CR-1 or K-1 visa help?!

[Michael_88 6]

Hi there,

I'm a bit confused on what route to take in getting my fiance from Canada to live here in the USA. I've returned to the U.S. from a years stay in Jamaica working with my father. I'm currently unemployed at the moment as I'm just getting myself settled back into life in the states. My main question is if I marry my fiance and submit her paper work is there any possible way she can join me here in New York ? I've heard from numerous people that if I have a co-sponsor to sign the affidavit of support we are clear to go as far as her even being eligible. From my research my being unemployed at the moment makes her non eligible to come on a k-1 (fiance) visa. In my case what is the most logical route to bring her over here? We just want to be together ASAP. Answers would be greatly appreciated,thanks!

[Darnell 8,478]

Comparison on K-3 vs CR-1 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/204324-wondering-if-i-made-a-mistake-marrying-in-us/page__view__findpost__p__3060767

K-3 administratively closed - http://www.visajourney.com/news/2010/02/07/department-of-state-to-close-k-3-visas-if-i-129f-and-i-130-petitions-approved-and-received-together/

I post this, as the time and monies issues are the same, K-1 or K-3, vs CR-1 .

Edited January 1, 2013 by Darnell

[Enigma11561 336]

Hi there,

I'm a bit confused on what route to take in getting my fiance from Canada to live here in the USA. I've returned to the U.S. from a years stay in Jamaica working with my father. I'm currently unemployed at the moment as I'm just getting myself settled back into life in the states. My main question is if I marry my fiance and submit her paper work is there any possible way she can join me here in New York ? I've heard from numerous people that if I have a co-sponsor to sign the affidavit of support we are clear to go as far as her even being eligible. From my research my being unemployed at the moment makes her non eligible to come on a k-1 (fiance) visa. In my case what is the most logical route to bring her over here? We just want to be together ASAP. Answers would be greatly appreciated,thanks!

ASAP ASAP Everyone wants ASAP. Slow down here a bit.Try to get some employment first. Then file a K1 with a co-sponsor.You can always visit her in Canada. Your in New York,Canada is just a few hours drive away. How about us guys flying 12 hours to Europe or 20 hours to the Phils ! And that is just the plane ride.

Edited January 1, 2013 by Enigma11561

[Michael_88 6]

ASAP ASAP Everyone wants ASAP. Slow down here a bit.Try to get some employment first. Then file a K1 with a co-sponsor.You can always visit her in Canada. Your in New York,Canada is just a few hours drive away. How about us guys flying 12 hours to Europe or 20 hours to the Phils ! And that is just the plane ride.

Lol! I understand everyone wants ASAP! and you're right about slowing down, I just miss her so much! We have been visiting each other since I've been back home. So a joint sponsor can be used when using a k-1 visa? The money nor finding a joint sponsor is my issue. My concern is how much is my being un-employed right now affecting our chances? I have a joint sponsor lined up already. Can joint sponsors only be used in CR-1 cases only or K-1 cases as well? That's where I'm lost in what route to take.

[amykathleen2005 441]

No matter which direction you go there will need to be a sponsor. You can sponsor or you can have a co sponsor. Doesn't matter which visa you choose.

[Michael_88 6]

No matter which direction you go there will need to be a sponsor. You can sponsor or you can have a co sponsor. Doesn't matter which visa you choose.

So in the case we use the k-1 visa and she is approved to come to the U.S. to get married can I then use my co-sponsor to step in to sign the affidavit of support forms when the time is needed to file?

[NikLR 13,227]

yes you can use a joint sponsor for a K1. Especially a Canadian one. Sometimes an embassy will refuse it or not allow it but Montreal and Vancouver consulates are not those places.

To be honest, it takes about the same amount of time to do a K1 as it does to do a CR1. Decide with your fiancee how you want to get married, is a big wedding important? Does both sets of family need (or are wanted) at the wedding and reception? How much money are you guys willing to spend on not just a wedding but on this entire process? It is about twice as much to get a K1 as it is to go the CR1 route. Not including travel costs of course. If your fiancee is from Vancouver you may want to do the K1 route because you won't be spending the money on a hotel and plane ticket. With a K1 your fiancee cannot leave the USA without advance parole or until she has her green card if you choose the K1 route. She also will have to wait to be able to work (months vs weeks.) But you will be able to live as husband and wife right after marriage. So you both should sit down and weight the pros and cons.

You can still visit each other during a CR1 process. I have visited my husband (the USC) twice and plan on a 3rd time in Feb should I not have to fly to Montreal. He was supposed to come up here for xmas but didn't have enough vacation time from work (like 3 or 4 days and 2 of which are really travel days.)

We didn't start the CR1 until after he had a good job. Sometimes I wonder if we shouldn't have gotten married later but when we were married he was planning on coming up here. Life changes plans

[Darnell 8,478]

I-134 - shown on interview day for a K-1 visa.

I-864 - submitted with adjustment of status casefile.

Study those two forms, when you wake up.

Thanks !

[TBoneTX 45,324]

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to General Immigration Discussion -- OP hasn't decided on a visa path. ***