K1 or K3

[PatrickJ 0]

I met my girlfriend online, I'm from Alberta, Canada and she's from South Dakota. We've been together close to a year now, with several successful visits back and forth.

We intend to marry, and we've been trying to determine what the best way to go about being together is. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple weeks reading through the guides and other information on this site, it's been a real eye-opener. I didn't realize everything was so complicated and slow.

Anyways, I have a couple questions, I'm not sure if this is the right place, so please scold me or move my post if I'm wrong.

1. We're not married yet, but we could be. Is it easier to apply for a K1 and then marry, or would it be better to marry first, and then apply for a K3?

2. She works full time, but is a college student. Would this have any effect on the affadavit of support? Her parents would be willing to co-sign if necessary.

Thanks!

Also, if anybody knows about the process for having her join me in Canada, would that be easier? We're not terribly concerned with where we are, we just want to be together.

[sunset2005 0]

if you're not married yet, i would just go ahead with the K1 route and get married when you are here in the states.

I met my girlfriend online, I'm from Alberta, Canada and she's from South Dakota. We've been together close to a year now, with several successful visits back and forth.

We intend to marry, and we've been trying to determine what the best way to go about being together is. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple weeks reading through the guides and other information on this site, it's been a real eye-opener. I didn't realize everything was so complicated and slow.

Anyways, I have a couple questions, I'm not sure if this is the right place, so please scold me or move my post if I'm wrong.

1. We're not married yet, but we could be. Is it easier to apply for a K1 and then marry, or would it be better to marry first, and then apply for a K3?

2. She works full time, but is a college student. Would this have any effect on the affadavit of support? Her parents would be willing to co-sign if necessary.

Thanks!

Also, if anybody knows about the process for having her join me in Canada, would that be easier? We're not terribly concerned with where we are, we just want to be together.

[no name 1]

I met my girlfriend online, I'm from Alberta, Canada and she's from South Dakota. We've been together close to a year now, with several successful visits back and forth.

We intend to marry, and we've been trying to determine what the best way to go about being together is. I've spent a lot of time over the last couple weeks reading through the guides and other information on this site, it's been a real eye-opener. I didn't realize everything was so complicated and slow.

Anyways, I have a couple questions, I'm not sure if this is the right place, so please scold me or move my post if I'm wrong.

1. We're not married yet, but we could be. Is it easier to apply for a K1 and then marry, or would it be better to marry first, and then apply for a K3?

2. She works full time, but is a college student. Would this have any effect on the affadavit of support? Her parents would be willing to co-sign if necessary.

Thanks!

Also, if anybody knows about the process for having her join me in Canada, would that be easier? We're not terribly concerned with where we are, we just want to be together.

VJ is about American immigration only.

Have a look through the guides here - they are valuable assets.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=compare

Edited March 30, 2007 by devilette

[PatrickJ 0]

I know it's about American immigration only, that's why I was asking American immigration questions. I just thought if somebody knew of a similiar site or something regarding the Canadian process, maybe they could point me in the right direction.

[Dawny&Tommy 0]

Maybe this may help? Sorry if it doesnt.

Dawn.

[JoeMama 0]

1. We're not married yet, but we could be. Is it easier to apply for a K1 and then marry, or would it be better to marry first, and then apply for a K3?

A K-1 appears to be a much faster process for unwed couples trying to be together in the USA as soon as possible. With a K-3, you must be married. it is a little longer process because there appears to be more to prove the relationship is legitimate. So it won't bring you together faster.

2. She works full time, but is a college student. Would this have any effect on the affadavit of support? Her parents would be willing to co-sign if necessary.

With her being the USC, she needs to be able to prove that she makes 125% above the Federal Poverty Guidelines. If not, she will need a co-sponsor for the visa. Which would more than likely be her parents if they wish to do so.

Also, if anybody knows about the process for having her join me in Canada, would that be easier? We're not terribly concerned with where we are, we just want to be together.

I don't know anything about the process for Canada. Maybe someone will come along and help out.

[Captain Ewok 1,891]

Hello Patrick and welcome to the site .

[~Chad~ 0]

Welcome to VJ Patrick! I think the K-1 process is a tad bit faster. Good luck on whatever you decide

[KarenCee 3]

Hey Patrick Welcome to VJ. The K1 petition took 4 months to be approved, my husband (then fiancé) had his interview in May. All total about 6-7 months. I *think* the K1 is faster. You could go to the K3 forum and look at timelines to get an idea of how long these petitions are processed.

[BelwinMills 0]

T he CR-1 is the longest but the cheapest. With the CR-1 you submit the I-130 for $190 then you wait for approval. Once approved it goes to the NVC which you will pay another $70 for the I-864 and $380 for the DS-230 part I & II.

For the K1 you will need to submit the I-129f for $170 then another $100 (I think) for the visa issuance. Once you arrive in the states you will THEN need to apply for the AOS ($325) which can be very costly depending if you're also going to file for the EAD ($180) and AP ($170).

Now with the K3 you will need to send in the I-130 for $190 then the I-129f for $170. The other costs are the same as the K1. Also remember you will have add'l costs as well like medical and police reports for any of these visas.

If you decide to go the K3 route then yes you have 2 yrs to do the AOS. BUT also know that they immigration fees are going to increase (significantly) in Oct of this year.

Basically it boils down to WHEN you want to spend the necessary fees for the entire process and how much. As for me I decided to go the CR1 route because my money is an issue with me. I rather spend the time and resource now so once my hubby arrives we will be done w/immigration (at least for two years) and can focus on our life together instead of more paperwork and less money to spread around.

Anna posted this in our JA site and thought it might help u.

[Dan J 277]

I have a feeling its probably easier to immigrate to Canada than it is the US. Though they don't have a fiance visa like the US does. A guide to spousal visas for Canada: http://www.cic.gc.ca/english/applications/...s/5289ETOC.html

[PatrickJ 0]

Thanks for all the help and responses.

I've read through most of the CIC website and I believe it would be easier, especially in our situation (I'm in a much better position financially than her) to bring her to Canada.

But, she is much closer to her family than I am, and would have a much harder time leaving.

So we're probably going to end up in the USA, providing it all works out.

[carslo 0]

For Canada try http://www.roadtocanada.com/

[Cécy 44]

A friend of my boyfriend got married to a canadian. I heard that the family was quite upset because he left a great job and he is now stuck for 2 years in Canada without the right to work, study or leave the country.

It seems extreme to me so I'm not sure if it's full truth or just the family getting things distorted because they aren't happy with his choice.

Just in case, I would say check for all the conditions that go after the visa is obtained to see which one fits your way of life better. And take time to discuss with your girlfriend where the two of you would rather live (at first).