New member, need advice.

[alyashenko 1]

Hello everyone,

 

I am glad to have found this forum. My girl and I got engaged a few weeks ago in her home country: Estonia. I am back in the US since and planning the next stages to bring her to California, where we will live. I will be flying back to see her again in December. I have read the processing time statistics to show K1 still being a little faster than CR1. Please correct me if I am wrong. 

 

From what I understood it is between K1 vs CR1. My questions are:

 

In my situation would it make sense to file the K1, since we have to wait to see each other until December?

Based on your experience and my situation would you still advise the K1 over the CR1?

Which one, K1 or CR1, would make travel to visit each other easier, while we file the paperwork?

Approval statistics for K1 vs CR1?

 

My main concern is waiting time. I am not concerned about cost.

 

Thank you all in advance.

 

 

 

[powerpuff 6,746]

The waiting time of wholly dependent on whether or not the consulate in Estonia is processing K1 visas. If they’re not, I wouldn’t even bother applying. If they are, then it might be worth doing it. 

[Maki&Kiki 123]

I think that, unfortunately, k1 and cr1 have almost same timeline, so main advantage that k1 had over cr1 is gone… If you are physically with her now or planning to visit soon, most members will give you advise to do cr1 since it allows your future wife to work asap after arrival and she will have green card. :)..

Edited August 4, 2021 by Kittinpaw

[Crazy Cat 42,032]

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.  IMO, the CR-1 is superior for many couples.

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 6-8 months)    
    Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 6-8 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.
  �

 

Edited August 4, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Boiler 45,898]

Can you do a quick trip before December?

[alyashenko 1]

Boiler,  I cant do a quick trip before December. My last trip was 17 days in Estonia I used up all of my vacation hours at work. 

[alyashenko 1]

Thanks to everyone who has replied, the general consensus is that cr1 is superior

[Boiler 45,898]

You can do the Urah Zoom marriage but you need to meet before you can file for CR1.

[alyashenko 1]

13 minutes ago, Boiler said:

You can do the Urah Zoom marriage but you need to meet before you can file for CR1.

Thats crazy that this exists haha. I will have to check this out. Last time we met in person was July 17th.

[vakers 1]

Do the K1, I got here with that and the lawyer my husband used then recommended him as it is faster 

We filed on June and I was already here on October, just make sure you are adding all the necessary documents.

 

 

 

[Crazy Cat 42,032]

11 minutes ago, vakers said:

Do the K1, I got here with that and the lawyer my husband used then recommended him as it is faster 

We filed on June and I was already here on October, just make sure you are adding all the necessary documents.

 

 

 

What year?  The lawyer might have been right at one time, but the processing times have changed. 

[vakers 1]

2 minutes ago, Lucky Cat said:

What year?  The lawyer might have been right at one time, but the processing times have changed. 

2016, and actually the lawyer herself was surprised on how fast things went...

I'm not sayy anything but giving the advice to send all the documents needed.

[Chancy 6,243]

5 minutes ago, vakers said:

2016, and actually the lawyer herself was surprised on how fast things went...

 

I guess you're not up-to-date on the recent timelines for K1.  There are many K1 couples in many countries who have been waiting more than a year now just to get their visa interview slot.  Some have even resorted to suing the US government to move their cases along.

 

[vakers 1]

1 minute ago, Chancy said:

 

I guess you're not up-to-date on the recent timelines for K1.  There are many K1 couples in many countries who have been waiting more than a year now just to get their visa interview slot.  Some have even resorted to suing the US government to move their cases along.

 

Sorry for giving a little advice, 

Of course I'm not on that process anymore and have no need to be checking the timelines for k1's!! 

I was just giving a little advice... 

Have a good day!!! 

[Chancy 6,243]

19 minutes ago, vakers said:

Sorry for giving a little advice, 

 

You are welcome to give advice.  But if the advice is based on outdated information, understand that other members can post updates or corrections.  The intention is to give the original poster (and other readers) more relevant information that they can use to make the best decision for their situation.

 

Edited August 5, 2021 by Chancy