Not understanding the difference............

[pawfectchis 0]

I am confused as to what is the difference between the K3 visa and the CR1. Who can apply for what. I also read that some file both and whichever gets approved first you drop the other. Isn't that kind of expensive? We are both Air Force employees, so time is of the essence. Me Cdn and him American.

[pushbrk 12,824]

I am confused as to what is the difference between the K3 visa and the CR1. Who can apply for what. I also read that some file both and whichever gets approved first you drop the other. Isn't that kind of expensive? We are both Air Force employees, so time is of the essence. Me Cdn and him American.

CR1 is an immigrant visa that gives you permanent resident upon US entry. K3 is a non-immigrant visa designed to be quicker but requires adjustment of status and employment authorization be applied for at a cost of $1010 after arrival. Please study the "Guides" and read this.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/pressrelease/PN_i-129f.pdf

[pawfectchis 0]

Thank you for the link, I have read many of your posts on here. What do you do in real life, you sound so educated and and expert in this stuff. I hope that comes out sounding like a compliment to you because that is the way it is intended. Thank you for all the time you spend on here giving us advice.

[pushbrk 12,824]

Thank you for the link, I have read many of your posts on here. What do you do in real life, you sound so educated and and expert in this stuff. I hope that comes out sounding like a compliment to you because that is the way it is intended. Thank you for all the time you spend on here giving us advice.

I'm a salesman in real life but while going through the process with my wife, I became highly motivated to learn about it. In my work, I do deal with a lot of legal documentation.

[misa 2]

If your spouse is in the US Air Force and has deployment papers, I do believe that they will expedite the petition(s) at the USCIS level. Your spouse may wish to call the USCIS hotline dedicated to the military.

http://www.uscis.gov/portal/site/uscis/men...0004718190aRCRD

Since you're in BC, a K3 will more than likely get you to the U.S. faster as you'll interview in Vancouver for it, but you'll have to file for AOS when you arrive in the U.S. If you're going the CR-1 route, you have no choice but to interview in Montreal for it and they are traditionally slower than Vancouver in issuing interview dates.

Every case is different but in short:

K3 - faster through Vancouver but more expensive since you have to AOS in the U.S. (you are not able to work in the U.S. until you get an EAD or GC, does not grant permanent resident status upon entry)

CR-1 - cheaper but slower through Montreal (able to work upon entry and gives you permanent resident status)

Edited October 24, 2007 by misa

[pawfectchis 0]

I am so torn as to which way to go. I was leaning towards the K1 just on the fact that it gets us together faster, then I read you can't get married while in that process. I really have my heart on an Aug 08 wedding. Now because of money, and less work after and I can look for work right away, I am looking at the CR1. I realize that means a trip to Montreal for the interview. I am thinking of a quicky wedding in Canada just so we can file CR1 get him to ask for it expedited because of a possible posting coming up, we are hoping for something overseas. I would LOVE Dubai!! I just don't know which way to go. I also have a 10 year old that doesn't want me to work right away. Would like me to take him to school and be there after school something he hasn't had here in Canada. So with the big changes that he will have to go through it might me something for me to do to make him feel a little easier about the whole process. I really honestly appreciate everyones advice. I am really taking it all in and trying to process it. It is so overwhelming. "push" you and I will be come real good friends., I'm going to need you.

[Reba 2]

Even if your son would like to have you home when he gets in from school, you could still work part-time during the day, or even work from home while he's at school. But you can do neither until you have EAD, or a green card. If you get the CR1, you can pretty much start work right away, with a K3, it would be minimum 3 months after entry. If your husband gets deployed, you may get bored sitting around all day with nothing but Montel Williams and The View.

[pawfectchis 0]

Very good point, thank you. I'm a Dr Phil kind of a girl............

[etripke 0]

I am so torn as to which way to go. I was leaning towards the K1 just on the fact that it gets us together faster, then I read you can't get married while in that process. I really have my heart on an Aug 08 wedding. Now because of money, and less work after and I can look for work right away, I am looking at the CR1. I realize that means a trip to Montreal for the interview. I am thinking of a quicky wedding in Canada just so we can file CR1 get him to ask for it expedited because of a possible posting coming up, we are hoping for something overseas. I would LOVE Dubai!! I just don't know which way to go. I also have a 10 year old that doesn't want me to work right away. Would like me to take him to school and be there after school something he hasn't had here in Canada. So with the big changes that he will have to go through it might me something for me to do to make him feel a little easier about the whole process. I really honestly appreciate everyones advice. I am really taking it all in and trying to process it. It is so overwhelming. "push" you and I will be come real good friends., I'm going to need you.

They will NOT expedite on a "possible" deployment. He has to provide "orders" to make this happen. That means the deployment is in the works, and he is going to where ever. Also remember that you'll need the consent of your child's father to remove him from the country if you haven't already thought of that.