K1 or K3?!?

[Vinny]

Hi Everyone,

 

Can anyone tell me which process is faster at this time. K1 Fiance/Fiancee Visa or I think K3 Spousal Visa?

 

Thanks,

Vinny

[Zhou Zhou]

I've recently heard that the K1 is now the fastest, but I'm far from an expert...but an expert will be along shortly.

[dnoblett]

Forget the K3 it essentially no longer exists, NVC closes it and proceeds with the underlying CR1 spouse visa.

 

http://candleforlove...g-for-i-130cr1/

 

Both processes essentually are same speed, with K1 slightly quicker.

 

One factor to consider is K1 costs around $1000 more to get to green card vs CR1

 

I-130 CR-1 Spouse

• I-130 $420 each
  
• DS-230 $330 + $74
  
• I-864 $88
  
• Total $912
  

I-129F K1 Fiancee visa

• I-129F $340
  
• K-Visa fee at Consulate $350
  
• I-485 fee for green cards after marriage $1070
  
• Total $1760
  

I-130 + I-129F K3

• I-130 $420
  
• I-129F (No charge)
  
• Petitions reach NVC
  
• Takes the K-3 path, if somehow I-129F is separated and approved before I-130 at USCIS
  
  • K-Visa fee at Consulate $350
    
  • I-485 $1070
    
  • Total $1840
    

  [*]Takes the CR-1 path if USCIS sends both CR-1 and K-Visa petitions to NVC together

  • DS-230 $330 + $74
    
  • I-864 $88
    
  • Total $912
    

I did not add costs for Medical, Vaccinatios and Postage, it is essentially the same in any case.

 

 

Considerations where do you and fiancee want to marry China or USA?

 

If I were doing again, we would do CR1. Other benefits CR1 gets green-card upon arriving in the USA allowing work and travel, K1 does not, and can take months to get green card after married.

Edited April 23, 2012 by dnoblett (see edit history)