Help! K1 or K3 Visa? (merged)

[razxtee 1]

Hi! I am a recent college graduate of Nursing and I am currently back in USA awaiting authorization to take the NCLEX-RN board examination. I am currently unemployed, however. My fiance is also a college graduate and is also a Nurse in the Philippines. I have been researching about K1 and CR-1 visas and just recently read about the K3 visas. The reason why I haven't petitioned my fiance with the K1 visa is because of the talks that the US Embassy in Manila does not approve K1 visas with a cosponsor. My mother, who is also a nurse and who makes well over the minimum poverty guidelines is more than willing to be our co-sponsor. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice as to what I should do. What direction I should follow..whether to go through with the K1 visa (as they say there's a better chance of being approved since I am a recent college graduate), or go to the Philippines and get married, file the I-130 and then the K3? Is there any word that the US Embassy will not likely approve co-sponsors for K3? I'm so confused All we (my fiance and I) want is to be together..but all of this so confusing and stressful.

I would appreciate if you guys could give me some advice on my situation. Thank you all in advance!!!

[aleful 1,905]

hi

the K3 Is practically obsolete, so you would marry and go for the CR1 by sending the i130 and having your spouse go through consular processing in the Philippines

[notusinganymore 31]

Hi! I am a recent college graduate of Nursing and I am currently back in USA awaiting authorization to take the NCLEX-RN board examination. I am currently unemployed, however. My fiance is also a college graduate and is also a Nurse in the Philippines. I have been researching about K1 and CR-1 visas and just recently read about the K3 visas. The reason why I haven't petitioned my fiance with the K1 visa is because of the talks that the US Embassy in Manila does not approve K1 visas with a cosponsor. My mother, who is also a nurse and who makes well over the minimum poverty guidelines is more than willing to be our co-sponsor. I was wondering if you guys could give me some advice as to what I should do. What direction I should follow..whether to go through with the K1 visa (as they say there's a better chance of being approved since I am a recent college graduate), or go to the Philippines and get married, file the I-130 and then the K3? Is there any word that the US Embassy will not likely approve co-sponsors for K3? I'm so confused All we (my fiance and I) want is to be together..but all of this so confusing and stressful.

I would appreciate if you guys could give me some advice on my situation. Thank you all in advance!!!

As of now K3 is somewhat obsolete.

Currently, K1 (fiance) and CR1/IR1 are in play for getting your fiance or spouse to the US. Many have said that Manila embassy don't like co-sponsors but keep in mind that it is your relationship that will be looked at in the process. I mean like no matter how much money you earn if the consular officer looks at your relationship as fraudulent then you will get denied. I hope that makes sense.

Here are your options:

K1 - you get your fiance faster. This however is more costly but you will worry about the cost once the fiance is in the US. K1 can only be done by US citizens.

CR1/IR1 - takes a few months longer but is less costly. Can be done by permanent residents.

I would say those are the things you have to consider. Hope that helps.

[razxtee 1]

As of now K3 is somewhat obsolete.

Currently, K1 (fiance) and CR1/IR1 are in play for getting your fiance or spouse to the US. Many have said that Manila embassy don't like co-sponsors but keep in mind that it is your relationship that will be looked at in the process. I mean like no matter how much money you earn if the consular officer looks at your relationship as fraudulent then you will get denied. I hope that makes sense.

Here are your options:

K1 - you get your fiance faster. This however is more costly but you will worry about the cost once the fiance is in the US. K1 can only be done by US citizens.

CR1/IR1 - takes a few months longer but is less costly. Can be done by permanent residents.

I would say those are the things you have to consider. Hope that helps.

Thanks! That does help..I'm just worried that my being unemployed at the moment and needing a cosponsor would affect either petitions being approved.. I don't know whether to risk doing the K1 or just go straight to the CR1/IR1.

[notusinganymore 31]

Thanks! That does help..I'm just worried that my being unemployed at the moment and needing a cosponsor would affect either petitions being approved.. I don't know whether to risk doing the K1 or just go straight to the CR1/IR1.

I think you'll be fine tbh I too stressed a lot before. Just trust your relationship.

I went through K1 because we weren't able to get married because of certain unfortunate events. If I were you, I would get married if you can do it the soonest. While you wait you can both review for NCLEX and while the whole process of your CR1 is going, your fiance can take NCLEX while in the Philippines. By the time he gets to the US, he will hopefully go straight to finding a job.

Scenario is that if you apply for K1:

Fiance might be in the US after 6 months, might be processing papers to take NCLEX or is taking NCLEX, stay at home for another 3 months to wait for the authorization to work, then granted your fiance passes NCLEX he will be looking for a job.

Scenario for CR1:

You both file for petition that may take 8 months to 1 year, while waiting process all your papers for NCLEX and take NCLEX, get approved, and when in the US find work.

I feel like I would have been better off taking NCLEX while I was in the Philippines or at least I was able to work here while waiting for my NCLEX had we gotten married but whatever. Haha! K1 worked for me anyway

Edited January 3, 2014 by emmandenn

[Pitaya 2,577]

~ Moved from K-1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum

[No name 88 48]

If you are not married you can't file for the CR1.

Right now Philippines is receiving expedited case handling by USCIS for typhoon relief. Petitions are being approved in as little as 4 weeks. This won't last long. If you can get the K-1 filed and approved I'd go that route unless you two can get married in a hurry.

The fast process times makes me jealous but good luck for you if you can get it.

[Tahoma 2,292]

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your K-1 joint sponsor is most likely less than 50%.

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your CR-1 joint sponsor is almost 100%.

Go with the CR-1.

[Misha'sgirl 44]

K1 all the way

[christeen 966]

If you need to use a co-sponsor to qualify, the CR1 is the way to go...a little longer time wise for approval but a FAR superior visa... Manila is notorious for to accepting co-sponsors for k1s ... Plus you will have the advantage of not having to AOS when they arrive and our spouse can start to work right away...

[Ryan H 3,812]

~~~Closed for review.~~~

[Ryan H 3,812]

***Thread back open; several bickering posts have been removed. Furthermore, the bickering ends here, either address the OP or do not post. Failure to heed this warning will result in a thread ban.***

[KayDeeCee 4,893]

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your K-1 joint sponsor is most likely less than 50%.

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your CR-1 joint sponsor is almost 100%.

Go with the CR-1.

Follow the advice of those such as Tahoma that know the process and procedures for going through Manila.

Yes, there is a chance you can be approved with a co-sponsor for a K-1, but it is only a chance. With the CR-1 you will use the I-864 and joint sponsors are definitely accepted with that affidavit of support.

Also, the CR-1 allows for permanent residency as soon as you enter the US with it. You will not have to spend money on AOS and will be able to work and travel and re-enter for trips outside the US when you need/want to. It is also cheaper because you do not have to file for AOS.

[razxtee 1]

Follow the advice of those such as Tahoma that know the process and procedures for going through Manila.

Yes, there is a chance you can be approved with a co-sponsor for a K-1, but it is only a chance. With the CR-1 you will use the I-864 and joint sponsors are definitely accepted with that affidavit of support.

Also, the CR-1 allows for permanent residency as soon as you enter the US with it. You will not have to spend money on AOS and will be able to work and travel and re-enter for trips outside the US when you need/want to. It is also cheaper because you do not have to file for AOS.

If you need to use a co-sponsor to qualify, the CR1 is the way to go...a little longer time wise for approval but a FAR superior visa... Manila is notorious for to accepting co-sponsors for k1s ... Plus you will have the advantage of not having to AOS when they arrive and our spouse can start to work right away...

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your K-1 joint sponsor is most likely less than 50%.

The odds that the U.S. Embassy Manila will accept your CR-1 joint sponsor is almost 100%.

Go with the CR-1.

If you are not married you can't file for the CR1.

Right now Philippines is receiving expedited case handling by USCIS for typhoon relief. Petitions are being approved in as little as 4 weeks. This won't last long. If you can get the K-1 filed and approved I'd go that route unless you two can get married in a hurry.

The fast process times makes me jealous but good luck for you if you can get it.

I think you'll be fine tbh I too stressed a lot before. Just trust your relationship.

I went through K1 because we weren't able to get married because of certain unfortunate events. If I were you, I would get married if you can do it the soonest. While you wait you can both review for NCLEX and while the whole process of your CR1 is going, your fiance can take NCLEX while in the Philippines. By the time he gets to the US, he will hopefully go straight to finding a job.

Scenario is that if you apply for K1:

Fiance might be in the US after 6 months, might be processing papers to take NCLEX or is taking NCLEX, stay at home for another 3 months to wait for the authorization to work, then granted your fiance passes NCLEX he will be looking for a job.

Scenario for CR1:

You both file for petition that may take 8 months to 1 year, while waiting process all your papers for NCLEX and take NCLEX, get approved, and when in the US find work.

I feel like I would have been better off taking NCLEX while I was in the Philippines or at least I was able to work here while waiting for my NCLEX had we gotten married but whatever. Haha! K1 worked for me anyway

THANK YOU GUYS SO MUCH FOR ALL OF YOUR RESPONSES. GOOD LUCK TO ALL OF YOU WHO ARE WAITING TO BE APPROVED.

BELIEVE AND YOU WILL RECIEVE