Question about K-3, instead of CR-1

[BenAndNida 0]

Hi guys,

Right now, we have all our documents at the NVC, and we have received mail regarding both the K-3 and CR-1 options.

We strongly desire to pursue the K-3 track, due to any possible slight edge in processing speed. (I would much rather file all of the necessary AOS paperwork when my wife is here. Frankly, I wouldn't mind that at all.) I simply want my wife here ASAP, and she wants to be here ASAP, too.

My main question:

Is it safe to say that if I simply ignore the CR-1 option for now, that is OK?

(e.g., How long is it OK to leave that option in limbo?)

Btw: I notice that if I wanted to pursue the CR-1 option, I would have to pay a $70 fee (Affidavit of Support fee) + a $400 fee (Immigrant Visa processing fee). So, although many people mention that AOS is expensive (at least $1010), the CR-1 option looks to be quite costly too.

[YuAndDan 153]

Yes, to just pursue the K-3 you simply don't pay the I-864 fee to NVC.

One note, Many keep both petitions in play, in many cases the CR-1 petition arrives just before K-3 interview, this causes the K-3 to get dropped, and CR-1 being interviewed for, saving time, and money.

CR-1 has the big benefit of GREEN-CARD upon entry, NO ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS. K-3 CANNOT get SSN, WORK, or Get driver's license until they have EAD or Green-card, EAD can take 90 days or MORE to get.

K-3:

I-130: $355

I-129F: NONE

Consulate: $131

AOS: $1010

($1496)

CR-1

I-130: $355

NVC I-864: $70

NVC Visa fee: $400 ($355+$45)

($825)

I see many posts from K-3 holders stating, "Wow this sucks, I an stuck at home because I don't have EAD, DL, etc, or I am having hard time getting added to bank accounts because of NO SSN." K-3 has a 90 day or longer period of limbo while waiting for EAD or Green-card.

[pushbrk 12,883]

We ignored the I-130 at NVC until AOS, almost two years after it arrived there.

[ninjarocket 1]

If one wants to be exceptionally cheap with the k3 route, one could wait until a few months before the 2nd wedding anniversary before filing for AOS in order to avoid the I-751 penalty.

[Dakine 26]

Yes, to just pursue the K-3 you simply don't pay the I-864 fee to NVC.

One note, Many keep both petitions in play, in many cases the CR-1 petition arrives just before K-3 interview, this causes the K-3 to get dropped, and CR-1 being interviewed for, saving time, and money.

CR-1 has the big benefit of GREEN-CARD upon entry, NO ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS. K-3 CANNOT get SSN, WORK, or Get driver's license until they have EAD or Green-card, EAD can take 90 days or MORE to get.

K-3:

I-130: $355

I-129F: NONE

Consulate: $131

AOS: $1010

($1496)

CR-1

I-130: $355

NVC I-864: $70

NVC Visa fee: $400 ($355+$45)

($825)

I see many posts from K-3 holders stating, "Wow this sucks, I an stuck at home because I don't have EAD, DL, etc, or I am having hard time getting added to bank accounts because of NO SSN." K-3 has a 90 day or longer period of limbo while waiting for EAD or Green-card.

"CR-1 has the big benefit of GREEN-CARD upon entry, NO ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS. K-3 CANNOT get SSN, WORK, or Get driver's license until they have EAD or Green-card, EAD can take 90 days or MORE to get."

Also K3 will have BIG problems adjusting status if the petitioner goes belly up before bene adjust status. Faces possible deportation.

CRs can work WAY sooner than K visa recepients which +s more $s.

[Dakine 26]

If one wants to be exceptionally cheap with the k3 route, one could wait until a few months before the 2nd wedding anniversary before filing for AOS in order to avoid the I-751 penalty.

Yep but they'll extend the time to apply for US citizenship if they should care! Edited October 20, 2008 by Haole

[pushbrk 12,883]

If one wants to be exceptionally cheap with the k3 route, one could wait until a few months before the 2nd wedding anniversary before filing for AOS in order to avoid the I-751 penalty.

Yep but they'll extend the time to apply for US citizenship if they should care!

It's all a balancing act based on individual priorities. If you are sure you want the K3, simply ignore all NVC correspondence related to the I-130.