Is it better to get a K-1 Fiancé Visa or a CR-1 Spouse Visa?

Deciding whether to apply for a K-1 fiance visa or a CR-1 spouse visa will depend on your specific circumstances.

Some Factors on Deciding Whether a Fiance or Spouse Visa are Right for You

1. Timing: The K-1 fiance visa is generally faster to obtain than the CR-1 spouse visa. The K-1 visa process typically takes about 6-9 months, while the CR-1 spouse visa process can take anywhere from 9-12 months or longer, depending on the country of origin and other factors. If you must bring your spouse to the United States immediately, the K-1 visa may be the better option.
   Check the latest Fiancé Visa Processing Times.
   
2. Relationship status: The K-1 visa is only available to fiancees engaged to be married, while the CR-1 spouse visa is available to spouses already married. If you are already married, the CR-1 spouse visa is your only option.
   
3. Residency requirements: The K-1 visa requires the fiance to marry their U.S. citizen sponsor within 90 days of arriving in the United States. The fiance must leave the country if the couple does not marry within this time frame. The CR-1 spouse visa, on the other hand, allows the spouse to enter the United States as a permanent resident, with the option to apply for citizenship after being a permanent resident for a certain period.
   Tips to get married in 90 Days in the United States
   
4. Eligibility: The K-1 fiance visa is only available to U.S. citizens, while the CR-1 spouse visa is available to both U.S. citizens and permanent residents. If you are a permanent resident and not a U.S. citizen, you will need to apply for the CR-1 spouse visa.
   
5. Financial considerations: The K-1 fiance visa requires the U.S. citizen sponsor to demonstrate that they can financially support their fiance while they are in the United States. The CR-1 spouse visa does not have this requirement, as the spouse is considered a permanent resident and can work in the United States without any restrictions. If you are concerned about being able to financially support your spouse while they are in the United States, the CR-1 spouse visa may be a better option.
   
6. Travel restrictions: The K-1 fiance visa allows the fiance to enter the United States for the purpose of getting married and does not allow for any other travel. The CR-1 spouse visa, on the other hand, allows the spouse to travel freely within the United States and to come and go from the country as a permanent resident. If you and your spouse plan to travel extensively within the United States or internationally, the CR-1 spouse visa may be a better option.

Overall, the decision of which visa to apply for will depend on your specific circumstances and needs. It’s a good idea to consult with an experienced immigration lawyer to help you determine which visa is the best fit for you, when you sign up for free to Our Love Visa, you are able to schedule a time to chat to one on your dashboard. Look for the Chat with us button like the image below.

In some cases, the K-1 fiancé visa may be the better option if you need to bring your spouse to the United States as soon as possible and if you are able to meet the financial and other requirements of the visa. On the other hand, the CR-1 spouse visa may be a better option if you are already married, if you are a permanent resident and not a U.S. citizen, or if you and your spouse plan to travel extensively within the United States or internationally.