CR1 or K1 visa

[J0hann 0]

Hey Guys!

 

I have a friend who is a US citizen living in china and he is planning on bringing his girlfriend to the US.

Now I'm wondering what is the better option. I know with the CR1 you have the green card much faster than with a K1 visa.

But how fast are CR1's approved in China currently? Does the country of origin play into that or are CR1 visas equally fast approved no matter where you are from.

 

Thanks!

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

There isn't much difference between K-1 processing and spousal visa processing times ( on average,  a couple months as reported by other VJ members).  I have seen a LOT of people who chose a K-1 later regretted that decision.  I have seen exactly zero people who chose a CR-1 say they should have chosen a K-1 instead. 

 

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
  K-1 entrant cannot file for citizenship until after having Green Card for 3 years.
  Once an I-129F has been approved, delaying the case is difficult to impossible if the need arises.

CR-1/IR-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.
  The clock for citizenship filing starts immediately upon entry to the US.
  A CR-1/IR-1 case can be delayed indefinitely at NVC if the need arises. 
   

 

Edited December 19, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[J0hann 0]

But does the country of origin play any role. 

I.e. China, is there a longer waiting time for a CR1 to be approved than countries in europe?

 

[Crazy Cat 41,845]

7 minutes ago, J0hann said:

But does the country of origin play any role. 

I.e. China, is there a longer waiting time for a CR1 to be approved than countries in europe?

 

You can see some China timelines here.  Why are you comparing China timelines to other countries?  

 

IR-1/CR-1 Spouse Visa US Immigration Timelines for China - SORT : Interview Date - DESC (visajourney.com)

Edited December 19, 2023 by Crazy Cat

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, J0hann said:

But does the country of origin play any role. 

I.e. China, is there a longer waiting time for a CR1 to be approved than countries in europe?

Not really in terms of drastic difference. The main bottleneck of waiting is USCIS and then the NVC, the embassy doesn't affect wait time that much.

 

The only truly faster option is DCF for US citizens who are currently living abroad, but you need "exceptional circumstances" to qualify such as a short notice job offer relocation. 

 

[powerpuff 6,697]

As far as I know, China is not backlogged. The ones that are heavily backlogged that come to mind are Pakistan, Nigeria, Ghana. 
 

As a former K1, I’d go with a CR1 over K1 any day. 

[IWander 589]

9 hours ago, J0hann said:

But does the country of origin play any role. 

I.e. China, is there a longer waiting time for a CR1 to be approved than countries in europe?

 

You can't consulate shop based on any perceived wait times.  Your choice typically is limited to your country of residence or nationality.

[SalishSea 17,827]

13 hours ago, J0hann said:

But does the country of origin play any role. 

I.e. China, is there a longer waiting time for a CR1 to be approved than countries in europe?

 

How is this even relevant?   And why not direct the “friend” here to ask his own questions, rather than trying to impart third hand info?