K1 VISA versus visa for spouse

[KimberlyD 0]

I’m Kimberly, a US citizen from Missouri. I met the love of my life quite by accident online. He is Jerson from Barranquilla, Colombia. He was denied a tourist Visa to come visit for 2 weeks. They told him the US economy is so good that they don’t need tourists from that country to come spend money here. I am traveling there for a 10 day trip this November or December. Is it best to apply for a fiancé visa after I return here or to marry him there then come back and apply for spouse Visa?

[SalishSea 18,219]

13 minutes ago, KimberlyD said:

I’m Kimberly, a US citizen from Missouri. I met the love of my life quite by accident online. He is Jerson from Barranquilla, Colombia. He was denied a tourist Visa to come visit for 2 weeks. They told him the US economy is so good that they don’t need tourists from that country to come spend money here. I am traveling there for a 10 day trip this November or December. Is it best to apply for a fiancé visa after I return here or to marry him there then come back and apply for spouse Visa?

If you have never met in person, it is not recommended to marry on that first visit.  

[payxibka 10,047]

17 minutes ago, KimberlyD said:

I’m Kimberly, a US citizen from Missouri. I met the love of my life quite by accident online. He is Jerson from Barranquilla, Colombia. He was denied a tourist Visa to come visit for 2 weeks. They told him the US economy is so good that they don’t need tourists from that country to come spend money here. I am traveling there for a 10 day trip this November or December. Is it best to apply for a fiancé visa after I return here or to marry him there then come back and apply for spouse Visa?

Personal decision.   Positives and negatives to either visa.   You should understand the differences and make an informed decision 

 

Not sure of the marriage process in Columbia but 10 days may not be enough 

Edited May 11, 2019 by payxibka

[Crazy Cat 42,551]

I completely agree with @Jorgedig and @payxibka.   When the time comes, you might want to consider my simple analysis:

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 5 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 5 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.
   

 

Edited May 11, 2019 by missileman

[purem4g1c 113]

what? because the economy is good in USA they aren't accepting immigrants to visit? that doesn't sound like a reason to be denied, surely there is something else he got denied, maybe he doesn't have enough money in his bank account to warrant a visit to USA is more realistic.

Edited May 11, 2019 by purem4g1c

[nastra30 2,413]

Get to know him extensively in the real world before you go the marriage route. People are different online than in the real world. I certainly wouldn't recommend marrying on the first visit. In fact, I wouldn't even recommend being a fiancee on the first visit either. Just my 2 cents.

Edited May 11, 2019 by nastra30

[SalishSea 18,219]

Just now, purem4g1c said:

what? because the economy is good in USA they aren't accepting immigrants to visit? that doesn't sound like a reason to be denied, surely there is something else he got denied, maybe he doesn't have enough money in his bank account to warrant a visit to USA is more realistic.

"Immigrants to visit"?  <-----   exactly.  B-2 visas are denied because the CO suspects immigrant intent.

[payxibka 10,047]

The k1 to spousal gap had widened by about 3 months as of recent,  but this can close again as quickly as it widened.   Speed is but should not be the only reason to choose one Visa vs. The other

[Crazy Cat 42,551]

26 minutes ago, KimberlyD said:

They told him the US economy is so good that they don’t need tourists from that country to come spend money here.

More than likely, the REAL reason was due to weak ties to his country......and intent to stay inside the US.

Edited May 11, 2019 by missileman

[purem4g1c 113]

1 minute ago, Jorgedig said:

"Immigrants to visit"?  <-----   exactly.  B-2 visas are denied because the CO suspects immigrant intent.

Yeah I edited it 1 second after.

[payxibka 10,047]

2 minutes ago, purem4g1c said:

what? because the economy is good in USA they aren't accepting immigrants to visit? 

Exactly...  he applied for a tourist Visa, and as an immigrant (your word) he wouldn't be eligible 

[Boiler 46,252]

Agree,meet first see how it goes.

[carmel34 3,660]

It seems strange to me that people can decide they want a K-1 or CR-1 visa for someone they've never met in person.  Both are commitments to marry.  Marriage is a big decision, one of the most important decisions you will ever make.  Why even think about engagement or marriage when you have not met face to face?  What's the rush?  Take some time to go and meet this person and spend time together, get to know each other, talk and discuss a possible future together looking into his eyes, and then if your love is real, and your relationship develops and matures, discuss K-1 vs CR-1, or even the option of moving to be with him in his country to see his reaction to that.  Unfortunately, there is no visa for dating, so I recommend that you go and see him multiple times before making a commitment to get married.  Sometimes love is blind so be careful, think things through, and maybe everything will work out in time.  If it is really love, it will.  Also be wary of someone you meet online and the first thing they suggest is a K-1 or CR-1 visa path to be with you in the US, as it could be an attempt to take advantage of you.  Don't send them money.  Every day here on VJ we see US citizens who find out later that the person they thought really loved them was just using them to get into the US, then once here with a green card they disappear.  Do lots of research and think things through rationally.  Take your time and look for signs that the person you met online has true intentions to be with you for love and not for the opportunity to live in the US.  I hope it turns out well for both of you in the end.  I hope that it is true love because everyone deserves to be loved.  This is a long, expensive, and frustrating journey.  Good luck!

[Roel 7,193]

1 hour ago, KimberlyD said:

They told him the US economy is so good that they don’t need tourists from that country to come spend money here.

 

He told you that was the reason for refusal? Might add this to the list of BS I've been seeing on this website.

 

1 hour ago, KimberlyD said:

 

I am traveling there for a 10 day trip this November or December. Is it best to apply for a fiancé visa after I return here or to marry him there then come back and apply for spouse Visa?

How about meet him first? Spend some time in person? More than just 10 days before committing yourself to a lifetime with that person?

This is might sound shocking, but "knowing" someone online does not equal knowing someone in real life...

After all that, whatever you decide on K1 or CR1, it's going to be your personal preference...

[KimberlyD 0]

Thanks to everyone for information and good advice