Change of Plan?

[Amy Swaby 0]

I have already filed my I-30 and got my NOA1 and I had planned on going the K3 route but after looking around here it seems that may not be the best of ideas? My main goal is for this process to go as fast as possible, it seems the K3 is no longer the faster way?

My spouse and I are pretty okay with the separation because if i really wanted, my visitors visa allows me up to 6 months per year state-side. Also having paid the 355 for the I-30 what other fees am I looking at incurring so I can be prepared in advance? I know so far that since we haven't been married for 2 years yet that when i do get my green card that 90 days before it expires i have to file to have it changed.

We've been pretty strapped lately as well my field is animation which isn't really an option in the Bahamas and I currently work sporadically as a freelance artist. He makes pretty decent wages but his car just got totalled and the other need repairing to run, add on we are trying to buy the house we live in... so it would be good to know what kind of money we need to have set aside.

[sachinky 465]

You filed a I130? Did you also file a I129F? If you filed only the former, then you will be processed for a CR1. A K3 requires for a I-129F to have been filed along with the I-130 petition. So if you want a CR1, then you're already good to go. At least, I think this is correct. Wait for someone else to confirm it.

K3 might save you 3-4 weeks in the short run but is far more costly and frankly, not worth the trouble.

At the NVC stage you will need $470. $70 for the I-864 and $400for the IV bill.

Plus vaccination and medical. Postage et al.

Also, a word of caution, once a I-130 has been filed, you have declared your immigrant intent. Therefore, don't expect to get through POE easily, even with a prior tourist visa. Take compelling evidence that shows you're going to return at the end of your tourist visa.

And please fill in your timeline!

Edited November 17, 2009 by sachinky

[bila-n-javi 1]

I have already filed my I-30 and got my NOA1 and I had planned on going the K3 route but after looking around here it seems that may not be the best of ideas? My main goal is for this process to go as fast as possible, it seems the K3 is no longer the faster way?

Yes, the general consensus is that there is not a big difference in processing times to consider filing for the k3 "advantageous"...In fact a great number of k3's are getting approved at the same time as their i-130 petitions for VJ'rs.

We've been pretty strapped lately as well my field is animation which isn't really an option in the Bahamas and I currently work sporadically as a freelance artist. He makes pretty decent wages but his car just got totalled and the other need repairing to run, add on we are trying to buy the house we live in... so it would be good to know what kind of money we need to have set aside.

ok if you are only going the i-130 route then you need:

-$70 for affidavit of support review

-$ 355 for the immigrant visa application

-Medical ?? (in my country its about 100 dollars depending on the vaccinations that my husband is missing)

-miscellaneous?? such as get certified copies, translations and things like that.

over all I was looking at spending at least $1500 dollars in our journey from beginning to end taking into account my traveling for my SO's visa interview

[SuperDuper! 230]

It always takes more money than you think to get thru the immigration process, and then having your SO at home with you, and going fun places and enjoying yourselves. Rule of thumb: However much money you think you can get by on, DOUBLE IT. Then you will be ready to do it right. Good luck.

[Amy Swaby 0]

-$70 for affidavit of support review

-$ 355 for the immigrant visa application

-Medical ?? (in my country its about 100 dollars depending on the vaccinations that my husband is missing)

-miscellaneous?? such as get certified copies, translations and things like that.

over all I was looking at spending at least $1500 dollars in our journey from beginning to end taking into account my traveling for my SO's visa interview

Hmm hopefully my health insurance will cover having the medical done... the vaccinations will probably hit hardest. I don't get them period so I literally can not within memory think of a time when I've been vaccinated.

Luckily I shouldn't be needing anything translated. We only speak English in The Bahamas. since I already sent in the I-30 the most expensive part seems like it will be the medical and travel. Which is another question when you get to the part of the interview who needs to go where on what end of things? I'm used to travelling but eh.. my husband literally looks at filing paperwork on his own and almost bursts into tears. I had to fly up to Savannah to show him how to do the I-30 because even with blatant instructions he couldn't do it on his own. Heaven forbid he has to apply for a passport while I'm not here.

[BunzTheMagicSnail 2]

I would recommend the CR1

The most expensive part is actually paying for the immigrant visa. that fee is $400

but overall, it still works out cheaper than the K3

[pushbrk 12,883]

-$70 for affidavit of support review

-$ 355 for the immigrant visa application

-Medical ?? (in my country its about 100 dollars depending on the vaccinations that my husband is missing)

-miscellaneous?? such as get certified copies, translations and things like that.

over all I was looking at spending at least $1500 dollars in our journey from beginning to end taking into account my traveling for my SO's visa interview

Hmm hopefully my health insurance will cover having the medical done... the vaccinations will probably hit hardest. I don't get them period so I literally can not within memory think of a time when I've been vaccinated.

Luckily I shouldn't be needing anything translated. We only speak English in The Bahamas. since I already sent in the I-30 the most expensive part seems like it will be the medical and travel. Which is another question when you get to the part of the interview who needs to go where on what end of things? I'm used to travelling but eh.. my husband literally looks at filing paperwork on his own and almost bursts into tears. I had to fly up to Savannah to show him how to do the I-30 because even with blatant instructions he couldn't do it on his own. Heaven forbid he has to apply for a passport while I'm not here.

Health insurance won't cover the medical. You pay the hospital or clinic directly. The $355 fee shown above is not correct. It's actually $400.