CR-1 vs K1

[Buga 0]

Hi there, I’m a US citizen and my Fiancé is a Ghanaian citizen . We intend to get married February 2025. How early after our wedding can we start the CR-1 visa process? Also, which one is better, K1 visa or CR-1? We just really want to be together soon so we can start a family. Lastly do we need a Lawyer’s help with this process if he was denied an F1 visa a year ago? 

[Lil bear 4,201]

3 minutes ago, Buga said:

Hi there, I’m a US citizen and my Fiancé is a Ghanaian citizen . We intend to get married February 2025. How early after our wedding can we start the CR-1 visa process? Also, which one is better, K1 visa or CR-1? We just really want to be together soon so we can start a family. Lastly do we need a Lawyer’s help with this process if he was denied an F1 visa a year ago? 

K1 is for fiancé NOT spouse and the marriage must take place in the US after entering in the K1 visa . CR1 is for couples already married. You can start the CR1 process as soon as you have the required documentation in hand.

Edited June 14 by Lil bear

[TBoneTX 45,288]

See the comparison, as compiled by our fine member Crazy Cat:
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.

[Buga 0]

8 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

See the comparison, as compiled by our fine member Crazy Cat:
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.

This is extremely helpful, thank you so much!!! 

[powerpuff 6,697]

*** Thread moved to What Visa Do I need forum ***

[Scandi 4,166]

CR-1 is by far the better choice. Especially at your embassy, I'd say. But the main thing is MANY visits, a lot of time spent together in person. Document everything.