K1 vs CR1 - Time Frame

[Palawan 131]

As of today how long are K1 vs CR1 taking to get approved?

 

In the past a K1 was about 4 to 7 weeks and CR1 was 4 to 7 months

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

Those are extremely out-of-date estimates.  Either category could easily take 18 months from submitting paperwork to visa in hand.  I have seen cases in both categories take even longer.  Processing times started rising as far back as mid 2016.  The pandemic then basically shut down the process at consulates and slowed the USCIS process.  In the meantime, the pipeline of new petitions continued entering the system. The resulting backlogs at USCIS and most consulates have not been cleared. It is a real mess.  

Edited May 2, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Palawan 131]

Interesting, thanks for the head up

 

I guess I will just spend a few extra months in Philippines when I enter.

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

if you are considering which visa to apply for,   seriously think about the CR1

the advantages far outweigh the K1

from post of crazy cat

 

Just as a reminder as to why I think a CR-1 is superior for many couples.

 

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, I-944) 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 January 5, 2021 by Lucky Cat

[Palawan 131]

24 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

if you are considering which visa to apply for,   seriously think about the CR1

the advantages far outweigh the K1

from post of crazy cat

 

Just as a reminder as to why I think a CR-1 is superior for many couples.

 

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, I-944) 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 January 5, 2021 by Lucky Cat

 

K1 is much superior visa for Philippines

 

I wouldn't mess with doing a spousal visa unless I lived in the Philippines and could get a emergency DCF

 

[JeanneAdil 6,583]

Just now, Palawan said:

 

K1 is much superior visa for Philippines

 

I wouldn't mess with doing a spousal visa unless I lived in the Philippines and could get a emergency DCF

 

but not superior here in the USA

its hard to get SS # making it hard to add to bank account

expensive to do the AOS after marriage is $1225

plus paying out of pocket for the health care insurance

 

and immigrants get so homesick,  its hard on them when they can't visit home 

a K1 means going thru AOS,  EAD,  AP and the ROC 2 years later 

and u will be tired of dealing with immigration long before she gets to naturalize

 

plus K1 is taking as long to get now as the CR1

its going to be anywhere from 18 months and longer

this is not fast,  cheap or easy

 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

7 minutes ago, Palawan said:

K1 is much superior visa for Philippines

 On what do you base that answer? 

Edited May 2, 2022 by Crazy Cat

[Palawan 131]

8 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

 On what do you base that answer? 

Personal Experience 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

12 minutes ago, Palawan said:

I wouldn't mess with doing a spousal visa unless I lived in the Philippines and could get a emergency DCF

You seem to think that a K-1 takes only a few months.......that is not accurate.  It could easily take 18 months. 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

2 minutes ago, Palawan said:

Personal Experience 

Details, please?

[Palawan 131]

11 minutes ago, JeanneAdil said:

but not superior here in the USA

its hard to get SS # making it hard to add to bank account

expensive to do the AOS after marriage is $1225

plus paying out of pocket for the health care insurance

 

and immigrants get so homesick,  its hard on them when they can't visit home 

a K1 means going thru AOS,  EAD,  AP and the ROC 2 years later 

and u will be tired of dealing with immigration long before she gets to naturalize

 

plus K1 is taking as long to get now as the CR1

its going to be anywhere from 18 months and longer

this is not fast,  cheap or easy

 

You have alot of incorrect information

 

Very easy to get a SS# and Bank Account on K1

 

You can apply for leave the country if that's important, plus it only a few months to get travel authorization

 

 

[Palawan 131]

4 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

Details, please?

Personal Experience is my experience dealing with USCIS and the immigration process and dealing with US Embassy in Manila.

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

1 minute ago, Palawan said:

You can apply for leave the country if that's important, plus it only a few months to get travel authorization

8 months is common currently.  You seem to be basing answers on outdated information. 

[Palawan 131]

8 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

You seem to think that a K-1 takes only a few months.......that is not accurate.  It could easily take 18 months. 

Not at all, I know for a fact what the processing times are in general, See that is why I asked how long it was taking since the pandemic

 

I am not really worried if it takes 18 hours or 18 months to be truthful.

 

[Crazy Cat 41,985]

2 minutes ago, Palawan said:

Personal Experience is my experience dealing with USCIS and the immigration process and dealing with US Embassy in Manila.

You still have not stated why a K-1 is "much superior" for PI........