K3 vs. IR-1/CR-1

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

As I read through other member stories and watch the "Recently Approved" status thread, I've noticed that they are all K-1 and IR-1/CR-1 Visas. In February 2015 I filed the I-130 on behalf of my husband, and then followed up with the I-129f filing a couple weeks later. Our papers went to the ever-dreaded TSC office. From what I can tell, our I-129f isn't going to be processed any time in the near future. It's likely that I-130 will process first. If that happens, are we then in the IR-1/CR-1 category? What is the difference? I know that with the IR/CR the immigrants obtain a green card upon entry, but what determines the IR/CR status?

Secondly, I keep hearing horror stories about the TSC location; we are fast approaching our 5 month mark and according to both Visa Journey/USCIS websites, we can expect to hear from immigration sometime toward the end of July. Is that likely? I mean, if the USCIS website says they are processing at five months...will they really? I know you can do an inquiry after your date has passed but I'm guessing even that process takes forever.

It seems backwards to me that fiances can come on the K-1 Visa much quicker than a married spouse. Thoughts?

[Ryan H 3,812]

IR-1 = petitioner and beneficiary have been married for a length of time that is greater than or equal to two years

CR-1 = petitioner and beneficiary have been married for less than two years

If the I-130 reaches the NVC first, the I-129F that was filed as a follow will be administratively closed.

[canadian_wife 1,822]

The K3 is more expensive, saves almost no time, and does not offer the benefits of the Ir/Cr1 visa.

IR1 is issued when the marriage is over 2 years old, the Cr1 when the marriage is less than 2 years.

It depends on what is important to couples, each visa decision is based on what is valued by the couple. Speed? Cost? Ability to work and travel?

Good luck

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

IR-1 = petitioner and beneficiary have been married for a length of time that is greater than or equal to two years

CR-1 = petitioner and beneficiary have been married for less than two years

If the I-130 reaches the NVC first, the I-129F that was filed as a follow will be administratively closed.

Thank you! That makes sense.

[Darnell 8,478]

an oldie but pertinent.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/204324-wondering-if-i-made-a-mistake-marrying-in-us/

click through and read it, when yer logged in from a pc.

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

The K3 is more expensive, saves almost no time, and does not offer the benefits of the Ir/Cr1 visa.

IR1 is issued when the marriage is over 2 years old, the Cr1 when the marriage is less than 2 years.

It depends on what is important to couples, each visa decision is based on what is valued by the couple. Speed? Cost? Ability to work and travel?

Good luck

We are over 2 years so we should be in the IR-1 category. What other benefits are there to the IR-1 other than receiving the green card (which in and of itself is great).

[Darnell 8,478]

and then there's this one:

http://www.visajourney.com/news/2010/02/07/department-of-state-to-close-k-3-visas-if-i-129f-and-i-130-petitions-approved-and-received-together/

[canadian_wife 1,822]

We are over 2 years so we should be in the IR-1 category. What other benefits are there to the IR-1 other than receiving the green card (which in and of itself is great).

Cheaper, immediate work and travel, 10 year green card issued. It takes longer yes, but those benefits mattered to me and my husband

good luck

[4 the luv of Masr 14]

Cheaper, immediate work and travel, 10 year green card issued. It takes longer yes, but those benefits mattered to me and my husband

good luck

Your reply is helpful, thank you!

[NikLR 13,227]

With a 10 year card you do not have to remove conditions. As an lpr married to a USC, the beneficiary can apply for citizenship at 3 years of both lpr and marriage or as a normal lpr at 5 years if they choose to do so. If applying at 3 years, evidence of a bona fide marriage must be provided but that is not the case at 5 years. You can choose to keep such evidence or not and decide which route is ideal. Many people that do ROC choose the 3 year mark since they have already have had to save such evidence.

IR1 is the superior visa to the K3 in just about every way. There are few instances when the K3 is better.