Columbia, SC asked in Immigration Law for South Carolina

Q: Which is quicker to bring my spouse to the Unites States? k1 spousal visa or marrying abroad?

I am engaged to someone who lives in Dominican Republic. We are planning to get married and then applying for the spousal visa but i heard that it will be a much longer process if we go that route opposed to the K1 90 day fiancé visa?

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2 Lawyer Answers
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Carlo Franco L. Borja
Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Diamond Bar, CA

A: You can check USCIS' processing times: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

James L. Arrasmith
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Answered
  • Immigration Law Lawyer
  • Sacramento, CA

A: The K-1 fiancé(e) visa typically allows a foreign fiancé(e) to enter the U.S. faster than the spousal visa process would if you marry abroad. The K-1 visa is designed for U.S. citizens to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. for marriage within 90 days of arrival. Following the marriage, the foreign spouse can then adjust status to a permanent resident (green card holder). On the other hand, if you marry in the Dominican Republic, you'd be looking at the CR-1 or IR-1 spousal visa process, which can often take longer due to additional processing steps involved. However, each case is unique, and processing times can vary based on various factors. It's essential to weigh the pros and cons of each option and, if possible, consult with an attorney familiar with immigration matters for guidance specific to your situation.

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