Wife and I both live/work together in a foreign country. Is the K3 the visa we should apply for?

[PupusasForever 1]

I apologize if this question has been asked. I've been spending hours reading posts and other immigration related websites, so if I missed an obvious answer, please feel free to yell at the newbie and post a link for further reading.

 

I am American, and my wife is Salvadoran. We both live and work in Japan, and we married here as well. I found a job that will have me move back to the US in 1 to 1.5 years, and my wife will come with me.

Is the K3 visa what we should be applying for? Or Is this the wrong path to take.

 

Thank you.

[Roel 7,192]

CR1 visa. K3 is no longer used.

Cr1 visa takes about a year to process. 

Make sure that you're good on your taxes and gather proofs of your US domicile. Without that, no visa. Having a job lined up in the US is one step. Work on establishing a place to live, bank account, etc. 

[PupusasForever 1]

Thank you for your reply. I have been living in Japan for 10 years, so I'll definitely need to get my taxes sorted.

 

I'll look into the CR1 visa. Thanks again!

[NikLR 13,227]

CR1/IR1 (if married 2+ years).  Also you should start it now if your plan is to move back in 1-1.5 years as you can slow down the process but cannot speed it up. 

Edited August 18, 2017 by NikLR

[PupusasForever 1]

2 minutes ago, NikLR said:

CR1/IR1 (if married 2+ years).  Also you should start it now if your plan is to move back in 1-1.5 years as you can slow down the process but cannot speed it up. 

 

Thanks for your response!

Unfortunately we haven't been married for that long. Does this mean I shouldn't apply for the CR1/IR1?

[NikLR 13,227]

No.  I was just explaining that there is a CR1 and an IR1 visa for USC sppuses.   They are identical visas for all intents and purposes, but the IR1 is for spouses who have been married for 2 or more years when they enter the USA.  

 

This is the ONLY visa class for you and your wife.  K3 are obsolete and rarely granted.  They are also an inferior visa that costs twice as much overall to green card. 

 

Please read the I-130 instructions carefully as well as our IR1/CR1 guides and wikis.  

[PupusasForever 1]

7 minutes ago, NikLR said:

No.  I was just explaining that there is a CR1 and an IR1 visa for USC sppuses.   They are identical visas for all intents and purposes, but the IR1 is for spouses who have been married for 2 or more years when they enter the USA.  

 

This is the ONLY visa class for you and your wife.  K3 are obsolete and rarely granted.  They are also an inferior visa that costs twice as much overall to green card. 

 

Please read the I-130 instructions carefully as well as our IR1/CR1 guides and wikis.  

 

Thank you. You have helped tremendously. I finally know which visa to pursue and research.

I'll read the wikis and guides thoroughly. 

Edited August 18, 2017 by PupusasForever