Which option is best ?

[PJ1985 0]

Hi all,

 

Been browsing the forums and want to start my visa process so thought I would ask here.

 

Looking to move to the US from the UK - girlfriend is there and aim is to be married and I would move and work there. From the options the CR1 looks like it would be best as I don't want to be stuck not working or waiting on paperwork that would further delay life getting started, not to mention additional costs.

 

Can I start the CR1 process before we are married, or will this need to happen first before anything like that can be undertaken? If not then we may decide the KR1 as we do not want to waste uncessary time and wasting money away we have saved for our life together.

 

Thanks

 

[Crazy Cat 41,888]

You be married to even start the CR-1 process.

 

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.

K-1
        
    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.
    A denied K-1 is sent back to USCIS to expire
  

CR-1
    

    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.
  �

 

 

 

[Coco8 1,042]

Take into consideration COVID restrictions. 

 

Travel is restricted and getting married is not easy because a lot of city halls are closed. So getting married to do the CR1 will be challenging and even for the K1 it could be tricky (but you can plan ahead so you get married right away when you get to the US and file the paperwork). It will need a lot of planning. 

 

Many big companies have already said there won't be any business travel all 2021and we will be working from home. Depending what type of job you do, you'll want to do research on that. Hiring is picking up and should be better mid-end 2021.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

[SusieQQQ 11,586]

1 hour ago, Coco8 said:

Take into consideration COVID restrictions. 

 

Travel is restricted and getting married is not easy because a lot of city halls are closed. So getting married to do the CR1 will be challenging and even for the K1 it could be tricky (but you can plan ahead so you get married right away when you get to the US and file the paperwork). It will need a lot of planning. 

 

Many big companies have already said there won't be any business travel all 2021and we will be working from home. Depending what type of job you do, you'll want to do research on that. Hiring is picking up and should be better mid-end 2021.

 

The flip side of Covid is that most embassies still have limited operations, and while CR/IR1 and 2 are always the first visa types given priority when routine issuance starts up again, K are not given high priority (even now not being processed in many countries).  Hopefully by the time the as-yet unfiled petition, whether it ends up being K1 or CR1, reaches embassy stage the worst effects of Covid will be over, but it is something to think about.

 

 

2 hours ago, PJ1985 said:

If not then we may decide the KR1 as we do not want to waste uncessary time and wasting money away we have saved for our life together.

read @Lucky Cat’s post carefully to make an informed decision that ranges all the way from filing petition to getting your green card. You may think you are saving time and money going K1, only to find you end up wasting more time and money later than if you had gone the CR1 route.

 

 

Edited November 22, 2020 by SusieQQQ

[payxibka 10,045]

6 hours ago, Coco8 said:

Take into consideration COVID restrictions. 

 

Travel is restricted and getting married is not easy because a lot of city halls are closed. 

 

Maybe 6 mos. ago.  Not so true anymore as most have developed covid-19 procedures 

[carmel34 3,633]

23 hours ago, PJ1985 said:

Can I start the CR1 process

Talk with your American girlfriend.  She will need to start the process by filing a petition, not you.  She should also do research on the pros and cons of CR-1 vs K-1, process, steps, costs, how long everything takes, etc.  Good luck!