What is the point of CR-1/K3 Visas?

[shipleyshipster 0]

Maybe I'm just horrible at finding good information here on the internet, but from everything that I have been reading, CR-1 and K3 visas take as long to get approved as the i-130 form itself. How then is it worthwhile to file for a CR-1/K3 visa when you are going to be in the same situation and waiting for the same amount of time. Can someone please explain this to me?

[Alaska2012 462]

Well if you are married you don't really have a choice. CR1 is it! And if you are unmarried and going for a K1 the wait is just as long. It is what it is...

But once you have your approval on the I-130, it usually speeds up. Some embassies will schedule your interview pretty fast.

Edited May 10, 2013 by Alaska2012

[Inky 1,110]

CR-1 takes as long to get as the I-130 because it is the I-130. CR-1 is the name of the visa that is chased after when you file the I-130.

[shipleyshipster 0]

So the i-130 is the the CR-1?

Then what is the point of the K3? Which is for married people waiting on the i-130. What I'm seeing online is that the K3 takes just as long as getting your i-130 approved.

My situation:

Filed for i-130 in February, and got my NOA1 late February. I just really want to be with my wife here in the US asap. I guess It's already too late for me to think about a K3, but I'm curious.

[NikLR 13,227]

Plus if you've been married for 2 or more years when the applicant enters the USA, you are granted a 10 year green card that does not require removal of conditions.

Also the instant green card. The fact you can leave the same day to travel if you want to. You pay less money to the USCIS because you're not adjusting your status.

Gee... Makes me wonder why anyone gets a K1 except that I know how hard it is to not live with your spouse. I would still make this decision though. In 8 months from filing, probably almost to the day, I will have my passport with my visa in it and my green card in production. WOOT!

[NikLR 13,227]

So the i-130 is the the CR-1?

Then what is the point of the K3? Which is for married people waiting on the i-130. What I'm seeing online is that the K3 takes just as long as getting your i-130 approved.

My situation:

Filed for i-130 in February, and got my NOA1 late February. I just really want to be with my wife here in the US asap. I guess It's already too late for me to think about a K3, but I'm curious.

There isn't much point of a K3. The CR1 is the superior visa. But you could still chase that route if you wanted to. You just send the I-129F with the I-130 NOA1.

BUT because it's general USCIS policy to adjudicate them together, and when the NVC recieves an approved I-129F at the same time or after an approved I-130 they simply close the I-129F. In rare chances the I-129F may make it first at which case the file is sent to the embassy or consulate. However a consulate/embassy may also close the I-129F if there is an approved I-130 on file.

It costs more money than the CR1 because you have to adjust status, like the K1.

[shipleyshipster 0]

I guess my question has been answered then!! Thank you all very much!!

[Ryan H 3,810]

Moving from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

**Organizer hat off**

So the i-130 is the the CR-1?

The I-130 is a petition form that is filed. CR-1 is a spousal visa if the visa applicant has been married to the US Citizen petitioner for less than two years.