Shilpa Malik 
Keenan Ennis 
If you’re early in your immigration journey, you may have reached a crossroads: should you get married abroad and apply for a green card through a spouse visa (CR1), or apply for a fiancé visa (K-1) and complete the green card process after arriving in the United States through adjustment of status? The USCIS language for this is choosing between a K-1 Visa or a CR1.
This is one of the most important decisions a couple can make. It affects not only your immigration timeline, but also your ability to work, your living situation, and potentially how long you may be separated from your partner.
This guide will help answer key questions like:
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What’s the faster option?t
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What are the costs of each path?
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How does each affect your work authorization and time apart?
Because the process can be complex and the stakes high, we strongly recommend working with an experienced immigration law firm.
K-1 vs CR1 Overview
If you’re planning to marry a U.S. citizen, you have an important decision:
- Get married and apply for a green card from abroad
- or apply for a fiancé visa, get married in the U.S., and adjust status while living in the United States.
CR-1
The CR1 visa is for couples who are already married and want to pursue a green card through consular processing. The process is split into two main stages:
Stage 1: Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
This stage establishes that your marriage is legitimate (bona fide). In other words, not entered into solely for immigration purposes. You’ll submit documentation such as marriage certificates, joint financial records, photos, and other evidence of a real relationship.
Stage 2: Consular Processing
Once the I-130 is approved, the case is transferred to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate. You’ll complete a second application (Form DS-260), submit civil and financial documents, and attend an interview abroad. If approved, the foreign spouse receives an immigrant visa to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
K-1 Fiancé Visa
The K-1 fiancé visa is for couples who intend to get married in the United States. The process begins with consular processing, allowing the foreign fiancé to enter the U.S. Once married (within 90 days of arrival), the next step is to apply for a green card through adjustment of status.
The CR1 Visa Timeline
If you are applying for a green card from abroad, you must first go through the I-130 Petition for Alien Relative process. The majority of this timeline involves waiting for USCIS to decide on your application, which can be long due to backlogs. This document alone takes 14.6 months to process, according to recent USCIS data.
This processing time can vary, depending on the service center your case is assigned to, along with the complexity of your case.
After that, you must go through consular processing. The process involves:
- Filing a DS-260 application with supporting evidence
- Submitting an affidavit of support that proves your sponsor can financially support you and any dependents
- undergoing a medical exam
- And an interview with a consular officer at the nearest embassy/consulate
Consular processing typically takes around five or six months from start to finish, but can vary depending on interview appointment availability at the consulate/embassy and the speed at which you can prepare your documentation. Preparation is key!
Total time: Thus, the total green card process through consular processing timeline can take 16-24 months
The Fiancé Visa Timeline
If you choose to obtain a K-1 fiancé visa, you are eligible to move to the United States immediately after receiving your visa. If your overall goal is to move to the U.S. and be with your partner as fast as possible, this is often the quicker option.
- Obtaining a K-1 visa requires USCIS to process an I-129F application, which takes approximately 6.2 months to process, according to USCIS data.
- Afterward, you must undergo consular processing, which adds another 2-4 months to the timeline.
- This can vary depending on appointment availability and backlogs at embassies/consulates.
- Next, you can move to the United States and get married within 90 days.
- After your marriage in the U.S (for the K-1), you apply for adjustment of status using Form I-485. Adjustment of Status is the process of applying for lawful permanent residence (a green card) from within the United States. It allows a person who is already in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa (such as a fiancé(e) visa) to “adjust” their status to immigrant status without having to leave the country.
Adjustment of status takes approximately 6 – 12 months.
Total time: The total timeline to receive a green card with the Fiancé visa route is around 18 – 24 months. However, you can get to the United States and begin working sooner than that.
K-1 Work Authorization
When you submit Form I-485 to adjust status and apply for a green card from within the U.S., at the same time, you can also apply for work authorization. This is done by filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) concurrently with the application.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) filing fee: $260
- Takes 3-6 months for USCIS to process the Work Authorization
Key takeaway: if you aim to get to the United States faster, obtaining a fiancé visa and undergoing consular processing might be a better option. Consult with an immigration attorney.
How to Decide Between a Fiancé visa vs a Spouse Visa
Deciding between a fiancé visa (followed by an adjustment of status) and a spouse visa (I-130 followed by consular processing) is a personal one. This table outlines a few factors that will help you make the best decision.
|
Factor |
Spouse Visa via Consular Processing |
Fiancé Visa + Adjustment of Status |
|
Relationship status |
Already legally married |
Not married yet. Must intend to marry within 90 days of entry. |
|
Work authorization while pending |
Not available before entering the United States. Must work abroad until green card issues. |
Can apply for a work permit (EAD) with adjustment of status application |
|
How long it takes to get to the U.S. |
20+ months |
6-12 months |
|
Government Fees |
$1,340 |
$2,380 |
|
Travel restrictions |
No travel restrictions after recieving green card, but must wait abroad until green card |
Must wait for Advance Parole (~3–6 months) before international travel after entering the U.S. |
Costs of K-1 Fiancé Visa vs CR-1 Spouse Visa
K-1 Fiancé Visa
- K-1 Fiancé Visa: $675
- Adjustment of status: $1,440
Total: $2,380
CR-1 Spouse Visa
- I-130: $625 online, or $675 paper filing
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Immigrant Visa Application Processing Fee: $325
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Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
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USCIS Immigrant Fee $220
Total: $1,340
Work Authorization for the CR1 vs K-1 Visa
Work authorization is often one of the key concerns for couples making the decision between a fiancé visa and a CR-1. If your goal is to start your careers in the United States as soon as possible, the Fiancé Visa is likely the better option. After moving to the United States and getting married, you can immediately apply for adjustment of status with a work and travel permit, which is processed relatively quickly.
In contrast, if you and your Fiancé can live and work abroad together while the CR-1 process, and are not in a rush to move, then this may be the better option.
Ultimately, the choice will vary depending on each couple’s circumstances.
Separation From Partner
In some cases, a United States citizen must continue to work in the United States while their partner lives abroad, causing separation. If this is your case, the K-1 visa may mean relatively less time spent apart when compared to the CR1 visa, which requires going through the lengthy I-130, followed by consular processing.
Can I do the Green Card Process Myself?
Yes, it’s possible to complete the green card process without hiring an immigration attorney — and many couples do. However, before deciding to go it alone, it’s important to carefully consider the risks and responsibilities involved.
Ask yourself:
- Is the cost of a lawyer worth the peace of mind that comes with knowing your application is accurate and complete?
- Do you have the time to research, gather evidence, and follow the detailed instructions from both USCIS and the Department of State? Do you want to do this with your free time? Will DIY delay the process or extend the time separated from your partner?
- What happens if something goes wrong? A small mistake or missing document can lead to delays, rejections, or even the need to start over a process that already takes a long time.
While legal representation isn’t required, working with an experienced immigration law firm can help prevent costly errors, reduce stress, and keep your case on track, especially in a process that already involves high stakes and long wait times. VisaNation Law Firm attorneys have a successful track record of helping families immigrate to the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the K1 vs CR1 visa processing time?
The K1 visa takes approximately 6.2 months for USCIS processing, according to recent USCIS data, but the whole process to get the visa in hand, including consular processing, can take up to 8-12 months. This depends on appointment availability at your consulate and USCIS backlogs.
Overall, the K1 is the fastest route to move to the United States. However, the green card application filed from within the United States after marriage will take an additional 6-12 months. Nonetheless, you can work during this period with an employment authorization document, which cuts down the time spent without a job.
The CR-1 processing time from start to finish is 16 to 24 months. You will not be able to move to or work in the United States until the process is complete.
Is a K-1 visa better than a spouse visa?
Not necessarily. It depends on your circumstances. For example, if you and your partner live together and both have full-time jobs abroad and don’t mind waiting 16-24 months for the green card process to finalize, you can both work until the process is complete. However, if you want to get married and start your lives in the U.S. as soon as possible, the K-1 visa might be better for you.
Can you travel to the U.S. during the CR1 spouse visa application?
Yes, if you have a valid nonimmigrant visa, such as a B-1 tourist visa, you can travel to the United States. This is a common question asked during the lengthy I-130 phase. However, prepare for scrutiny from border patrol agents, and have sufficient evidence of your plan to return abroad.
Additionally, it is best to avoid travel during key phases of the green card application, such as medical appointments and scheduled interviews at the embassy.
How long can you stay on a K-1 visa after marriage?
After you arrive in the United States on a K-1 visa, you have 90 days to get married. Ideally, you should also apply for adjustment of status (Form I-485) within that 90-day window to avoid any risk of falling out of status after your visa expires.
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You typically have 6 months from the date of the K-1 medical exam (not the visa issuance date) to enter the United States.
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The K-1 visa itself will have an expiration date printed on it—you must enter before that date.
