Many people choose K-1 thinking it's the simplest. In some cases, marrying in Brazil may be more strategic.
The K-1 visa, known as the fiancé visa, allows you to enter the US to marry a US citizen. After entry, you have 90 days to get married and then begin the adjustment of status process to obtain the Green Card — which can take another 6 to 12 months.
The total K-1 timeline, from filing the petition to entering the US, has been 12 to 18 months in 2026. Sounds long? Compare it with the alternative below.
If the couple gets married at a Brazilian civil registry, the path is different: the I-130 petition is approved and the spouse receives an immigrant visa directly, arriving in the US already as a conditional permanent resident — the Green Card comes before even landing.
The CR-1 timeline from marriage also ranges around 12 to 16 months in 2026 — sometimes faster than K-1 plus adjustment of status combined, without the 90-day deadline and without the additional cost of adjustment (I-485).
Important note: The choice between K-1 and CR-1 depends on individual factors such as location, employment status, urgency, and the couple's financial planning. There is no universal answer — each case requires strategic analysis.
The K-1 makes more sense when the couple is not yet married and prefers to hold the ceremony on US soil — for cultural, family, or logistical reasons. It can also be strategic when the wedding date is already set in the US.
If the goal is to arrive in the US already as a resident and start working immediately, getting married in Brazil and coming via CR-1 eliminates an entire step. It is especially advantageous when one partner has a guaranteed job in the US and needs immediate work authorization.
Immigration consultant specializing in serving Brazilians and Hispanics in the US, focused on ethics, transparency and strategic guidance at every step.
Artigo muito bem explicado! Tirou todas as minhas dúvidas sobre o processo. Obrigada!
Conteúdo excelente. Preciso de orientação personalizada — vou entrar em contato.