K-3 Paperwork. Part I was Easy. Part II is overwhelming!

[MrZonaCat 0]

Hello all,

This is my first ever posting. I am sincerely hopeful that someone can simply explain what the sequence of events (paperwork) will be like from here on in for obtaining a K-3 Visa for my Chinese wife. Up until now, everything has flowed smoothly. Like clockwork. Suddenly, everything seems so overwhelming and totally over-my-head.

I am from Arizona (USA) and I got married in Sept. 2008 in Henan, China. In mid- June (2009) I sent the I-130 forms and in July the I-129F forms. Last month, (mid-September 2009) I received paperwork (along with receipt number, notice of action, etc...) informing me that the State Department’s Nat’l Visa Center received the approved I-129F petition and the I-130.

About two weeks ago, my wife in China mailed back the DS-169 and the DS-230 to the US Consulate in Guangzhou, China. A couple of days ago, she received a letter to go to Guangzhou the third week of November. In just three weeks!

I know that there are many fees and forms from here on in…

I took a look at the K-3 flowchart

I am guessing my wife and I are between step #14 and #15 is this correct?

I think that I made matters more complicated by resigning from a menial, low-paying job (maybe not even enough to qualify for the minimum requirements on the I-864?) the first week of September to start a stone mason business with a friend. My first week, I suffered a small hairline fracture in my wrist, so on paper, my financial prospects and income documentation looks both grim and pitiful. For now, anyway. Will this job change at such a bad time affect my paperwork flow? Isn’t there a way my Mom can sign the I-864 forms as a co-sponsor so that my current job status will not be a hindrance to getting my wife here? My Mom is willing to help. What does she need to do? Currently, I am trying to sell my patent I have for an exercise machine. Depending on the amount I get, can this be factored into this year's annual income?

Aren’t the I-134 and the I-864 basically the same thing?

How many fees remain and when do they need to be paid? To my knowledge, there is still a $70.00 and a $400.00 fee to be paid, correct?

What does my wife have to bring to the US consulate? Do I need to mail her all my utility bills, emails, Instant Message chat transcripts and pictures of us together to China prior to her meeting? Don’t these forms all have to be the originals? What does she need to know? Is this her only visit to the US Consulate in Guangzhou?

What is the approximate time frame remaining for her to come here to Arizona?

Any help to any of these questions will be greatly appreciated. I am not good at paperwork yet somehow, I did the 325a's and the I-129F and the I-130 okay. I thought I was more than halfway but I am starting to think me and my wife still have a long, long way to go.

Thanks for any help.

Mark in Arizona

[pushbrk 12,883]

Hello all,

This is my first ever posting. I am sincerely hopeful that someone can simply explain what the sequence of events (paperwork) will be like from here on in for obtaining a K-3 Visa for my Chinese wife. Up until now, everything has flowed smoothly. Like clockwork. Suddenly, everything seems so overwhelming and totally over-my-head.

I am from Arizona (USA) and I got married in Sept. 2008 in Henan, China. In mid- June (2009) I sent the I-130 forms and in July the I-129F forms. Last month, (mid-September 2009) I received paperwork (along with receipt number, notice of action, etc...) informing me that the State Department’s Nat’l Visa Center received the approved I-129F petition and the I-130.

About two weeks ago, my wife in China mailed back the DS-169 and the DS-230 to the US Consulate in Guangzhou, China. A couple of days ago, she received a letter to go to Guangzhou the third week of November. In just three weeks!

I know that there are many fees and forms from here on in…

I took a look at the K-3 flowchart

I am guessing my wife and I are between step #14 and #15 is this correct?

I think that I made matters more complicated by resigning from a menial, low-paying job (maybe not even enough to qualify for the minimum requirements on the I-864?) the first week of September to start a stone mason business with a friend. My first week, I suffered a small hairline fracture in my wrist, so on paper, my financial prospects and income documentation looks both grim and pitiful. For now, anyway. Will this job change at such a bad time affect my paperwork flow? Isn’t there a way my Mom can sign the I-864 forms as a co-sponsor so that my current job status will not be a hindrance to getting my wife here? My Mom is willing to help. What does she need to do? Currently, I am trying to sell my patent I have for an exercise machine. Depending on the amount I get, can this be factored into this year's annual income?

Aren’t the I-134 and the I-864 basically the same thing?

How many fees remain and when do they need to be paid? To my knowledge, there is still a $70.00 and a $400.00 fee to be paid, correct?

What does my wife have to bring to the US consulate? Do I need to mail her all my utility bills, emails, Instant Message chat transcripts and pictures of us together to China prior to her meeting? Don’t these forms all have to be the originals? What does she need to know? Is this her only visit to the US Consulate in Guangzhou?

What is the approximate time frame remaining for her to come here to Arizona?

Any help to any of these questions will be greatly appreciated. I am not good at paperwork yet somehow, I did the 325a's and the I-129F and the I-130 okay. I thought I was more than halfway but I am starting to think me and my wife still have a long, long way to go.

Thanks for any help.

Mark in Arizona

You are completely lost. The I-864 is not used for the K3 visa. If she has an interview scheduled and you haven't paid a $70 and $400 fee, then the interview is for a K3 visa. These are the instructions (in English) she would have received from Guangzhou.

Packet 3 at http://guangzhou.usembassy-china.org.cn/up...m169-May_09.pdf

She has already complied with packet 3 or she wouldn't have an interview.

This is the packet she would have received most recently.

http://photos.state.gov/libraries/guangzho...t-Aug_%2020.pdf

The second page is English

Here's the link to everything. Make sure you only deal with the K3 items, not the "IV instruction Packets". Those are for CR1.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

ya, you are blending the CR1 flow with the K3 visa, thats why youre lost. These are two differnt visas that process totally differently after the NOA2. When you sent the k3 petition you were basically petitioning for a k3 and a CR1, you then get to choose which path you want to take.

If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

If she already has the interview date for the K3 then you dont worry about those 70/400 fees as you guys are following the K3 path. Check out the links above and follow the instructions and hopefully it will all start making sense.

good luck

[MrZonaCat 0]

pushbrk:

"You are completely lost. The I-864 is not used for the K3 visa. If she has an interview scheduled and you haven't paid a $70 and $400 fee, then the interview is for a K3 visa. These are the instructions (in English) she would have received from Guangzhou."

Y's_habibitk:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

If she already has the interview date for the K3 then you dont worry about those 70/400 fees as you guys are following the K3 path."

THANKS SO MUCH TO BOTH OF YOU!

I had no idea how clueless I was (like a twig in a river) until I read BOTH of your posts. Hopefully, I finally get what both of you are saying.

i.e.,

A) Immigrant visa (dealing with I-130) is one way to go (an apple) and a non-immigrant visa (going the K-3 route) is entirely different way to go (an orange) I have somehow merged them into one while being oblivious that indeed there are TWO DIFFERENT ROADS.

B) The K-3 Visa road might be quicker and involve less money INITIALLY and the I-130 Immigrant Visa might take more time in the long run to get my wife here and warrants more money upfront (before she leaves China) but somehow, by not paying the $70.00 and the $400.00 and the fact that my wife has an appointment in 3 weeks in Guangzhou (US Consulate) means that my road to getting my wife with me, in a way has already been decided by default.

I came across this on a Yahoo question (someone inquired regarding the TWO PATHS) that received an answer.

K-3 PROCESS

1. I-130 petition $190

2. I-129f petition $170

3. Nonimmigrant visa fee $100 (plus reciprocity fee if applicable)

4. I-485 $395

5. I-765 work auth. (optional) $180

6. I-131 travel perm (optional) $170

Straight I-130

1. I-130 $190

2. Immigrant visa fee $335

3. Possible affidavit of support review fee $70

So when Y's_habibitk said:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

The limbo really is not a waste? It just means that I need to get an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS aka I-485 AFTER she arrives in the US? And the $395.00 fee for the I-485 does not need to be paid on before my wife's November appointment in Guangzhou?

To go the I-130 immigrant visa road, would take longer than the K-3 like maybe well into 2010? But in the end, the total cost might be slightly less?

Hopefully, I am more clear on what is going on thanks to y'all.

Lastly, as far as chats, emails, phone records go.. (she needs to bring to her interview)

I have a seemingly endless plethora of all of them. How many do they want? I mean I might have over 2,000 pages of daily Instant Message transcripts archived and daily phone call logs from a year and half ago. Do they just want a representative sample? Like 5-10 pages of IM chats per month? A few weekly emails? During my month in China, we probably took over 400 pictures as well as a 80 minute wedding video with her friends and family.

Is there such a thing as OVER-DOING IT?

Because of my current ephemeral, idle, job status, does this mean my Mom (who is willing to help given the untimely circumstances and because she is able) can also send papers for financial responsibility for I-134 or is there an added form for her that might not be listed above?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Cheers.

Mark in Arizona

[pushbrk 12,883]

pushbrk:

"You are completely lost. The I-864 is not used for the K3 visa. If she has an interview scheduled and you haven't paid a $70 and $400 fee, then the interview is for a K3 visa. These are the instructions (in English) she would have received from Guangzhou."

Y's_habibitk:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

If she already has the interview date for the K3 then you dont worry about those 70/400 fees as you guys are following the K3 path."

THANKS SO MUCH TO BOTH OF YOU!

I had no idea how clueless I was (like a twig in a river) until I read BOTH of your posts. Hopefully, I finally get what both of you are saying.

i.e.,

A) Immigrant visa (dealing with I-130) is one way to go (an apple) and a non-immigrant visa (going the K-3 route) is entirely different way to go (an orange) I have somehow merged them into one while being oblivious that indeed there are TWO DIFFERENT ROADS.

B) The K-3 Visa road might be quicker and involve less money INITIALLY and the I-130 Immigrant Visa might take more time in the long run to get my wife here and warrants more money upfront (before she leaves China) but somehow, by not paying the $70.00 and the $400.00 and the fact that my wife has an appointment in 3 weeks in Guangzhou (US Consulate) means that my road to getting my wife with me, in a way has already been decided by default.

I came across this on a Yahoo question (someone inquired regarding the TWO PATHS) that received an answer.

K-3 PROCESS

1. I-130 petition $190

2. I-129f petition $170

3. Nonimmigrant visa fee $100 (plus reciprocity fee if applicable)

4. I-485 $395

5. I-765 work auth. (optional) $180

6. I-131 travel perm (optional) $170

Straight I-130

1. I-130 $190

2. Immigrant visa fee $335

3. Possible affidavit of support review fee $70

So when Y's_habibitk said:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

The limbo really is not a waste? It just means that I need to get an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS aka I-485 AFTER she arrives in the US? And the $395.00 fee for the I-485 does not need to be paid on before my wife's November appointment in Guangzhou?

To go the I-130 immigrant visa road, would take longer than the K-3 like maybe well into 2010? But in the end, the total cost might be slightly less?

Hopefully, I am more clear on what is going on thanks to y'all.

Lastly, as far as chats, emails, phone records go.. (she needs to bring to her interview)

I have a seemingly endless plethora of all of them. How many do they want? I mean I might have over 2,000 pages of daily Instant Message transcripts archived and daily phone call logs from a year and half ago. Do they just want a representative sample? Like 5-10 pages of IM chats per month? A few weekly emails? During my month in China, we probably took over 400 pictures as well as a 80 minute wedding video with her friends and family.

Is there such a thing as OVER-DOING IT?

Because of my current ephemeral, idle, job status, does this mean my Mom (who is willing to help given the untimely circumstances and because she is able) can also send papers for financial responsibility for I-134 or is there an added form for her that might not be listed above?

Thanks again for all of your help.

Cheers.

Mark in Arizona

Sort of, except all the USCIS related fees more than doubled way back in July of 2007 and the $100 K3 visa application fee is now $131.

[Y's_habibitk 2]

B) The K-3 Visa road might be quicker and involve less money INITIALLY and the I-130 Immigrant Visa might take more time in the long run to get my wife here and warrants more money upfront (before she leaves China) but somehow, by not paying the $70.00 and the $400.00 and the fact that my wife has an appointment in 3 weeks in Guangzhou (US Consulate) means that my road to getting my wife with me, in a way has already been decided by default.

Ya Mark, you guys are currently following the K3 only and she can go ahead and interview for it but you can still go forward with the NVC/CR1 process and after you have gone through NVC she can interview again for the CR1. This will add a more seperation time at this point, but you can still choose the CR1.

I came across this on a Yahoo question (someone inquired regarding the TWO PATHS) that received an answer.

K-3 PROCESS

1. I-130 petition $190

2. I-129f petition $170

3. Nonimmigrant visa fee $100 (plus reciprocity fee if applicable)

4. I-485 $395

5. I-765 work auth. (optional) $180

6. I-131 travel perm (optional) $170

You can say its 131.00 for the visa fee at the consulate and 1010.00 for the whole adjustment of status(work auth included)

Straight I-130

1. I-130 $190

2. Immigrant visa fee $335

3. Possible affidavit of support review fee $70

The fees are all paid to NVC and the affidavit of support fee is a def not possible

So when Y's_habibitk said:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

The limbo really is not a waste? It just means that I need to get an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS aka I-485 AFTER she arrives in the US? And the $395.00 fee for the I-485 does not need to be paid on before my wife's November appointment in Guangzhou?

To go the I-130 immigrant visa road, would take longer than the K-3 like maybe well into 2010? But in the end, the total cost might be slightly less?

Ya, its not wasted at all, just sitting there awaiting action...weather it be for the CR1 process and interview or for subsequent adjustment of status when your wife gets here(if you do the k3)

Yes, the CR1 is cheaper in the end.

Hopefully, I am more clear on what is going on thanks to y'all.

I think you've got it now!

Lastly, as far as chats, emails, phone records go.. (she needs to bring to her interview)

I have a seemingly endless plethora of all of them. How many do they want? I mean I might have over 2,000 pages of daily Instant Message transcripts archived and daily phone call logs from a year and half ago. Do they just want a representative sample? Like 5-10 pages of IM chats per month? A few weekly emails? During my month in China, we probably took over 400 pictures as well as a 80 minute wedding video with her friends and family.

Is there such a thing as OVER-DOING IT?

I totally over did it when my husband interviewed but they didnt look at one piece of evidence 'cept pics...of course, because i OCD'd out on everything. If I hadnt, they would have wanted everything but a blood sample

You might ask about this in the regional forum where people have vast experience about what your paticular consulate likes to see.

Because of my current ephemeral, idle, job status, does this mean my Mom (who is willing to help given the untimely circumstances and because she is able) can also send papers for financial responsibility for I-134 or is there an added form for her that might not be listed above?

I would also ask this in the regional forum, some consuls are sticklers and others arent

I hope that helps

[pushbrk 12,883]

B) The K-3 Visa road might be quicker and involve less money INITIALLY and the I-130 Immigrant Visa might take more time in the long run to get my wife here and warrants more money upfront (before she leaves China) but somehow, by not paying the $70.00 and the $400.00 and the fact that my wife has an appointment in 3 weeks in Guangzhou (US Consulate) means that my road to getting my wife with me, in a way has already been decided by default.

Ya Mark, you guys are currently following the K3 only and she can go ahead and interview for it but you can still go forward with the NVC/CR1 process and after you have gone through NVC she can interview again for the CR1. This will add a more seperation time at this point, but you can still choose the CR1.

I came across this on a Yahoo question (someone inquired regarding the TWO PATHS) that received an answer.

K-3 PROCESS

1. I-130 petition $190

2. I-129f petition $170

3. Nonimmigrant visa fee $100 (plus reciprocity fee if applicable)

4. I-485 $395

5. I-765 work auth. (optional) $180

6. I-131 travel perm (optional) $170

You can say its 131.00 for the visa fee at the consulate and 1010.00 for the whole adjustment of status(work auth included)

Straight I-130

1. I-130 $190

2. Immigrant visa fee $335

3. Possible affidavit of support review fee $70

The fees are all paid to NVC and the affidavit of support fee is a def not possible

So when Y's_habibitk said:

"If you didnt send in the 70 for the AOS(864) to NVC, then your wife's CR1(130 petition) is just sitting at NVC in limbo.

The limbo really is not a waste? It just means that I need to get an ADJUSTMENT OF STATUS aka I-485 AFTER she arrives in the US? And the $395.00 fee for the I-485 does not need to be paid on before my wife's November appointment in Guangzhou?

To go the I-130 immigrant visa road, would take longer than the K-3 like maybe well into 2010? But in the end, the total cost might be slightly less?

Ya, its not wasted at all, just sitting there awaiting action...weather it be for the CR1 process and interview or for subsequent adjustment of status when your wife gets here(if you do the k3)

Yes, the CR1 is cheaper in the end.

Hopefully, I am more clear on what is going on thanks to y'all.

I think you've got it now!

Lastly, as far as chats, emails, phone records go.. (she needs to bring to her interview)

I have a seemingly endless plethora of all of them. How many do they want? I mean I might have over 2,000 pages of daily Instant Message transcripts archived and daily phone call logs from a year and half ago. Do they just want a representative sample? Like 5-10 pages of IM chats per month? A few weekly emails? During my month in China, we probably took over 400 pictures as well as a 80 minute wedding video with her friends and family.

Is there such a thing as OVER-DOING IT?

I totally over did it when my husband interviewed but they didnt look at one piece of evidence 'cept pics...of course, because i OCD'd out on everything. If I hadnt, they would have wanted everything but a blood sample

You might ask about this in the regional forum where people have vast experience about what your paticular consulate likes to see.

Because of my current ephemeral, idle, job status, does this mean my Mom (who is willing to help given the untimely circumstances and because she is able) can also send papers for financial responsibility for I-134 or is there an added form for her that might not be listed above?

I would also ask this in the regional forum, some consuls are sticklers and others arent

I hope that helps

Guangzhou accepts cosponsors for K visa cases.