← Answers, before you even ask.
Fiancé(e) or spouse?
K-1 or CR-1: which visa fits your couple?
Answer a few questions and follow the chart. Each answer lights the path to the route that fits - and says why.
Question 1 / 7
Is the partner already in the United States a citizen or a permanent resident?
Only a U.S. citizen can petition for a fiancé(e). A permanent resident can petition for a spouse, but the case then waits its turn for a visa number.
The chart
Your answers are highlighted; tap any box to change one.
- Citizen or green card?You are hereF2ASpousal petition, F2A
- Married already?CR-1 · IR-1Spousal visa
- Met in person?Meet firstMeet in person first
- A field that draws extra review?CR-1, not K-1Marry abroad - the K-1 is risky
- Could you marry abroad?K-1Fiancé(e) visa
- Work or travel soon?CR-1 · IR-1Spousal visa
- What matters more?K-1Fiancé(e) visaCR-1 · IR-1Spousal visa
General information about how the two routes differ, not advice about your case.