K1 Advice needed

[Nov2017AD 52]

3 hours ago, missileman said:

K-1

    More expensive than CR-1

    Requires Adjustment of Status after marriage (expensive and requires a lot of paperwork)

    Spouse can not leave the US until she/he receives approved Advance Parole (approx 4-6months)

    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 4-6months)

    some people have had problems with driver licenses, Social Security cards, leases, bank account during this period .

    Spouse will not receive Green Card for many months after Adjustment of Status is filed.

CR-1

    Less expensive than K-1

    No AOS required.

    Spouse can immediately travel outside the US

    Spouse can start work if desired

    Spouse receives Social Security Card and Green Card withing 2 or 3 weeks after entering the US

    Spouse  has legal permanent Resident status IMMEDIATELY upon entry to US. 

 

Current average processing time per VJ member is about 9 months for K-1 and about 13 months for CR-1.  All-in-all, the CR-1 is superior to the K-1 imo.

Yeah, I seriously regret filing K-1. 11 months in 4 days and still no NOA2. Might as well have done CR-1.

[Crazy Cat 41,878]

1 minute ago, Nov2017AD said:

Yeah, I seriously regret filing K-1. 11 months in 4 days and still no NOA2. Might as well have done CR-1.

OMG!!! That is heartbreaking....  I'm so very sorry to hear that........May I use your case for reference in the future?   

[noini89 56]

I was going through the London embassy. We were not engaged when going through the process. my fiance had a ring before my interview, but I didn't know about it, therefore, that was never included in the petition. nor did it come up during the interview process. 

[Jeanne Adil 1,651]

18 hours ago, JAdams333 said:

Thanks Albamak. I have looked into CR-1 but not as much --The reason being, I travel to the USA on an ESTA. My understanding is that traveling with the intent to marry would be a violation of the terms of the ESTA. The same for when she visits me. If I turn up at a POE on an ESTA and state that I intend to marry, I am pretty certain that I will be refused entry.  It just seemed that the Fiance visa was the more appropriate as that most accurately reflects our current circumstance. 

but you can marry here and return home to wait for the CR1

the CR1 is cheaper and the green card is usally to you one month from entry allowing person to work

AOS after marriage costs $1225 when you go the K1 route

Edited October 18, 2018 by adil-rafa

[Nov2017AD 52]

4 hours ago, missileman said:

OMG!!! That is heartbreaking....  I'm so very sorry to hear that........May I use your case for reference in the future?   

Sure, please spread news of USCIS's incompetence.

 

Just learned my co worker filed I-130 in March and already got approved. #######

[Lucky2Lucky 2,526]

You do not need a ring or a venue planned!  Please be careful about planning a wedding downpayments etc because nothing is set in stone as to when you will arrive. You could be approved quickly or slowly regardless of the evidence you submitted. Just a word of advice 🙂 I wouldn’t want you losing money 

[JAdams333 1]

Thanks to you all for the replies. Certainly put my mind at ease. I will discuss the CR-1 option too. It does seem easier for the sake of a slightly longer wait.

 

Thanks again

[Nicola and Jordan 668]

We don't have a 'proper' engagement ring purely because I don't want one, rather spend our money on other stuff  also my fiancé lives in NYC too and I'm UK  good luck on your journey!