CR-1 vs K-3 total cost and effort

[hahuhobrad 0]

Hello,

I hope someone can help me understand all this information.

My I-130 was approved last week so I started looking at what would happen next. That all seemed pretty straight forward. Then, I looked at the K-3 process because I still think the K-3 will be the faster way. OMG, the K-3 process, after she reaches the states seems expensive and time consuming!

Let me provide a few facts, then ask my questions. I've been married to my wife for over 2 years now. She has been finishing Nursing school so we waited on the Visa. When she arrives here, she will have to take a few test for her nursing liscences ($$$) and then would like to begin work ASAP. She is from Thailand and the cost of a round trip air ticket is about $1000.00. hmmmmmmmmmm. what else???

My questions:

1. How much does it cost for all the steps involved in the K-3 after she reaches the USA?

2. How much is the NVC bill for the I-130, and what will she have to do after she reaches the USA?

3. Since we have been married for so long, she will not have to Adjust her status...right?

Our I-130 is going to NVC now. The timeline indicates that the K-3 will be adjudicated October 10th. It seems like the NVC (I-130) takes about 2 months so they will probably finish about the same time. The Thailand consulate interview schedule is about 60 days out for both.

It seems to me that I will end up just doing the I-130; which is a good thing because it's alot easier after she arrives in the USA and it's cheaper in the long run.

Am I right? What am I missing?

Thanks for taking the time to read this long post. I appreciate any help!

Brad

[lucyrich 20]

2. ... what will she have to do after she reaches the USA?

3. Since we have been married for so long, she will not have to Adjust her status...right?

Only answering part of your questions -- hope someone else chimes in.

If you follow the I-130 to completion at the consulate, she'll get an IR-1 visa. Once she reaches the USA on an IR-1 visa, she will have lawful permanent resident status, and she'll receive her green card in the mail. She'll also receive a social security card if she checks the boxes on the DS-230 requesting one. She'll be eligible to work immediately (the stamped visa in her passport is temporary evidence of work eligibility, the Green Card she receives in a couple of weeks is permanent evidence). There's nothing more to do except renew the Green Card every ten years, and file change of address forms when she moves. Optionally, she may want to apply for citizenship after about three years. There is no adjustment of status process for someone who enters on an IR-1 visa.

If she arrives on a K-3 visa, she will not be a permanent resident just yet. She'll need to go through the adjustment of status process. In addition, she'll need to file for employment authorization if she wants to work before her adjustment of status is complete.

By already having been married two years, what you get to skip is the "removal of conditions" process, not "adjustment of status".

The IR-1 process is MUCH simpler once she arrives in the states. The immediate work permission with no further paperwork is a great bonus. Also, if she's interested in eventual citizenship, note that the three year clock starts ticking the day she enters on an IR-1 visa, but with the K-3 process, it doesn't start ticking until she completes the adjustment of status process.

[aussiewench 9]

Firstly, I agree with lucyrich in that IR-1 is a MUCH easier, less timely consuming process. Take advantage of the fact that you have been married over 2 years.

2. NVC costs with the I-130

AOS Fee Bill - $70

IV Bill - $380

Interview stage -

medical costs

cost of getting police certificate/s

[hahuhobrad 0]

Firstly, I agree with lucyrich in that IR-1 is a MUCH easier, less timely consuming process. Take advantage of the fact that you have been married over 2 years.

2. NVC costs with the I-130

AOS Fee Bill - $70

IV Bill - $380

Interview stage -

medical costs

cost of getting police certificate/s

Aussiewench,

First, thanks for replying:)

I don't understand what you mean by take advantage of being married for two years.