Need sober, thoughtful advice

[Jon and Krissy 452]

Hello,

 

I am preparing to file a petition for my girlfriend. I have been through the process twice in the distant past, once for a K1, once for a CR1. I filed these my myself, in 2004 and 2010 respectively. Both succeeded.

 

I am up to date on the processing times, particularly the insane situation with the CR1s.

 

I am turning over in my mind which path to choose. I am visiting her this week for 15 days - we previously spent 7 weeks together last year, and will spend another 16 day together at Christmas and New Year.

 

We would either file fiancee upon after I return from my visit, or marry via Utah virtually during my visit.

 

If it makes a difference, I have multiple previous marriages: the last, which was the CR1 visa, lasted 14 years. Also, if it makes a difference, I am 57, Krissy will turn 21 during my visit.

 

Any thoughts or advice would be gratefully accepted.

 

Thanks,

 

Jon

[Boiler 45,449]

Normally that age difference might raise eyebrows but not PI.

 

Ditto multiple marriages.

 

I would still go with the Marriage route.

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

My age gap is not so great--24 years--but I decided to go the marriage route because the K-1 path seems to involve too much of a chance to be discriminated against by the government agents involved on both sides. Having a marriage license is better "proof" than proving a relationship in other ways; it at least shows a level of seriousness and commitment, especially since marriages often come with photos of happy family members, a reception, etc. that give the impression of a bona fide relationship.

[Jon and Krissy 452]

I would prefer to do the CR1, but over 2 years to complete this process seems completely insane. What the devil is going on with that? Rhetorical, I know no one knows. These agencies seem to have no accountability whatsoever. It is hard not to think less than a year is superior to 26 months plus!

[Crazy Cat 41,814]

10 minutes ago, Jon and Krissy said:

It is hard not to think less than a year is superior to 26 months plus!

The VJ member reported average processing from filing to interview is 20 months (CR-1) vs 14 months (K-1).  But the time to a Green Card is faster with a spousal visa.

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

18 minutes ago, Jon and Krissy said:

I would prefer to do the CR1, but over 2 years to complete this process seems completely insane. What the devil is going on with that? Rhetorical, I know no one knows. These agencies seem to have no accountability whatsoever. It is hard not to think less than a year is superior to 26 months plus!

 

It is absolutely insane, yes. For us, the chance of an officer just having a bad day and determining our non-married relationship was not bona fide was simply not worth it.

Edited June 19 by Nathan Alden, Sr.

[Jon and Krissy 452]

43 minutes ago, Crazy Cat said:

The VJ member reported average processing from filing to interview is 20 months (CR-1) vs 14 months (K-1).  But the time to a Green Card is faster with a spousal visa.

Understood, but it seems to be longer for CR1 in Manila than that average, and shorter than that average for K1...

41 minutes ago, Nathan Alden, Sr. said:

 

It is absolutely insane, yes. For us, the chance of an officer just having a bad day and determining our non-married relationship was not bona fide was simply not worth it.

I do see your point. I'll have to tell Krissy. Two years is a long time when you're young. For me, not so long...

[Nathan Alden, Sr. 17]

25 minutes ago, Jon and Krissy said:

I do see your point. I'll have to tell Krissy. Two years is a long time when you're young. For me, not so long...

 

I feel you. I'm younger than you but I am absolutely feeling the two years. Time wins all battles. Hang in there. 🙂

[Spicy Chickenjoy 14]

Hang in there, gents! I personally went the K-1 route. For my fiancée and I, starting our life together side-by-side asap is a higher priority than time to green card in hand.

 

I believe multiple K-1 visa applications are allowed. You would need a waiver if the previous K-1 application was within the last 2 years. You wouldn't have to worry about that since it's been quite some time since your last K-1 application. If you search the forums, you'll find few folks that have gone through multiple K-1 filer process successfully.

 

I highly doubt the age gap would be an issue. It's pretty common in PI. I think you'll be okay with either K-1 or CR-1 as long as you provide sufficient evidence.

 

 

 

 

Edited June 20 by Spicy Chickenjoy

[Jon and Krissy 452]

3 minutes ago, Spicy Chickenjoy said:

Hang in there, gents! I personally went the K-1 route. For my fiancée and I, starting our life together side-by-side is a higher priority than time to green card in hand.

 

I believe multiple K-1 visa applications are allowed. You would need a waiver if the previous K-1 application was within the last 2 years. You wouldn't have to worry about that since it's been quite some time since your last K-1 application. If you search the forums, you'll find few folks that have gone through multiple K-1 filer process successfully.

 

I highly doubt the age gap would be an issue. It's pretty common in PI. I think you'll be okay with either K-1 or CR-1 as long as you provide sufficient evidence.

 

 

 

 

That's just the thing - for us, being together ASAP is the priority also. Which is why I'm so torn about which way to go. Most people seem to say to stick with the CR1 despite the horrible delay. I'm feeling doubtful and uncertain. 

[Spicy Chickenjoy 14]

1 hour ago, Jon and Krissy said:

That's just the thing - for us, being together ASAP is the priority also. Which is why I'm so torn about which way to go. Most people seem to say to stick with the CR1 despite the horrible delay. I'm feeling doubtful and uncertain. 

I feel you! Tough decision indeed. Let us know what path you end up taking. Wishing you the best!

Edited June 20 by Spicy Chickenjoy