K1 vs CR1 visa

[tortillos 0]

Which U.S. immigrant visa has a quicker processing time today: the K1/fiancé visa or the CR1 spouse visa?

[Allaboutwaiting 2,503]

CR1 is quicker and WAY cheaper as you'll skip adjustment of status.

 

You can even skip removal of conditions if by the time of entry to the US, you've been married for two years.

 

Forget the K1, not an option anymore -except in very few cases where for some reason the couple cannot get married-.

[Crazy Cat 41,611]

***Moved to What Visa Do I Need?***

[Jon and Krissy 452]

On 4/21/2024 at 2:18 PM, Allaboutwaiting said:

CR1 is quicker and WAY cheaper as you'll skip adjustment of status.

 

You can even skip removal of conditions if by the time of entry to the US, you've been married for two years.

 

Forget the K1, not an option anymore -except in very few cases where for some reason the couple cannot get married-.

Is this still the case at this time? I ask because other threads (one pasted below) here on VJ show very fast K1 times happen at this time for example at the Manila embassy - literally a year faster that CR1. Do you think this could be bad data given that is comes from VJ members timelines or do you have any further thoughts? I ask because I came here to try to figure out which route we should take imminently. Thanks 🙏🏼

 

 

[W199 328]

2 hours ago, Jon and Krissy said:

Is this still the case at this time? I ask because other threads (one pasted below) here on VJ show very fast K1 times happen at this time for example at the Manila embassy - literally a year faster that CR1. Do you think this could be bad data given that is comes from VJ members timelines or do you have any further thoughts? I ask because I came here to try to figure out which route we should take imminently. Thanks 🙏🏼

 

 

 

You are right, this is not the case anymore. The tables have turned. K-1 are way faster now.  USCIS is currently processing April and May 2024 cases now.  Many people are reporing in forums that got approved in 3 months, and there are other sites that scan all the data from USCIS, every single case, and track this in intimate detail.  Its not just a rumor

Edited June 17 by W199

[Crazy Cat 41,611]

Every couple has their own priorities, and each couple must decide which visa is better for their situation.  Life is full of choices and consequences. A fully informed person is more equipped to make a wise choice. 

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 3-6 months) 
  Spouse can not work until she/he receives EAD (approx 3-6 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 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 June 17 by Crazy Cat

[W199 328]

Yes, because of the K-1, I missed being able to file married jointly for the year. I lost over $25K in taxes because of that, so yes, it was way more expensive for me.  But my priority was to have the wedding in USA so that my kids can attend in person as its a sensitive subject having their father remarry.  My Wife received her green card in about 5-6 months, and the EAP/AP much sooner.  It worked out perfectly for us.   On the other hand, my friend at work just changed from a K-1 to a CR-1 because his fiancee didn't feel comfortable giving up her job,  house, leaving her adult kids behind, etc.. without being married first ..