Filed I-130. About to send I-129F

[Eric19myracle 0]

Hello everyone:

I sincerely appreciate the quality of information and encouragement that is provided on this site and throughout the forum. My name is Eric. I filed the I-130 through the Chicago lockbox, and it was treansferred to CSC. I received the NOA-1 on July 15, 2009. I have prepared the I-129F. However, I have seen alot of divergence on advice concerning the I-129. It is a requirement that I file. If I file, is it likely to slow down or stop the processing of the I-130? I cannot really ascertain which one is processed faster by California Service Center. Based on everyones experience, would you just go stand alone I-130 or would you go ahead with the I-129F process? I really appreciate some good, solid advice on this issue.

Eric

[payxibka 10,045]

Hello everyone:

I sincerely appreciate the quality of information and encouragement that is provided on this site and throughout the forum. My name is Eric. I filed the I-130 through the Chicago lockbox, and it was treansferred to CSC. I received the NOA-1 on July 15, 2009. I have prepared the I-129F. However, I have seen alot of divergence on advice concerning the I-129. It is a requirement that I file. If I file, is it likely to slow down or stop the processing of the I-130? I cannot really ascertain which one is processed faster by California Service Center. Based on everyones experience, would you just go stand alone I-130 or would you go ahead with the I-129F process? I really appreciate some good, solid advice on this issue.

Eric

Is it required to be filed? NO, unless you want a K-3 visa instead of an immigrant visa, then it is a requirement for a K-3

Will it slow it down? There are many who would argue it does.

Edited July 20, 2009 by payxibka

[Eric19myracle 0]

Thank you for the prompt response. I am already married to her, and did not do enough research on this issue prior to filing the I-130. I have seen many arguments that by now filing the I-129F, it may hender the process. I guess my specific question is what the time line is in California for stand alone I-130/K3 as opposed to doing it as a finance visa or K1. That everyone for their input and suggestions.

[payxibka 10,045]

I am not sure that data exists, other than anecdotally

[DouglasFiel 53]

Thank you for the prompt response. I am already married to her, and did not do enough research on this issue prior to filing the I-130. I have seen many arguments that by now filing the I-129F, it may hender the process. I guess my specific question is what the time line is in California for stand alone I-130/K3 as opposed to doing it as a finance visa or K1. That everyone for their input and suggestions.

Take a look at our timeline... It can be relatively fast (134 days I130 to Interview date). I would suggest filing the K3,,, You can decide later which one to pursue.

I have seen cases where the CR1 was lost and in my case,,, the K3 was lost between the CSC and NVC.... 8 weeks and counting.

Good luck,

[marriedtomrg 141]

Hi ETP.

USCIS timelines at CSC for K1 (I-129F standalone), K3 (I-130 + I-129F), and CR1/IR1 (I-130 standalone) are the same: 5 months. It used to be 6 months.

You have to remember, when you get your approvals for either K1 and K3, the next step is to get is a temporary resident visa. Your spouse would have to adjust her status after arriving in the U.S., and it means she will not be able to work for a few months until she gets Employment Authorization and (subsequently) her Social Security Number. But you can expect to be reunited within a month or two after the petition(s) are approved by USCIS (that's about the minimum time it would take for NVC and the US Embassy Manila to get your case in their hands for visa processing).

When you get approval for the CR1/IR1, your spouse has to undergo further processing (at the U.S. Embassy Manila it is 6 to 12 months). At the end of the process however, your spouse will receive a green card (if you have been married for less than 2 years at the time the green card is issued, I belive they will only grant your spouse conditional status), and she will be authorized to work, go to school, or whatever she wants.

Many argue that the K3 process is far more expensive than the CR1/IR1 process...but all things considered: time spent apart, money spent for return flights between the U.S. and Manila, hotel bills, phone bills, sleepless nights...in the end, you and your spouse will decide what you can live with...and what you can't live without.

Thank you for the prompt response. I am already married to her, and did not do enough research on this issue prior to filing the I-130. I have seen many arguments that by now filing the I-129F, it may hender the process. I guess my specific question is what the time line is in California for stand alone I-130/K3 as opposed to doing it as a finance visa or K1. That everyone for their input and suggestions.

[Dakine 26]

Go with the CR-1 and shine on the K3. K3 is a dinosaur at this time.