FAQ1:
I am thinking about bring my fiance(e) into U.S., what kind of VISA should I apply? What's faster? K1 or K3?
(Question listed date: Jan 10,2006)
Answer:
It is one of the most asked questions in marriage visa type so we listed it first. If you are not yet married, you can only apply K1 nonimmigration visa and if you've got married or plan to get married before enter U.S., you will need K3 immigration visa followed by CR1 visa.
U.S. citizens who will be getting married to a foreign national in the United States may petition for a fiance(e) classification (K-1) for their fiance(e). You and your fiance(e) must be free to marry.
Unlike K1 VISA, K3 and CR1 are type of VISA for petitionor's spouse. You can only file CR1 after you recieve NOA1 of K3. People who file for a K-3 have automatically also filed for a IR1/CR1 Visa (I-130) and can persue that visa if it is approved faster than the K-3.
The length of time varies from case to case according to it's circumstances. The time it takes each USCIS office and each consular office to process the case varies. From our own experiences, it rangs from two months up to two years for K1 visa. Averaging K1 process takes about 11 months and slightly longer for K3 visa.
Related questions:
