CR1 vs K3

[boosbear 37]

Does the CR1 visa still require an interview in Montreal for my Canadian spouse? The K3 visa does. We'd like the interview to be in the US if possible. Which do you think is a better option? The CR1 because he can work right away or K3? We aren't concerned about the visiting in between processing times. Any advice or experience with this is greatly appreciated! We have read the differences on the main board, we would like to hear personal experiences. thanks again. ~Lanie

[mtlguy 59]

my understanding is that k3 visas are pretty much abandoned, or on the verge of becoming extinct. your best bet is to stick with a CR/IR1. and yes, a CR/IR visa requires an interview in Montreal.

[NikLR 13,227]

Does the CR1 visa still require an interview in Montreal for my Canadian spouse? The K3 visa does. We'd like the interview to be in the US if possible. Which do you think is a better option? The CR1 because he can work right away or K3? We aren't concerned about the visiting in between processing times. Any advice or experience with this is greatly appreciated! We have read the differences on the main board, we would like to hear personal experiences. thanks again. ~Lanie

The CR1 requires a visa interview in Montreal. The K3 (if it actually goes through... about 0.33% actually do) would interview in either Vancouver or Montreal. Then you'd need to adjust your status which also may require an interview in the USA. If working is important then the CR1 is the way to go because the K3 requires an adjustment of status before the beneficiary can work. It takes about 90 days from filing the AOS to get the EAD. The AOS is $1070 so the K3 costs twice as much for immigration costs as the CR1.

[fridaynitewine 5]

Stick with the CR1 and be patient is the best advice I can provide.