If either you or your partner isn’t a U.S. citizen, you’re probably wondering what your visa options are to start your life together as a married couple in the United States.

Below we’ll compare the two main visa options (K1 fiance visa application and CR1 spouse visa) and what to be aware when choosing the right option for you:

Which visa is faster?

The current estimated processing times for the CR1 visa process and K1 application process are roughly equal, give or take a few months.

Approval timelines are a rough estimate, not a guaranteed approval date. Timelines can change based on your specific application as well as government backlogs. U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) handles the first step of the spousal and fiancé visa approval process. In their most recent update: the average approval time for the spousal visa process was about 9.3 months. The average approval time for the fiancé visa process was also about 14 months.

Which visa is cheaper?

The initial application fees for both visa types are comparable — around $1,200 for the spousal visa and around $1,000 for the K-1 visa process. However, it’s important to note that the K-1 process requires additional costs down the road. Couples who choose to go the K-1 route also have to apply for a green card once the foreign fiancé enters the U.S. and the couple gets married. Proposed fees by the U.S. government could also make the K1 petition to green card process much more expensive in the coming months.

If the new government fees go into effect, CR1 spouse visa applications will cost around $1,485, a minor increase of only $285. On the other hand, the total K-1 fiance visa and marriage green card costs will jump to over $3,000 — more than double the cost of a CR1 spouse visa.

How do you decide which is best for you?

If you’re unsure about which visa option may be right for you and your partner, or you just want to discuss your immigration plans in more detail, reach out to our team at +1 844-598-0894. Our experienced team of visa specialists can walk you through the specifics of each visa path, and help you choose the best route based on your needs.