A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
#16
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
I believe I've found the chart - "Comparison of Marriage based visas"? WOW! Everything I needed to know. It would be great to have a full break down of costs, though I'm aware these are always changing. As I see it now:
K1 visa : $1070 I-485
$340 I-129f
$350 visa
total $1760
CR-1 visa: $420 I-130
$88 I-864
$330 visa
total $838
I'm confident there are a few other charges I have omitted. But so far we are $922 better off via the CR-1 route...not including the costs of going out there to get hitched of course. Am I completely way off here? And thank GOD these costs are in $ and not £!!
K1 visa : $1070 I-485
$340 I-129f
$350 visa
total $1760
CR-1 visa: $420 I-130
$88 I-864
$330 visa
total $838
I'm confident there are a few other charges I have omitted. But so far we are $922 better off via the CR-1 route...not including the costs of going out there to get hitched of course. Am I completely way off here? And thank GOD these costs are in $ and not £!!
#17
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
I believe I've found the chart - "Comparison of Marriage based visas"? WOW! Everything I needed to know. It would be great to have a full break down of costs, though I'm aware these are always changing. As I see it now:
K1 visa : $1070 I-485
$340 I-129f
$350 visa
total $1760
CR-1 visa: $420 I-130
$88 I-864
$330 visa
total $838
I'm confident there are a few other charges I have omitted. But so far we are $922 better off via the CR-1 route...not including the costs of going out there to get hitched of course. Am I completely way off here? And thank GOD these costs are in $ and not £!!
K1 visa : $1070 I-485
$340 I-129f
$350 visa
total $1760
CR-1 visa: $420 I-130
$88 I-864
$330 visa
total $838
I'm confident there are a few other charges I have omitted. But so far we are $922 better off via the CR-1 route...not including the costs of going out there to get hitched of course. Am I completely way off here? And thank GOD these costs are in $ and not £!!
I thought the cost different was closer between then two of them, but I could be wrong. I can't think of any other fees involved other than the ones you've posted.
Rene
#18
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
To clarify this a bit, which will repeat some of what others have already posted:
- The CR1 will take a couple of months longer than the K1, maybe 8-10 months.
- In both cases the timeframe is based on petition submission to visa issuance. Some people look at the end point and want to know which will get them into the USA the soonest. If that is of concern to you then you must increase the CR1 time by how long it will take from now to get married so that your partner can submit an I-130 petition. She can submit an I-129f petition now.
- Recognize that being authorized to work and being employed are two different things. The time it may take to find employment can make the difference in time to become employment authorized insignificant.
Regards, JEff
- The CR1 will take a couple of months longer than the K1, maybe 8-10 months.
- In both cases the timeframe is based on petition submission to visa issuance. Some people look at the end point and want to know which will get them into the USA the soonest. If that is of concern to you then you must increase the CR1 time by how long it will take from now to get married so that your partner can submit an I-130 petition. She can submit an I-129f petition now.
- Recognize that being authorized to work and being employed are two different things. The time it may take to find employment can make the difference in time to become employment authorized insignificant.
Regards, JEff
We have yet to begin any formal process (K1 or CR-1) and therefor are open to your advice as to which path to take. I have read up on both scenarios, and see if as follows:
Both will take 6-8 moths to complete. With the CR-1 this means that (once we are married and have completed the I-130) I will be eligible to live and work in the US at the end of this 6-8 month process. However, with the K1, I will only be eligible to enter the US and marry within 90 days, but then have to wait a further 90 to work in the US.
Both will take 6-8 moths to complete. With the CR-1 this means that (once we are married and have completed the I-130) I will be eligible to live and work in the US at the end of this 6-8 month process. However, with the K1, I will only be eligible to enter the US and marry within 90 days, but then have to wait a further 90 to work in the US.
#19
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
To clarify this a bit, which will repeat some of what others have already posted:
- The CR1 will take a couple of months longer than the K1, maybe 8-10 months.
- In both cases the timeframe is based on petition submission to visa issuance. Some people look at the end point and want to know which will get them into the USA the soonest. If that is of concern to you then you must increase the CR1 time by how long it will take from now to get married so that your partner can submit an I-130 petition. She can submit an I-129f petition now.
- Recognize that being authorized to work and being employed are two different things. The time it may take to find employment can make the difference in time to become employment authorized insignificant.
Regards, JEff
- The CR1 will take a couple of months longer than the K1, maybe 8-10 months.
- In both cases the timeframe is based on petition submission to visa issuance. Some people look at the end point and want to know which will get them into the USA the soonest. If that is of concern to you then you must increase the CR1 time by how long it will take from now to get married so that your partner can submit an I-130 petition. She can submit an I-129f petition now.
- Recognize that being authorized to work and being employed are two different things. The time it may take to find employment can make the difference in time to become employment authorized insignificant.
Regards, JEff
I'm trying to approach this from the most responsible angle possible...which includes earning (and saving) in the UK for as long as possible vs just getting to the US as quick as I can, and also reducing the initial outlay on visas. You make a good point though regarding actually being employed. I have some bar experience though and am prepared to pour drinks until I get back on my career path My partner earns a good living as a high school teacher, but I doubt we could survive 90 days without a second income.
Jeff am I able to return to the UK during that 90 day wait to continue my job here in London? That way I could go out there once the K1 had been approved, get married, and then return to wait it out.
Many thanks.
#20
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
So in short, after you file AOS, you'll be landlocked in the USA until you receive AP in hand, which can take about 60 days.
Rene
#22
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
To be a bit more clear, after he enters the USA as a K1 he must stay here until he has his advance parole in hand. There will be no going back between the time of that entry and when he applies for adjustment in addition to the period between the application for adjustment and the receipt of advance parole.
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff
#23
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
Interesting. You must have a hearty appetite for gourmet food? How much could feeding you add to her grocery bill? You shouldn't add to her housing expenses, and your clothes shouldn't wear out in 90 days. The two of you may not do much going out or entertaining, though
As to your r2 restricted motorcyle license, I don't know what that is but my experience in several states is that getting a motorcycle license is the same as getting an automobile drivers license. You take a written test on rules of the road and a road test to demonstrate your driving skills and application of the rules. If you are getting both motorcycle and automobile licenses, the auto license will include a motorcycle endorsement (i.e. one license will cover both).
Regards, JEff
As to your r2 restricted motorcyle license, I don't know what that is but my experience in several states is that getting a motorcycle license is the same as getting an automobile drivers license. You take a written test on rules of the road and a road test to demonstrate your driving skills and application of the rules. If you are getting both motorcycle and automobile licenses, the auto license will include a motorcycle endorsement (i.e. one license will cover both).
Regards, JEff
#24
BE Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2008
Posts: 450
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
The basic fees
CR1 route = $912 + £259.50
$420 (USCIS) I-130
$88 (NVC) Affidavit of Support fee
$404 (NVC) Immigrant Visa fee
£35 ACPO Police certificate
£210 (Knightsbridge Doctors) medical exam
£14.50 (DX Secure) Courier fee
K1 route = $1760 + £259.50
$340 (USCIS) I-129F
$350 (Embassy) Visa fee
£35 ACPO Police certificate
£210 (Knightsbridge Doctors) medical exam
£14.50 (DX Secure) Courier fee
$1070 (USCIS) Adjustment of Status/Work Authorization/Advance Parole
Our K1 decision was based on being able to start the process immediately because we weren't ready to marry quite so quickly. We wanted to give our families (grown kids especially) some time to let it sink in while we processed since it was a total surprise to them. Got the visa in 4.5 months, then 2 more months before he came. Marriage and AOS filing within days of entry. Getting a job wasn't a concern for us. I will say that AOS is another big packet to put together with forms, evidence, and bits and bobs to gather. Kind of an extra hassle.
Something to think about--many UK fiances complain loudly of boredom once they get here because the spouse is off to work and they are stuck at home with no job, no friends, no car, no driver's license, and no public transportation. Your situation may vary. Wasn't a problem for us because we could afford a second car, he drove on his UK license, and I didn't have to go to work and leave him home alone.
CR1 route = $912 + £259.50
$420 (USCIS) I-130
$88 (NVC) Affidavit of Support fee
$404 (NVC) Immigrant Visa fee
£35 ACPO Police certificate
£210 (Knightsbridge Doctors) medical exam
£14.50 (DX Secure) Courier fee
K1 route = $1760 + £259.50
$340 (USCIS) I-129F
$350 (Embassy) Visa fee
£35 ACPO Police certificate
£210 (Knightsbridge Doctors) medical exam
£14.50 (DX Secure) Courier fee
$1070 (USCIS) Adjustment of Status/Work Authorization/Advance Parole
Our K1 decision was based on being able to start the process immediately because we weren't ready to marry quite so quickly. We wanted to give our families (grown kids especially) some time to let it sink in while we processed since it was a total surprise to them. Got the visa in 4.5 months, then 2 more months before he came. Marriage and AOS filing within days of entry. Getting a job wasn't a concern for us. I will say that AOS is another big packet to put together with forms, evidence, and bits and bobs to gather. Kind of an extra hassle.
Something to think about--many UK fiances complain loudly of boredom once they get here because the spouse is off to work and they are stuck at home with no job, no friends, no car, no driver's license, and no public transportation. Your situation may vary. Wasn't a problem for us because we could afford a second car, he drove on his UK license, and I didn't have to go to work and leave him home alone.
Last edited by Moxie; Jan 4th 2012 at 9:28 pm.
#25
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
Good point, and it doesn't apply only to UK immigrant spouses. But at least those from the UK are fluent in the English language and have only small vocabulary adjustments to make to adapt to American English.
Regards, JEff
Regards, JEff
#26
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
Sheila and I took the K-1 visa route. She had a good job so my getting a job straight away wasn't an issue. Note that this was almost 14 years ago. The world was a much simpler place then, and there had been no market crash. Gas prices were stable and jobs were plentiful. I had a graduate degree, was familiar with the culture, and was able to fit right in with the local folk. Still, it took me 4 months to find a part-time job and a further 6 months before finding a full-time job.
If we had a "clean sheet" and were doing this over again today, we'd do a CR-1 visa. Why? Money! I had a great job before coming to the US, and that extra 8-10 months would have helped build up the reserves a bit better before shucking the whole thing in a move to a foreign country. Yah, the time apart would suck but it's only a few months... and in the grand scheme of things, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the whole rest of your life together.
Ian
If we had a "clean sheet" and were doing this over again today, we'd do a CR-1 visa. Why? Money! I had a great job before coming to the US, and that extra 8-10 months would have helped build up the reserves a bit better before shucking the whole thing in a move to a foreign country. Yah, the time apart would suck but it's only a few months... and in the grand scheme of things, is just a drop in the bucket compared to the whole rest of your life together.
Ian
#27
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
Thank you all for your replies, they do help a great deal in making a decision that will affect us for the next 10 months.
While I initially leaned towards the CR-1 route for the financial benefits, and the benefit of moving there Green Card in hand, my partner Ashley was very put off by the extra waiting time. The two months spent there could actually be quite enjoyable as she will be benefiting from her holidays as a teacher in July and August.
The AOS does sound like a real hassle though, and I also could really benefit from the added time in London with my current job.
I think we will end up going with the K1 route - because we can start right away and could potentially be sitting on the beach in Charleston together in 5 months.
I have three further questions on this basis:
1.When is the $340 fee for the I-129f charged?
2. Providing we marry very quickly and have our AOS forms ready to go - how long will it be realistically before I am able legally work?
3. When my AOS is approved/accepted, will I be a full US citizen with Green Card as I would at the conclusion of the CR-1 route.
Thanks all and TGIF
Luke
While I initially leaned towards the CR-1 route for the financial benefits, and the benefit of moving there Green Card in hand, my partner Ashley was very put off by the extra waiting time. The two months spent there could actually be quite enjoyable as she will be benefiting from her holidays as a teacher in July and August.
The AOS does sound like a real hassle though, and I also could really benefit from the added time in London with my current job.
I think we will end up going with the K1 route - because we can start right away and could potentially be sitting on the beach in Charleston together in 5 months.
I have three further questions on this basis:
1.When is the $340 fee for the I-129f charged?
2. Providing we marry very quickly and have our AOS forms ready to go - how long will it be realistically before I am able legally work?
3. When my AOS is approved/accepted, will I be a full US citizen with Green Card as I would at the conclusion of the CR-1 route.
Thanks all and TGIF
Luke
#28
Account Closed
Joined: Aug 2002
Location: Kentucky
Posts: 38,865
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
Delayed gratification is the hallmark of maturity. Perhaps she's not ready for marriage. Honestly, the timeline is not that much different... and the CR-1 visa is superior to the K-1 visa.
Well 8 months, more likely. It'll take 4-5 months just for the I-129F to be approved... then you need to apply for the K-1 visa... another 3 or so months for approval.
The fee is submitted with the petition. The I-129F will not be processed without the fee.
Realistically? About 3 months after you submit the AOS paperwork... maybe less time, maybe more.
You will not be a US citizen - and US citizens do not have green cards.
When your AOS is approved, you will become a US permanent resident (PR), and will get a GC. After 3 years as a PR (assuming you're still married to your USC spouse), you can apply to become a US citizen.
Note that at the end of the "CR-1 route" you wouldn't be a US citizen then either.
Ian
I think we will end up going with the K1 route - because we can start right away and could potentially be sitting on the beach in Charleston together in 5 months.
When is the $340 fee for the I-129f charged?
Providing we marry very quickly and have our AOS forms ready to go - how long will it be realistically before I am able legally work?
When my AOS is approved/accepted, will I be a full US citizen with Green Card as I would at the conclusion of the CR-1 route.
When your AOS is approved, you will become a US permanent resident (PR), and will get a GC. After 3 years as a PR (assuming you're still married to your USC spouse), you can apply to become a US citizen.
Note that at the end of the "CR-1 route" you wouldn't be a US citizen then either.
Ian
Last edited by ian-mstm; Jan 6th 2012 at 1:54 pm.
#29
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
We went down the K1 route. For us the decision was centered around whether we wanted to be apart as a married couple or engaged couple and opted for engaged hence the K1
I did visit him during the process and he visited me so to be honest the time apart (we didnt see each other in the end for over 6 months) wasnt an issue. I had so much to do "closing" down my life here
It was good to go to the US and have our wedding BUT the hard part for me and the thing which may (should we have our time again with the benefit of hindsight) make us go the married first route was the fact that my mother was ill and I couldnt come back to the UK until I had my AP - it was very stressful waiting for it ---the employment part wasnt so much of an issue but I think I kissed the EAD card when I received it!
Good luck with whichever route you decide to go
I did visit him during the process and he visited me so to be honest the time apart (we didnt see each other in the end for over 6 months) wasnt an issue. I had so much to do "closing" down my life here
It was good to go to the US and have our wedding BUT the hard part for me and the thing which may (should we have our time again with the benefit of hindsight) make us go the married first route was the fact that my mother was ill and I couldnt come back to the UK until I had my AP - it was very stressful waiting for it ---the employment part wasnt so much of an issue but I think I kissed the EAD card when I received it!
Good luck with whichever route you decide to go
#30
Re: A new story. K1 vs CR-1. What would you do if you could do it all over again?
While I initially leaned towards the CR-1 route for the financial benefits, and the benefit of moving there Green Card in hand, my partner Ashley was very put off by the extra waiting time. The two months spent there could actually be quite enjoyable as she will be benefiting from her holidays as a teacher in July and August.
The AOS does sound like a real hassle though, and I also could really benefit from the added time in London with my current job.
I think we will end up going with the K1 route - because we can start right away and could potentially be sitting on the beach in Charleston together in 5 months.
1.When is the $340 fee for the I-129f charged?
2. Providing we marry very quickly and have our AOS forms ready to go - how long will it be realistically before I am able legally work?
3. When my AOS is approved/accepted, will I be a full US citizen with Green Card as I would at the conclusion of the CR-1 route.
There are pros and cons to each route (K-1 vs Immigrant Visa), so really it's all down to your personal preference.
Rene