Processing times - CR1 vs K1 in Manila

[Éclair 0]

Hi, Im new to VJ.

I had a question regarding the processing times in Manila for a CR1 vs K1.

From my understanding the K1 is faster. People on here say 6-8 months. The historical processing times say 6 months. But this visa is more expensive in the end and requires more paper work once fiancee arrives in the US.

CR1 from my understanding is cheaper but slower. People on here say expect 8 months to a Year or even 1.5 years. The historical processing time says it takes 13 months. But with this visa you don't have to go through so much paper work once she arrives. She gets her green card faster and can work and travel immediately. And all her family can come to her wedding in the Philippines.

So my questions are

1. How accurate are these processing times for the manila embassy? Is K1 typically 6 months and CR1 is typically 13 months as of right now?

2. The reason I am considering the CR1 is because I'm in between jobs as I was recently laid off. Even then the job wasn't that great of pay. Im working at finding a job that makes over 125% of poverty line. But im scared I won't find something permanent fast enough and I would like to start the visa process ASAP. But I don't want to start the visa right now without a job because if for some crazy reason I don't get a job in time of her interview then that would horrible! And I know that the CR1 allows co-sponsorship and my parents would be willing to co-sponsor and we'd be living at my parents house in the mean time till we get things settled. So if I did CR1 then the stress of finding a good job right away won't be there as much. Also my parents were going to go over in May with me for the pamanhikan anyway. So I was thinking what if we just got married there then did the CR1 when I got back in the states?

I know the K1 allows co sponsor on a case by case but its too risky to take a chance like that. Then it would waste more time if I got denied because of financial reasons. So CR1 seemed like a safer bet. But from what I'm reading its significantly longer processing time. I would be ok with 8 months, but 13 months seems intense.

I feel like realistically I'd probably find a job that pays over 125 percent of poverty line by the time of her interview as I am actively searching now.

But im just thinking in worst case scenario... I may have to consider CR1.

Let me know what you guys think. Im glad this site exists. It's been a major help! Thanks

Edited March 1, 2014 by Éclair

[carton025 38]

Just my naive opinion based on my gal's experience and what I have learned from other - not in this group!

The processing times for the K-1 and I-131 are not too far apart - within 2/3 months based, again, on my "naive" experience.

Best of luck!

[Mr.&Mrs.EMB 55]

In MY experience, me and my wife are at our 10 months now in the visa process. We're doing the CR-1 route. I would say by the time everything is done up to that last stage when ACTUAL visa is on hand, about a year for us. We started this process May 2013.

[Hank_ 9,174]

The timeline is a little longer for the CR-1 if you add the time to get married in front, without out even considering "government requirements", as the marriage has to happen before arriving in the USA and being able to start the application. As for paperwork it is about the same, just done in a different order, K-1 doesn't do the paperwork for the green card until after arriving in the USA, CR-1 does this paperwork during the visa process. Not sure about fees, I see some fees charged to CR-1 that K-1 do not pay and I bet there are a few fees the other way around too.

[ssw 2]

Don't do CR1, CR1 sucks. If I have a another chance, I pick K1. My file got stuck in NSC for more than 6 moths, No one touched it. Then they transfer it to CSC after realize they don't have time to look at it. Heck if I was doing K1, my wife could have got the visa already at that time. Instead now one year pass... our case still at NVC. Even if I need to fill out 100 more form and pay 5 times more money, I still rather pick K1.