K3 vs. CR1

[prjmgr34 0]

Hello all,

I have just received my case number from NVC and the bill for processing the I864. My I129F for K3 has not been approved as of yet (it'll be 90 days next week). Should I go ahead and pursue the CR1 or wait for the approval of I129F? I guess that at this point the way to go would be the CR1 visa. Which has the quicker interview time or does that depend on the country (which I would guess)? My wife and I are ready to be reunited, as it has been 4 1/2 months since we have been married. How long does it take after the I129F is approved to get the interview? My wife is anxiously waiting in Colombia for me. If anyone has any knowledge, please give me some insight.

Thank you,

Jerry Ballou

[m_olask 0]

hi could you put your info into your timeline, just makes it easier for people to give any advice!

if your I-129f NOA1 was before march 6th, usually the K3 is quicker.

if it was after, well nothing is moving currently due to IMBRA, so normal time scales no longer apply...

the CR-1 normally takes longer, it has more stages to complete with sending back AOS bills and the like.

often, folk get their K3 approved much sooner and either adjust status and abandon the CR-1 or go back for the final interview.

thats just my basic info to keep you going until the real experts come along

[aussiewench 9]

Why sit on an approved I-130 waiting for the I-129F? One can feasibly get through the NVC stage in 2-3 months depending on how fast the exchange of bills & forms takes and on getting a clear run with security checks. Have a read of the Timesavers for NVC & James Shortcuts. You will find the link in my signature.

Even before IMBRA there were many cases of I-130's being approved before I-129's. Also many cases of both arriving at the consulate at or around the same time. The K-3 came about originaly when I-130's where taking years just to approve. For a long time now it has been viable for many to do the CR-1 (the biggie) Possibly even more so now with the IMBRA.

All the best and congrats on the approved I-130

Lorelle

Edited June 11, 2006 by aussiewench

[prjmgr34 0]

Thanks Aussie,

So, I can act on behalf of my wife as her agent? This would greatly expedite things for me. I guess that I would have to fax her a copy of this and have her sign it. I know that she is learning to speak English better and pronounce the words better as I am her sole supporter now. It's just that this whole Cr1 visa is very new to me.

Thanks again,

Jerry

[aussiewench 9]

Thanks Aussie,

So, I can act on behalf of my wife as her agent? This would greatly expedite things for me. I guess that I would have to fax her a copy of this and have her sign it. I know that she is learning to speak English better and pronounce the words better as I am her sole supporter now. It's just that this whole Cr1 visa is very new to me.

Thanks again,

Jerry

Yes, and most do it this way because of the time saved with international posting. If you note in the Timesavers thread, you can even email the choice of agent by using the sample supplied by another member (in the first post). Many have done this now and been successful. The one thing with the NVC process is that for the first time you have some control in how fast it moves through by utilizing the timesavers or James shortcuts.