K-1 and Criminal Record
 

Just for the sake of covering all our options, I'd like to know of anyone who has experience of applying for a K-1 visa when a waiver of ineligibility was required on criminal grounds.

I've already been partway through that process several years ago - up to the point of denial at the London Embassy, but we never followed through with an application for a waiver.

As my partner and I are not yet married, I was wondering if the K-1 would be an option for us, or if we'd be better off going the I-130 route, given that the INS are more likely to take notice of hardship to a Spouse than a Fiance.

I have the impression that the K-1 might well be quicker, but we'd be more likely to be ultimately refused and forced to try the I-130 anyway.