K-1 or CR-1 Visa

[MrHat 0]

My fiancé is in Morocco and I’m from Missouri (US).  I am getting ready to fill out the I-129F Form, however, I’ve heard that with the economy still partially open the wait times for a K-1 vs CR-1 might not be all that different.  The CR-1 will include the green card which could save us some time/money in the long run.  With that being said I won’t be visiting Morocco again until July 2021.  If I wanted to go the CR-1 route we would get married in July and then start the paper work in late July / early August.  Based on this information what would be the best option?  K-1 visa now or CR-1 in 4 months?  I’m leaning towards the K-1.

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

How much time have you actually spent together.  Although a CR-1 is considered superior by many of us, Morocco is a difficult consulate.  A lot of time together is the best course of sction before filing.

 

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.
  �

 

[Crazy Cat 41,898]

****Moved to What Visa Do I Need?****

[MrHat 0]

@Lucky Cat

 

We met through a dating app and started talking June 7th.  We have talked nearly everyday since then and after a few months had video calls at least once a week.  I just recently returned from Morocco after visiting her for the first time.  I was there for about 5 nights.  We spent everyday together and got a lot of pictures.  I met her parents on the final day as well.  I already have the engagement ring and wedding band with proof of purchase and will be heading back to Morocco in July to celebrate the engagement.  Based on what I’ve told you what sounds like the best way forward?

[SalishSea 17,842]

On 3/28/2021 at 1:42 PM, MrHat said:

@Lucky Cat

 

We met through a dating app and started talking June 7th.  We have talked nearly everyday since then and after a few months had video calls at least once a week.  I just recently returned from Morocco after visiting her for the first time.  I was there for about 5 nights.  We spent everyday together and got a lot of pictures.  I met her parents on the final day as well.  I already have the engagement ring and wedding band with proof of purchase and will be heading back to Morocco in July to celebrate the engagement.  Based on what I’ve told you what sounds like the best way forward?

Be careful about any engagement celebration that could be mistaken for a wedding, if you go the K-1 route.   @JeanneAdil can advise you on the pros and cons of each path. 

 

Neither will be fast, cheap or easy.

[JeanneAdil 6,514]

Are you muslim?

In Islam a muslim woman must marry muslim man/   so take this into consideration if you intend to marry in Morocco

and if you do think of either the K1 or CR1 it is best to go CR1  route in  Morocco as the embassy is a hard one when it comes to K1 approvals