K1 or CR1? advice please!

[xdramaqueenx 0]

Hi! I live in Scotland, my fiancé lives in the US. We got engaged in December of last year! We’ve been together for five years now, long distance and just desperate to get the process going when possible!
 

With everything going on in the world, I was just looking for some advice really on what would be best to do. I’m torn between the K1 & CR1. We just want to get the process started of closing the distance and had always thought the K1 would be the best to go for but with the backlogs & talks of furloughs, I’m so indecisive! We haven’t seen each other since January and it’s definitely been so upsetting.
 

Just wondered if anyone could share what route they went down for going to the US? One of the main things I’m worried about with the K1 is not being able to work right away and wanted to know what the time frame would be looking like, with the back logs? I could deal with maybe 3-4 months but ideally nothing more than that,  which I guess was swaying me more to the CR1 haha but I’ve got savings and my partner is working, so we would be okay! 

 

Anyways just wondered what people’s opinions are. Hope you’re all keeping safe and doing well during this challenging year!

Edited August 16, 2020 by xdramaqueenx

[Empressdivine 113]

If you are concerned about working right away do a CR1. Backlogs will be there and I believe more than 3-4 months. Best wishes 

Edited August 16, 2020 by Empressdivine

[Xyrstine 224]

We did a CR1 although initially wanted to do the K1 visa. We are so glad we chose the CR1 route especially in these times. The K1 was supposed to be quicker which is why we initially wanted to take that route but instead we married.

 

The CR1 is definitely the better choice now, if possible, as the K1 visas are at a standstill and are not seen as priority. It is also much more expensive soon so a lot of the "perks" cancel out. If you can marry- CR1 is the way to go. Many K1 visa holders also struggle adjusting as they are unable to work when they first immigrate. Again, with the huge backlogs, I don't see this getting easier.

 

Research on both but you will find most of the people here agree with CR1 being the better option.

[xdramaqueenx 0]

9 minutes ago, Xyrstine said:

We did a CR1 although initially wanted to do the K1 visa. We are so glad we chose the CR1 route especially in these times. The K1 was supposed to be quicker which is why we initially wanted to take that route but instead we married.

 

The CR1 is definitely the better choice now, if possible, as the K1 visas are at a standstill and are not seen as priority. It is also much more expensive soon so a lot of the "perks" cancel out. If you can marry- CR1 is the way to go. Many K1 visa holders also struggle adjusting as they are unable to work when they first immigrate. Again, with the huge backlogs, I don't see this getting easier.

 

Research on both but you will find most of the people here agree with CR1 being the better option.

Thank you so much for that! I definitely feel CR1 is sounding like the best option for us. I would find it hard not being able to work! This has definitely helped my decision! Are you able to visit the US still, on a CR1 visa? I guess it’s up to the CBP officer at the time etc. Even on an ESTA I take proof of employment etc, never once been questioned but I’m way too organised ... and nervous at times haha! 

[Xyrstine 224]

1 minute ago, xdramaqueenx said:

Thank you so much for that! I definitely feel CR1 is sounding like the best option for us. I would find it hard not being able to work! This has definitely helped my decision! Are you able to visit the US still, on a CR1 visa? I guess it’s up to the CBP officer at the time etc. Even on an ESTA I take proof of employment etc, never once been questioned but I’m way too organised ... and nervous at times haha! 

Yeah, I visited him twice since we started the visa application with an ESTA (trick is to not check in online). No issues, just showed a copy of our marriage certificate and a copy of his passport for proof of exemption with the travel ban. I have strong ties with my ongoing job etc but they never really questioned me much. I was always upfront on my intentions. Good luck!

[Wuozopo 4,293]

@xdramaqueenx
 

We chose K1 because we weren’t prepared to marry ASAP in order to start the process. With the K1, we could get started the week we decided we wanted to marry each other, and be in the queue while we worked the rest out. Working wasn’t a concern, so suited us okay.  Sounds like CR1 will suit you better. You just have to work out getting together, marrying, and getting the marriage certificate back  so you can start your paperwork. That will involve applyIng for a UK marriage visa or a trip to  Vegas with a 14 day quarantine in another location before entering the US or perhaps a meet up in Mexico to marry there. 

Edited August 16, 2020 by Wuozopo

[little immigrant 801]

CR1 is the way to go imo

[pablo2752 106]

CR1. K1 is a nightmare right now because USCIS is going to furlough 2/3 of its workforce.