Some questions regarding IR-1 process for Romania --> US

[romania_usa 0]

Hi all, just joined here. It's pretty awesome to find a forum where people in our similiar situations share their stories and issues and help each other out so that they can be joined with their loved ones. Basically, I'm in the US and my gf is in Romania. Trying to find the best way to get her over here. She will receive her university diploma by the summer of 2016, and trying to time things right so that she'll be able to arrive in the US around that timeframe. I have some questions/comments, and for ease of reading, I've enumerated them separately. Any answers, comments, or general advice you can offer would be appreciated. Thanks in advance!

1. I was deciding between going the K1 or IR1 route, but I figured going the IR1 route makes more sense. For a few reasons, which I will explain here. It seems from a logical standpoint, approving the entry of an already-married spouse stands a higher chance of success than a fiance. Another reason is that we would like her family and friends to join us for the ceremony/celebration and since it's somewhat difficult for people in some foreign countries to visit the US to attend weddings (due to visa reasons), we figured having it there makes more sense. And, the IR1 route being more "comprehensive" and cheaper overall doesn't hurt, either.

2. Now having said that having the wedding in Romania makes more sense for her family/friends who couldn't otherwise be able to attend, has anyone who went the IR1 route and married in another country, have another stateside "wedding" with a minister/pastor in the US (and the reception) after your spouse arrived (for the benefit of your American family/friends who couldn't fly out to the foreign country for the "original" wedding)? I know it won't feel or be "official", since in the eyes of the US and Romanian authorities, you are already legally married. But I figure there has to be couples here in this forum who felt obligated to have families and friends from both countries join in your celebration, and thus, had your wedding done "twice".

3. At any point in this process, would I have to provide my gf my US tax returns or bank account statements, for her to submit or to be used during her interview? Or are they just needed on my end only, when I submit my part of the application? Just asking since it's an extra avenue of risk of my personal info getting out, whether it's her family or her friends snooping, or worse yet, her not disposing of my info properly and accidentally having it fall into the wrong hands.

4. If I do decide to go through with the IR1 visa process, I figure get married in Romania around the summer of 2015. Looks like the average time for IR1 processing is a little under a year so I assume by the summer of 2016, she would be good to go. If I were to file an IR1 in the summer of 2015 right after the wedding in Romania, naturally, they would want proof of our relationship, one of them in the form of my visits to Romania. The last time I visited Romania was during the summer of 2012 and I'm not sure if I can get over there again before the wedding in the summer of 2015. But we do communicate daily through phone calls and online chat. Would a 3-year visiting gap pose an issue? Obviously, more frequent and more recent visits never hurt, along with having photos taken together more frequently, but was wondering if my situation would be a problem.

Thanks!

[amuna0526 11]

Hi, that would be the CR1, if you get married, she will be a conditional resident, with a 2 year green card. It's fine if you want to have 2 weddings, that's your choice. I completely understand. I had two parties one overseas, and one here for family here. You need to fill out the I-130. There is a guide here for I-130s, USC bringing over their spouses. You obviously are going to go there anyways if you want to get married. You need proof of an ongoing relationship, like photos, phone records or email and chat during the span of your relationship.

In regards to sponsoring her and using your tax returns, don't worry. That would be after you get the approval from USCIS for your petition. It gets sent to the National Visa Center (NVC) where you send copies of your tax returns/ transcripts. They also require at that stage that your wife fill out the Immigrant visa application and send some required documents. After the (NVC) stage the case would be forwarded to the Romanian embassy.

Your info won't fall into the wrong hands.

[agrabs 241]

I think the Cr1 route over the K1 route is a good choice. My husband is from Romania and we went the K1 route, but if I had to do it all over again I would opt for the CR1. By going the Cr1 route your spouse will get their green card when they enter the country, so they will be able to work, get a driver's license, etc. One of the down sides to the K1 is that you can't work and in most states get a Driver license until you get your EAD. For 6 months my husband was unable to drive or work and that down time was tough! While you are correct that it can be difficult for Romanians to get a visitor visa, as long as you meet all the requirements and prove your relationship is legitimate, It looks like most who apply for K1 or Cr1 get approved. Good luck with your Visa Journey!

[Ryan H 3,829]

Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to What Visa Do I Need - Family Based Immigration forum; OP is weighing two different paths.

[romania_usa 0]

Thanks everyone for your replies. Due to some family and other circumstances, I was away for a bit. I appreciate all the help.

[kareelina 42]

Although IR-1 or CR-1 takes more time than K-1 , and the long wait is unbearable , but it really worth waiting as long as your spouse will get the green card upon arrival and will be able to get a job legally . Good luck with your long journey to obtain immigrant visa for your future wife.