Applying for K3 - can my spouse stay with me?

[markets 0]

Hello everyone,

I am from California and my wife is from Singapore. The last time she visited me in August, we had a civil ceremony. She returned back to Singapore and was planning on moving to USA in February 2010.

I have just started filing for the K3 visa according to the guide on the VJ website. But I realized that the paperwork may not be finished before February. In this case, is it possible for her to come here first on a tourist visa and for us to complete the paperwork while she is here?

Thanks

[Penguin_ie 5,996]

Yes and no- she can come over on her tourist visa, but she must be careful not to overstay, and she will still need to do her medical and interview in Singapore.

Can I ask why you are going for the K3 rather than the CR-1? CR-1 is generally considered a superior visa as it leads to immediate greencard upon entry.

[markets 0]

Yes and no- she can come over on her tourist visa, but she must be careful not to overstay, and she will still need to do her medical and interview in Singapore.

Can I ask why you are going for the K3 rather than the CR-1? CR-1 is generally considered a superior visa as it leads to immediate greencard upon entry.

Based on the VJ guide, it sounds like the I-130 may be approved before the K3 is processed, in which case I could proceed along the I-130/CR-1 route. Is this correct? Is there a compelling argument for me to just wait for the CR-1?

[Chica Yeyé 41]

Yes and no- she can come over on her tourist visa, but she must be careful not to overstay, and she will still need to do her medical and interview in Singapore.

Can I ask why you are going for the K3 rather than the CR-1? CR-1 is generally considered a superior visa as it leads to immediate greencard upon entry.

Based on the VJ guide, it sounds like the I-130 may be approved before the K3 is processed, in which case I could proceed along the I-130/CR-1 route. Is this correct? Is there a compelling argument for me to just wait for the CR-1?

CR-1:

1. It is cheaper

2. Does not have to adjust status

3. Can work and travel upon arrival

Edited December 15, 2009 by Chica Yeyé

[markets 0]

Yes and no- she can come over on her tourist visa, but she must be careful not to overstay, and she will still need to do her medical and interview in Singapore.

Can I ask why you are going for the K3 rather than the CR-1? CR-1 is generally considered a superior visa as it leads to immediate greencard upon entry.

Based on the VJ guide, it sounds like the I-130 may be approved before the K3 is processed, in which case I could proceed along the I-130/CR-1 route. Is this correct? Is there a compelling argument for me to just wait for the CR-1?

CR-1:

1. It is cheaper

2. Does not have to adjust status

3. Can work and travel upon arrival

It seems like the only minus is "Separation from family for sometimes longer then the K-3 or K-1 visa option. Applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US during this time." Does this mean that my spouse would be unable to stay in the USA while the paperwork is pending?

[christeen 966]

Yes and no- she can come over on her tourist visa, but she must be careful not to overstay, and she will still need to do her medical and interview in Singapore.

Can I ask why you are going for the K3 rather than the CR-1? CR-1 is generally considered a superior visa as it leads to immediate greencard upon entry.

Based on the VJ guide, it sounds like the I-130 may be approved before the K3 is processed, in which case I could proceed along the I-130/CR-1 route. Is this correct? Is there a compelling argument for me to just wait for the CR-1?

CR-1:

1. It is cheaper

2. Does not have to adjust status

3. Can work and travel upon arrival

It seems like the only minus is "Separation from family for sometimes longer then the K-3 or K-1 visa option. Applicant will most likely not be able to enter the US during this time." Does this mean that my spouse would be unable to stay in the USA while the paperwork is pending?

Lately the time difference between the K-3 and CR1 is a matter of about 2 - 4 weeks... As far as entering on a tourist visa, the same requirements for visitation during the K3 is applicable with the CR1. The following pro-con list is from Dakine

Won't have to adjust status like a K3 tho.

K3 has to adjust status [$1010] and remove conditions [$545}

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.

Have fun!