K-3 vs CR-1

[jagsfl 14]

I would like some clarification here to make sure I'm reading this correctly:

Basically, if I choose to go the K-3 route, my spouse will be able to come to the U.S. while the I-130 is waiting to be approved.

 

This is a big Plus+, because going with the CR-1, we'd have to wait out the whole approx 13 months before she can come to the states.

 

I'm guessing there has to be a huge downside with going the K-3 visa cause surely more people would be going this route? I google'd  how long does it take to receive K-3 visa and the response is it can take 9 months to receive the K-3. That must be it? And is it taking 9 months really the case?

[Hikerwa 28]

K3s are rarely, i mean very rarely, issued. You will be applying for a CR-1, or IR-1 depending on years married. And yes, you will have to wait. 

[jagsfl 14]

1 minute ago, Hikerwa said:

K3s are rarely, i mean very rarely, issued. You will be applying for a CR-1, or IR-1 depending on years married. And yes, you will have to wait. 

Gotcha. Thanks. Cleared up

[Crazy Cat 41,884]

In 2018, only 6 K-3s were approved world-wide....This year, there are likely to be none..........Remember that a K-3 (in the unlikely event it was approved), must go through adjustment of status........nont a fun experience, I am told.........

[Crazy Cat 41,884]

CR-1
       Less expensive than K-3    
    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.

[jagsfl 14]

3 minutes ago, missileman said:

CR-1
       Less expensive than K-3    
    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.

I was JUST looking up to see how long it takes to get those cards after entering U.S. and this other info when I seen the notification that you posted in here again. Thanks for this info. This is great to know.

 

[pushbrk 12,892]

5 hours ago, jagsfl said:

Basically, if I choose to go the K-3 route, my spouse will be able to come to the U.S. while the I-130 is waiting to be approved.

 

 

You have good answers already but to be clear, both petitions started being processed together in November, 2006, so since then, K3 visas have not been issued more than a few weeks faster than CR1 or IR1.  In February, 2010, NVC changed their policy to virtually kill all K3 visa processes.  A couple years ago, USCIS started killing them BEFORE NVC had a chance.

 

For THIS process, when you read, interpret "literally" not "conveniently".  Nothing you read said your spouse would be able to come to the US while waiting for the I-130 to be approved.  THAT was a "convenient interpretation".  Make sure you don't do that with any other information or instructions you are reading.  Words mean what they mean, not what you want them to mean.