Which visa is right for you: fiance(e) or spouse?

Choosing the right visa pathway can be confusing. If you’re dreaming of living together in the U.S. but haven’t tied the knot yet, you have two main options: the K-1 fiancé visa and the CR-1 spousal visa.

The best option depends on your priorities and circumstances. Consider these factors:

• Marriage timeline: Are you planning to marry soon or after arriving in the U.S.?
• Cost: Are you looking for the most affordable option?
• Overall timeline: How quickly do you want your fiancé(e)/spouse to have a green card?

Still unsure? Take our visa planning quiz to understand your options

‍

No, the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa isn’t your only option! If you’re not yet married but want to live in the U.S. together, consider the CR-1 Spousal Visa. This allows you to marry outside the U.S., and then your spouse can become a permanent resident.

Take our visa planning quiz to learn more about the K-1 Fiancé(e) Visa and CR-1 Spousal Visa and which might be the best fit for your situation.

The main difference is the length of your marriage at the time of visa approval. If you’ve been married for less than two years, you’ll receive a CR-1 (Conditional Resident) visa, which leads to a 2-year green card. If you’ve been married for two years or more, you’ll receive an IR-1 (Immediate Relative) visa, which leads to a 10-year green card.

To learn more about the differences between CR-1 and IR-1 visas, including the rights and responsibilities associated with each, visit our detailed guide.

‍

You can start the application process, but you cannot submit the final application until you and your partner have met in person at least once within the two years before filing the petition. This is a mandatory requirement for the K-1 Fiancé Visa.


However, you can still get a head start!

Plan your meeting: Start making plans to meet your partner in person.

Learn the requirements: Familiarize yourself with the K-1 process and gather the necessary documents.

Yes! If your children are unmarried and under 21, they can join you in the U.S. with K-2 visas.

Boundless makes it easy to include your children on your application, at no extra cost.

Consular Processing is the process of applying for a U.S. immigrant visa from outside the United States. It typically involves an interview at your home country’s U.S. embassy or consulate.

To learn more about Consular Processing and how it applies to marriage green cards, visit our detailed guide.