The K-1 visa is faster than the IR-1/CR-1 visa. Processing times are always changing, but the K-1 visa is, consistently, a few months faster than the IR-1/CR-1 visa. You and your fiancé have a 90-day period once they enter the United States before you must get married. You can (and must) get married in the United States. If your fiancé has never visited the United States, this period might make them feel better about moving there. They would be able to adjust to the United States before getting married and adjusting status (applying for a green card). Keep in mind, though, that the K-1 visa is for people who are serious about getting married.

U.S. FAMILY VISAS

Family visas are available to unite U.S. citizens and permanent residents with their relatives. We have helped many persons obtain visas to enter the U.S. for brief visits and to stay permanently. Call or email us to find out how we can help you to be re-united with your relatives.

Types of Family Visa

The K-1 Fiancé(e) visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring his or her foreign fiancé/ee to the U.S. to get married and obtain a green card (adjust status).

Fiancés and fiancées of a U.S. citizen qualify for the K-1 visa. An application is filed with the USCIS on behalf of the fiancé(e), who will then be interviewed at a U.S. consulate abroad. If the visa is granted, the fiancé(e) then has 6 months in which to enter the US and must then marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of entry. After marrying, the newly married foreign spouse, again with the help of the U.S. citizen spouse, would ordinarily file for "Adjustment of Status", a process in which they convert their K-1 fiancé(e) status to that of "Lawful Permanent Resident Status", more commonly referred to as a green card. This initial residency status is conditioned on the couple staying married if, at the time permanent resident status is granted, the couple has been married for less than two years. The conditional status may be removed after two years by filing a Petition to Remove Conditions on Permanent Residency on form I-751.

The CR-1 Visa is issued to a foreign spouse who has been married to a U.S. citizen for less than two years. The “CR” stands for “Conditional Resident.” This means that your spouse will enter the United States with conditional Permanent Resident status. They will have a “Green Card” granting them the right to work in the U.S. and to remain indefinitely. However, the permanent pesident status is conditional and the condition for remaining is that the marriage lasts for 2 years and the U.S. citizen files for a lift of conditionality within 90 days of the 2 year anniversary of the foreign spouse’s entry into the United States.

The IR-1 Visa is issued to a foreign spouse who has been married to a U.S. Citizen for greater than 2 years. The “IR” stands for “Immediate Relative.” An IR Visa holder is automatically considered a Permanent Resident with no conditions and therefore does not have to file for removal of conditions. Under an IR-1 Visa the green card is issued in ten year increments.

Our Immigration Services

Whether your relative is already in the U.S. or far away in a foreign land, we can assist with every step of the process in order to ensure your success. Contact us with any questions you may have or to get started with the process. We have extensive experience with consular practice and adjustment of status. For more detailed information about K visas, feel free to explore our topic-specific fiancée and spousal visa website, immigration-marriage.com.