April K3 Filers

[mariepa 0]

This is an invitation to anyone who filed a K3 in or close to April to post on this thread. It seems that many of us who have filed in April are having delays with checks being cleared and receiving a NOA1. I think it would be helpful to keep each other updated with concerns or activity on our visa applications.

I plan to call USCIS within the next two days because it will be 30 days since my packaged arrived without my check clearing or receiving a NOA1.

[mariepa 0]

This is an invitation to anyone who filed a K3 in or close to April to post on this thread. It seems that many of us who have filed in April are having delays with checks being cleared and receiving a NOA1. I think it would be helpful to keep each other updated with concerns or activity on our visa applications.

I plan to call USCIS within the next two days because it will be 30 days since my packaged arrived without my check clearing or receiving a NOA1.

Hi, this is Mariepa and Will - you can add us to the list of K3 fillers that are still pending - here is our timeline:

I-130

Filed with USCIS on 6 April

NO1 issued 8 May

Nothing since then...

I-129F for K3

Filed with USCIS on 11 May

NO1 issued 16 May

Nothing since then...

What is the point of instituting a so-called speedy processing for spouses of U.S. citizens (the K3) if in fact it is just as slow as a regular immigrant visa???? This wait is so frustrating!!!

Mariepa and Will

[gogo 6]

Choose one of the following when you call them next time:

1.)You're so stupid you sent me a fax with a stamp on it!

2.)You're so stupid you thought a quarter back was a refund!

3.)You're so stupid you tried to put M&M's in alphabetical order!

4.)You're so stupid you thought Boyz II Men was a day care center!

5.)You're so stupid you thought Eartha Kitt was a set of garden tools!(not that many kids know who Eartha Kitt is, she's a singer)

6.)You're so stupid you thought General Motors was in the Army!

7.)You're so stupid you thought Meow Mix was a CD for cats!

8.)You're so stupid you thought TuPac Shakur was a Jewish holiday!

9.)You're so stupid under "education" on job applications you put "Hooked on Phonics"!

10.)You're so stupid you tried to drown a fish!

11.)You're so stupid you tripped over the cordless phone!

12.)You're so stupid you stared at the orange juice carton because it said "concentrate"!

13.)You're so stupid you got stabbed in a shoot out!

14.)You're so stupid you asked me to meet you at the corner of "WALK" and "DON'T WALK"!

15.)You're so stupid they had to burn down the school to get you out of 3rd grade!

16.)You're so stupid on applications that say "Sign Here" you put Libra!

17.)You're so stupid you asked for a price check at the Dollar Store!

18.)You're so stupid it takes you 3 hours to watch "60 Minutes"!

19.)You're so stupid you studied for a blood test and failed!

20.)You're so stupid you tried to buy tokens to get on to "Soul Train"!

21.)You're so stupid when you saw under 17 not admitted at the movies you went out and got 16 friends!

22.)You're so stupid when you heard 90% of accidents happen at home you moved!

23.)You're so stupid you think Taco Bell is the Mexican phone company!

24.)You're so stupid when you missed the #44 bus you took the #22 bus twice instead!

25.)You're so stupid when the sign said Airport Left you turned around and went home!

26.)You're so stupid you climbed over a glass wall to see what was on the other side!

27.)You're so stupid you sold your car for gas money!

[mariepa 0]

This is an invitation to anyone who filed a K3 in or close to April to post on this thread. It seems that many of us who have filed in April are having delays with checks being cleared and receiving a NOA1. I think it would be helpful to keep each other updated with concerns or activity on our visa applications.

I plan to call USCIS within the next two days because it will be 30 days since my packaged arrived without my check clearing or receiving a NOA1.

Hi - this is Mariepa and Will

We filed our I-130 with the Chicago service center on 6 April

The NO1 was issued on 8 May

We filed the I-129F for a K3 Visa on 11 May again with the Chicago service center

The NO1 was issued on 16 May

Since then we have been advised that the I-129F application has been transferred to the California service center

We check the USCIS website every day but there is never any change there on either the I-130 or the I-129F applications. This is sooooo frustrating!@!!!!!!!@!!!!!

It seems that the California service center is on average processing I-130'ss quicker than I-129F's. Has anybody used a I-130 before a K3 was issued? Is it easier to go through the administrative hurdles with a I-130 approval?

Mariepa

[pkewl 0]

Hello

I have filed form I-130 in late August of '07 and still awaiting.

I have heard that next step is (once you receive NOA) to file for I-129f.

How long does it usually take to get approved for either one? Does my husband who lives in Croatia have to wait until I-129 f gets approved in the states to apply for a visa or ? I am very confused. Any answers, help will be appreciated

Thank you

Hello SAVZ,

It depends upon which visa your are petitioning for as to your next step. If you are petitioning for a CR1/IR1visa then waiting for the adjudication of your 1-130 is your next step. If you plan to petition for the K3 visa then sending in the I-129F is your next step once you get a receipt number for your I-130. Reading through the guides link can help you determine which visa route is best for you. The IR1/CR1 is a better visa and costs less than a K3, but takes longer to approve. Your spouse will be a US Citizen upon arrival. The K3 is somewhat quicker, but you have a $1010 Adjustment Of Status (AOS) fee within the first two years of entering the US. And the AOS is as much fun as petitioning for a visa.

The ajudication has been averaging 130 to 150 days. Then the visa process must go through the NVC and then to your Embassy. There is not much information on timelines for Croatia. Reading through the processing times and Immigration times will give you a better idea of timelines. And remember each visa has its own timeline. Since you filed after the July 30th fee increaseyour spouse's visa journey may take a little longer due to a backlog of petitions to beat the fee increases.

The I-130 and I-129F is a petition for getting a visa, so yes the visa must be approved before moving to the USA. There is a possibility of getting a visitor visa to temporarely visit the US, but the requirements are pretty strict for anyone with a petition. Any overstay or suspicion of fraud can cause a 10 year ban on the visa.

Just a quick couple of things:

edp333 - I believe you meant to say US Permanent Resident(LPR) and NOT a US Citizen...right?

This is for my own clarification:

Going back to the new filing procedures, if someone wants to pursue a K3 visa, dont we have to mail BOTH the packages(I-130 and I-129F[K3]) together at respective service centers? I know its optional but what I wanted to check was IS it a requirement to file an I-129F(K3) ALONG with your I-130, if you are planning to purse K3 eventually or one make a K3 decision at some point in time later. Again, this is mostly for my own understanding and info.

Good Luck to all of us

Regards

Pkewl

[Urge To Race 2]

Hi pkewl,

If someone sends an I130 in now, and later wants to pursue a K3, they can still send in a I129F later. There still would be no fee, they would mail it to the same service center where the I130 is pending, and have to include the proof that they have an I130 pending (NOA1, etc.). Obviously knowing that they want a K3 at the outset, they should send both together to avoid the delay of having to wait for the receipt, check cashing, or whatever.

Hello

I have filed form I-130 in late August of '07 and still awaiting.

I have heard that next step is (once you receive NOA) to file for I-129f.

How long does it usually take to get approved for either one? Does my husband who lives in Croatia have to wait until I-129 f gets approved in the states to apply for a visa or ? I am very confused. Any answers, help will be appreciated

Thank you

Hello SAVZ,

It depends upon which visa your are petitioning for as to your next step. If you are petitioning for a CR1/IR1visa then waiting for the adjudication of your 1-130 is your next step. If you plan to petition for the K3 visa then sending in the I-129F is your next step once you get a receipt number for your I-130. Reading through the guides link can help you determine which visa route is best for you. The IR1/CR1 is a better visa and costs less than a K3, but takes longer to approve. Your spouse will be a US Citizen upon arrival. The K3 is somewhat quicker, but you have a $1010 Adjustment Of Status (AOS) fee within the first two years of entering the US. And the AOS is as much fun as petitioning for a visa.

The ajudication has been averaging 130 to 150 days. Then the visa process must go through the NVC and then to your Embassy. There is not much information on timelines for Croatia. Reading through the processing times and Immigration times will give you a better idea of timelines. And remember each visa has its own timeline. Since you filed after the July 30th fee increaseyour spouse's visa journey may take a little longer due to a backlog of petitions to beat the fee increases.

The I-130 and I-129F is a petition for getting a visa, so yes the visa must be approved before moving to the USA. There is a possibility of getting a visitor visa to temporarely visit the US, but the requirements are pretty strict for anyone with a petition. Any overstay or suspicion of fraud can cause a 10 year ban on the visa.

Just a quick couple of things:

edp333 - I believe you meant to say US Permanent Resident(LPR) and NOT a US Citizen...right?

This is for my own clarification:

Going back to the new filing procedures, if someone wants to pursue a K3 visa, dont we have to mail BOTH the packages(I-130 and I-129F[K3]) together at respective service centers? I know its optional but what I wanted to check was IS it a requirement to file an I-129F(K3) ALONG with your I-130, if you are planning to purse K3 eventually or one make a K3 decision at some point in time later. Again, this is mostly for my own understanding and info.

Good Luck to all of us

Regards

Pkewl

[edp333 9]

Just a quick couple of things:

edp333 - I believe you meant to say US Permanent Resident(LPR) and NOT a US Citizen...right?

This is for my own clarification:

Going back to the new filing procedures, if someone wants to pursue a K3 visa, dont we have to mail BOTH the packages(I-130 and I-129F[K3]) together at respective service centers? I know its optional but what I wanted to check was IS it a requirement to file an I-129F(K3) ALONG with your I-130, if you are planning to purse K3 eventually or one make a K3 decision at some point in time later. Again, this is mostly for my own understanding and info.

Good Luck to all of us

Regards

Pkewl

The correct term would be Lawful Permanent Resident, but you are correct. I was trying to not write too technical as the poster seems to be new to the process and I was writing in a hurry from work. Excuses 3 and 9.

[pkewl 0]

Just a quick couple of things:

edp333 - I believe you meant to say US Permanent Resident(LPR) and NOT a US Citizen...right?

This is for my own clarification:

Going back to the new filing procedures, if someone wants to pursue a K3 visa, dont we have to mail BOTH the packages(I-130 and I-129F[K3]) together at respective service centers? I know its optional but what I wanted to check was IS it a requirement to file an I-129F(K3) ALONG with your I-130, if you are planning to purse K3 eventually or one make a K3 decision at some point in time later. Again, this is mostly for my own understanding and info.

Good Luck to all of us

Regards

Pkewl

The correct term would be Lawful Permanent Resident, but you are correct. I was trying to not write too technical as the poster seems to be new to the process and I was writing in a hurry from work. Excuses 3 and 9.

edp333:

No problem. I am sure, unknowingly, I have probably committed many mistakes myself here on VJ while trying to help others. I know that you knew the beneficiary comes into the US as a LPR on CR1/IR1 but I replied to your post mostly for the OP who seemed to be new with this whole process. And, hence I thought let me just clarify before he/she assumes or understands wrong. Anyhow, thanks for replying and clarifying.

Urge:

Thanks for the clarification. As always, your posts are useful and informative. Appreciate it.

On the other note, my restlessness, anxiety and what not is starting to creep up on me slowly since I am approaching 4 months on my I-130 and will be 4 months on K3 after about 3 weeks thereafter. I hate this wait but at the same time I also know there isn't much I or anyone can do about it.

Lets just hope for a quick and timely approvals for all of us waiting. Good Luck to all.

Regards

Pkewl

[neenuh 0]

no dice with our K3 NOA1 yet

my husband called USCIS and guess who answers AGAIN - the same trusty CSR, telling him to "joozt vate"

wth?

duders, winner takes it all...

[edp333 9]

no dice with our K3 NOA1 yet

my husband called USCIS and guess who answers AGAIN - the same trusty CSR, telling him to "joozt vate"

wth?

duders, winner takes it all...

Neenuh,

CSC is still having problems getting NOA1 (I-797c) notices sent. I know this does not reassure you that CSC has not misplaced your petition. The good news is that they go by your receipt date and claim the delay in receiving a NOA1 does not affect the adjudication.

This process is like putting your money into a vending machine and watching your food get stuck.

[SAVZ 0]

Hello

I have filed form I-130 in late August of '07 and still awaiting.

I have heard that next step is (once you receive NOA) to file for I-129f.

How long does it usually take to get approved for either one? Does my husband who lives in Croatia have to wait until I-129 f gets approved in the states to apply for a visa or ? I am very confused. Any answers, help will be appreciated

Thank you

Hello SAVZ,

It depends upon which visa your are petitioning for as to your next step. If you are petitioning for a CR1/IR1visa then waiting for the adjudication of your 1-130 is your next step. If you plan to petition for the K3 visa then sending in the I-129F is your next step once you get a receipt number for your I-130. Reading through the guides link can help you determine which visa route is best for you. The IR1/CR1 is a better visa and costs less than a K3, but takes longer to approve. Your spouse will be a US Citizen upon arrival. The K3 is somewhat quicker, but you have a $1010 Adjustment Of Status (AOS) fee within the first two years of entering the US. And the AOS is as much fun as petitioning for a visa.

The ajudication has been averaging 130 to 150 days. Then the visa process must go through the NVC and then to your Embassy. There is not much information on timelines for Croatia. Reading through the processing times and Immigration times will give you a better idea of timelines. And remember each visa has its own timeline. Since you filed after the July 30th fee increaseyour spouse's visa journey may take a little longer due to a backlog of petitions to beat the fee increases.

The I-130 and I-129F is a petition for getting a visa, so yes the visa must be approved before moving to the USA. There is a possibility of getting a visitor visa to temporarely visit the US, but the requirements are pretty strict for anyone with a petition. Any overstay or suspicion of fraud can cause a 10 year ban on the visa.

Just a quick couple of things:

edp333 - I believe you meant to say US Permanent Resident(LPR) and NOT a US Citizen...right?

This is for my own clarification:

Going back to the new filing procedures, if someone wants to pursue a K3 visa, dont we have to mail BOTH the packages(I-130 and I-129F[K3]) together at respective service centers? I know its optional but what I wanted to check was IS it a requirement to file an I-129F(K3) ALONG with your I-130, if you are planning to purse K3 eventually or one make a K3 decision at some point in time later. Again, this is mostly for my own understanding and info.

Good Luck to all of us

Regards

Pkewl

Thanks you so much for clarifying things to me. I have been very confused to what I need to mail in since I've been hearing different stories. I am so thankful for this page and just by knowing I'm not the only one going through this process.

I haven't heard or received anything as far as my I-130 is concerned, they are probably way busy processing all the applications they've received lately due to price increase.

Another question I have is what other documentation do they need mailed in with the I-129f (k3) ??? I have read the printed instructions but I'm still confused and don't want to mess up. All of you probably have much more experience with all this paperwork than me

Thanks so much for all the help you have given me already

Good luck to all of us, we all need it !

[edp333 9]

Thanks you so much for clarifying things to me. I have been very confused to what I need to mail in since I've been hearing different stories. I am so thankful for this page and just by knowing I'm not the only one going through this process.

I haven't heard or received anything as far as my I-130 is concerned, they are probably way busy processing all the applications they've received lately due to price increase.

Another question I have is what other documentation do they need mailed in with the I-129f (k3) ??? I have read the printed instructions but I'm still confused and don't want to mess up. All of you probably have much more experience with all this paperwork than me

Thanks so much for all the help you have given me already

Good luck to all of us, we all need it !

The Guides link above gives a K3 flowchart with a list of needed documents. The Example Forms link is also very helpful for filling out forms properly.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k3guide

1. Payment as required by USCIS (I-129F petitions for K-3 status filed on/after July 30th 2007 have no fee since the I-130 cost was increased). Use a check so you can track the payment.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (K-3 Visa), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e). This form may be used to obtain a K-3/K-4 visa for your alien spouse and her or his child. Fill out the form as directed, except assume that "fiancé" or "fiancé(e)" means "spouse." answer Questions B.17 and B.18 by stating "N/A." Note that filing this form is only necessary to facilitate the entry of your spouse and her or his child as a nonimmigrant.

4. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated

5. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <US Citizens Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

6. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated

7. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign Spouse. Write the full name of the foreign Spouse on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Foreign Spouses Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

8. Copy of the Birth certificate for the US Citizen (front and back) or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

9. Copy of the NOA1 from the I-130

10. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation)

11. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

[SAVZ 0]

Thanks you so much for clarifying things to me. I have been very confused to what I need to mail in since I've been hearing different stories. I am so thankful for this page and just by knowing I'm not the only one going through this process.

I haven't heard or received anything as far as my I-130 is concerned, they are probably way busy processing all the applications they've received lately due to price increase.

Another question I have is what other documentation do they need mailed in with the I-129f (k3) ??? I have read the printed instructions but I'm still confused and don't want to mess up. All of you probably have much more experience with all this paperwork than me

Thanks so much for all the help you have given me already

Good luck to all of us, we all need it !

The Guides link above gives a K3 flowchart with a list of needed documents. The Example Forms link is also very helpful for filling out forms properly.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...mp;page=k3guide

1. Payment as required by USCIS (I-129F petitions for K-3 status filed on/after July 30th 2007 have no fee since the I-130 cost was increased). Use a check so you can track the payment.

2. Cover Letter. Should include a description of what your are petitioning for (K-3 Visa), a table of contents (list everything in the packet). If you need additional room to explain your case, attach a separate sheet (list the attachment on the cover sheet). Make sure to sign and date the cover sheet.

3. Form I-129F: Petition for Alien Fiance(e). This form may be used to obtain a K-3/K-4 visa for your alien spouse and her or his child. Fill out the form as directed, except assume that "fiancé" or "fiancé(e)" means "spouse." answer Questions B.17 and B.18 by stating "N/A." Note that filing this form is only necessary to facilitate the entry of your spouse and her or his child as a nonimmigrant.

4. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the US Citizen signed and dated

5. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the US Citizen. Write the full name of the US citizen on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <US Citizens Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

6. G-325A (all four pages) filled out by the foreign fiance(e) signed and dated

7. One passport-type photo (see specification) of the foreign Spouse. Write the full name of the foreign Spouse on the back. Place in a plastic bag and label the bag "Photo of <Foreign Spouses Name>". Attach the bag to a sheet of paper and place behind the corresponding G-325a.

8. Copy of the Birth certificate for the US Citizen (front and back) or a copy of ALL pages of the US Citizen's passport or a copy of the US Citizen's naturalization certificate (front and back). This is used to establish citizenship.

9. Copy of the NOA1 from the I-130

10. A copy of your marriage certificate (If not in English then again get a translation)

11. In regards to Section C Question 2, if applicable provide certified copies of all court and police records showing the charges and dispositions for any specified conviction(s) (in accordance with the IMBRA). See section 9 of the I-129f instructions for more information.

Thank you once again

So even though I have already sent out most of this paperwork ex: G325's ,Marriage cert,photos when I applied for I-130 it is still needed to be mailed with I-129f ? That is where I was confused.

[edp333 9]

Thank you once again

So even though I have already sent out most of this paperwork ex: G325's ,Marriage cert,photos when I applied for I-130 it is still needed to be mailed with I-129f ? That is where I was confused.

The process and directions are very confusing at first. There is some repetiton of forms. In the future you will need to send a copy of everything to your spouse for his/her interview at the Embassy/Consulate. Another set of pictures and G325as will needed when applying for AOS.

[edp333 9]

Hi, this is Mariepa and Will - you can add us to the list of K3 fillers that are still pending - here is our timeline:

I-130

Filed with USCIS on 6 April

NO1 issued 8 May

Nothing since then...

I-129F for K3

Filed with USCIS on 11 May

NO1 issued 16 May

Nothing since then...

What is the point of instituting a so-called speedy processing for spouses of U.S. citizens (the K3) if in fact it is just as slow as a regular immigrant visa???? This wait is so frustrating!!!

Mariepa and Will

Hello Mariepa and Will,

Welcome to VJ. The K3 is designed for the spouse to reside in the US while the Adjustment Of Status is being processed. A few years ago it took well over a year to get a IR1/CR1 visa. The IR1/CR1 currently takes 3 to 6 months longer to get the visa in hand after being adjucated. The longer time period is at the NVC and Embassy/Consulate while more processing is being done.

Edited September 12, 2007 by edp333