CR1 vs. K3 - the interview

[SteveColo 0]

Just looking for some thoughts on this ...

I'm guessing that since the CR1 is has extra processing, and then approval from the NVC, that the CR1 interview is more just a formality with the IO in the beneficiaries country. The 'pressure' to get everything right before making a decision is less on the IO since more was done on the petition here in the U.S.

With the K3, I'm guessing the interview is more crucial and intensive since the visa kind of glides on through the NVC on the way to the beneficiaries country for the interview. More pressure on the IO to get it 'right' ...

Just wondering about those that have been through it ...

P.S. - I'm just glad that everything I've read about the embassy in Kiev is that the interview process is pretty quick and easy. Any Ukraine VJ'ers been to a CR1 interview? I only saw K1 and K3 visa applicants post on the embassy page of VJ. Thanks

Edited January 23, 2009 by SteveColo

[Thai family 0]

My DIL's K-3 interview was quick and easy. Her paperwork was in good order. This does not mean I recommend a K-3 visa other than in special circumstances, which it looks like you may have. 2009 equates to another year of being preoccupied with the USCIS. Hopefully it won't drag on into 2010.

Thai Mom

[pushbrk 13,267]

Just looking for some thoughts on this ...

I'm guessing that since the CR1 is has extra processing, and then approval from the NVC, that the CR1 interview is more just a formality with the IO in the beneficiaries country. The 'pressure' to get everything right before making a decision is less on the IO since more was done on the petition here in the U.S.

With the K3, I'm guessing the interview is more crucial and intensive since the visa kind of glides on through the NVC on the way to the beneficiaries country for the interview. More pressure on the IO to get it 'right' ...

Just wondering about those that have been through it ...

P.S. - I'm just glad that everything I've read about the embassy in Kiev is that the interview process is pretty quick and easy. Any Ukraine VJ'ers been to a CR1 interview? I only saw K1 and K3 visa applicants post on the embassy page of VJ. Thanks

Ukraine has a reputation as an extremely "easy" Consulates for family visas of any kind. However, the burden is actually higher for an immigrant visa because there is no Stateside adjustment of status interview after the visa iss issued. It would be a huge mistake to "prepare" as if the interview was just a formality. Prepare as if your future happiness depends on it.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Just looking for some thoughts on this ...

I'm guessing that since the CR1 is has extra processing, and then approval from the NVC, that the CR1 interview is more just a formality with the IO in the beneficiaries country. The 'pressure' to get everything right before making a decision is less on the IO since more was done on the petition here in the U.S.

With the K3, I'm guessing the interview is more crucial and intensive since the visa kind of glides on through the NVC on the way to the beneficiaries country for the interview. More pressure on the IO to get it 'right' ...

Just wondering about those that have been through it ...

P.S. - I'm just glad that everything I've read about the embassy in Kiev is that the interview process is pretty quick and easy. Any Ukraine VJ'ers been to a CR1 interview? I only saw K1 and K3 visa applicants post on the embassy page of VJ. Thanks

Ukraine has a reputation as an extremely "easy" Consulates for family visas of any kind. However, the burden is actually higher for an immigrant visa because there is no Stateside adjustment of status interview after the visa iss issued. It would be a huge mistake to "prepare" as if the interview was just a formality. Prepare as if your future happiness depends on it.

I would have to agree with Pushbrk. From everyone's experience, Kiev seems to be particular that ALL needed documents are present, logically enough, but other than that, they are easy to deal with. I brought what turned out to about 200 times more paper than I needed but I would gladly shlep it there again. It is just too important not to prepare very well. I mean if something is missing it could add months to your case to get a new interview (worst case) or at minimum delay it for several days while you get them what they need. Bring it all, bring more, then be relieved when they give you your visa no questions asked.

After checking, double checking and triple checking everything I called the consulate visa section a couple days before I left for the interview and went over each document in detail and was told I had all I needed. I was surprisingly (for me) meticulous about the whole thing and was glad I was, though it probably wasn't necessary.