Fiance vs Spouse Visa?

[gmzcsns 1]

Brief background:

I am a 21 year old American and my fiance is a 22 year old Mexican. We are both in university, and I am the only one working right now. I only have a part time job, but hopefully will be full time after I graduate, which will be soon.

 

We met online in July 2015. We met in person for the first time nearly a year later, in June 2016, and she stayed almost two months. I asked her to marry me in July 2016. Then I went to México in November 2016 for two weeks. Then I went back to México again the day after Christmas 2016 and stayed there until May 2017. Yup, for 5 whole months. Although while I was there in México, we didn't do any paperwork at all, and didn't get married either. I simply went just to spend time with her while I had the chance.

 

Now I am back in America and working a part time job and about to graduate from university.

 

We are debating what should we do, and how to do it.

 

Should we:

1.) Apply for a K-1 fiance visa?

If so, where do we have to get married, in the US or in México?

 

2.) Apply for a CR1 spousal visa?

If so, do I fly over to México and get married there?

 

What would be the best and fastest option? The more affordable option? (like I said, I am only working part time since I am a student. Money is tight.)

 

Thank you.

Edited December 11, 2017 by gmzcsns

[JFH 12,190]

*~*~*moved from "embassy discussion" to "what visa do I need" as OP is still considering the options*~*~*

[gmzcsns 1]

3 minutes ago, JFH said:

*~*~*moved from "embassy discussion" to "what visa do I need" as OP is still considering the options*~*~*

Oh sorry. I'm new to this website haha thanks

[JFH 12,190]

48 minutes ago, gmzcsns said:

Oh sorry. I'm new to this website haha thanks

No problem! That's why we are here to help you figure it out.

 

welcome!

[little immigrant 801]

Hi on a K1 you would get married in the US as she would enter the States with a K1 visa. 

 

From a financial standpoint the CR1 is your best bet. No need to adjust status. She'll be a permanent resident the moment she sets foot on US soil. She can work and travel right away. You can get married anywhere. If she gets here to get married she needs to leave for Mexico while you file the papers. Of course marrying in Mexico is an option too. 

 

Good luck 

Edited December 11, 2017 by Andrina

[gmzcsns 1]

7 minutes ago, Andrina said:

Hi on a K1 you would get married in the US as she would enter the States with a K1 visa. 

 

From a financial standpoint the CR1 is your best bet. No need to adjust status. She'll be a permanent resident the moment she sets foot on US soil. She can work and travel right away. You can get married anywhere. If she gets here to get married she needs to leave for Mexico while you file the papers. Of course marrying in Mexico is an option too. 

 

Good luck 

Thanks for your reply!

 

From my understanding, the CR1 takes longer though, yes? And since we are not married yet, do we marry in US or México in order to apply for the CR1 or the location doesn't matter?

[little immigrant 801]

Yes it takes longer. Location doesn't matter. Just make sure the marriage certificate is translated if it isn't in English 

[Dashinka 24,522]

18 hours ago, gmzcsns said:

Thanks for your reply!

 

From my understanding, the CR1 takes longer though, yes? And since we are not married yet, do we marry in US or México in order to apply for the CR1 or the location doesn't matter?

Location doesn’t matter.  The CR1 is generally a superior visa since the spouse will enter with a GC in hand and it takes about 12-16 months.  If she has a valid visitor visa, she can visit while the CR1 is being processed assuming she can prove to the CBP officer that she does not intend to stay.

 

Good Luck!