Anyone gone through the K1 visa process while deployed?

[MalinB 51]

My partner and I are planning on starting the visa process this summer. We had been debating which route to go (CR1 or K1) when he got an offer for deployment. He is a civilian working for the Navy and he has decided to accept. He will be leaving for Afghanistan in July. I will go see him in the U.S. before he leaves and we are going to send in all the paperwork for the K1 visa, which is what we decided on, then. We do not want to expedite the process, but have decided I will move to the U.S. when he gets back next summer (this was the original plan anyways). 

 

My concern now is regarding the paperwork that is required when the first petition has been accepted, or if we would get an RFE. 

 

Has anyone gone through this process while being deployed? Is it possible to get access to for example bank statements (for the affidavit) from a military base? What should we keep in mind? 

[Crazy Cat 41,460]

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.  You might want to consider the benefits of a CR-1:

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.
   

 

[MalinB 51]

Yes, we have been looking at all the pros and cons, but decided it got too stressful to get married before he deploys. We want to make sure we have time to see lawyers and write prenups before, and there just isn’t time. We also want a proper wedding, we don’t want to elope, and again, not enough time. 

[Greenbaum 12,259]

USCIS has established a toll-free military help line exclusively for members of the military and their families. USCIS customer service specialists are available to answer calls Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. (CST), excluding federal holidays. After-hours callers receive an email address that they can use to contact USCIS for assistance.
•Military Help Line: 1-877-CIS-4MIL (1-877-247-4645)
 

Maybe contacting the people who most able help can make more sense to your situation.  Thank you and your fiance for standing up for our country.  Your service is appreciated. 

[Letspaintcookies 2,306]

We're just midway going that route. Feel free to send me a message 😊

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to Military Immigration-Related Discussion.