Traditional Wedding Before Visa is Approved

[JesStef 7]

That's what I'm trying to say.  Be sure you want to marry because it's not easy, realize that your spouse is leaving their country, culture, and family.  CR-1 all the way.  

[Dashinka 24,746]

21 minutes ago, JesStef said:

That's what I'm trying to say.  Be sure you want to marry because it's not easy, realize that your spouse is leaving their country, culture, and family.  CR-1 all the way.  

I would add that there are other circumstances that may drive someone to the K1.  Same sex couples may find it very difficult to get married in a country where it is prohibited, and depending on that country, it may be difficult for the foreign national to travel to another country where it is legal.  Additionally, there are some countries where getting married to a foreign national (i.e. USC) is very difficult and time consuming.  While I agree the CR1 is far superior from an immigration standpoint, it does not fit every situation, so sometimes the K1 may be the preferred path.

 

30 minutes ago, Unlockable said:

Because of the perceived "faster being together" aspect of it. There was a time when the K1 could be done in 6 months as opposed to a year with the spousal visa. Obviously, times have changed with that.

 

Another reason is that there are a lot that want to "try things out" first before getting married. To me this is not a good method to start out a union. A couple should already be sure they want to marry when the apply. Not use the K1 as a trial period. 

 

Last reason I have seen is people are uncomfortable with marrying someone then immediately being separated with their spouse for many months. They would rather stay together from the day they wed.

 

The biggest problem we see is that too many people overlook the negatives of the K1. It is not until they come over, marry, then honeymoon phase has ended... then realize that they can't work, go back home, or in some cases, drive for several months that they start to see the negatives.

 

 

To the OP, I am glad you found VJ before you did something that may cause an issue.  Good luck with your journey.

Edited April 11, 2020 by Dashinka

[Crazy Cat 42,158]

17 minutes ago, Dashinka said:

it does not fit every situation, so sometimes the K1 may be the preferred path.

Agree.  "One size does not fit all"........

[Zoeeeeeee 797]

2 hours ago, JesStef said:

BTW, we used Rapid Visa to file our petition.  It's a little pricy but the process was super smooth.  Its like TurboTax but for Visa's

I honestly wouldn't recommend using Rapid Visa - there are many threads on here talking about the mistakes they've made and the negative impacts that's caused people using their service. 

 

The forms aren't difficult to complete yourself - particularly if you utilise this website - most people on here did it themselves - no need to pay someone else to do it for you. Most importantly, no one else cares as much about getting that petition right as you and your fiance - so really, it makes sense that the forms are more likely to be filled correctly and without mistake, by you.

[SalishSea 18,102]

2 hours ago, JesStef said:

BTW, we used Rapid Visa to file our petition.  It's a little pricy but the process was super smooth.  Its like TurboTax but for Visa's

Not necessary for most people.  It makes neither faster nor more likely for an approval.  All of the footwork must still be done by the applicants.

[Dashinka 24,746]

3 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Not necessary for most people.  It makes neither faster nor more likely for an approval.  All of the footwork must still be done by the applicants.

Just like using a lawyer.

[SalishSea 18,102]

Just now, Dashinka said:

Just like using a lawyer.

Yup.  Money wasted for most cases, IMHO.

[Diane and Chris 651]

20 hours ago, Dashinka said:

Just like using a lawyer.

Yep.  Been there, done that. Wasted $1000 on initial stage of K-1 and then got an RFE because attorney messed up. We fixed the RFE and finished the remainder by ourselves and saved another $1000. Thank you, VJ. 

[TBoneTX 45,976]

An off-topic post has been removed.