same number of days/months depending on your individual situations. If you use the K-1 Visa, more questions are usually asked, and more documentations are required. It is also more expensive in the long run by about $1,000 + because you still have more processes to go through "to be recgnized as the spouse". And once everything's settled, you'd wish you had gone the CR-1 route.

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They are almost processed the same number of days/months depending on your individual situations. If you use the K-1 Visa, more questions are usually asked, and more documentations are required. It is also more expensive in the long run by about $1,000 + because you still have more processes to go through "to be recgnized as the spouse". And once everything's settled, you'd wish you had gone the CR-1 route.

yeah i've noticed that there's just a slight difference (maybe 2-3months) when it comes to the number of days between the two visas.. and as i read all your opinions, taking the CR-1 visa route, though it'll take a bit longer, is worth the wait.. we won't be stressing too much when it comes to the paperworks.. thanks a lot for your response =)

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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guys thank you very much for your posts =) you really took time to help me out. thanks thanks thanks!

to those who are still waiting for their visa, the best of luck..

and to those who are already with their loved ones, i wish you happiness..

God bless us all :)

AOS TIMELINE

07-14-14: Mailed AOS packet via USPS express mail

07-15-14: AOS packet delivered

07-17-14: Got email notification from USCIS

07-21-14: received 3 NOA1 (AOS, EAD, AP) from the mail

07-28-14: received biometrics appointment letter (schedule on 08-11)

08-11-14: biometrics done

08-19-14: status is on "Testing and Interview"

09-11-14: EAD/AP approved

09-19-14: EAD/AP combo card received

10-06-14: case status update - interview scheduled on 11-06-14

10-08-14: received interview notice in the mail

11-06-14: Interview (Approved)

11-06-14: case status update "Card/Document Production"

11-07-14: case status update "Welcome Notice was Mailed"

11-13-14: case status update "Card was mailed to Me"

11-15-14: received GC and Welcome letter

ROC TIMELINE:

09-07-16: mailed I-751 packet

09-09-16: ROC packet delivered

09-14-16: check cashed

09-16-16: NOA received

09-26-16: Biometrics appointment received

10-12-16: Biometrics done

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Thailand
Timeline

I choose CR-1 because visa fees are cheapest and get social security card and green card. My timeline taking just alike k-1 I think.

CR-1 Visa

2012-07-07 : Sent I-130 to Phoenix AZ Lockbox

2012-07-10 : NOA1 case transferred to USCIS California Service Center

2012-08-30 : NOA2 Approved in 51 days

National Visa Center

2012-09-11 : NVC Received

2012-09-20 : Vaccines Injection (1st Dose of Influvac, Tdap-IPV, MMR, Havrix) at Saovabha

2012-09-20 : Received and Replied DS-3032 via e-mail / Received and Pay I-864 Fee online

2012-09-21 : Applied For Police Clearance Certificate

2012-09-25 : AOS Fee Status Shows PAID / Return AOS packet by USPS

2012-09-28 : AOS packet delivered at NVC

2012-09-28 : Receive IV Bill from e-mail / Pay IV Fee online

2012-10-05 : IV Fee Status Shows PAID / Recieved PCC / Return IV packet by DHL(Thailand)

2012-10-22 : Case Completed at NVC in 41 days

2012-10-24 : Medical Exam and Vaccines Injection (2nd dose of Td and MMR) at Bumrungrad Int'l Hospital

2012-11-02 : Interview date assigned / received P4 via e-mail

2012-11-21 : Received P4 hard copy

2012-11-29 : Applied J-1Visa Waiver

2012-12-12 : Interview at USEMBangkok

2012-03-14 : Sent J-1 waiver and passport

2013-03-21 : Visa Received

2013-03-25 : US Entry ALT

My Previous US Visas

Mar-Jun 2008: J-1(Work&Travel Exchange Student).

Jul-Nov 2008: F-1(UWF Student).

Jun-Jul 2009: B1/B2(Visitor).

May 2011-2012: J-1(Internship) {2HRR}

Nov 28, 2012-Mar 4, 2013: J-1 Visa Waiver

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Filed: Country: Colombia
Timeline

Here's the comparison

http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

We took the K1 route 'coz we don't want to be separated after the marriage.

Good luck on whichever route you'll take!

It's the age old question, in the end it comes down to what fits your circumstances and needs. If I had to do it all over again I would have chosen to marry my fiancee in her home country.

Good luck to you both!

--------------------------------K-1----------------------------
October 1, 2011 Mailed I-129F Application
October 7, 20122 Notice Date of NOA 1
February 15, 2012 Received Hard Copy of Approved NOA 2
March 8, 2012 Rec email Pacs 3/4 US Embassy in Bogota
March 29, 2012 Scheduled Interview
June 7, 2012 Interview APPROVED!

------------------------------Arrival @ LAX-----------------------------
July 27, 2012 Arrived POE @ LAX
October 21, 2012 Married (L) (L)

------------------------------AOS----------------------------------
April 20, 2013 Mailed AOS package

April 29, 2013 AOS NOA

May 22, 2013 Biometric date

June 7, 2013 NOA, rec. interview date for 7-16-13

June 18, 2013 EAD/AP Approved

June 29, 2013 Rec. in mail EAD/AP combo card

July 8, 2013 AOS process on HOLD, interview canceled unsure.png as wife returned to Colombia on medical emergency!

Oct. 17, 2013 AOS Interview re-schedule to November 20, 2013

Nov. 1, 2013 Rec. Notice from USCIS that 11-20-13 interview "due to unforseen circumstances" has been CANCELED. girlwerewolf2xn.gif

December 18, 2013 Rec. notice that AOS interview has been re-scheduled for January 17, 2014 (we will see)

January 17, 2014 Interview and AOS was APPROVED! dancin5hr.gif

January 27, 2014 Received GREEN CARD in mail! kicking.gif

-----------------------ROC----------------------

December 23, 2015 ROC Mailed I-751 to CSC

December 30, 2015 ROC NOA1

January 25, 2016 ROC Bio appointment

May 26, 2016 Approved!

June 4, 2016 - Received 10-year PERMANENT RESIDENT CARD in mail! :thumbs:

-----------------------CITIZENSHIP------------------

November 16, 2016 Mailed

November 19, 2016 NOA date

December 13, 2016 Biometrics

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Colombia
Timeline

me and my fiance are planning to get married here on philippines this december. but then in that case, we have to file for the CR-1 visa when he gets back in the US. i'm still thinking of having the k-1 visa which i heard is faster than the CR-1. help please on what to choose i just don't want to be away from him for a long time. thanks a lot for your opinions! i would greatly appreciate it =)

The process for the two are nearly the same except the CR-1 has the NVC step which adds a month to six weeks if you are ready with the paperwork ahead of time. You also need to add in the time of getting married since you can't file the paperwork for a CR-1 until you do.

The CR-1 will end up being less expensive. Also getting married overseas for many countries is much less expensive (or rather in the U.S. getting married tends to be overdone crazy expensive). If you go the K-1 you must get married in the U.S.

If you make a list of pros and cons for your situation and the only "con" for the CR-1 is time.. well.. you know...

Edited by OnMyWayID

I don't believe it.. Prove it to me and I still won't believe it. -Ford Prefect

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