Key Takeaways You Should Know
If your goal is to begin your life or career in the United States as quickly as possible, the K-1 Fiancé Visa is usually the fastest route.
However, the CR-1 Spouse Visa generally comes with lower government filing fees.
With a K-1 visa, you can apply for work authorization while filing for your green card. Because of the high stakes and long-term impact on your future in the U.S., consulting with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link is highly recommended.
Understanding the Difference Between K-1 and CR-1 Visas
If you’re engaged or recently married to a U.S. citizen, you’ve likely reached a crucial decision point:
- Should you marry abroad and apply for a CR-1 Spouse Visa, or
- Apply for a K-1 Fiancé Visa and complete your green card process after entering the U.S.?
This choice impacts how long you’ll be separated from your partner, when you can start working, and how soon you can permanently live together in the United States.
This comprehensive guide from Green Card Link explains:
- Which visa is faster to obtain
- The costs associated with each option
- How each affects work authorization, timeline, and living arrangements
Because immigration procedures can be complex and emotionally demanding, it’s best to consult with immigration attorneys at Green Card Link before starting your application.
K-1 vs. CR-1: Quick Overview
If you plan to marry a U.S. citizen, you have two main choices:
- Get married abroad and apply for a green card (CR-1 Visa), or
- Apply for a fiancé visa (K-1), get married in the U.S., and then adjust your status to permanent resident.
The CR-1 Visa: For Married Couples
The CR-1 (Conditional Resident) Visa is designed for couples who are already legally married and want to pursue a green card through consular processing. The process involves two major stages:
Stage 1: Filing Form I-130 (Petition for Alien Relative)
This petition proves that your marriage is bona fide—meaning it was entered into for genuine reasons, not solely for immigration benefits. Evidence typically includes your marriage certificate, joint financial records, photos, communication logs, and affidavits.
Stage 2: Consular Processing
Once the I-130 petition is approved, your case moves to the National Visa Center (NVC) and then to your assigned U.S. embassy or consulate abroad. You’ll file Form DS-260, provide financial and civil documents, complete a medical examination, and attend a visa interview.
If approved, the foreign spouse will receive an immigrant visa and enter the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident (green card holder).
The K-1 Fiancé Visa: For Engaged Couples
The K-1 Fiancé Visa allows a foreign fiancé to enter the United States for the purpose of marriage. After the K-1 visa is issued and entry is granted, the couple must marry within 90 days.
After the wedding, the foreign spouse applies for a green card through Adjustment of Status (Form I-485). This process allows them to remain in the U.S. while transitioning from a temporary visa holder to a permanent resident.
CR-1 Visa Processing Timeline
If you’re applying for a CR-1 visa, expect two key phases:
- Form I-130 Petition: This stage currently takes around 14–15 months, depending on USCIS processing times and the service center assigned.
- Consular Processing: After I-130 approval, you’ll complete the DS-260, submit an affidavit of support, take a medical exam, and attend your embassy interview. This phase typically adds 5–6 months, depending on consular appointment availability and how quickly you gather documentation.
Total estimated time: 16–24 months from start to finish.
K-1 Fiancé Visa Processing Timeline
If your primary goal is to move to the U.S. and be with your partner as soon as possible, the K-1 visa is often faster.
- Form I-129F Petition: Takes around 6–7 months to process with USCIS.
- Consular Processing: Adds another 2–4 months, depending on embassy scheduling.
- Marriage in the U.S.: Must occur within 90 days of entry.
- Adjustment of Status (Form I-485): Once married, you can apply for a green card and work authorization without leaving the country.
Total estimated time: 8–12 months before you can move to the U.S. and get married, with an additional period for the green card approval process afterward.
Which Option Is Right for You?
Your decision between a K-1 visa and a CR-1 visa depends on several factors, including your timeline, financial goals, and living situation. Both paths ultimately lead to lawful permanent residency, but the sequence and timing differ significantly.
Because each case is unique, it’s wise to discuss your situation with an experienced immigration attorney at Green Card Link who can evaluate your eligibility, help you avoid costly mistakes, and guide you through every step of the process.
K-1 Visa Work Authorization and Green Card Process
When you submit Form I-485 (Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status) to obtain a green card within the United States, you can also apply for work authorization at the same time. This is done by filing Form I-765 (Application for Employment Authorization) concurrently with your adjustment of status application.
- Employment Authorization Document (EAD) filing fee: $260
- Processing time: Typically 3–6 months for USCIS to issue your work permit
Key takeaway: If your goal is to move to the U.S. as quickly as possible, applying for a K-1 fiancé visa followed by consular processing may be the faster route. To understand which option best fits your situation, consult with an immigration attorney at Green Card Link for personalized guidance.
Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa — Which Is Right for You?
Choosing between a K-1 fiancé visa (followed by adjustment of status) and a CR-1 spouse visa (Form I-130 with consular processing) depends on your unique circumstances. The table below highlights the main differences to help you decide which path may be right for you:
Factor | Spouse Visa (Consular Processing) | Fiancé Visa + Adjustment of Status |
Relationship status | Already legally married | Not yet married; must marry within 90 days of entry |
Work authorization while pending | Not available until you enter the U.S. and obtain a green card | Can apply for a work permit (EAD) while filing for adjustment of status |
Time to reach the U.S. | ~20+ months | ~6–12 months |
Government fees | $1,340 | $2,380 |
Travel restrictions | No restrictions after receiving green card; must wait abroad during processing | Must wait for Advance Parole (~3–6 months) before international travel after arrival
|
Cost Comparison: K-1 Fiancé Visa vs. CR-1 Spouse Visa
K-1 Fiancé Visa Costs
- K-1 Visa: $675
- Adjustment of Status: $1,440
- Total: $2,380
CR-1 Spouse Visa Costs
- I-130 Petition: $625 (online) / $675 (paper)
- Immigrant Visa Application Fee: $325
- Affidavit of Support Fee: $120
- USCIS Immigrant Fee: $220
- Total: $1,340
Work Authorization: CR-1 vs. K-1 Visa
Work authorization often plays a major role in deciding between a fiancé visa and a spouse visa.
If you want to begin working in the United States soon after arrival, the K-1 visa may be preferable. Once you arrive and get married, you can immediately apply for adjustment of status with a work and travel permit (EAD + Advance Parole), which USCIS generally processes in just a few months.
On the other hand, if you and your fiancé are able to live and work abroad together while the CR-1 visa is being processed, and you are not in a hurry to move, that option might be more practical.
Ultimately, the best path depends on your personal circumstances and goals.
Managing Separation from Your Partner
Many U.S. citizens must continue working domestically while their fiancé or spouse resides abroad — a situation that can lead to months of separation. The K-1 visa typically results in a shorter time apart compared to the CR-1 visa, since the latter involves both the I-130 petition and consular processing, which can take significantly longer.
Can You File the Green Card Application Without an Attorney?
Yes, it is possible to handle the green card process on your own. However, before proceeding without legal assistance, it’s essential to consider the potential risks and responsibilities.
Ask yourself:
- Is saving on legal fees worth the risk of delays or denials caused by simple errors?
- Do you have the time to thoroughly research every step, gather evidence, and ensure full compliance with USCIS and Department of State requirements?
- What will you do if your case is delayed, denied, or requires additional documentation?
Even minor mistakes can result in costly delays or force you to restart the entire process. Working with experienced immigration attorneys at Green Card Link provides peace of mind, reduces stress, and helps you avoid unnecessary complications during a complex and time-sensitive process.
Schedule a consultation today to discuss your situation and receive tailored guidance from an immigration attorney at Green Card Link.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the K-1 vs. CR-1 Visa Processing Time?
The K-1 fiancé visa typically takes around 6.2 months for USCIS to process. Including consular processing, total wait time can reach 8–12 months, depending on embassy appointment availability and current backlogs.
Once you’re married in the U.S., your green card application (Form I-485) will take an additional 6–12 months. Fortunately, you can work during that time using your Employment Authorization Document (EAD).
By contrast, the CR-1 spouse visa generally takes 16–24 months from start to finish, and you cannot enter or work in the U.S. until the process is complete.
Is a K-1 Visa Better Than a Spouse Visa?
Neither visa is universally “better.” The right choice depends on your priorities.
- If you and your partner live abroad and don’t mind waiting 16–24 months while maintaining your current employment, the spouse visa may suit you best.
- If you wish to marry and begin your lives together in the United States sooner, the K-1 fiancé visa offers a faster route.
Can You Visit the U.S. During the CR-1 Spouse Visa Process?
Yes — if you hold a valid nonimmigrant visa such as a B-1/B-2 tourist visa, you may travel to the United States temporarily. However, U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers may question your intent to return abroad, so be ready to show evidence of your residence and ties outside the U.S.
To prevent missing crucial steps such as your medical exam or embassy interview, avoid traveling during key stages of your application.
How Long Can You Stay in the U.S. on a K-1 Visa After Marriage?
After entering the United States on a K-1 visa, you have 90 days to marry your U.S. citizen partner. You should then file your adjustment of status (Form I-485) within that same 90-day period to maintain lawful status.
Note that your K-1 visa must be used before its expiration date, and you generally have six months from the date of your K-1 medical exam to enter the United States.
How Green Card Link Can Help
At Green Card Link, our immigration attorneys specialize in family-based immigration and have helped thousands of couples reunite and start new lives in the United States. With a consistent 4.9-star Google review rating, our success comes from personalized attention, detailed case preparation, and a genuine commitment to your goals.
Let our trusted team guide you every step of the way — from the K-1 visa to permanent residency.
Schedule a consultation with Green Card Link today to get started on your journey to a life together in the United States.