What is the better visa route- K-3 or CR1?

[meowmeowmeow 1]

Hi all,

I have agonized over this question for a long time now, asked many people, etc. but still want to be sure. My husband is Syrian, 27, no criminal background, overall nice guy.

I've read some concerns about AP issues ? So what would be the best recommended route for someone like him? My joint sponsor is getting annoyed about this taking so long so I want to get this going ASAP and finish the paperwork soon.

I am open to suggestions.

Thanks,

Kat

[Nothing1234 2]

If you do a search on this topic .... there are tons of other posts w/ suggestions and experiences on here. Fastest is not always the best route as AOS is more money and a long adjustment waiting on paperwork while here and frustrating as well.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...5&hl=k3+cr1

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...=151312&hl=

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...5&hl=k3+cr1

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...6&hl=k3+cr1

Good luck...read the guides and search other areas on VJ such as K-3/CR1 area too.

[~Jackie~ 30]

Every situation is different, what is good for one couple is not for another.

Research why the K3 was put into place and know that either route can be fast...or hell. What works for one person, will backfire on another.

Good luck to you and I hope you are reunited soon.

Jackie

[LaL 418]

Hands down, if I were able to do it all over again - CR1 without a doubt.

[Dakine 26]

Hands down, if I were able to do it all over again - CR1 without a doubt.

DITTO BIGTIME

[MsMariah 0]

I'm also thankful that my attempt to do a K3 failed due to me jumping the gun and mailing it in with the I 130, it seemed that since I was only in CR1 status that my case got sent to California and hence got faster processing, while it seems the K3's of the same timeframe didn't get sent and some are still awaiting their approvals. Also, it's cheaper by about 600$ plus my DH will supposedly be able to get his SSN and hopefully (Godwilling) start working within a couple weeks after arrival as opposed to waiting for months if going the K3 route. K3 just doesn't seem to be shorter anymore.

If your co sponsor is getting antsy, you can just have them fill out the I864 now and make copies of all required documents and tell them thanks a lot. Exactly, why are they annoyed? It's only been a month?

[LaL 418]

Its not just about the visa journey being shorter. Thats what fouls people up so much in the choosing process (between K3 and CR1). The whole adjustment phase has its own set of obstacles that not only include more immigration mess, but also learning to live together finally.

Had I been married and filing for a visa - I would want my spouse to be able to walk off a plane, take a few weeks to acclimate and then be able to work, obtain a drivers license, etc etc etc. Immigration dictates and creates roadblocks or people arriving on K3s (and K1s) that simply are not there with the CR1.

CR1 is not the golden ticket of course - it has its own path and its own nuances. For me, just makes logical sense.

[meowmeowmeow 1]

I'm also thankful that my attempt to do a K3 failed due to me jumping the gun and mailing it in with the I 130, it seemed that since I was only in CR1 status that my case got sent to California and hence got faster processing, while it seems the K3's of the same timeframe didn't get sent and some are still awaiting their approvals. Also, it's cheaper by about 600$ plus my DH will supposedly be able to get his SSN and hopefully (Godwilling) start working within a couple weeks after arrival as opposed to waiting for months if going the K3 route. K3 just doesn't seem to be shorter anymore.

If your co sponsor is getting antsy, you can just have them fill out the I864 now and make copies of all required documents and tell them thanks a lot. Exactly, why are they annoyed? It's only been a month?

well, it was hell finding them to begin with. everyone i knew either isn't working, didn't want the responsibility, didn't understand it entirely, etc...she is a teacher and also does a bunch of extracurricular activities so a big issue might be me even having to go to her to push her to do it...she's 4 hours away, but whatever...

also, would it be weird for my case if i got her paperwork now? i was thinking i had to get all that stuff together re sponsor paperwork and what not when i got the NOA2....in other words, would they be fine seeing paperwork stamped a few months prior?

i don't see it being an issue with tax returns, but im more concerned with her pay stubs/employment letter...could they tell me that since the letters are older, that i'd need to get a more updated/notarized copy?

normally, i wish i didn't even have to deal with this, but i've lived with this girl and believe me, it is a pain in the #### to get her to even wash the dishes on a weekly basis....

thanks.

p.s. while browsing the USCIS website, i couldn't find a particular link to the CR-1 paperwork, is it called something else on their site?

[Nothing1234 2]

I'm also thankful that my attempt to do a K3 failed due to me jumping the gun and mailing it in with the I 130, it seemed that since I was only in CR1 status that my case got sent to California and hence got faster processing, while it seems the K3's of the same timeframe didn't get sent and some are still awaiting their approvals. Also, it's cheaper by about 600$ plus my DH will supposedly be able to get his SSN and hopefully (Godwilling) start working within a couple weeks after arrival as opposed to waiting for months if going the K3 route. K3 just doesn't seem to be shorter anymore.

If your co sponsor is getting antsy, you can just have them fill out the I864 now and make copies of all required documents and tell them thanks a lot. Exactly, why are they annoyed? It's only been a month?

well, it was hell finding them to begin with. everyone i knew either isn't working, didn't want the responsibility, didn't understand it entirely, etc...she is a teacher and also does a bunch of extracurricular activities so a big issue might be me even having to go to her to push her to do it...she's 4 hours away, but whatever...

also, would it be weird for my case if i got her paperwork now? i was thinking i had to get all that stuff together re sponsor paperwork and what not when i got the NOA2....in other words, would they be fine seeing paperwork stamped a few months prior?

i don't see it being an issue with tax returns, but im more concerned with her pay stubs/employment letter...could they tell me that since the letters are older, that i'd need to get a more updated/notarized copy?

normally, i wish i didn't even have to deal with this, but i've lived with this girl and believe me, it is a pain in the #### to get her to even wash the dishes on a weekly basis....

thanks.

p.s. while browsing the USCIS website, i couldn't find a particular link to the CR-1 paperwork, is it called something else on their site?

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...amp;page=guides

The name of the forms/paperwork you need are in the guides. Please read them...they are very helpful.

[meowmeowmeow 1]

thanks a lot...i sometimes find this site overwhelming, with info scattered all over the forums lol...

so the cr-1 doesn't really apply to a specific form it seems, but rather, stems from the i-130 documentation i.e. the i-184 and the documents the beneficiary fills out?

thanks again.

Edited March 20, 2009 by enraptured

[Nothing1234 2]

thanks a lot...i sometimes find this site overwhelming, with info scattered all over the forums lol...

so the cr-1 doesn't really apply to a specific form it seems, but rather, stems from the i-130 documentation i.e. the i-184 and the documents the beneficiary fills out?

thanks again.

Yes Also here is a link if you google (besides VJ) this comes up to help explain the visa and process.

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/ty...types_2991.html

[MsMariah 0]

Well her papers don't need to be stamped... signed and dated yes. And collecting papers before you get approved is what makes for a quicker NVC process. It is possible that at the interview they would request a more recent pay stub, but you could always request that when/if they request that. But it sounds like you have a practically unwilling co sponsor, so maybe you should get her to do it now before she chickens out, of course if she chickened out and then won't supply any more papers if requested then you're put the press to look for another ASAP. Really good luck to you.

[meowmeowmeow 1]

My joint sponsor is not...unwilling, she's lazy. I can't be any nicer....i'd need to go down, push her to do it all, and then get glared at for being so stern about everything lol....but that makes me wonder if I even need her? I dont work now but I am not destitute and have my previous tax returns which show me making way above what i'd need to prove in regards to sponsoring someone....but i guess that's not enough for USCIS is it? you'd need to prove you have something to give now, right?

yesterday i found this site called: http://www.justanswers.com I stupidly (or maybe not?) asked about my situation there, thinking they would really ease my worries. the advice i got was like something i'd probably read off of here and did not address anything....im saying this in case anyone wants to try...anyways, this is what she writes me (my web appointed lawyer):

I have found that having an attorney always puts a touch of more credibility on the case, particularly a fiance matter and also they provide lots and lots of supporting documentation, often things you don't think of, at the time of the filing of the I-129F, which is what I would file for the K3. Those generally move faster.

That doesn't ensure avoiding admin review, there might be some security clearance delays there, but it will keep them from just shelving the file.

You need to be keeping a folder w/ copies of every bit of papaer that comes acorss the internet, mail, etc that has your husband's name on it, no matter how insignificant. Emmails from him, to him from you, your friends, his relatives, etc. that mention him. Emails to him form you, friends, his relatives discussing you and him and things you have in common. You may think this communication is insignificant, but the more paper you can provide to prove "relationship" the better off you will be. If you get any junk mail w/ both names, save that. Paper the CIS to the gills with evidence.

and i had to pay $30 to read this?!? anyways, this was the most interesting part:

The amount of time you have been married at the time the immigrant visa is issued is what controls whether it it CR or IR. After two years of marriage he gets IR if you go only the IR route.

True if he comes in on the K3 before 2 years and files the I-485 then he would get only CR status.

The processing times are the same on the website, but once it gets into the NVC they try to more the K3s along faster because that is the whole point of them. Sometimes the consulates also give scheduling preference to those as well. You would have to contact them directly to ask their current processing dates.

first part tells me to smother USCIS with paperwork, while people here have mentioned that they didnt need/show that much evidence...i guess ill go the middle way...not too much, not too little...

the second part, however, now makes me wonder. what is CR and IR supposed to stand for anyways? all these acronyms are a trip to remember...i saw RFE somewhere, what is this?? is there a key on the site that addresses all these little nuances? and this woman is a trip....she wrote me this after i mentioned that USCIS's website displays both the i-130 and the i-129f processing at the same rate...

Edited March 21, 2009 by enraptured

[*Maureen* 0]

My joint sponsor is not...unwilling, she's lazy. I can't be any nicer....i'd need to go down, push her to do it all, and then get glared at for being so stern about everything lol....but that makes me wonder if I even need her? I dont work now but I am not destitute and have my previous tax returns which show me making way above what i'd need to prove in regards to sponsoring someone....but i guess that's not enough for USCIS is it? you'd need to prove you have something to give now, right?

yesterday i found this site called: http://www.justanswers.com I stupidly (or maybe not?) asked about my situation there, thinking they would really ease my worries. the advice i got was like something i'd probably read off of here and did not address anything....im saying this in case anyone wants to try...anyways, this is what she writes me (my web appointed lawyer):

I have found that having an attorney always puts a touch of more credibility on the case, particularly a fiance matter and also they provide lots and lots of supporting documentation, often things you don't think of, at the time of the filing of the I-129F, which is what I would file for the K3. Those generally move faster.

That doesn't ensure avoiding admin review, there might be some security clearance delays there, but it will keep them from just shelving the file.

You need to be keeping a folder w/ copies of every bit of papaer that comes acorss the internet, mail, etc that has your husband's name on it, no matter how insignificant. Emmails from him, to him from you, your friends, his relatives, etc. that mention him. Emails to him form you, friends, his relatives discussing you and him and things you have in common. You may think this communication is insignificant, but the more paper you can provide to prove "relationship" the better off you will be. If you get any junk mail w/ both names, save that. Paper the CIS to the gills with evidence.

and i had to pay $30 to read this?!? anyways, this was the most interesting part:

The amount of time you have been married at the time the immigrant visa is issued is what controls whether it it CR or IR. After two years of marriage he gets IR if you go only the IR route.

True if he comes in on the K3 before 2 years and files the I-485 then he would get only CR status.

The processing times are the same on the website, but once it gets into the NVC they try to more the K3s along faster because that is the whole point of them. Sometimes the consulates also give scheduling preference to those as well. You would have to contact them directly to ask their current processing dates.

first part tells me to smother USCIS with paperwork, while people here have mentioned that they didnt need/show that much evidence...i guess ill go the middle way...not too much, not too little...

the second part, however, now makes me wonder. what is CR and IR supposed to stand for anyways? all these acronyms are a trip to remember...i saw RFE somewhere, what is this?? is there a key on the site that addresses all these little nuances? and this woman is a trip....she wrote me this after i mentioned that USCIS's website displays both the i-130 and the i-129f processing at the same rate...

CR= conditional resident, which means you will have to lift conditions

IR=immediate relative, 10 year green card-no need to lift conditions

[adam1 1]

I would say CR-1 at CSC it take about a month to get approved than right after that start working on I-864. again that's my experience I don't know how yours will be spatially if you are at VSC district.

Good luck