Expediting Advance Parole (I-131)

[Julia Hoffman 0]

Wow. Okay, thank you all for the information and advice. We were told to go for the K-1 instead of the CR-1 because it's faster...I wasn't told about the rest and didn't realize the part about the 4-6 months of him not being able to work. Now I know, but it's still not worth waiting 1+ years and spending thousands more dollars to start over with the CR-1. I have friend that went that route and it took ages. We'll figure out a way to survive 6 months on my income. 

 

Again, I appreciate all the help!

[NikLR 13,227]

59 minutes ago, Julia Hoffman said:

Wow. Okay, thank you all for the information and advice. We were told to go for the K-1 instead of the CR-1 because it's faster...I wasn't told about the rest and didn't realize the part about the 4-6 months of him not being able to work. Now I know, but it's still not worth waiting 1+ years and spending thousands more dollars to start over with the CR-1. I have friend that went that route and it took ages. We'll figure out a way to survive 6 months on my income. 

 

Again, I appreciate all the help!

It's really not that much faster... Like 4 months. 

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 hour ago, NikLR said:

It's really not that much faster... Like 4 months. 

I am actually surprised that CR-1 NOA2s seem to be a little quicker than K-1 NOA2s.  There are June, July and even August approvals coming in.  That is incredible.  Our K-1 last year took 11 months from NOA1 to interview.  I believe the CR-1 may be a little quicker for us.  Only time will tell but it feels quicker now than it did last year.

[NikLR 13,227]

47 minutes ago, John & Rose said:

I am actually surprised that CR-1 NOA2s seem to be a little quicker than K-1 NOA2s.  There are June, July and even August approvals coming in.  That is incredible.  Our K-1 last year took 11 months from NOA1 to interview.  I believe the CR-1 may be a little quicker for us.  Only time will tell but it feels quicker now than it did last year.

The year we applied there was a huge kerfuffle at the USCIS and CR1s were often taking 3 months total for some.  Mine was a very nice 8 months (and felt like 20.. lol)

[John & Rose 7,239]

8 minutes ago, NikLR said:

The year we applied there was a huge kerfuffle at the USCIS and CR1s were often taking 3 months total for some.  Mine was a very nice 8 months (and felt like 20.. lol)

I'll gladly take 8 months!  My goal is to get the kids here before school starts in the States next year.  We have to figure out what to do when next year's tuition is due in Manila though.  It is full payment for the year in May.  I'm hoping we fall into a place where we dont have to start school in Manila and then move them here.

[geowrian 22,337]

6 hours ago, Julia Hoffman said:

We were told to go for the K-1 instead of the CR-1 because it's faster...I wasn't told about the rest and didn't realize the part about the 4-6 months of him not being able to work.

Not sure who told you that (Edit: or more precisely, didn't tell you the full story), but always verify on your own or you'll likely to be hit with some nasty and unexpected truths along the way.

Edited December 27, 2018 by geowrian

[John & Rose 7,239]

1 hour ago, geowrian said:

Not sure who told you that, but always verify on your own or you'll likely to be hit with some nasty and unexpected truths along the way.

I've been waiting to use this!!!  I believe it is accurate.

 

K-1 vs CR-1 Full Analysis

 

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 5-6 months)    

Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 5-6 months)    

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.

Estimated timeline is approximately 8 to 10 months (NOA1 to Interview)  This is officially quoted as 6 to 12 months.

 

K-1 Fees

$535 - USCIS Filing Fee

$265 per person - DS-160 (Visa Application)

$200 to $400 - Medical Fee

$1,225 per person - AOS Fee (Includes EAD/AP if filed together)

$750 per child under 14

$680 per person - ROC Fee

 

 

$2,705 plus medical (K-1)

$2,170 plus medical (K-2 over 14 years old)

$1,695 plus medical (K-2 14 years old and younger)

 

 

CR-1    

Less expensive than K-1    

No Adjustment of Status  (I-485, I-131, I-765) required.    

Spouse can immediately travel outside the US    

Spouse is authorized to work immediately upon arrival.    

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

Opening a bank account, getting a driver's license, etc. are very easily accomplished with GC, SS card, and passport.

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

Estimated timeline is 10 to 12 months (NOA1 to Interview) This is officially quoted at 12 to 14 months.

 

CR-1 Fees

$535 - USCIS Filing Fee

$120 - Affidavit of Support Fee

$325 - DS-260 (Visa Application)

$200 to $400 - Medical Fee

$220 - USCIS Immigrant Fee

$680 - ROC (if married less than 2 years when filing)

 

$1,200 plus medical (per person if married more than 2 years when filing)

$1,880 plus medical (per person if married less than 2 years when filing)

 

 

Edited December 27, 2018 by John & Rose

[Julia Hoffman 0]

Thanks for all the help. Believe it or not, it was a lawyer who suggested the K-1. She also said a lot of employers will hire the beneficiary once we're married, even if he doesn't yet have his EAD/AP approved. It feels like she gave us terribly wrong information, and we paid quite a bit for her advice. 

 

But again, we're already seven months into the process for the K-1 and the I-129F was finally approved. We cannot start from scratch with the CR-1. Not an option. We'll make it work for six months until he can work. 

[NikLR 13,227]

17 minutes ago, Julia Hoffman said:

Thanks for all the help. Believe it or not, it was a lawyer who suggested the K-1. She also said a lot of employers will hire the beneficiary once we're married, even if he doesn't yet have his EAD/AP approved. It feels like she gave us terribly wrong information, and we paid quite a bit for her advice. 

 

But again, we're already seven months into the process for the K-1 and the I-129F was finally approved. We cannot start from scratch with the CR-1. Not an option. We'll make it work for six months until he can work. 

I would report her to the local bar for giving out such erroneous information.  She was probably hoping your would hire her for the process. She makes more since it takes so much longer if you do the K1 and AOS.