Which is the fastest and the best USA visa to get for a spouse: Inmigrant Visa CR1 or Non Inmigrant visa K1?

Question

I'm colombian, my husband is american citizen, we got married in Colombia, where I live. We haven't start the visa process yet. Do you know which visa is better to applied for?

If someone has done this, I would appreciate your answers.

Answer 1

You do not qualify for the K-1 because you are married. You need to go for the CR-1 immigrant visa.

Answer 2

Actually, you're referring to the K-3 visa.  When you are married to a US citizen, there is supposed to be immediately a visa immigrant number available to you.  But..as you're aware, paperwork gets behind....so....

The US govt initiated the LIFE program to speed up the CR1 process.  You would go ahead and file the I-130 form with the applicable fee.  When your husband receives the confirmation with the file number, he would then send in the K-3 application with a copy of the received I-130 form and does not pay another fee.  

You can file as both.  You may get the CR1 or the K-3 first.  Whichever comes first, the other is then listed as abandoned and you are eligible to move to the US.  Then you file your I-485, change of status if you came in on the K-3 visa.

Neither is inherently "better" than the other.  The LIFE program and the K-3 visa you speak of was to make the process quicker since fiance (K-1 visas) were issuing out about a year earlier than the CR1's.  That has pretty much evened out now.

Answer 3

I'd apply for a K3 visa. It's usually the quickest for those already married. You finish your paperwork after you get to the U.S.

Answer 4

Well, in order to file the K-3, which is the proper K visa you'd need, you have to have filed the CR1 in any case. Rather than worry which will be faster, wait and see and take the one that comes in first. Actually the 2 are not that much different in processing times these days, and you'd be far better off after you arrived coming in on the CR-1 rather than the K-3, but if your primary concern is reuniting with your husband, then perhaps that doesn't matter so much.

Answer 5

The Immigration Visa is the fastest, and is good forever!

Answer 6

AS already stated, you're already married so a K1 is out of the question. A K3 is the next best thing. K1 is the fastest, the K3 is the next best. And there will no change of status filings, which can get costly along with all the things the government wants to charge for.And they just raised rates.  Also you should be able to get your green card right away instead of waiting for marriage, change of status , etc. The process for the K3 is a little longer than a K1 but they actually equal out in the end. As long as you stay out of AR( administrative review) you should be here in 6-9 months. Make sure you have all documents requested, make sure your passport  is good with plenty of time for expiration. Even make sure the picture is clear. We got pegged on that one , took 2 extra months because of AR. Dont skimp on documentation, if in doubt send it. Have more than you need. Above all, dont lie about anything.  You cant trick immigration!!!!!!  They are old pros and have seen it all. Complete each form , dont leave blanks, place N/A or none if you dont have an answer. You will need recipts form your spouses trips there and pictures to help document proof they were there. Use recognizable land marks maybe a picture with a newspaper to match timelines, airline recipts, hotel recipts, some stuff with both your names.

make sure you use the right type of fasteners on the packet you submit and make sure its neat and organized with a table of contents and cover letter.  Above all dont worry about things and be sweet and cordual during the interview.

Answer 7

If your husband lives now in the U.S.A. he needs to file the I-130 and G-325A forms, you need to file the G-325A as well, mail it to him (because it needs your signature, you cant email it) then he sends them in and pays $355.00.  Then you wait.  The I-130 is also called CR-1 since you are already married.  Then wait... it could take up to 8-12 months.

More reserch at the http://visajourney.com site.

Answer 8

Since you are married you can not get a K-1. Also depending on how long you have been married you may need to get a IR-1 instead of a CR-1(if you are married more than 2 years). A K-1 usually takes less time and you finish up the paperwork in the US while a CR-1 or IR-1 you finish up the paperwork and then come to the US.

Answer 9

You can't use a K1 fiance visa since you are already married