Is the IR-1/CR-1 the way to go?

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

Hi everyone!

My husband and I recently had (both) our I-129F & I-130 approved. I received our NOA for both and a letter from the NVC stating that they have received our I-129F approved, which will then be mailed to the American embassy in Copenhagen.

Anyway, we have been thinking about going for the K-3 BUT are also now thinking about doing the IR-1/CR-1. I was told by the NVC, that my husband will receive a packet, which will need to be completed IF we decide on the K-3. She also told me that if we do not go for the K-3, that, that packet does not to be completed BUT rather they will eventually send me a packet (in America) in regards to the I-130.

Well, how does that work with the IR-1/CR-1? I understand I will need to complete some paperwork & my hubby will need to go to the American embassy for an interview. HOW LONG DOES THIS TAKE?

When he gets a visa...will he receive a greencard...correct? How long is the greencard valid? Can he leave the United States (for example, if we want to go back to Europe for vacation) at all?

What are the total fees of everything for the CR-1? Is it cheaper than the K-3? Do a lot of you believe that going with the CR-1 is easier...faster? Meaning he receives a Greencard, Social Security Number, etc. faster than with the K-3?

SORRY!! I have read the guidelines but just want some other opinions about it. THANK YOU ALL SO MUCH.

PLEASE HELP ME OUT! I WOULD HELP YOU!

YuAndDan · January 17, 2009

CR-1 will save you $$$ and the extra time involved with Adjustment of status from a K-3.

If you follow the NVC short cuts, CR-1 takes just a bit longer than a K-3 to get, as in 30 days or so.

http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/...s%27s_Shortcuts

Keep both moving through NVC, with luck the CR-1 may reach the consulate arounfd the time of K-3 interview getting the interview switched to a CR-1 interview.

If you wish to immediately take a Job after entry to the USA, the K-Visa is NOT the way to go.

If considering K-3 think carefully about it. CR-1 and K-3 tend to take about the same time, K-3 may save you about a month, however the K-3 has the added pain of adjustment of status, and it NOT a work authorized visa, so also has the added period of limbo waiting for EAD to be able to do things like take a job, get SSN, etc...

For the most part CR-1 tends to take a bit longer than K-3 to get if you prepare for NVC when they request I-864 fee, and Visa fee, as well as documents requested by NVC. In many cases the CR-1 petition reaches the consulate just before K-3 interview, which causes K-3 to get dropped and the interview becomes a CR-1 visa interview.

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 am 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.

K-3 was developed at a time when CR-1 was taking much longer that today, NVC has greatly streamlined the CR-1 process to the point where K-3 becomes irrelevant.

Dakine · January 17, 2009

To start CRs are immigrant visas and receive their GC and SS card in the mail shortly after arriving in the US.

No need to go thru the $1010 cost, stress and hassle of doing the AOS.

No need another interview or do biometrics.

Not having a SS card can prevent one doing a lot of things such as get drivers license, joint bank accounts etc.

K3s are nonimmigrant visas and have to go thru AOS. It can take a LONG time to get GC. Can be denied and deported also. Rare but the chance is still there.

If the relationship or petitioner goes “belly up” before the beneficiary has GC in hand they stand an excellent chance of being deported.

At this time if done properly it only takes about a month longer to do the CR-1 or IR-1.

The CR-1 recipient can almost immediately work, get drivers license, joint bank accounts, and anything else where a GC and SS card are required .

PLus can return home without waiting for AP or GC in case of emergency!

K3 visas have to wait at about 3 months for EAD so they can get a SSN.

Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS. Some petitioners have been getting laid off due to the economy causing more AOS problems.

CR/IR only does so once at NVC.

Edited January 17, 2009 by Haole

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

To start CRs are immigrant visas and receive their GC and SS card in the mail shortly after arriving in the US.
No need to go thru the $1010 cost, stress and hassle of doing the AOS.

No need another interview or do biometrics.

Not having a SS card can prevent one doing a lot of things such as get drivers license, joint bank accounts etc.

K3s are nonimmigrant visas and have to go thru AOS. It can take a LONG time to get GC. Can be denied and deported also. Rare but the chance is still there.

If the relationship or petitioner goes “belly up” before the beneficiary has GC in hand they stand an excellent chance of being deported.

At this time if done properly it only takes about a month longer to do the CR-1 or IR-1.

The CR-1 recipient can almost immediately work, get drivers license, joint bank accounts, and anything else where a GC and SS card are required .

PLus can return home without waiting for AP or GC in case of emergency!

K3 visas have to wait at about 3 months for EAD so they can get a SSN.

Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS. Some petitioners have been getting laid off due to the economy causing more AOS problems.

CR/IR only does so once at NVC.

THANK YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

Haole, did you mean this statement: "Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS." for the K-3 recepients...correct???

I, as the American citizen, married to a Non-American (european)...do I have to attend the interview for this CR-1???

I recently came back to the states and am looking for a job.

If I find a job in time, prior to Affidavit of Support (which I do need for this CR-1...correct?)....can I use myself as a support. I am a social worker and generally only make around $30,000 to $35,000 a year...I am assuming I can use myself as the support...correct? I would just need 2 pay stubs...and a letter from my Employer?

Do I need a joint support? If so, can I use my father who is semi-retired, receives a pension of around $1,000 (I think more) a month BUT also continues to work and make money. He owns his house AND owns the Machinist factory where he continues to work. Would that be okay?

(Also, if I do not find a job by then, may I just use my father as the full support?) What do you think?

Thank you so much for bearing with me. I really believe we will go for this CR-1. Thank you & God bless you

daboyz · January 17, 2009

To start CRs are immigrant visas and receive their GC and SS card in the mail shortly after arriving in the US.
No need to go thru the $1010 cost, stress and hassle of doing the AOS.

No need another interview or do biometrics.

Not having a SS card can prevent one doing a lot of things such as get drivers license, joint bank accounts etc.

K3s are nonimmigrant visas and have to go thru AOS. It can take a LONG time to get GC. Can be denied and deported also. Rare but the chance is still there.

If the relationship or petitioner goes “belly up” before the beneficiary has GC in hand they stand an excellent chance of being deported.

At this time if done properly it only takes about a month longer to do the CR-1 or IR-1.

The CR-1 recipient can almost immediately work, get drivers license, joint bank accounts, and anything else where a GC and SS card are required .

PLus can return home without waiting for AP or GC in case of emergency!

K3 visas have to wait at about 3 months for EAD so they can get a SSN.

Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS. Some petitioners have been getting laid off due to the economy causing more AOS problems.

CR/IR only does so once at NVC.

THANK YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

Haole, did you mean this statement: "Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS." for the K-3 recepients...correct???

I, as the American citizen, married to a Non-American (european)...do I have to attend the interview for this CR-1???

I recently came back to the states and am looking for a job.

If I find a job in time, prior to Affidavit of Support (which I do need for this CR-1...correct?)....can I use myself as a support. I am a social worker and generally only make around $30,000 to $35,000 a year...I am assuming I can use myself as the support...correct? I would just need 2 pay stubs...and a letter from my Employer?

Do I need a joint support? If so, can I use my father who is semi-retired, receives a pension of around $1,000 (I think more) a month BUT also continues to work and make money. He owns his house AND owns the Machinist factory where he continues to work. Would that be okay?

(Also, if I do not find a job by then, may I just use my father as the full support?) What do you think?

Thank you so much for bearing with me. I really believe we will go for this CR-1. Thank you & God bless you

You'll need to meet the income guidelines for tax year 2008.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

As for the interview, I don't know how it works at your consulate. In Bangkok they don't allow the petitioner to attend the interview.

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

To start CRs are immigrant visas and receive their GC and SS card in the mail shortly after arriving in the US.
No need to go thru the $1010 cost, stress and hassle of doing the AOS.

No need another interview or do biometrics.

Not having a SS card can prevent one doing a lot of things such as get drivers license, joint bank accounts etc.

K3s are nonimmigrant visas and have to go thru AOS. It can take a LONG time to get GC. Can be denied and deported also. Rare but the chance is still there.

If the relationship or petitioner goes “belly up” before the beneficiary has GC in hand they stand an excellent chance of being deported.

At this time if done properly it only takes about a month longer to do the CR-1 or IR-1.

The CR-1 recipient can almost immediately work, get drivers license, joint bank accounts, and anything else where a GC and SS card are required .

PLus can return home without waiting for AP or GC in case of emergency!

K3 visas have to wait at about 3 months for EAD so they can get a SSN.

Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS. Some petitioners have been getting laid off due to the economy causing more AOS problems.

CR/IR only does so once at NVC.

THANK YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

Haole, did you mean this statement: "Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS." for the K-3 recepients...correct???

I, as the American citizen, married to a Non-American (european)...do I have to attend the interview for this CR-1???

I recently came back to the states and am looking for a job.

If I find a job in time, prior to Affidavit of Support (which I do need for this CR-1...correct?)....can I use myself as a support. I am a social worker and generally only make around $30,000 to $35,000 a year...I am assuming I can use myself as the support...correct? I would just need 2 pay stubs...and a letter from my Employer?

Do I need a joint support? If so, can I use my father who is semi-retired, receives a pension of around $1,000 (I think more) a month BUT also continues to work and make money. He owns his house AND owns the Machinist factory where he continues to work. Would that be okay?

(Also, if I do not find a job by then, may I just use my father as the full support?) What do you think?

Thank you so much for bearing with me. I really believe we will go for this CR-1. Thank you & God bless you

You'll need to meet the income guidelines for tax year 2008.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

As for the interview, I don't know how it works at your consulate. In Bangkok they don't allow the petitioner to attend the interview.

Okay, my husband lives in Germany. So, he would go to the Frankfurt location. I'm assuming I may not have to attend.

Income Guidelines for 2008? Okay so, this years tax forms...correct? Let's see I left my job last May to live in Europe. I don't think I made -the income guidelines- which is over $17,500 (poverty line) because I worked Jan 2008 to May 2008. So, I guess can't be use as the support (and I no longer work)...I will have to use my dad? Can I use myself...I mean I have "some" money in stocks and well I own my car, which is $33,000...can that be used as an asset?

Sorry, if the questions are stupid. I just want this to be over with already...these papers really confuse me.

Thank you for all your help.

Please continue to try & answer my questions. SORRY friend! ;(

daboyz · January 17, 2009

To start CRs are immigrant visas and receive their GC and SS card in the mail shortly after arriving in the US.
No need to go thru the $1010 cost, stress and hassle of doing the AOS.

No need another interview or do biometrics.

Not having a SS card can prevent one doing a lot of things such as get drivers license, joint bank accounts etc.

K3s are nonimmigrant visas and have to go thru AOS. It can take a LONG time to get GC. Can be denied and deported also. Rare but the chance is still there.

If the relationship or petitioner goes “belly up” before the beneficiary has GC in hand they stand an excellent chance of being deported.

At this time if done properly it only takes about a month longer to do the CR-1 or IR-1.

The CR-1 recipient can almost immediately work, get drivers license, joint bank accounts, and anything else where a GC and SS card are required .

PLus can return home without waiting for AP or GC in case of emergency!

K3 visas have to wait at about 3 months for EAD so they can get a SSN.

Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS. Some petitioners have been getting laid off due to the economy causing more AOS problems.

CR/IR only does so once at NVC.

THANK YOU BOTH SOOOO MUCH! I REALLY APPRECIATE IT!!

Haole, did you mean this statement: "Petitoner has to qualify financially at the interview and then a few months later at the AOS." for the K-3 recepients...correct???

I, as the American citizen, married to a Non-American (european)...do I have to attend the interview for this CR-1???

I recently came back to the states and am looking for a job.

If I find a job in time, prior to Affidavit of Support (which I do need for this CR-1...correct?)....can I use myself as a support. I am a social worker and generally only make around $30,000 to $35,000 a year...I am assuming I can use myself as the support...correct? I would just need 2 pay stubs...and a letter from my Employer?

Do I need a joint support? If so, can I use my father who is semi-retired, receives a pension of around $1,000 (I think more) a month BUT also continues to work and make money. He owns his house AND owns the Machinist factory where he continues to work. Would that be okay?

(Also, if I do not find a job by then, may I just use my father as the full support?) What do you think?

Thank you so much for bearing with me. I really believe we will go for this CR-1. Thank you & God bless you

You'll need to meet the income guidelines for tax year 2008.

http://www.uscis.gov/files/form/I-864P.pdf

As for the interview, I don't know how it works at your consulate. In Bangkok they don't allow the petitioner to attend the interview.

Okay, my husband lives in Germany. So, he would go to the Frankfurt location. I'm assuming I may not have to attend.

Income Guidelines for 2008? Okay so, this years tax forms...correct? Let's see I left my job last May to live in Europe. I don't think I made -the income guidelines- which is over $17,500 (poverty line) because I worked Jan 2008 to May 2008. So, I guess can't be use as the support (and I no longer work)...I will have to use my dad? Can I use myself...I mean I have "some" money in stocks and well I own my car, which is $33,000...can that be used as an asset?

Sorry, if the questions are stupid. I just want this to be over with already...these papers really confuse me.

Thank you for all your help.

Please continue to try & answer my questions. SORRY friend! ;(

I don't think you can use a car as assets. You can have a co-sponsor (your dad.)

daboyz · January 17, 2009

Also, if you can prove that you have lived abroad (in Germany) for 6 months, you file DCF (Direct Consular Filing) Look here for info on that:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=82

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

Wait, if I use my father...do I have to include my mother as well? meaning would it then be a household of 4 people (me, my husband, my father & mother).....with 125% of the poverty line being $26,500? My father would have to make that much or over to be able to support my husband?

I'm confused. Please help

daboyz · January 17, 2009

Also, if you can prove that you have lived abroad (in Germany) for 6 months, you file DCF (Direct Consular Filing) Look here for info on that:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=82

My bad. I didn't notice you were already approved. Disregard the DCF stuff.

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

Also, if you can prove that you have lived abroad (in Germany) for 6 months, you file DCF (Direct Consular Filing) Look here for info on that:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=82

As for DCF, actually I was only in Germany for 5 1/2 months...sorry. My God, this is so confusing me and driving me crazy! Thank you!

Also, if you can prove that you have lived abroad (in Germany) for 6 months, you file DCF (Direct Consular Filing) Look here for info on that:
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showforum=82

My bad. I didn't notice you were already approved. Disregard the DCF stuff.

Okay, good...no problem. Yes, I was already approved for both I-130 & I-129F (about 2 weeks ago)

daboyz · January 17, 2009

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

Okay...completed.

Marina Gavrilo · January 17, 2009

Does anyone know....

For the DS-3032 forms....Who is supposed to be my foreign husbands Agent? What does an Agent mean? Can I just be the "agent?"

Thank you

:help:

lovehappenss · January 17, 2009

Does anyone know....
For the DS-3032 forms....Who is supposed to be my foreign husbands Agent? What does an Agent mean? Can I just be the "agent?"

Thank you

Yes, you would be the agent for your husband.

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Is the IR-1/CR-1 the way to go?

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