Things you wish you would have known....

[Nlove 0]

I still consider myself a newbie even though I recieved my third blue box I know myself, along with other people i met, feel as though they are going to miss something during this journey. To eliminate any delays, my questions to everyone issssssssss, what are some things you wish you would have known before you started your visa journey aka petition process? This can be anything, such as needing orginal documents from your SO, or filing the Cr-1 instead of the k-3. Just let it rip!!!!!!

[NickD 202]

I still consider myself a newbie even though I recieved my third blue box I know myself, along with other people i met, feel as though they are going to miss something during this journey. To eliminate any delays, my questions to everyone issssssssss, what are some things you wish you would have known before you started your visa journey aka petition process? This can be anything, such as needing orginal documents from your SO, or filing the Cr-1 instead of the k-3. Just let it rip!!!!!!

My intended is the one for me so did an extensive web search and asked around for the best immigration attorney I could find. Back then, reading all this immigration stuff blew my mind, plus had my work, and wanted to spend my time with my loved one. He gave us the quickest means to bring her here and told us everything my wife had to do. Plus his fee was lower than if I had blown a form letting the USCIS keep my fee money and rejecting our application. We still had a lot of work to do in gathering all this information, but was under excellent guidance. I was extremely happy to pay his fee, still am. Over six years have passed since I asked my intended to marry me, he also helped us with the I-751 and the N-400, at no charge. Hard to meet a guy like that, but they are around. Very dedicated and has written books on immigration and many articles.

Only real complaint we had was that I-751 stress period, that we could do nothing about, but our senator sure helped, citizenship went very quickly, but my wife managed to get a dingbat IO, our senator also straightened her out. My attorney suggested I contact my senator, wouldn't have thought about that myself.

Still a stressful process when your family is involved and never liked the idea that I was guilty of fraud automatically, until we proved ourselves, innocent. Also incredible that your soulmate is not necessarily, the girl next door.

[Mononoke28 135]

Our visa process was pretty smooth and painless but it was mainly due to the fact that I started doing research about it about a year before we filed. But here are some of the things many people miss because they're focused on the end result and not so much about the process itself:

1. The most important thing is to understand the difference between all three visas, K1, K3 and CR1. Many people find out that a CR1 is the best way to go but never even considered it.

2. Get all four pages of the G-325A signed by the beneficiary so you can have them ready when you send the petition.

3. Start gathering all kinds of evidence, from plane tickets stubs, to receipts, chats, e-mails, letters, pictures, etc.

4. Start doing research about what to do after the petition is approved and how it gets to the embassy.

5. If filing for a CR1/IR1 visa, do extensive research on the NVC process. Find out about the NVC shortcuts, get the DS-3032 filled and signed by the beneficiary, as well as the DS-230. This will save a ton of time.

6. Get translations of birth and marriage certificates as well as divorce decrees. In most countries they're a lot cheaper than the US and you will eventually need them to file for AOS or any other situation that may arise.

7. Get all the 411 about the medical, lab and vaccines that will be needed before the interview.

8. Educate yourself about AOS, yes, even if you still haven't filed for a K1/K3. It may open your eyes and show you the light towards a CR1 visa.

9. Read, read and read as much as you can. VJ is a great place to get all the info you may need or get answers to your questions but don't sit and wait for people to offer you help. You need to get it yourself.

Diana

Edited May 28, 2009 by Mononoke28

[mrsemcee 1]

Our visa process was pretty smooth and painless but it was mainly due to the fact that I started doing research about it about a year before we filed. But here are some of the things many people miss because they're focused on the end result and not so much about the process itself:

1. The most important thing is to understand the difference between all three visas, K1, K3 and CR1. Many people find out that a CR1 is the best way to go but never even considered it.

2. Get all four pages of the G-325A signed by the beneficiary so you can have them ready when you send the petition.

3. Start gathering all kinds of evidence, from plane tickets stubs, to receipts, chats, e-mails, letters, pictures, etc.

4. Start doing research about what to do after the petition is approved and how it gets to the embassy.

5. If filing for a CR1/IR1 visa, do extensive research on the NVC process. Find out about the NVC shortcuts, get the DS-3032 filled and signed by the beneficiary, as well as the DS-230. This will save a ton of time.

6. Get translations of birth and marriage certificates as well as divorce decrees. In most countries they're a lot cheaper than the US and you will eventually need them to file for AOS or any other situation that may arise.

7. Get all the 411 about the medical, lab and vaccines that will be needed before the interview.

8. Educate yourself about AOS, yes, even if you still haven't filed for a K1/K3. It may open your eyes and show you the light towards a CR1 visa.

9. Read, read and read as much as you can. VJ is a great place to get all the info you may need or get answers to your questions but don't sit and wait for people to offer you help. You need to get it yourself.

Diana

hi Diana,

great advice.

just one thing, i dont find it very clear ANYwhere on what the difference is between a K3 and CR1 process....

i am just about to lodge an I-130 form with my husband (he is the US citizen) and i will be in Australia and he will be in the US when we do this process.

what is the difference between the K3 and CR1 and can i do either to make the process a bit quicker.

i have read up a lot on this topic, and i really still cant see the difference as it seems they merge into one another....

help would be appreciated!

donna

xox

[Enlighten one :) 5]

I wish I knew about Visajourney, before we hired a lawyer.

My lawyer delayed my process rather then expidite the process.

[NickD 202]

I wish I knew about Visajourney, before we hired a lawyer.

My lawyer delayed my process rather then expidite the process.

Finding a good immigration or any other kind of an attorney can be a long painful process. I had one break in that my wife worked for an American based company where immigration between countries is common. By talking to the attorney in charge of that company, got some recommendations, but still did a thorough check on him. One blessing we have today besides finding your mate is the internet. Most attorneys can only operate in the state they are licensed in, but you don't have this limit with immigration attorneys. U.S. patent attorneys also do not have this state limitation so it really opens up the field for a search.

Nevertheless, have to insist on a contract with a flat fee with all expenses defined and the liabilities as well. Most good ones already have these contracts filled out with fields in them to specify your name and address.. But sometimes you feel you need a second attorney to decipher them. Wasn't true with my attorney, all clear cut and dry. Also there is a bar association for immigrant attorneys so you can learn how many if any complaints filed against them.

[TBoneTX 45,288]

What would I have done differently, knowing then what I know now?

1. Provide more "relationship history" on the I-129F, via attached statement.

2. Front-load the holy bejezus out of the petition with "evidence of relationship."

3. Attend the FIRST INTERVIEW with my fiancee.

4. Earn a million dollars selling bumper-stickers: "I, too, got hosed at the Guayaquil consulate."

[Mononoke28 135]

hi Diana,

great advice.

just one thing, i dont find it very clear ANYwhere on what the difference is between a K3 and CR1 process....

i am just about to lodge an I-130 form with my husband (he is the US citizen) and i will be in Australia and he will be in the US when we do this process.

what is the difference between the K3 and CR1 and can i do either to make the process a bit quicker.

i have read up a lot on this topic, and i really still cant see the difference as it seems they merge into one another....

help would be appreciated!

donna

xox

Donna,

Years ago CR1 visas would take years to be approved so they came up with the K3 visa to make things faster. This allows the beneficiary to get his/her visa and then adjust status here in the US. Today, CR1 visas are processed almost just as fast as K3 visas, give or take a month or two for most embassies, so it doesn't make sense to even file for it, especially if taking the NVC shortcuts found here on VJ. With a CR1 visa the beneficiary will get their green card and social security card within a few weeks of entering the US, this allows them to get their driver's license right away and legally work as well. A K3 visa holder has to file for Adjustment of Status, pay an additional $1,010, wait about 3-6 moths for their work permit and additional time for their green card. Not worth the hassle.

Diana

[bquillera30 0]

good info diana one question will it affect his pettion if i ask for medicade and wic for our baby thats on its way and how longits taking for us here in texas for the process

[Catt 6]

Years ago CR1 visas would take years to be approved so they came up with the K3 visa to make things faster. This allows the beneficiary to get his/her visa and then adjust status here in the US. Today, CR1 visas are processed almost just as fast as K3 visas, give or take a month or two for most embassies, so it doesn't make sense to even file for it, especially if taking the NVC shortcuts found here on VJ. With a CR1 visa the beneficiary will get their green card and social security card within a few weeks of entering the US, this allows them to get their driver's license right away and legally work as well. A K3 visa holder has to file for Adjustment of Status, pay an additional $1,010, wait about 3-6 moths for their work permit and additional time for their green card. Not worth the hassle.

Diana

Absolutely, and on top of that, the K3 visa holder /adjustment of status applicant has to undergo yet another interview here in the US, with a possibility of getting a denial. We went for K3, and - looking back - it was not the best choice.

Edited June 1, 2009 by Catt

[Mintchip 0]

Years ago CR1 visas would take years to be approved so they came up with the K3 visa to make things faster. This allows the beneficiary to get his/her visa and then adjust status here in the US. Today, CR1 visas are processed almost just as fast as K3 visas, give or take a month or two for most embassies, so it doesn't make sense to even file for it, especially if taking the NVC shortcuts found here on VJ. With a CR1 visa the beneficiary will get their green card and social security card within a few weeks of entering the US, this allows them to get their driver's license right away and legally work as well. A K3 visa holder has to file for Adjustment of Status, pay an additional $1,010, wait about 3-6 moths for their work permit and additional time for their green card. Not worth the hassle.

Diana

Absolutely, and on top of that, the K3 visa holder /adjustment of status applicant has to undergo yet another interview here in the US, with a possibility of getting a denial. We went for K3, and - looking back - it was not the best choice.

I'm also confused. Just mailed in our I-130 about 6 weeks ago and received the NOA1. How exactly do you apply for the CR1 rather than the K3? I didn't see that option anywhere and was confused like Donna. Is it too late to file for the CR1?

In our case, we've been married nearly 3 years and I have already lived in the UK with my husband. Unfortunately circumstances decided I'd move back to the US ahead of him, and I wish we had not done it that way. I think it would have been easier to do a DCF while I was still there.

[rin and john 71]

Years ago CR1 visas would take years to be approved so they came up with the K3 visa to make things faster. This allows the beneficiary to get his/her visa and then adjust status here in the US. Today, CR1 visas are processed almost just as fast as K3 visas, give or take a month or two for most embassies, so it doesn't make sense to even file for it, especially if taking the NVC shortcuts found here on VJ. With a CR1 visa the beneficiary will get their green card and social security card within a few weeks of entering the US, this allows them to get their driver's license right away and legally work as well. A K3 visa holder has to file for Adjustment of Status, pay an additional $1,010, wait about 3-6 moths for their work permit and additional time for their green card. Not worth the hassle.

Diana

Absolutely, and on top of that, the K3 visa holder /adjustment of status applicant has to undergo yet another interview here in the US, with a possibility of getting a denial. We went for K3, and - looking back - it was not the best choice.

I'm also confused. Just mailed in our I-130 about 6 weeks ago and received the NOA1. How exactly do you apply for the CR1 rather than the K3? I didn't see that option anywhere and was confused like Donna. Is it too late to file for the CR1?

In our case, we've been married nearly 3 years and I have already lived in the UK with my husband. Unfortunately circumstances decided I'd move back to the US ahead of him, and I wish we had not done it that way. I think it would have been easier to do a DCF while I was still there.

Mintchip - You have filed the I-130, therefore you have filed for an IR-1 (since you have been married more than 2 yrs it will be the IR-1, not the CR-1). The IR-1 will result in a 10yr GC instead of a 2yr GC (which would be issued if the GC were issued prior to your 2nd wedding anniversary). So long as you do not file a 129F, you will remain on the IR-1 path (the 129F is a petition for a fiance(e) visa, but is also used to obtain a non-immigrant K-3 visa for a spouse).

John

[R de la R 2]

I still consider myself a newbie even though I recieved my third blue box I know myself, along with other people i met, feel as though they are going to miss something during this journey. To eliminate any delays, my questions to everyone issssssssss, what are some things you wish you would have known before you started your visa journey aka petition process? This can be anything, such as needing orginal documents from your SO, or filing the Cr-1 instead of the k-3. Just let it rip!!!!!!

I didn't know about the CR-1 before filing for a K1. When we got approved i found out about the CR-1, I called to the Embassy and did an inquiry about marrying and converting the K1 into a CR-1, and they say no. You have to start all over again. We didn't want to go thru all the process again. Was too late for that.

I still consider myself a newbie even though I recieved my third blue box I know myself, along with other people i met, feel as though they are going to miss something during this journey. To eliminate any delays, my questions to everyone issssssssss, what are some things you wish you would have known before you started your visa journey aka petition process? This can be anything, such as needing orginal documents from your SO, or filing the Cr-1 instead of the k-3. Just let it rip!!!!!!

I didn't know about the CR-1 before filing for a K1. When we got approved i found out about the CR-1, I called to the Embassy and did an inquiry about marrying and converting the K1 into a CR-1, and they say no. You have to start all over again. We didn't want to go thru all the process again. Was too late for that.

If we would have the chance to walk back thru the time, then CR-1 with our eyes close. It is the best option.

[Mononoke28 135]

good info diana one question will it affect his pettion if i ask for medicade and wic for our baby thats on its way and how longits taking for us here in texas for the process

No, it won't affect his petition at all. All the US Embassy will care about is whether you or your co-sponsor make enough money a year to support your fiancé. This can be proved with tax return/W-2 info, current pay stubs and employment letter.

Diana

[Mononoke28 135]

I'm also confused. Just mailed in our I-130 about 6 weeks ago and received the NOA1. How exactly do you apply for the CR1 rather than the K3? I didn't see that option anywhere and was confused like Donna. Is it too late to file for the CR1?

In our case, we've been married nearly 3 years and I have already lived in the UK with my husband. Unfortunately circumstances decided I'd move back to the US ahead of him, and I wish we had not done it that way. I think it would have been easier to do a DCF while I was still there.

Mintchip,

As John said in his earlier post, there is nothing else you need to do to get an IR-1 visa because you only need to file form I-130 and that's it. If you had wanted a K3 you would then have to file form I-129F, but it wouldn't make sense especially since you will be getting a 10-year green card instead of the Conditional 2 year one.

Just let the I-130 ride it all by itself and you'll be more than ok.

Diana