K1 vs K3 - which is easier?

[EandH0904 1,184]

Is it generally easier to get a K1 Visa first and get married in the US, or to get married in his country (Morocco) and then get a K3 Visa after?

I know this may be variable based on what the rules are for getting married in Morocco, so do not take that into consideration. For those who have already gotten (or in the process) of either - are you happy with the one you picked or would you have rather picked the different type, knowing what you know now?

Thanks so much for your advice!

[Pitaya 2,577]

~Moved from K1 Process to What Visa Do I Need Forum~

~Inquiry about family visa processes~

[afortunada 182]

Welcome!

First, the K-3 is obsolete. Your options are to get engaged and file for the K-1, or to get married in Morocco and file for CR-1 with the I-130 form.

Everyone on the forum is split about 50/50 it seems. It truly depends on the couple which is better!

K-1 are supposed to be processed faster, but that's not necessarily true. It also costs a little over $1,000 more because he arrives as a non-immigrant and then has to file for Adjustment of Status. He also will be sitting around in the house bored for several months because he can not work until AOS is completed, which is stressful both emotionally and financially for many people.

CR-1s take a year or so depending on the country. But, he is an immigrant right when he enters the country and can begin working right away. You also do not need to pay the AOS fee.

[EandH0904 1,184]

Thanks so much for your help!! Everyone is so smart here! He will probably need to do English classes to some extent before he could work here anyway so the K1 may be the best way to take advantage of that extra time b

[afortunada 182]

Have you met in person yet? I saw in another post that you said you are excited to be with him in a few weeks (cherish those visits!!) and I just want to say that if you have not already done so, one of the requirements for the K-1 is to have met at least once in person in the last two years, so you would want to have a meeting set up before you consider beginning the process.

[p-ana 933]

Better to check the regional forum first. Seems it's hard to have k1s approved in Morocco.

[aminah 6]

In your other post it says that you were going for 10 days. That's not enough time to marry in Morocco. It took us 15 days and I was there a month in total. I also went back 3 more times while waiting for his visa. I personally would not change a thing about our decision to marry in Morocco. No one way is easier than the other. My husband felt as though he needed to get married in Morocco so that was why we chose the CR1.