Fiancé vs. Spouse Visa: Which Visa is Right for You?

The process of immigrating to the US can be challenging for you. The more you know about the process, the easier you can get the visa. Here, we are to tell you all you need to know about fiance visa vs. spouse visa​ to help you with your immigration process. So, if you are confused between a K1 vs. CR1 visa, read on to learn more.

What is the Difference Between Fiancé Visa and Spouse Visa?

The fiancé visa (K-1 visa) is for couples who are engaged but not yet married. This visa helps the foreign fiancé to enter the U.S. for marriage. In contrast, the spouse visa (CR-1 or IR-1 visa) is for couples who are already married and allows the foreign spouse to join their U.S. citizen partner in the U.S.

If you are a foreign fiancé, A K-1 visa lets you marry in the U.S. within 90 days, and after marriage, you can apply for a green card. The fiancé visa is valid for 90 days, and after this period, you need to get married if you want to stay in the U.S. The spouse visa grants permanent residency within 2 to 4 weeks of entry into the U.S., as the green card is typically mailed shortly after arrival. The success rate for both visas depends on complete, accurate documentation and proof of a genuine relationship.

Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa Cost

The cost difference between fiancé visa vs. spouse visa depends on various factors. The K-1 visa can cost a bit more due to additional processing fees after marriage, such as fees for adjusting status to permanent residency. Let’s see the cost in more detail of fiance visa or spouse visa:

K-1 Fiancé Visa Costs

• $535 for the initial K-1 visa petition.
• $200 to $500 for medical exams which may vary from country to country.
• $265 for the consular processing fee.
• After marriage, additional fees apply to adjust status to a permanent resident:
  • $1,140, plus an $85 biometrics fee for fingerprinting.
  • Around $1,225 after marriage for the green card application.

Spouse Visa Costs (CR-1 or IR-1 Visa)

• $535 for the USCIS filing fee.
• $200 and $500 for medical exams.
• $325 for the National Visa Center (NVC) processing fee.
• $120 for immigrant visa fee
• The total Cost for a Spouse Visa is about $1,200 to $1,760, which covers all major fees from petition to green card issuance.

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Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa Requirements

Applying for a U.S. visa to unite with your partner involves specific requirements. Spouse visa USA requirements include:

Similar Requirements

• Proof of U.S. Citizenship (Sponsor), such as a valid U.S. passport, birth certificate, or naturalization certificate.
• Medical examination by an authorized physician.
• Police clearance certificates for more than six months since the age of 16.

K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa Requirements

• Evidence of In-Person meetings like photographs together travel itineraries, or passport stamps.
• Evidence of your intent to marry within 90 Days. You should provide personal statements, wedding plans, or correspondence discussing marriage.
• Evidence that shows you can financially support the fiancé(e) by submitting Form I-134, along with recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment letters.

CR-1/IR-1 Spouse Visa Requirements

• An official marriage certificate proving the legal marriage between the petitioner and the beneficiary.
• Proof of termination of prior marriages.
• Evidence such as joint bank accounts, lease agreements, photographs together, and affidavits from friends or family attesting to the authenticity of the marriage.
• Proof of your ability to financially support the spouse by submitting Form I-864, along with recent tax returns, pay stubs, and employment letters.

Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa Process

The processes for obtaining a fiancé(e) (K-1) visa and a spouse (CR1 or IR1) visa to enter the United States involve several steps. Let’s see what steps fiancé visa vs. spouse Visa needs:

Fiancé(e) Visa (K-1) Process

1. The U.S. citizen files Form I-129F, Petition for Alien Fiancé(e), with U.S. USCIS.
2. USCIS reviews the petition, which typically takes several months.
3. Upon USCIS approval, the petition is forwarded to the NVC, which assigns a case number and sends it to the appropriate U.S. embassy or consulate.
4. The foreign fiancé(e) submits Form DS-160, Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application, and schedules a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
5. During the interview, the consular officer evaluates the application and supporting documents to determine eligibility.
6. If approved, the K-1 visa is issued, and allows you to enter the U.S.
7. You must enter the U.S. and marry the U.S. citizen within 90 days of entry.
8. After marriage, you need to file Form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, to obtain a Green Card.

Spouse Visa (CR-1 or IR-1) Process

• The U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident files Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, with USCIS.
• USCIS reviews the petition, which typically takes several months.
• Upon USCIS approval, the petition is forwarded to the NVC, which assigns a case number and requests additional documents and fees.
• You submit Form DS-260, Immigrant Visa Application, and schedule a visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate.
• During the interview, the consular officer evaluates the application and supporting documents to determine eligibility.
• If approved, the CR-1 or IR-1 visa is issued, and allows you to enter the U.S. as a permanent resident.
• Upon entry, you become a lawful permanent resident and receive a Green Card by mail.

Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse Visa Timeline

The timeline of Fiancé Visa vs. Spouse. Let’s see the timeline of fiancé vs. spouse Visa in more detail:

K-1 Fiancé Visa Timeline

• USCIS Petition takes 4-6 months for Form I-129F processing.
• NVC Processing is about 2-4 weeks.
• Consular Interview & Visa Issuance takes 1-2 months.
• After marriage in the U.S., it takes 10-13 additional months to adjust to a green card.
• Total Time is estimated to be 17-24 months from start to green card.

U.S. spouse visa processing time

• 8-12 months for Form I-130 processing.
• 1-2 months for document collection and fee payment.
• 1-2 months to complete DS-260, medical exam, interview, and receive the visa.
• Green card granted upon U.S. entry; arrives within a few weeks.
• Total Time is almost 12-18 months, with a green card upon arrival.

Is a Fiancé Visa Faster than a Spouse Visa?

Yes, the fiancé visa is often faster initially and takes 7 to 10 weeks. However, you’ll need to complete additional steps after marriage to get permanent residency, which can take 10 to 13 months. In contrast, a spouse visa takes 12 to 18 months initially but grants permanent residency 2 to 4 weeks after arrival.

Is a Fiancé Visa Better than a Spouse Visa?

This depends on your situation. If you want to marry in the U.S. and start the immigration process faster, the K-1 fiancé visa may be ideal. But, the spouse visa is generally the better option if you’re already married, as it provides permanent residency immediately upon entry with fewer follow-up steps. This makes it a smoother, more straightforward choice overall.

Can You Switch from a Fiancé Visa to Spouse Visa?

When you enter the U.S. on a K-1 fiancé visa and marry within 90 days, you can adjust your status to a green card, and you don’t need to switch to another visa type. You don’t need to switch visas. However, if you’re outside the U.S. and married, you can apply directly for a spouse visa without needing a fiancé visa first. It is a more streamlined option for you if you are legally married and want to avoid the additional steps required with the fiancé visa process.

Fiance Visa vs. Spouse Visa​: Let’s Recap

Considering all these points, choosing between a fiancé visa (K-1) and a spouse visa (CR-1/IR-1) depends on your unique situation, relationship stage, and priorities. The fiancé visa is an ideal choice for couples who wish to marry in the U.S., and it takes longer. The spouse visa, on the other hand, provides a more direct route to PR for married couples, with fewer post-arrival requirements. Both visas need careful preparation, accurate documentation, and proof of a genuine relationship.

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