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I did have a question for those that have gone through this. I am going to start the immigration process for my fiancee that lives in Bogota. I am familiar with the process of the k-1 Visa and its approximate time frame, but could someone tell me is the cr-1 faster than the k-1 or about the same? mORE DIFFICULT ETC.?

... in response to K-1 or CR-1, posted by JEMJCU1 on Feb 25, 2005

Since you are apparently not married yet, you have no choice. Assuming that you are a U.S. citizen, file a fiancée petition for a K-1 visa (Form I-129F).

If you marry overseas, then you can file for an immigrant (CR-1) and/or K-3 visa.

In the long run, they all cost approximately the same but the fiancée visa is usually faster. The processing times vary somewhat depending on where you live. The CR-1 would take a little longer and require some more paperwork initially, but is easier than the K-1 or K-3 in the long haul and has other advantages related to eventual naturalization.

If you are still trying to decide on whether or not to marry overseas, then I recommend that you mostly leave it up to your future bride to decide which wedding to have.

Ray

... in response to K-1 or CR-1, posted by JEMJCU1 on Feb 25, 2005

Got my I-130 approved in just a little over a month.  Paperwork was sent to the National Visa Center recently, and I'm waiting for them to send me more forms/bills.

Initially, going the CR-1 route is more expensive on the front end, since you're paying $185 (I-130), plus $365 for the AOS, and $70 for the fingerprints.  

It'll probably be from 3 to 6 months until my wife gets her visa; but, since I'm tacking on petitions for her kids, it'll be a little while longer before all of them can come to the States.

Check www.visajourney.com for info. on the wait times of K-1 filers.  They have timeline guides and application processing time links there.  

Peace out!

... in response to Re: K-1 or CR-1, posted by doombug on Feb 25, 2005

The process is fairly similar and the costs are too.

K-1 process:

I-129F: $165
K-1 visa application fee: $100
After marriage she has to AOS:
I-485: $315
Biometrics: $70
This doesn't include AP (to leave the country while her AOS is pending) or an EAD (to be allowed to work while her AOS is pending):
AP (I-131): $165
EAD (I-765): $175

You're looking at a total of $650 without the AP and EAD and $990 with them. Let's compare this to the CR-1:

I-130: $185
CR-1 visa application fee: $365
Biometrics: $70

We have a total of $620. No AP or EAD is necessary becasue when she enters the US with a CR-1, she gets a green card upon entry (actually a passport stamp - the green card arrives in the mail later). With the green card she is allowed to both work and to leave the country.

The vast majority of people choose the K-1 because it is faster but you are going to be dealing with the USCIS a lot longer and possibly shelling out more money later if you want AP and an EAD.

... in response to Re: Re: K-1 or CR-1, posted by utopiacowboy on Feb 25, 2005

UC, this is the most concise, easy to follow, explanation I have seen on this question.

Gracias