Fiancé Visa or Marriage Green Card: Which One Should You Choose?

When love crosses borders, immigration paperwork often follows. If you are a U.S. citizen in a committed relationship with someone living abroad, you may be wondering whether to bring your partner to the United States on a fiancé visa (K-1) or to marry first and apply for a marriage-based green card (CR1 or IR1). Both options can lead to permanent residency in the U.S., but they involve different processes, timelines, and costs.

In this article, we’ll break down the key differences between the K-1 fiancé visa and the CR1/IR1 marriage green card, helping you make an informed decision about what’s best for your relationship.

What Is a K-1 Fiancé Visa?

The K-1 visa allows a U.S. citizen to bring their foreign fiancé(e) to the United States for the purpose of getting married. Once in the U.S., the couple must marry within 90 days. After the marriage, the foreign spouse can apply for a green card through a process called Adjustment of Status.

Basic Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen (not just a green card holder).

• Both partners must be legally free to marry.

• You must have met in person at least once in the last two years (with some exceptions).

• You must prove your relationship is real.

What Is a CR1/IR1 Marriage Green Card?

If you are already married to a foreign spouse, you can sponsor them for a green card. There are two possible processes:

• Consular Processing: If your spouse is outside the U.S., they attend a visa interview abroad and enter as a green card holder.

• Adjustment of Status: If your spouse is already in the U.S. with a lawful entry, you may be able to file everything inside the U.S. and skip the overseas interview.

The CR1 (Conditional Resident) visa is issued if the marriage is less than two years old at the time of green card approval. The IR1 (Immediate Relative) is for marriages that are more than two years old.

Basic Requirements:

• You must be a U.S. citizen.

• You must be legally married.

• You must prove your marriage is genuine.

Key Differences: K-1 vs. CR1/IR1

1. When You Get Married

• K-1 Visa: You marry after your fiancé(e) arrives in the U.S.

• CR1/IR1 Visa: You must already be married before starting the process. The marriage can take place either abroad or in the U.S., depending on your situation.

If you're not yet married and want your partner to join you in the U.S. sooner, the K-1 route may be appealing. But if you don’t mind marrying abroad, the CR1/IR1 might be more efficient in the long run. If your partner is already in the U.S. with a lawful entry, you might be eligible to marry here and apply through Adjustment of Status.

2. Processing Time

• K-1 Visa: Typically 12–16 months to enter the U.S., plus another 10–16 months for the green card. Applicants may apply for a work permit while they wait for their green card to be approved.

• CR1/IR1 Visa: Around 16–20 months for consular processed marriage visa, but your spouse receives the green card right after they arrive.

While timelines can vary depending on backlogs and case complexity, the marriage-based immigrant visa process may ultimately be quicker to permanent residency, even if the wait to enter the U.S. is longer.

3. Work Authorization

• K-1 Visa: K-1 visa holders may work during the 90 day period and can apply for a work permit to continue having work authorization while they wait for their green card. Work permit application is filed concurrently with the green card or Adjustment of Status application.

• CR1/IR1 Visa: Your spouse is admitted as a lawful permanent resident and can work right away, even before receiving their green card.

• CR/IR1 Adjustment of Status: Spouses located in the US who are eligible for Adjustment of Status may apply for a work permit when they file their green card application. 

If uninterrupted work authorization is important, the marriage green card route has a clear advantage.

4. Total Cost

• K-1 Visa: Costs are split into two major phases — first for the visa, then again for adjustment of status. The total can exceed $2,000 in government fees alone.

• CR1/IR1 Visa: Slightly lower overall fees, since you’re filing fewer applications.

Be sure to factor in travel costs, medical exams, and legal assistance, especially if your case has any complications.

5. Children of the Foreign Partner

• K-1 Visa: Children under 21 can be included on the same petition as K-2 visa applicants. They can travel with the fiancé(e) and later apply for green cards after the marriage, without needing a separate immigrant petition.

• CR1/IR1 Visa: Each child must have a separate petition. Children cannot be included as derivatives on the spouse’s petition, even if they are under 21 and unmarried.

Pros and Cons at a Glance

Feature	K-1 Fiancé Visa	CR1/IR1 Marriage Green Card
Time to enter U.S.	Slightly faster	Slightly longer (if abroad)
Time to green card	Longer (requires AOS)	Immediately upon entry (or varies if adjusting status)
Work authorization	Delayed	Immediate (if consular) or faster with 1 step AOS combo
Overall cost	Higher	Lower
Children included	✅ Yes (K-2)	❌ No (separate petitions needed)

Which Option Is Right for You?

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. If it’s important to be together in the U.S. sooner and you're not yet married, the K-1 visa might make more sense. But if your partner is already here, marrying in the U.S. and applying for adjustment of status could be smoother. If your partner is abroad and you’re ready to marry there, the CR1/IR1 route through consular processing may save you time and money overall.

Your decision may also depend on personal, cultural, and legal factors, including any prior immigration history, visa overstays, or criminal issues. Every case is different.

Talk to a Trusted Immigration Attorney

Immigration law can be overwhelming, and one wrong move could delay or even ruin your plans. At Tran Flores Law, we’ve helped many couples across the U.S. choose the right path forward and navigate each step with confidence.

If you're unsure about which process fits your situation, schedule a consultation with Tran Flores Law by calling (512) 894-9984. We’re here to help you bring your loved one home and build your future together.