several questions for K-3 visa

[nathan r gale 0]

hello,

I have a lawyer that helped me file for K-3 visa. Both my wife and I filled out some forms. I used the I-130 form. She sent it on may 23rd but I still have no case number yet. I do work offshore and have not been home yet. Is it possible that its sititng in my mailbox?

Another thing is my criminal record. i have a few charges of Marijuana posession but only one conviction. My attorney never said I would need to send in the papers of my charges or anything. I am wondering if my criminal history has anything with this. My wife however, her record is clean. I am just looking for advice from people WHO HAVE BEEN through this. I am looking for a timeline. My wife is from the philippines and they say its somewhat quick. any info is greatly appreciated.

Also my wife and I are wondering if I have to have so much money in the bank for the visa? I make a decent amoount per year and I think it should be good enough. Can any of you who have been through this tell me these tings.

Edited June 7, 2012 by nathan r gale

[Cathi 5,740]

The CR1 is now processed as quickly as the K3, making the K3 obsolete. Years ago the i129f and the i 130 were filed at the same time because the waiting time for the i 130 was much longer.,this is no longer the case. You will not receive a case number from the USCIS you will get a notice of action with a receipt number. The NOA1 typically comes in the mail about 2 weeks after it has been received by the USCIS. I am not sure what you mean when you say you need to have a lot of money in the bank for a visa. Unless you are using money you have in savings and investments for proof of income when you file the i 864 for application of support it doesn't matter how much you have in the bank. You stated you have sufficient income, these are the poverty guidelines http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/i-864p.pdf

[Ryan H 3,812]

Did your lawyer only file an I-130 or both the I-130 and I-129F? If your lawyer only filed an I-130, then your wife will apply for a CR-1 (IR-1 if married for 2 your more years) visa.

[nathan r gale 0]

well no, I just filed a I-130 form. We have only been married for about 2 months. I work offshore and miss her dearly. My lawyer will not respond to my emails either. I don't know what my next step is being as I am not home to check my mail. I know i just received my first NOA with receipt number on it. I seen the list of actions on here and it said I should fill out a I-129F and send in. I just don't know what to do as my attorney will not answer a dang email. I messed up by paying her in full at the beginning. Can any of you help give me some advice.

Thanks for the info on the poverty level. I now can assure my wife that won't be a problem.

@ Ryan, did you have to file the I-129 or not? I'm just a little confused and my attorney won't answer so ugh!

[canadian_wife 1,808]

You are currently in good shape. If you file the I129F the I130 will be pulled out of its current place in line, married up with the 129F and placed at the back of the line. They will then be approved together and sent to NVC where NVC will close the I129F. So not only did you lose your place in line causing you to wait longer, but you did it for no good reason

Simply sit tight and wait...and get rid of that lawyer if you don't need one - we are all here to help you. Some of us WAY smarter than lawyers

Good luck

[nathan r gale 0]

well thank you ......I hate when my wife is right. she wanted to do it alone but I thought I needed a lawyer to help speed it up. BOY WAS I WRONG. well at least it was my money wasted and not hers, then I'd feel bad. I just wish that stupid woman would respond to an email when we have questions....I feel a complaint coming in soon. I'm a paying client too. Guess she is too busy trying to reel in new ones. Thanks again and MANY CHEERS to you. I just want a way to speed it up, a trip to the philippines is very costly every few months but I can't go without seeing her or her boy. Love them so much. I'll make sure to come here when we go for his visa....she is coming alone first for a year or two then he will follow us soon.

[canadian_wife 1,808]

I know and I am sorry, if there was a way to speed it up woudln't we tell you? No one likes this pain

Being from Canada I could see my husband monthly but I never took it for granted, keep your chin up, this terrible journey has a wonderful end!

Good luck

[nathan r gale 0]

you are right on that.....I just wish It was faster. I'm not well with patience... hahaha

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K3 Process & Procedures to IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures as this is the path the OP is on.

@ Ryan, did you have to file the I-129 or not?

No I did not.

[Darnell 8,478]

if you think the lawyer 'did an intake' for the I-129F,

(where you fill out the forms for the I-129F, and the lawyer is sitting on them, waiting for the I-130 receipt notice)

then please email yer attorney and tell him/her/it to NOT file the I-129F.

read:

Comparison on K-3 vs CR-1 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/204324-wondering-if-i-made-a-mistake-marrying-in-us/page__view__findpost__p__3060767

K-3 administratively closed - http://www.visajourney.com/news/2010/02/07/department-of-state-to-close-k-3-visas-if-i-129f-and-i-130-petitions-approved-and-received-together/

It's really a waste of time and money to try to get on the K-3 path, especially when the outcome to 'get on the path' is so @#$ing dismal.

Edited June 10, 2012 by Darnell

[IMANCO 13]

Wuhan, I am in the same boat and i used a lawyer, only difference is my lawyer still replies me. My i130 and i129f were approved in 4 months and now my lawyer is suggesting that if i want to be with my spouse real quick, we should go the i129f route. Pls can u instruct me on the next step, so i can decide on what to do. Its seems most lawyers dont update themselves.

[Darnell 8,478]

check in with NVC on the I-129F, then see what's what..

[canadian_wife 1,808]

Wuhan, I am in the same boat and i used a lawyer, only difference is my lawyer still replies me. My i130 and i129f were approved in 4 months and now my lawyer is suggesting that if i want to be with my spouse real quick, we should go the i129f route. Pls can u instruct me on the next step, so i can decide on what to do. Its seems most lawyers dont update themselves.

You can choose the I129F path to the K3 ONLY if it makes it past NVC. Is this the case? Have you called NVC to check the status of both petitions?

Good luck