Bad criminal history- which visa?

[gigarange999 1]

Hey Push Brk you are on point from all the research I have encountered thus far. My wife is aware of my past as I witheld nothing from her. I do want to continue to learn and do all I can to avoid any delays. I am returning early next year and will forward this additional evidence to them.

Thanks for all advice and input.

I am wondering what would be the best option for me.

My criminal history is pretty bad. I am waiting for my records to come back so I can see exactly how many convictions is on there.

I have 2-3 drug related convictions (1 being a felony where it shows I served 8 years but I went to a 4 month boot camp instead) and 1 assault conviction.

Wondering what route I should go with my foreign fiance.

K1, K3, IR1 or CR1?

What is your opinion based on your experience?

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Forget K3, it is pretty much obsolete- your choices are the K1 fiance visa or the CR-1 spousal visa after mariage.

You are the US citizen/ petitioner, correct? If so, your criminal history is unlikely to matter as there are no sex crimes, unless the assault was a domestic violence matter. I asume you met with your fiance in person? You can choose either visa.

Do be sure to tell your foreign fiance all the details, as she may be asked about it at interview to ensure she knows about your past (for her own protection).

[gigarange999 1]

Thank you for your response. I am pulling all of my background checks from fbi, state and county.

The assault is a misdemeanor (against a woman who was punching me and I pushed her off). I know the reason doesnt matter, just the charge.

I see some sites say that assault is included on imbra and others say it is not. Also if I were to go the CR1 route do you think I should check yes if I have 2 drug convictions and an assault. I checked and there was no order of protection ever issued either.

Am I supposed to send in these documents right away or wait for them to ask for evidence?

I heard the CR1 is an easier way to go without having to have a criminal background hold anything up. Do you feel this is true also?

[Karee 4,191]

Thank you for your response. I am pulling all of my background checks from fbi, state and county.

The assault is a misdemeanor (against a woman who was punching me and I pushed her off). I know the reason doesnt matter, just the charge.

I see some sites say that assault is included on imbra and others say it is not. Also if I were to go the CR1 route do you think I should check yes if I have 2 drug convictions and an assault. I checked and there was no order of protection ever issued either.

Am I supposed to send in these documents right away or wait for them to ask for evidence?

I heard the CR1 is an easier way to go without having to have a criminal background hold anything up. Do you feel this is true also?

From what I can tell IMBRA in regards to criminal history is merely to inform the potential immigrant of your criminal past.

IMBRA does not apply to CR-1 visas.