The K-1 visa is a fiancé(e) visa for foreign nationals who are engaged to U.S. citizens and plan to marry within 90 days of entering the U.S. The CR-1 visa is a spousal visa for those who are already legally married to a U.S. citizen or permanent resident. With a CR-1, the foreign spouse enters the U.S. as a permanent resident. In contrast, the K-1 visa requires adjustment of status after marriage to obtain a green card.

The K-1 visa is faster for getting the fiancé(e) into the U.S. but requires an extra step (adjustment of status) and additional government fees after marriage. The CR-1 visa takes longer to process overseas, but once the spouse enters the U.S., they receive a green card immediately saving time and money in the long term. Couples should choose based on whether they want to marry before or after entering the U.S.

To apply for a K-1 visa, the couple must be legally free to marry, have met in person within the last two years (with limited exceptions), and intend to marry in the U.S. within 90 days of arrival. For a CR-1 visa, the couple must already be legally married. It is available to both U.S. citizens and permanent residents sponsoring their spouses, although wait times may vary depending on the sponsor’s immigration status.