Second guessing myself now

[myjourney2018 52]

So I have the packet compiled and ready to mail tomorrow but now i'm starting to really second guess my decision of doing a k1 vs the cr-1 for the reasons of having to do the AOS, wait time isn't that much longer, future wife doesn't have to be stuck at home for 4-6 months waiting for the EAD and AP.  I kind of wished that I just took my fiance to the court while she was here in the states last week and got married.  Doing the cr-1 now would be too late since we wouldn't be seeing each other till atleast december and then adding another 12-14 months for the processing time.  Totally stressed out now before even starting the actual process. 

[Marieke H 2,498]

So what is your question?

Looking back, I would have preferred to do the CR-1, because sitting at home for 6 months was very hard.

It's a bit late now to change the plan, especially if you will not be able to meet soon to get married.

No one here can tell you what to do, you seem to know all the pros and cons already. It's a decision you and your fiancée have to make together. 

[JennaL 151]

Just look at it this way, if you go ahead and send in your K1 now, by the time December rolls around you should be about half way done with the waiting. Waiting for the AOS and EAD can be tough, but at least your fiancé will be here, and she can use that time to get to know her new city better, make some friends, and look into what kind of work is out there for when the time comes. 

[myjourney2018 52]

4 minutes ago, MariekeH said:

So what is your question?

Looking back, I would have preferred to do the CR-1, because sitting at home for 6 months was very hard.

It's a bit late now to change the plan, especially if you will not be able to meet soon to get married.

No one here can tell you what to do, you seem to know all the pros and cons already. It's a decision you and your fiancée have to make together. 

No question really, just more or less a vent.  The sitting at home part is what im worried about for her also.  Yup no point in changing the plan now!  thanks!

 

3 minutes ago, JennaL said:

Just look at it this way, if you go ahead and send in your K1 now, by the time December rolls around you should be about half way done with the waiting. Waiting for the AOS and EAD can be tough, but at least your fiancé will be here, and she can use that time to get to know her new city better, make some friends, and look into what kind of work is out there for when the time comes. 

thanks for your positive outlook on this, you're correct during the AOS and EAD she can utilize her time to get familiar with the city and do research. 

[JE57 239]

Overall the cost of the CR1 would be less than the total cost of a K-1 when AOS is considered and the lost work opportunities and the hardship of not working.  Maybe consider that the cost of a short trip to meet and get married might be cost effective in the long run?  Depending on where each of you are and what the marriage requirements are.  Heck, perhaps you could even meet in Las Vegas and do a quick wedding there over a weekend?  Maybe have your cake and eat it too..   Otherwise like said above if you start K-1 now you'll be about 1/2 done by December. 

 

[military-wife 9]

i agree it sucked I had to wait a couple of months for I got my EAD when I AOS... but we are a military family so it didn't matter for us.. we were going to move out of state within a couple of months and when we finally settled I found a job. A few months isn't that bad.. I made friends and went out and enjoyed life

[myjourney2018 52]

9 minutes ago, JE57 said:

Overall the cost of the CR1 would be less than the total cost of a K-1 when AOS is considered and the lost work opportunities and the hardship of not working.  Maybe consider that the cost of a short trip to meet and get married might be cost effective in the long run?  Depending on where each of you are and what the marriage requirements are.  Heck, perhaps you could even meet in Las Vegas and do a quick wedding there over a weekend?  Maybe have your cake and eat it too..   Otherwise like said above if you start K-1 now you'll be about 1/2 done by December. 

 

 

4 minutes ago, military-wife said:

i agree it sucked I had to wait a couple of months for I got my EAD when I AOS... but we are a military family so it didn't matter for us.. we were going to move out of state within a couple of months and when we finally settled I found a job. A few months isn't that bad.. I made friends and went out and enjoyed life

 

thanks y'all for replying, I'm going to go ahead and just file it tomorrow.  The more I ponder about it, the more i'll second guess myself.

[Loren Y 2,755]

Everyone thinks they can just hit the ground with a cr1 have a job next week and live happily ever after. I'm my case the K1 helps. Those extra 4-6 months waiting for the EAD/AP card can be used to improve her English, learn the ways of the US, this is a really different country than most depending on where you are coming from, get some training in something maybe. Lots of things to do while waiting. I mean yeah you can sit around like a sloth and do nothing feeling depressed, or use that time to better yourself and not have to take a gas station or food service job just to get by. Depends on if your fiancee is all setup ready to work and has a education that will help. Think about the whole situation. Will take a minimum of a month to just get unpacked and settled. Learn the new city. Get driving license or learn how to get around, just depends on your situation. You never know, with changes happening in USCIS and immigration overall, could be when it comes time to apply and AOS, might only take 6 months total. Doubt it, but who knows the future.

[JMCKNG 156]

As a K-1 Applicant still waiting for my fiance's interview 9 months later I do wish I would have done the CR-1 route. When applying we were told the time frame was around 6 months, but here we are. When it's said and done I believe he won't be here until the 10/11 month mark. If I could have substituted that for the CR-1 and had him here able to look for employment right away that would have been great but we chose the route in which we anticipated we would be reunited quicker which unfortunately isn't the case anymore.. processing times have been extended and for most there is a time period of at least 5-6 months before you even get the NOA2. Definitely go with the route that makes the most sense to you and your partner as everyone's situation is unique, but if I would have known what I know now.. 

[myjourney2018 52]

On 7/18/2018 at 3:45 AM, Loren Y said:

Everyone thinks they can just hit the ground with a cr1 have a job next week and live happily ever after. I'm my case the K1 helps. Those extra 4-6 months waiting for the EAD/AP card can be used to improve her English, learn the ways of the US, this is a really different country than most depending on where you are coming from, get some training in something maybe. Lots of things to do while waiting. I mean yeah you can sit around like a sloth and do nothing feeling depressed, or use that time to better yourself and not have to take a gas station or food service job just to get by. Depends on if your fiancee is all setup ready to work and has a education that will help. Think about the whole situation. Will take a minimum of a month to just get unpacked and settled. Learn the new city. Get driving license or learn how to get around, just depends on your situation. You never know, with changes happening in USCIS and immigration overall, could be when it comes time to apply and AOS, might only take 6 months total. Doubt it, but who knows the future.

 

On 7/18/2018 at 8:18 PM, JMCKNG said:

As a K-1 Applicant still waiting for my fiance's interview 9 months later I do wish I would have done the CR-1 route. When applying we were told the time frame was around 6 months, but here we are. When it's said and done I believe he won't be here until the 10/11 month mark. If I could have substituted that for the CR-1 and had him here able to look for employment right away that would have been great but we chose the route in which we anticipated we would be reunited quicker which unfortunately isn't the case anymore.. processing times have been extended and for most there is a time period of at least 5-6 months before you even get the NOA2. Definitely go with the route that makes the most sense to you and your partner as everyone's situation is unique, but if I would have known what I know now.. 

thanks everyone for replying and instilling your thoughts/wisdom, I mailed out the k1 packet earlier today so it's now just a waiting game.  Everything is in their hands now so no more stress atleast for a long while . 

[Loren Y 2,755]

I just got my case number from NVC about 20 minutes ago. It's a wait, but after you get out of USCIS, everything moves pretty quick. I just got approval on July 3rd, and got my case number 17 days later. That's already a million times faster than USCIS.

[myjourney2018 52]

4 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

I just got my case number from NVC about 20 minutes ago. It's a wait, but after you get out of USCIS, everything moves pretty quick. I just got approval on July 3rd, and got my case number 17 days later. That's already a million times faster than USCIS.

congrats! If i'm not mistaken, that means you have a few more months to go correct? 

[Loren Y 2,755]

Just now, myjourney2018 said:

congrats! If i'm not mistaken, that means you have a few more months to go correct? 

Thank you, yes hopefully a few months only. I am hoping for mid to late September for an interview. Maybe a little earlier, we will see.

[myjourney2018 52]

17 minutes ago, Loren Y said:

Thank you, yes hopefully a few months only. I am hoping for mid to late September for an interview. Maybe a little earlier, we will see.

right in time for the holidays!