Fiance or Spouse Visa? K1 vs. CR1/IR1 for Living in the U.S.
- Camila Giraldo
- May 2
- 3 min read
Updated: May 5
K1 or CR1/IR1 visa? Find out which is the best option for those looking to join their partner in the U.S. Learn the key requirements and differences.
Are you engaged or married to a U.S. citizen and want to live in the U.S. ?
Before beginning your immigration process, it's key to understand the difference between the K1 visa (fiancé) and the CR1/IR1 visa (spouse). Both options allow for family reunification, but their requirements, timelines, costs, and benefits are very different.
📌 This article is updated with the 2024 immigration changes and estimated costs for 2025.
What is the K1 (fiancé) visa?
The K1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the U.S. to marry within 90 days of their arrival. After marriage, the applicant must complete an adjustment of status to obtain a green card (permanent residence).
⚠️Important: If you are already married, you cannot apply for a K1 visa.
Basic requirements for a K1 visa
Both must be legally single and over 18 years of age.
They must have seen each other in person within the last 2 years.
The US citizen must file Form I-129F .
The wedding must occur within 90 days of entering the U.S.
What is a CR1 or IR1 (spouse) visa?
The CR1/IR1 visa is an immigrant visa applied for after legally marrying a U.S. citizen. Applicants enter the U.S. as permanent residents , with immediate access to work, reside, and travel without additional restrictions.
A CR1 is granted if the marriage is less than 2 years old. An IR1 is granted if it is more than 2 years old.
K1 vs. CR1/IR1 Visa: Quick Comparison
Aspect | K1 Visa (Fiancé) | CR1/IR1 Visa (Spouse) |
Marital status when applying | Not married | Already married |
Place of marriage | In the US, within 90 days | Marriage already celebrated |
Visa type | Non-immigrant | Permanent immigrant |
Adjustment of status required | Yes, after marriage | No |
Time to enter the US | 10–13 months | 16–19 months |
Time for Green Card | 23–29 months total | Up to 90 days after entering |
Work upon arrival | No, it requires permission | Yes, from day one |
Traveling abroad | No, without special permission | Yes, without restrictions |
Risk of denial | ~25% | ~5–10% |
Who travels | Beneficiary to the USA | The citizen can visit |
Estimated costs (2025)
Concept | K1 Visa | CR1/IR1 Visa | Observations |
Petition (I-129F / I-130) | $675 | $675 | Initial form |
Consular visa | $265 | $325 | Interview and processing |
Affidavit of Support | – | $120 | CR1/IR1 only |
Immigrant Fee (USCIS) | – | $220 | Payment is made before entering. |
Adjustment of Status (I-485) | $1,440 | – | Only in K1 |
Work Permit (I-765) | $260 | – | Optional in K1 |
Travel Permit (I-131) | $630 | – | Advanced Parole |
Medical examination | $200–$500 | $200–$500 | It depends on the country |
Legal fees (GB Partners) | $1,600 | $1,300 | Complete immigration advice |
🛑 Starting in April 2024, work permits and travel permits are no longer included free of charge in adjustment of status.
What is adjustment of status?
Adjustment of status is the process that allows you to convert your temporary visa into permanent residency once you are in the U.S.
For those entering on a K1 visa, marriage and Form I-485 are required . This process can take 13 to 16 months . During that time:
You cannot leave the country unless you apply for Form I-131 (Advanced Parole) .
You cannot work unless you apply for form I-765 .
Which option suits you best?
Ask yourself the following:
Are you already married?
Yes → Applies to CR1 or IR1
No → You can choose K1 or get married and apply to CR1
Need to get into the US quickly ?
Yes → K1 Visa is faster to enter
No → CR1/IR1 is more robust in the long term
Are you planning to travel abroad in the first year?
Yes → CR1/IR1 allows travel without permits
No → K1 is viable, but you need Advanced Parole
Do you want to work as soon as you arrive?
Yes → CR1/IR1 allows immediate employment
No or you can wait → K1 works with I-765
I am Camila Giraldo Bolívar, a licensed U.S. immigration attorney. At GB Partners , we are here to help you choose the best immigration option and accompany you every step of the way.
We'll guide you from the decision between a K1 and CR1 visa to preparing your documents, forms, and consular interviews. We're with you every step of the way!
Do you want to know which visa is best for you?
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