ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Its when the VISA is granted but that is usually right after the interview. You can view the average timelines by going to Immigration Timelines ( http://www.visajourney.com/timeline/ ). Its around 9 months I believe but it seems to be trending longer.


Thanks a lot.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-18 10:11:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Not necessarily harder - all depends on proof of marriage. You will have it easier though than those from the middle east and a handful of other countries. Yes, apply after a year of marriage and you can easily stall the process a little bit if new be by waiting a few extra weeks to submit paperwork at different stages to insure it is over 2 years when you get your interview.


Alright, we'll probably do that. So the date of the interview is the determining factor in whether one is considered CR-1 or IR-1, correct? Is one year a good amount of time to estimate how long the process will be? Thanks a lot.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-18 07:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Not absolutely positive so hopefully someone will correct me if I am wrong. But I am pretty sure that the day you are issued the visa. Meaning after the interview and you are totally approved .That is when they determine if you have been married two years or not to give you a 2 year or a 10 year. CR1 and IR1 are the same paperwork, it is just the length you have been married. They will determine which category you fit into when they give the visa.


Oh ok. That makes total sense. I thought the paperwork was different. So I'm thinking if it takes the year to obtain the visa like I've read on the forum that we'll apply for it a year after marriage. It seems like it would be harder for them to deny a CR-1/IR-1 rather than a K-1, seeing that we would actually be married. Or would that be an incorrect observation? Thanks a lot. You've helped a ton.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 23:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Well I believe it is from the date you get the visa. So if yours takes awhile you might end up with a 10 year card depending on how long you've been married now.


Do we need to wait until we've been married 2 years to even apply for IR-1, or can we begin the process before the 2 years is up? Thank you very everyone for the replies.

Edited by Rysiu227, 17 September 2012 - 11:10 PM.

r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 23:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Go the CR-1 route it's better and less costly and she can work immediately after she gets her SSN number and green card less than a month she can legally work. It's a no brainer for you guys.


Yeah, that's what I'm leaning towards doing right.The only problem I foresaw was the proof of a bona fide marriage, but others have addressed how to deal with that and it doesn't sound as hard as I initially thought. Thanks a lot for the input.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 15:05:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.
One more thing: I'm assuming she wouldn't be allowed to enter the United States on a Visitors Visa if she's in the CR-1/IR-1 process, correct? Or not? Thanks.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 13:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.
Thank you very much. I really appreciate it. :)
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 12:54:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Well with a K-1 you need to do it twice though. You get the visa, marry, file AOS, wait 2 years and file ROC. For CR1 you get the greencard and visa together, wait two years and file for ROC. And yes, as you said if you are married for longer then two years they would put you as an IR1 which means you get the visa and 10 year green card and not have to file anything unless you want citizenship(which can be added as another step to the other processes as well).


Alright, that's what I thought. Just double checking. Yes, she'll want citizenship. Would you agree with the other members about the evidence we'll need of a bona fide marriage? Do you have any other advice on that issue by chance? Just trying to get all the input I can. Not trying to beat a dead horse or anything, as I realize others have responded to that question. Thanks.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 12:42:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Removal of conditions is essentially another AOS two years later. Same questions, same evidence (although they expect more after two years of being together).


Wow, that's comforting. So basically the only way to avoid all of the additional rounds of paperwork is to be married for two years and one day, and then apply for the green card? If that's the case, then it seems to me that there really is no difference in the amount of paper work when comparing the K-1 to the CR-1, given the need to adjust status with the former and remove conditions with the latter. So frustrating. Thank you very much.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 12:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Your use of the term "adjust status" when talking about a spousal visa holder is not a correct term to use when talking about a spousal visa holder. Spousal visa holders, regardless of how long they have been married to their US Citizen spouse never adjust status, ever because they become LPR's on entry which negates the need to adjust status. What spousal visa holders do (and you did correctly point this out) is remove conditions on residence by filing to do so within 90 days before their green card expires.


How comparable in terms of paperwork and hassle is the removal of conditions to adjustment of status? I think that's something I'm not very clear on. Is removal of conditions even complicate when compared to AOS? Thanks again for the replies. They really help.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-17 11:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.

Personally, given the fact that you are going to be apart for a few years I would go the CR/IR route. Get married and when she is finally able to be with you she will be issued a 10-yr GC, you don't have to go through the hassle as you noted that comes with the K-1 once she gets here. She can work fairly soon after (providing there are no mess-ups with Social Insurance and GC production)as opposed to having to wait for EAD etc. This is actually the route my husband and I are going (we have delayed our I-130 submission by a few months to ensure our finances are more secure and to figure plans after he is discharged). We don't like the time apart, but we figure if we delay now it will save us a much greater headache later on.

You can do a great deal between now and then to substantiate a bona fide marriage case (joint property, bank account, insurance, lease, trips, phone logs, etc) and many couples live in the U.S. on separate coasts and can prove the same, so I would worry a little less about this if this is your main concern. I would focus on whether the extended time apart is what you are both willing to handle.


Thanks for the input you guys! As far as joint property, I don't think we'd be able to do that given our situation. The bank account and insurance yes, but the property no. So property and bank accounts aren't the only ways to prove that your marriage is bona fide? Phone logs and emails are proof too? I always thought it had to do with property or anything that was held jointly, rather than just emails etc.

One other thing: is the adjustment of status in the CR-1 the same as the AOS in the K-1, or does the former require less paperwork etc.? I guess I've never really known the difference between the two. If they're the same, I guess the only other route would be the IR-1 for us, seeing as we don't want to have to go through more paperwork after she gets to the U.S. Would that be a correct observation? Thanks again. I really appreciate it.

Edited by Rysiu227, 16 September 2012 - 10:57 PM.

r060106MalePoland2012-09-16 22:57:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.
I have already looked at that page and understand the major differences between the two options. I'm just looking for advice from others given my situation, as I'm having a hard time choosing. So I'm hoping others' input will help steer me in the right direction. Thanks.
r060106MalePoland2012-09-16 22:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 or K-1? Need advice given situation.
Hello everyone,

I'm new to the forum and am fairly new to all of this visa stuff, so please be patient with me if I don't understand or have missed something.

So here's my situation: my girlfriend and soon to be fiance is from Poland. Due to extenuating circumstances we'll be apart for about the next 2 or 3 years. This is because she'll be moving to the UK to work as a Midwife with the NHS and I can't leave my job in banking in the United States. Our plan is for her to work in the UK and get experience in medical English while saving up some money, then move to the states to live with me and find work as a midwife here. Given our predicament, we are having a hard time deciding whether to go the CR-1 route or the K-1 route.

We want the option that will consist of the least paperwork and headache as possible (for what that's worth) and are willing to wait , which is why at first we were thinking of doing the CR-1 after getting married in Poland. However, after giving it some thought we realized that because we'll be living apart for so long it might be very difficult to prove our marriage is bona fide, even though we plan on opening a joint bank account very soon and would see each other 2-3 times a year while apart. So that led us to believe that the K-1 would be the better way to go. However I'm not too keen on having her go through obtaining the EAD card, completing AOS and submitting a whole second set of paperwork after we get married. So given our situation can anyone please provide me with advice on what might be the better option for both of us?

I already don't like putting her through all of this, but know that it has to be done either way. Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated, as we kind of feel stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Thank you very much
r060106MalePoland2012-09-16 22:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSponsorship Income Requirement

You would read it in the I-864 instructions.


Oh ok. That's what I thought. Thank you.
r060106MalePoland2012-11-15 18:01:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSponsorship Income Requirement

Or have at least three times the income requirement in liquid assets.


Thank you very much for the info. Do you possibly have a direct link to where it says that on the immigration website? I'd appreciate it.
r060106MalePoland2012-11-15 09:19:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSponsorship Income Requirement

Well you can ask someone to co-sponser her,your parent(s) or a relative that has enough income that will be eligible under 125% of poverty guidelines. And it is common to have a co-sponsor.


Thanks a lot for the quick response! I'm assuming you mean eligible over 125% of the poverty guideline?
r060106MalePoland2012-11-15 00:56:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSponsorship Income Requirement
Hi all,

My Polish girlfriend and I plan on marrying in Scotland sometime next year and will be starting the CR-1 process soon after that. However, after reading up on the sponsorship I will have to do I saw that there appears to be a minimum income requirement on the part of the sponsor. Seeing that I might be in grad school at the time we start everything going, I will not have a steady income stream and any income that I have will be from a small amount of part time work. Though we do plan on saving a lot of money and putting it into a joint account while she is working in the UK and while I'm working before grad school.

So with that said, I'm assuming that my only option to bring her here after we get married is to forgo my desire to attend school until after she is in the states, due to the fact that I will have little to no income once there, and thus won't be able to meet the sponsorship income requirement. Would that be a correct assumption? Or is it wrong? If it is correct, are there ways around the requirement, like having a large amount of money saved? Or are there no exceptions? If I'm off base please let me know where. I apologize in advance for any confusion on my part. Any and all help or advice is welcome and appreciated.

Thanks a lot
r060106MalePoland2012-11-15 00:41:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsDecember K-1 2009 Filers VSC

approved. Just got out from the consulate.


Congratulations ! :)
A + MFemaleSlovenia2010-04-19 21:36:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurespregnancy
No! There isn't a way!
A + MFemaleSlovenia2011-08-06 15:24:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI found my Soulmate
Congratulations! I wish you all the best!
A + MFemaleSlovenia2011-11-12 13:39:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFROM AP 5DAYS TO READY 1DAY THEN VISA ISSUED AFTER 2DAYS

That's amazing CJ.Enjoy your trip home and have a happy new season and a new beautiful lifestar_smile.gif

Thank you for your supporting last few days mean a lot to me.

 

Good luck with everything and keep up to date.

JP

 

Thanks JP and right back at you.  I know that this is a new beginning for us all, but with love - everything is possible, it really is (even when the wait drives us crazy - 7 months for me, though I know for many others it is even longer :( ).

 

I will probably be seeing you on the AOS thread in a few months...ha ha....I am looking forward to hearing how you are getting along also :)

 

Not long now for you...wooohoo!


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-19 07:01:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFROM AP 5DAYS TO READY 1DAY THEN VISA ISSUED AFTER 2DAYS

Thank you,,,,you're so nice :-) we've been through a lot and I believe I shouldn't lose hope especially now, Godbless us

 

Hey janessa - absolutely don't give up hope now!! We still have Wednesday and Thursday to go and every case is different so no one can say with one way or the other. So my vote is with what could be joyfully possible and besides, positivity is far better for the soul in any case. This is all one big adventure.

In the meantime, go gently upon yourself.

Take care

cj
 


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-19 06:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFROM AP 5DAYS TO READY 1DAY THEN VISA ISSUED AFTER 2DAYS

THANKS CJ AND THE SAME FOR YOU AS WELL.

HAVE YOU HEARD ANY NEWS FROM YOUR VISA YET?HOPE YOU COULD GET IT SOMETIME THIS WEEK.

 

Thanks JP!

I am very grateful because I got my visa a few weeks back. I am heading to the US next Friday....huzzah!

 


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-19 06:33:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsFROM AP 5DAYS TO READY 1DAY THEN VISA ISSUED AFTER 2DAYS

Hooray for you JP! I am so happy and relieved for you and your fiance. I knew it would work out for you in the end. Have a great flight and enjoy your wedding.kicking.gif

 

Janessa, I really hope that you get your visa before Friday too! What a joy to have your hopes fulfilled. Fingers, eyes and toes crossed for you :)


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-19 06:05:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsREADY AND THEN AP?

Hi J and P

 

When the status changed like that for me, it was only a few days before I saw 'Issued' and the following business day that I got my visa in hand. (After which I cried tears of relief) So hopefully not long now for you.

 

I know what it is like - I couldn't sit still until I booked that flight.

 

Have a safe weekend, take care and go easy on yourself - it will all work out, you'll see.

cj

 


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-15 19:43:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSo Close Now...

cjbaker16 - I am really happy for you both. I have enjoyed reading the bits that you have shared about your journey, thank you. A big adventure awaits us all, and all in the name of love too :)

 

Way to go re your Packet 4 littlej!

 

Seems that things are moving along for people so much faster which is wonderful. Being apart is hard enough as it is and the wait, excruciating. Still, I know that for all that we go through, every bit will be worth it because it always takes time for something good.

 

Roll on the 29th for me, Wisconsin here I come for my first white Christmas with my new Hubby....I am Captain Excited!

 

Take care

cj


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-09 07:49:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVISA APPROVED!

Really wonderful to hear your news. Congratulations! I am so very happy for you both.

 

All the best.

cjc


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-21 05:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsAnother K1 Approval

Awesomeness!! Really happy for you both. February will be here in no time....it is already December next week!


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-11-27 07:21:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril Filers 2013 K1

Hi everyone!!! We were approved yesterday at CSC and our NOA1 was April 29th!! I hope everyone else is not too far behind!!

 

Woo hoo kicking.gif for you and all those approved so far! I am really happy and excited for you all. Yay!


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-07-18 06:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril Filers 2013 K1

Hooray for June! Another month closer to living our dreams.  All the best everyone :)


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-06-01 18:51:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril Filers 2013 K1

Hi CJC, how's your day smile.png looks like your having all your time here at VJ just like me ^__^ i did nothing the whole day just to browse from here haha.. i started saving the forms for AOS/EAD/AP and i review the forms. I just realized that we still have a long journey after entering US wub.png

 

 

Hello :) thanks for your msg! Day is awesome thanks and hope the same for you too? I did the same thing regarding the forms, there are so many questions that I have to research the answers for so just as well....went and got my blood tests done and started with immunisations last week too.  Just think, we are already a month into the process and that 4 weeks flew...I really believe the time is going to go fast and with so much racing around to do in getting ready for everything, we will probably run out of time.....(well that is what I am telling myself anyway....ha ha).  Looks like you have a countdown for your Fiance visiting also....I am so happy for you!  dancin5hr.gif


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-05-30 08:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril Filers 2013 K1

Ok....Wow...I just realised I took up a lot of room on that post....oops8rh.gif   It wasn't meant to be an official inaugural speech or anything, just a hello.....sorry about that....ah well, I needed to laugh at myself today anyway...lol


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-05-30 06:14:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsApril Filers 2013 K1

Hello April Filers!

 

First time posting on VJ (though I have been keeping a keen eye on posts) and really felt compelled to write a hello and join this thread. So, hello goofy.gif !!

My U.S F filed our petition at the end of April and our NOA1 was receipted the 29th of April, so really excited about that and looks like I am in wonderful company with fellow April filers.

 

After reading the posts here, I wanted to wish everyone a speedy time of their K1's and it is my firm hope we find our way into the arms of our loved ones without too much delay or too many heart stopping moments.

 

I have lost count of the moments where I thought I didn't fill this part, or that part out correctly on the forms, and all the fears and worries that come with all the unknowns........and the worst (and best) part is we are only a month into the process!  Eek!

 

The one thing that I know to my core is this, that it is love that brought us together and that same love will keep the light at the end of the tunnel in our sights, which will and does get closer with each passing day.

 

To the creators and keepers of VJ......you are awesome people, thank you so so much for this amazing site, we are grateful to you.

 

Peace, love and joy to you all.....to NOA2 and beyond!

CJ


CJCFemaleAustralia2013-05-30 06:00:00
Middle East and North AfricaInterview tomorrow
I'm so jealous, but am happy that your interview is tomorrow. Good luck...and Godspeed ahead to your new life with your spouse.
mamajoFemaleItaly2008-02-05 20:05:00
Middle East and North Africayayyyyyyyy interview date
Congratulations!!
mamajoFemaleItaly2008-02-27 15:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsSo here we go
Will say a prayer for you, hope it goes well!!!
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2013-10-15 19:22:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa issued same day as interview in Mexico?
Actually it's been happening more, this week someone I been keeping in touch on a different forum got her visa same day. So it's possible. That would be amazing if that was the regular processing time for a visa,
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2014-03-14 00:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow long does it take from CEAC Issued
I had my interview Thursday and for the past two days it says issued, but there is no waybill tracking number. So just wait. Tomorrow I will go ask the consulate, biometrcis call NVC. So yeah your better of waiting.
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2014-04-08 23:23:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsMy visa was approved. What does this message mean?
I had my interview two days before you and I was approved too. Mine says the same thing. You can also check this ceac website and see the status of the visa. Mine says issued so it's should be coming soon. And they waybill number will show up soon. Good luck! https://ceac.state.g...YzCYubaSQI RA==
Aidee AlcantarMaleMexico2014-04-07 21:58:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsThank you God, Appruvedddddddddddddddd

lets me be the first to say congrads!!!

Thanks


Sami0101010001MaleAlgeria2013-06-15 00:07:00