K1 (Fiancee) or CR-1 (Spouse) Visa - Which One? *Cross-Posted*

[byalman1982 1]

Hello!

So I am having a very difficult time deciding on which visa to apply for.

Currently, we are not married.

We have been together since May 2012. In September I moved to be with him in Turkey. I got residence in Turkey for one year, with him being my supporter. I had our first daughter in May 2013 (!!) She was also added to my residence book. Since then I have been basically living half the time in Turkey and half the time in the US, for the past 3 years. I know the K1 seems faster, but then still there is a wait for the Green card, and with the CR-1, after it is approved, he can basically get his work permit and green card almost straight away it seems.

The problem I am having is that right now, I am in the US visiting and going back in a few weeks. So I don't know if we should get married while I am there, and start all the paperwork and I can file when I get back, or just keep it for Fiance

It seems like the biggest difference is cost $900 or $1600.

I am thinking the K1 will be the best for us, but wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has done this recently (and if from Turkey a plus)

Thanks!!

Brie

[Pitaya 2,577]

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

~Inquiry about family visas~

~Duplicate posting removed~

~Please refrain from multiple posting of same topic~

Pitaya

VJ Moderation

Edited August 28, 2016 by Pitaya

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

If you are going back in a few weeks (as opposed to a few months), I'd do the CR-1 because it is cheaper, and he can work right away when he arrives (and travel, should an elderly relative back in Turkey fall ill or something). It also means you can have a wedding in Turkey, where his family and friends can attend who may be too poor, or not be able to get a visa, to attend a US based wedding. The downside is, the CR-1 spousal visa does take longer- not just the few weeks before you file vs filing the K1 now, but also the whole process. Do you have a specific date you want/ need to be in the USA by?

[dwheels76 5,468]

Hello!

So I am having a very difficult time deciding on which visa to apply for.

Currently, we are not married.

We have been together since May 2012. In September I moved to be with him in Turkey. I got residence in Turkey for one year, with him being my supporter. I had our first daughter in May 2013 (!!) She was also added to my residence book. Since then I have been basically living half the time in Turkey and half the time in the US, for the past 3 years. I know the K1 seems faster, but then still there is a wait for the Green card, and with the CR-1, after it is approved, he can basically get his work permit and green card almost straight away it seems.

The problem I am having is that right now, I am in the US visiting and going back in a few weeks. So I don't know if we should get married while I am there, and start all the paperwork and I can file when I get back, or just keep it for Fiance

It seems like the biggest difference is cost $900 or $1600.

I am thinking the K1 will be the best for us, but wanted to get some feedback from anyone who has done this recently (and if from Turkey a plus)

Thanks!!

Brie

You have the CR1/IR1 wrong once he arrives in US he can work. Takes about 1 to 2 weeks to get Social Security. Yes it's cheaper but honestly you need to think of the bigger picture and getting approved. You have alot of time face to face a child ad you want to do fiance' why?

It may look to a CO like you aren't sure even after a child if you want to get married after 90 days. Your husband will be interviewing in a very tough embassy. No I don't think coming from the middle east doing a K1 with a child and living together is your best option at all.

[byalman1982 1]

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

~Inquiry about family visas~

~Duplicate posting removed~

~Please refrain from multiple posting of same topic~

Pitaya

VJ Moderation

Sorry! I am a new member, Thanks for helping

[cyanmavi 101]

First of all, I disagree with the statement that the Turkish embassy is a very tough one. I would say it is medium probably, tougher than some European countries and less so than some African countries. It seems that the toughest part is getting an interview, it usually takes two months or so for an interview date to become available.

I understand the appeal of the K1 visa, but considering your situation the CR1/IR1 seems to me like the better choice. Sure it is a longer wait but you already live in Turkey half the year so you can just wait out most of that time in Turkey living with your significant other. You seem to have a well-established relationship, living together and with a child (which is not quite that common in Turkey) so it may even seem like you are a bit 'too married' for the fiance visa and make the CO a bit suspicious.

Either way, I hope the process goes smoothly for you!

[byalman1982 1]

SOrry for taking so long to respond, there is a lot of research to do

I actually have decided to do continue with the K1. Our reasoning is (which is true) is that we were content in Turkey - I love it more than the US, but right now it is so uncertain that I feel we could be much better off here.

Also, in my research i realized that I am so unprepared to get married in Turkey. In the US, you just go to the court house and get your licence. You do have to wait 2 days, but that is it. So I feel like we have a good enough case to apply for the K1

Any opinions?

Thanks

[Penguin_ie 5,994]

It is totally up to you! The K1 is a fine visa, if you decided that.

[NikLR 13,227]

Is your fiance okay with not working for 90 days after you file for the AOS sfter marriage? Do you have a joint sponsor? Not all countries accept a joint sponsor for thr k1 but must accept them for the CR1. Have you thought about how you will support your family in the USA?