New member, need advice.

[SalishSea 18,064]

7 hours ago, alyashenko said:

starting the K-1 now may save some time.

It might "feel" that way, as you will feel like you've done something to get into the queue, but as COVID has shown us, overall the CR-1 is a much better visa.  There are K applicants who have been waiting 17 months for interviews, post-petition approval.

 

If you think about it, it makes sense.  When resources are limited (due to a global pandemic, for example), their use is prioritized.  Spouses of US citizens are immediate relatives, and their interviews were prioritized over those of unrelated fiances.

[mam521 2,124]

On 8/12/2021 at 3:57 PM, alyashenko said:

Since I will have to wait to December to start this process for the CR-1, starting the K-1 now may save some time. 

 

 

Not much time difference, especially considering independence versus full dependence.  

 

The challenge is the LONG wait for approval for K1. Then, once your partner arrives in the US, you have only 90 days to marry.  Then ROC for her. So, she can't work, she can't travel, she'll be 100% dependent on you.  This is pretty difficult for a lot of people and can put undue stress on the early parts of your marriage.  

 

CR1 means she can have the freedom to have a bank account and begin building credit, to take classes, get a job and even travel if she's completely homesick.  I think a lot of K1 sponsors overlook how difficult it is for the immigrant and what they actually sacrifice to move to the US.  Foreign country, foreign language, foreign customs, foreign food and then being fully indebted to the sponsor is a pretty difficult pill to swallow for a (previously) independent person.  

 

I understand the desire to be together, but it's together under hostage taking terms in today's immigration wait climate with the K1.  Start your life together in the US on equal terms and file CR1.