Which type of visa

[Vanessa1 7]

I know this is technically a K3 question, but I'd like to get the opinion of those dealing with similar (or the same consulate). I just came to a full understanding of what the K3 visa is and I would like to file. I was asking some questions in the K3 forum about forms (ended up calling USCIS to get answers from them...they are much more communicative now that I've actually filed!). Someone posted that I should not file for K3, that it is more costly and would delay the application.

I don't care so much about the money...I want my husband home. But I don't know what they meant by delaying the application. I thought the entire point of the K3 was to bring them here while we wait for the CR1, so how does it delay?

[Sofiyya 1,687]

I know this is technically a K3 question, but I'd like to get the opinion of those dealing with similar (or the same consulate). I just came to a full understanding of what the K3 visa is and I would like to file. I was asking some questions in the K3 forum about forms (ended up calling USCIS to get answers from them...they are much more communicative now that I've actually filed!). Someone posted that I should not file for K3, that it is more costly and would delay the application.

I don't care so much about the money...I want my husband home. But I don't know what they meant by delaying the application. I thought the entire point of the K3 was to bring them here while we wait for the CR1, so how does it delay?

You apply for either a K3 or a CR1. The CR1 may take a little longer because most of the work is done up front and he arrives with access to a two or 10 year PR card. A K3 is the married version of the K1. You get him here, then adjust status to make him a PR.

PR = permanent resident

[And_Sam 44]

I know this is technically a K3 question, but I'd like to get the opinion of those dealing with similar (or the same consulate). I just came to a full understanding of what the K3 visa is and I would like to file. I was asking some questions in the K3 forum about forms (ended up calling USCIS to get answers from them...they are much more communicative now that I've actually filed!). Someone posted that I should not file for K3, that it is more costly and would delay the application.

I don't care so much about the money...I want my husband home. But I don't know what they meant by delaying the application. I thought the entire point of the K3 was to bring them here while we wait for the CR1, so how does it delay?

either a K3 or a CR1. The CR1 may take a little longer because most of the work is done up front and he arrives with access to a two or 10 year PR card. A K3 is the married version of the K1. You get him here, then adjust status to make him a PR.

PR = permanent resident

We apply for a CR1 and K3. The approvals came around the same time from USCIS. The application for the K3 went on to the embassy about a week before the CR1 was assigned a case number at the NVC. We just now got a failed log in on the website for NVC and still haven't heard a word about the K3 visa. That shows you that apparently it is just as fast going the CR1 route. Plus with the CR1 he will get a green card once he comes here and will beable to work. You will end up paying alot more for the K3 once your SO gets to the US.

Edited December 11, 2009 by And_Sam

[Vanessa1 7]

Thank you everyone. I do understand the differences between the CR1 and K3. I spent about a half hour on the phone with USCIS today too and got all my questions answered. Once you file for the CR1 you can simultaneously file for the K3. It may or may not go faster but there is no fee. I don't care the financial costs in the long run and I realize he will get the green card with the CR1 but for me it's the time factor. What I want to know is what that other person may have meant when they said that filing the K3 slows everything down when the point is that it is supposed to allow your SO to be here while the green card (and everything along with it..AOS, etc.) is processed. That's what I'm wondering.

[Anh map 2,098]

If he enters the US on a K3, then he will have to file to adjust status in order to receive a green card.

The CR1 petition dies if he uses the K3.

[christeen 966]

One of the reasons that the K3 has virtually become obsolete is that in many cases it does NOT get approved faster... The delay they speak of is that current processing works like this... When you file the I-130 it gets held up to wait for the I-129 approval and both approvals come at the same time... So you are not really saving any time since you might have made up the 1-3 week processing time by only submitting ONE application, the I-130... For that along with the AOS, GC and other factors, that is the reason the K3 is not necessarily an effective visa to save time...

[Vanessa1 7]

One of the reasons that the K3 has virtually become obsolete is that in many cases it does NOT get approved faster... The delay they speak of is that current processing works like this... When you file the I-130 it gets held up to wait for the I-129 approval and both approvals come at the same time... So you are not really saving any time since you might have made up the 1-3 week processing time by only submitting ONE application, the I-130... For that along with the AOS, GC and other factors, that is the reason the K3 is not necessarily an effective visa to save time...

Hmmmm...when I spoke with USCIS today they indicated it could save a couple of months' time. I do understand the adjustment of status, etc. but we are going to have to do that anyway prior to our 2nd anniversary. They also said that the whole point of the K3 was so your spouse can be with you while the other visa is processed. It matters not to me so much what type of visa he gets, so long as he can get here. I guess I'm trying to decide if there's harm done in filing both and seeing which one comes through first. I see on Igor's list that so many of the K3's are put through faster than the CR1's. Has anyone tried this? What is your experience and why is everyone here so against the K3?

[Dakine 26]

If he enters the US on a K3, then he will have to file to adjust status in order to receive a green card.

The CR1 petition dies if he uses the K3.

CR-1/IR-1 only "dies" if you adjust status on the K3. You can come to the US on a K3 and hang out until the CR-1 and go back and get the CR-1/IR-1.

Just a few reasons why to go with the CR-1. If you are eligible for a IR-1 then you would be nuts going with a K3!

The K3 has to adjust status which cost $1010 + $131 visas application fee.

Have to go thru the cost and hassles of getting a I-693 also.

K3 normally has to do biometrics and have a AOS interview. Time off from work cost the petitioner. PLUS the hassles of submitting the paperwork and going for the interview. Tain’t fun.. Especially if denied or questioned. Ever done a Stokes interview?

That’s the second interview if they are in doubt of your relationship.

Also a possibility of being deported. Yeah doesn’t happen much but it happens.

K3 has to wait about 90 days after they file to get EAD or GC so they can get SSN and be able to work.

CR-1 can work as soon as they get the GC and SS card in the mail. Normally with 6 weeks.

Can’t do a LOT of things without SSN. Like work or get a drivers license in some states.

Some K visas don’t get GC for a LONG time.

If petitioner goes belly up before you get GC you stand a chance of being deported.

If the petitioner loses his/her job after the interview you don’t have to worry about getting a co sponsor to adjust status!

CR-1 cost about $470

Get their GC and SS card in the mail within 6 weeks of arrival.

No biometrics , dealing with civil surgeons, AOS interviews, going to SSA for SS card.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.

Bottomline is anyone that goes with the K3 the way things are now are masochist!

Yeah I did but at that time K3s were a LOT faster. That’s not the case anymore.

[Vanessa1 7]

If he enters the US on a K3, then he will have to file to adjust status in order to receive a green card.

The CR1 petition dies if he uses the K3.

CR-1/IR-1 only "dies" if you adjust status on the K3. You can come to the US on a K3 and hang out until the CR-1 and go back and get the CR-1/IR-1.

Just a few reasons why to go with the CR-1. If you are eligible for a IR-1 then you would be nuts going with a K3!

The K3 has to adjust status which cost $1010 + $131 visas application fee.

Have to go thru the cost and hassles of getting a I-693 also.

K3 normally has to do biometrics and have a AOS interview. Time off from work cost the petitioner. PLUS the hassles of submitting the paperwork and going for the interview. Tain’t fun.. Especially if denied or questioned. Ever done a Stokes interview?

That’s the second interview if they are in doubt of your relationship. Also a possibility of being deported. Yeah doesn’t happen much but it happens.

K3 has to wait about 90 days after they file to get EAD or GC so they can get SSN and be able to work.

CR-1 can work as soon as they get the GC and SS card in the mail. Normally with 6 weeks.

Can’t do a LOT of things without SSN. Like work or get a drivers license in some states.

Some K visas don’t get GC for a LONG time.

If petitioner goes belly up before you get GC you stand a chance of being deported.

If the petitioner loses his/her job after the interview you don’t have to worry about getting a co sponsor to adjust status!

CR-1 cost about $470

Get their GC and SS card in the mail within 6 weeks of arrival.

No biometrics , dealing with civil surgeons, AOS interviews, going to SSA for SS card.

I’m sure I’ve missed a few things.

Bottomline is anyone that goes with the K3 the way things are now are masochist!

Yeah I did but at that time K3s were a LOT faster. That’s not the case anymore.

Interesting...ok, another question then. I was under the impression that when you come in with a CR1 that you still have to pay the $1010 + $131 adjustment fees when it goes from a CR1 to an IR1 and that there is an interview. So, wouldn't all of those related issues (highlighted above) still come into play?

[christeen 966]

You can go with whatever you choose, but the bottom line is there is (I would venture to guess based on recent timelines) an 80% chance that your I-130 will be held for approval waiting for the I-129 to catch up... They will probably both clear USCIS at the same time... The possibility of the K3 holding up the I-130 is also due in part to the fact that many I-129s get put into some sort of AP...

Once they both clear USCIS, the K-3 will make a breif appearance at NVC before being forwarded to the Embassy for appointment scheduling wheras the I-130 will be processed at NVC THEN sent to the embassy after the appointment is scheduled... This is where the K3 can save you 2-5 weeks...

Most people are not fans of the K3 because it was invented at a time when CR/IR visas took YEARS to process and most of us have seen how much of a hassle and massive waste of $$$ and bull$hit the K3 is and how superior the IR1 is in so many factors as highlighted above by Dakine...

But ultimatly it is your choice and it is pretty obvious that regardless of what anybody says here, you are set on the K3... Not that it is a bad visa but I wish you luck in getting her here quickly... I just dont understand why someone would exchange 2-4 weeks for months of USCIS ####### doing AOS and paying a boatload of $$$$ to take it!!!

BTW... call back USCIS and see if you dont get 10 different stories... if you believe everything the hourly telephone operators say over the experience of many VJ people who have seen a vast array of situations, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya!!!

Best of luck on your Journey

[Vanessa1 7]

You can go with whatever you choose, but the bottom line is there is (I would venture to guess based on recent timelines) an 80% chance that your I-130 will be held for approval waiting for the I-129 to catch up... They will probably both clear USCIS at the same time... The possibility of the K3 holding up the I-130 is also due in part to the fact that many I-129s get put into some sort of AP...

Once they both clear USCIS, the K-3 will make a breif appearance at NVC before being forwarded to the Embassy for appointment scheduling wheras the I-130 will be processed at NVC THEN sent to the embassy after the appointment is scheduled... This is where the K3 can save you 2-5 weeks...

Most people are not fans of the K3 because it was invented at a time when CR/IR visas took YEARS to process and most of us have seen how much of a hassle and massive waste of $$$ and bull$hit the K3 is and how superior the IR1 is in so many factors as highlighted above by Dakine...

But ultimatly it is your choice and it is pretty obvious that regardless of what anybody says here, you are set on the K3... Not that it is a bad visa but I wish you luck in getting her here quickly... I just dont understand why someone would exchange 2-4 weeks for months of USCIS ####### doing AOS and paying a boatload of $$$$ to take it!!!

BTW... call back USCIS and see if you dont get 10 different stories... if you believe everything the hourly telephone operators say over the experience of many VJ people who have seen a vast array of situations, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya!!!

Best of luck on your Journey

Thank you for the "kind" offer but I'm not really interested in your bridge in Brooklyn. I was merely trying to clarify something regarding the interview and the adjustment of status. If I were set on something then I wouldn't be asking questions. My question is regarding the AOS. It is my understanding that with the CR1 you have to go through the adjustment anyway 3 months before my second anniversary and that there is an interview. Is this correct? That's all I was asking in the previous posting. I am fed up with getting a little bit of info here and a little there (not from you, but from others along the journey thus far, including legal counsel and USCIS) and so I am trying to collect all the information and data so I can make my own decision. It seems like I'm getting a lot more opinion than data in some cases so I am just asking a specific question. What my decision will be, is my own, as you very kindly pointed out.

Now, does the bridge have a nice view?

[christeen 966]

You can go with whatever you choose, but the bottom line is there is (I would venture to guess based on recent timelines) an 80% chance that your I-130 will be held for approval waiting for the I-129 to catch up... They will probably both clear USCIS at the same time... The possibility of the K3 holding up the I-130 is also due in part to the fact that many I-129s get put into some sort of AP...

Once they both clear USCIS, the K-3 will make a breif appearance at NVC before being forwarded to the Embassy for appointment scheduling wheras the I-130 will be processed at NVC THEN sent to the embassy after the appointment is scheduled... This is where the K3 can save you 2-5 weeks...

Most people are not fans of the K3 because it was invented at a time when CR/IR visas took YEARS to process and most of us have seen how much of a hassle and massive waste of $$$ and bull$hit the K3 is and how superior the IR1 is in so many factors as highlighted above by Dakine...

But ultimatly it is your choice and it is pretty obvious that regardless of what anybody says here, you are set on the K3... Not that it is a bad visa but I wish you luck in getting her here quickly... I just dont understand why someone would exchange 2-4 weeks for months of USCIS ####### doing AOS and paying a boatload of $$$$ to take it!!!

BTW... call back USCIS and see if you dont get 10 different stories... if you believe everything the hourly telephone operators say over the experience of many VJ people who have seen a vast array of situations, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya!!!

Best of luck on your Journey

Thank you for the "kind" offer but I'm not really interested in your bridge in Brooklyn. I was merely trying to clarify something regarding the interview and the adjustment of status. If I were set on something then I wouldn't be asking questions. My question is regarding the AOS. It is my understanding that with the CR1 you have to go through the adjustment anyway 3 months before my second anniversary and that there is an interview. Is this correct? That's all I was asking in the previous posting. I am fed up with getting a little bit of info here and a little there (not from you, but from others along the journey thus far, including legal counsel and USCIS) and so I am trying to collect all the information and data so I can make my own decision. It seems like I'm getting a lot more opinion than data in some cases so I am just asking a specific question. What my decision will be, is my own, as you very kindly pointed out.

Now, does the bridge have a nice view?

Nice view, lots of traffic and some graffitti, but otherwise pretty good...

What you are referring to is removal of conditions NOT AOS... AOS is for those who enter on non-immigrant visas like the K3 and K1... You do not have to pay the $1010 nor do more biometrics... you will get the conditional GC when they enter, be able to work, travel, get a drivers licence, SS# versus the 90+ days for all the other BS that goes with the K3... For some the few weeks are worth it (pregnancy, medical or cases where the living conditions of the SO are seriously bad) but for most, it is much more advantageous to do the CR1...

BTW... here is the link to the wiki guide for removal of conditions.... http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=751guide

[Vanessa1 7]

You can go with whatever you choose, but the bottom line is there is (I would venture to guess based on recent timelines) an 80% chance that your I-130 will be held for approval waiting for the I-129 to catch up... They will probably both clear USCIS at the same time... The possibility of the K3 holding up the I-130 is also due in part to the fact that many I-129s get put into some sort of AP...

Once they both clear USCIS, the K-3 will make a breif appearance at NVC before being forwarded to the Embassy for appointment scheduling wheras the I-130 will be processed at NVC THEN sent to the embassy after the appointment is scheduled... This is where the K3 can save you 2-5 weeks...

Most people are not fans of the K3 because it was invented at a time when CR/IR visas took YEARS to process and most of us have seen how much of a hassle and massive waste of $$$ and bull$hit the K3 is and how superior the IR1 is in so many factors as highlighted above by Dakine...

But ultimatly it is your choice and it is pretty obvious that regardless of what anybody says here, you are set on the K3... Not that it is a bad visa but I wish you luck in getting her here quickly... I just dont understand why someone would exchange 2-4 weeks for months of USCIS ####### doing AOS and paying a boatload of $$$$ to take it!!!

BTW... call back USCIS and see if you dont get 10 different stories... if you believe everything the hourly telephone operators say over the experience of many VJ people who have seen a vast array of situations, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn to sell ya!!!

Best of luck on your Journey

Thank you for the "kind" offer but I'm not really interested in your bridge in Brooklyn. I was merely trying to clarify something regarding the interview and the adjustment of status. If I were set on something then I wouldn't be asking questions. My question is regarding the AOS. It is my understanding that with the CR1 you have to go through the adjustment anyway 3 months before my second anniversary and that there is an interview. Is this correct? That's all I was asking in the previous posting. I am fed up with getting a little bit of info here and a little there (not from you, but from others along the journey thus far, including legal counsel and USCIS) and so I am trying to collect all the information and data so I can make my own decision. It seems like I'm getting a lot more opinion than data in some cases so I am just asking a specific question. What my decision will be, is my own, as you very kindly pointed out.

Now, does the bridge have a nice view?

Nice view, lots of traffic and some graffitti, but otherwise pretty good...

What you are referring to is removal of conditions NOT AOS... AOS is for those who enter on non-immigrant visas like the K3 and K1... You do not have to pay the $1010 nor do more biometrics... you will get the conditional GC when they enter, be able to work, travel, get a drivers licence, SS# versus the 90+ days for all the other BS that goes with the K3... For some the few weeks are worth it (pregnancy, medical or cases where the living conditions of the SO are seriously bad) but for most, it is much more advantageous to do the CR1...

BTW... here is the link to the wiki guide for removal of conditions.... http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;page=751guide

Hey as long as the bridge is well-maintained I could go for a little graffiti art.

Ok, this is making more sense to me and now I want to call up the lawyers and give them a little piece of my mind! One of them wanted the $1010 fee (plus all other fees) up front before they would even look at my I-130. Needless to say I did not go with that one. The one I did consult with mentioned that we didn't really need a lawyer at this time but when it came around time for the interview to remove conditions then we would want one during the interview. I believe I even mentioned the $1000 so I thought I had the correct information so I thank you for giving me a resource to clear up the misinformation.

Honestly, this whole thing is enough to make someone lose their minds! Jump off the bridge??? Naw...

[Kenza 1]

I vote CR1. Look at my timeline...I had a little hold up because of an RFE at NVC but overall it took around 6-7 months. My hubby got here and within a couple weeks, he had his SSN, drivers license, and green card. It will take the same amount of time for the K3, but then once he arrives, you can't take a little break from immigration cuz you have to apply for AOS

[KarimaG 2]

Honestly, this whole thing is enough to make someone lose their minds! Jump off the bridge??? Naw...

Vanessa.....Bridge? You say bridge?? Wheres it at and is it high enough?? lol