Bringing my boyfriend to US (merged)

[Rayna 0]

My boyfriend was in the U.S. on a J-1 visa but had to go back to Jamaica. What is the best way to get him back over to the States to stay permanently.  Can I file for K-1 even though he just left?

[Boiler 45,443]

Best option would be to marry and file a I 130

[Crazy Cat 41,808]

Another vote for marriage and CR-1:

 

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 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 K-1 might be a better choice when 18-21 year old children are immigrating also
    In some situations, marriage can affect certain Home country benefits, making a K-1 a better choice   
    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.
   

 

[JeanneAdil 6,489]

why would anyone go for K1 when its takes just as long as spouse visa and is more hassle and costs more

the proposal to up the charges for adjusting status after US marriage is suppose to go to $2820 instead of$1225

[powerpuff 6,677]

~~ Topic moved from Student Visas forum to What Visa do I need forum ~~

[Noname93 200]

8 hours ago, Rayna said:

Can I file for K-1 even though he just left?

As long as he isn't subject to the 2 year rule that comes with some J1 visas, yes.

[Rayna 0]

And if he is, I would have to wait two years until I file? I thought it was just that they could not come back and work in the U.S. for 2 years. 

[powerpuff 6,677]

No, not to file. He just has to go back to his country for 2 years. Nothing is stopping you from applying today. I believe there’s a waiver for the 2 year requirement but both spousal and K1 are taking about 2 years anyway, I don’t think it makes sense to apply for the waiver.

[Sammy_2496 116]

Hello!

If you are able to, i highly recommend you go for the Spouse visa (CR1/IR1). Both K1 and CR1/IR1 are taking the around the same time at the moment…. So the benefits of a CR1 largely outweigh a K1. With a CR1, it’s cheaper and you become a legal permanent resident as soon as you enter the USA with that visa! You can also work and travel right away, open a bank account easily and so on 😁

good luck!

[Cathi 5,746]

I also vote for Cr1. Far less less expensive a far less of a hassle.

[Rayna 0]

My boyfriend and I are currently started the K1 process. He is currently in Jamaica on a 2 year ban, it just started in February. If the visa goes through, will he still be able to come over here if the 2 year ban is still in effect?

[JeanneAdil 6,489]

u asked this in a previous post  March 2nd

the answers are the same 

follow the advice given there

 

[Rayna 0]

Thank you! I remember asking, I just couldn’t find it

[Boiler 45,443]

2yr HRR presumably 

[Ontarkie 14,215]

~~Duplicate threads merged. Please only start one thread for the same topic.~~