K1 vs CR1

[Clintcizek 0]

My fiancé (Turkish) and I (American) are trying to figure which option is best for us to be together as soon as possible. We have the opportunity to marry in June (in Turkey) or file the K1 by early April. What is the quickest way for her to come to America? 

[mam521 2,211]

The first thing to remember is there's rarely anything quick about immigration.  It all takes time, money and patience.  

 

Our very knowledgeable @Crazy Cat offers this list for comparison:

 

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.

 

Your mileage may very, but the senior members of the community would agree with the accuracy of this list.  Additionally, a good chunk of the community who've come on a K-1 have also stated if they had to do over, they'd have done the CR-1.  The complete dependence on a partner after moving to a foreign country is typically challenging for the beneficiary. 

[JeanneAdil 6,657]

Neither is fast/ u are looking at 18 months or longer if all goes well

American woman ?

Turkish man?

Muslim?

Read the red flag warning list on following site

https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/red-flags-that-make-uscis-suspect-marriage-fraud.html

 

I think always better to marry (my opinion only) as K1 can be denied after long long wait and then you must marry to continue for a visa / that requires all new fees

Be prepared to show quality face time and that the Turkish family approves of relationship (like photos of USC and the fiance's family)