Pros and Cons of Visas AFTER approval

[1potato2potato 0]

Hi all,

I've seen the page on visa journey that compares the i-129 and i-130 Visas but I was wondering if anyone had more knowledge or info about the after math of these Visas. For example I heard that it's hard for the beneficiary to get their drivers license when going the i-129f route. Any info would be much appreciated. We're trying to choose the best route for us!

Thanks

[C90 376]

Just now, 1potato2potato said:

Hi all,

I've seen the page on visa journey that compares the i-129 and i-130 Visas but I was wondering if anyone had more knowledge or info about the after math of these Visas. For example I heard that it's hard for the beneficiary to get their drivers license when going the i-129f route. Any info would be much appreciated. We're trying to choose the best route for us!

Thanks

Some things depend on the beneficiaries country, but below is an average statement. If (s)he is from a high fraud country every visa can take longer

 

I-129F:

 

-Usually faster, what means you're together sooner (right now about 10-12 months from filing till visa in hand, assuming nothing weird like long AP happens)

-After arrival in the US it takes about 5-7 months after filing AOS/EAD/AP for the immigrant to be able to work and travel outside the US (some local offices are very quick with GC interview and will grant the GC even before the EAD/AP is processed, check your local office via https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

- Besides the I129F costs you have to pay for AOS ($1200+)

-Some states allow people to get a DL while AOS is pending, some when they have EAD and some only with GC. Check your local DMV website. Also, some states will allow immigrants to drive up to a certain time with their foreign license what's a big win (in PA you can drive up to 1 year with your foreign license and get your DL when your AOS is pending)

 

I-130:

 

- Usually longer processing times (right now about 12-15 months I think assuming nothing weird like long AP happens. Check the processing times on the USCIS website)

- It's cheaper then I-129F

- Immigrant gets 2 year GC right away

- Immigrant can start working right away

- Immigrant can get a DL right away in every state (check your local DMV if they need some kind of driving lessons, some DMV's require this)

 

So it's really up to if you can wait a little longer to be together or that you rather have your fiancé here earlier but (s)he won't be able to work or leave the country for the first few months. 

Edited February 6, 2019 by C90

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1
    Slightly faster arrival in the US (currently about 3 months sooner)    
    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.

  

CR-1
    Slightly slower arrival in the US (currently about 3 months later)

    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.
   

 

[Ben&Zian 4,398]

We had no issues getting anything. My husband had a social security number already from prior internships, but had no issues getting a driver's license or updated SSN card once he got his EAD. Once he got his green card he got the "work authorization" removed without issue from the SSN card. No issues adding him to my banking account.

 

He never had an issue with proving eligibility to work and yea. 

 

Think everyone's experience differs obviously. Some have it relatively smooth and some have it hard either route honestly.

[Ontarkie 14,227]

~~Moved to What Visa DO I Need, from K1 P&P the OP is exploring options.~~

[Ryan H 3,812]

~~~Off-topic commentary posts removed; when posting in this thread, limit replies to answering the OP's questions.~~~

Edited February 9, 2019 by Ryan H

[Paul & Mallory 1,398]

Same as others have said - it really just comes down to the particular couple's/applicant's priorities. I think the biggest pain point for most, when it comes to choosing K1 versus CR1, is that you can't work immediately. For some, that may not be a deal breaker. My husband was fortunate enough to get his green card issued relatively soon after his AOS submission, but the wait can get monotonous.

 

Other than that, I can say for us (going the K1 route), nothing really seemed complicated. Of course, it can vary depending on location, employers, etc. I was able to add my husband to my health insurance at work before he'd even gotten his Social Security Number/card in the mail. He got his SSN with no problem. We got him a state ID in 15 minutes. Driver's license shouldn't be a problem either.

[Dashinka 24,513]

As to the DL question, even entering on a Immigrant Visa (CR1/IR1/DV1, etc.) does not allow one to get a DL immediately, most states (Michigan for sure) require a SSC (physical card) to apply and this does not come immediately.