LAND DOWNUNDER

[vylex 0]

It may really just fall into the question of "Will it hinder our life in any way if we choose one option over another?"

That is a really major question. You might benefit from reading the DCF Guide, where I tried to enumerate the benefits of entering as a PR. I can only tell you of our own experience, and how I compared it to people filing AOS over the years... I wouldn't go any other way! Check with rebeccajo and see what she's got to say on the subject (her husband is waiting years now for his AOS to complete).

The legal limbo is a PITA, and it's not really a case of too mcuh paperwork.

It can get a bit confusing, but you're a great example of how each visa fits each person differently! As long as you're good with the no-work part of the K-3, and will not be impatient with the lack of state ID or Social Security number etc, being together is good too.

I definitely agree with that. If your spouse can come without expecting to work and it's just a matter of being re-united, K-3 is the way to go. If the spouse intends to work, then I definitely suggest holding out for the IR-1/CR-1. I'll still hope for DCF to return (the way it was + background checks of course). I'll be visiting the wifey end of April. I would love it if we heard definite news before then.

As for the K-3 and I-130 not knowing about each other, I see your point. I guess the only thing I could imagine is that the K-3 would trigger some sort of flag for the adjucator working the I-130. Maybe something similar to the way Congressionals cause the file to move up the line. Just conspiracy theory of course. I just think it's too coincidental that members have I-130s and K-3s approved at the same time.

Oh, one other note that might help demystify the concurrent approved petitions. I believe fwaguy posted that the new K-3 procedure is for the Chicago office to send the I-129F to the CSC or VSC depending on where you live. I think that people who are already filing the I-130s at the CSC or VSC have a high probability of getting both petitions combined. Whether or not the I-130 speeds up is still a mystery.

[Emerald 0]

Wow what alot of information. I need to wait till my kids are in bed to research this. I did'nt realise i wouldn't be able to work on the k-3 straight away, and thats NOT what i want. I need to be able to have the choice of working or not seen i have kids.

My question is, Someone said you can still go the DCF route, BUT the only differance is your sending the I-130 to the USA and then you can continue with the rest of the visa stuff back here in Sydney.

1. Is this true?

2. I have no clue where to send my I-130 as hubby is here with me in Australia. Do i send it to where his address in the US is? (he's from new mexico so i think it's the Texas center)

I'm in Sydney South!!

[vylex 0]

Wow what alot of information. I need to wait till my kids are in bed to research this. I did'nt realise i wouldn't be able to work on the k-3 straight away, and thats NOT what i want. I need to be able to have the choice of working or not seen i have kids.

My question is, Someone said you can still go the DCF route, BUT the only differance is your sending the I-130 to the USA and then you can continue with the rest of the visa stuff back here in Sydney.

1. Is this true?

2. I have no clue where to send my I-130 as hubby is here with me in Australia. Do i send it to where his address in the US is? (he's from new mexico so i think it's the Texas center)

I'm in Sydney South!!

Hi Emerald,

The DCF process is no longer an option. Just to clarify, the DCF Route was called DCF because you Filed Directly at the Consulate. It was the same I-130 petition with the same requirements, EXCEPT that you have to file at the Service Center where your USC spouse has residence and not the Consulate abroad. So yes, it appears you will be required to file at the TSC. The rest of the process looks to be the same (plus the longer wait now).

[Poi_n_J 0]

It may really just fall into the question of "Will it hinder our life in any way if we choose one option over another?"

That is a really major question. You might benefit from reading the DCF Guide, where I tried to enumerate the benefits of entering as a PR. I can only tell you of our own experience, and how I compared it to people filing AOS over the years... I wouldn't go any other way! Check with rebeccajo and see what she's got to say on the subject (her husband is waiting years now for his AOS to complete).

The legal limbo is a PITA, and it's not really a case of too mcuh paperwork.

It can get a bit confusing, but you're a great example of how each visa fits each person differently! As long as you're good with the no-work part of the K-3, and will not be impatient with the lack of state ID or Social Security number etc, being together is good too.

Hi Meauxna, where do you get that you can't work with the K-3? Apparently, it says on here that you can work on the K-3 with an approved I-765..? Do you know anything about that and how long it takes to get that..(despite the extra $).. Plus, isn't it quicker than CR/IR-1 because after you get the NOA2 for the I-129F you go straight to the interview instead of back and forward with the rest of the packet? and instead of doing the medical here we do it there (States)?

[Kath 0]

hi there pris

yeah ya right on that score..on the K3 ya can only work on approval of the EAD application...you would have to take a look at the timelines to see how long they take..and depends on your local office too...

on the K1 i applied for both when doing my aos..i got my greencard approved before i got my ead approved...

good luck to ya chookie i know its very confusing for ya but it does get easier along the way..just read and read and read lol...

take care

kath

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hi Emerald not sure if I said welcome so, WELCOME!

I see Hampster is back from his little holiday and all smiles too!

As for the rest of you. I have been reading your posts on K3's, etc and you lost me at I-130 . Talk about complex! Good luck to you all whatever path you are taking. Our K1 took approx 10mths so I just hope you get through faster.

Well i am having a crappy weekend, as much as I love my mother she is driving me crazy ( i have lived with them since we started the K1)....and following a close 2nd is my fiance who is being really insensitive at the moment! I truelly felt like I was in the twilight zone today. I am now looking at leaving Australia on the 6th April well that is if my cold feet don't win and I do a runner to the UK ! Sorry, but I have had it today, Jake doesn't get my position but what made it worse is that he didn't want get it either. I got attitude instead. I'm the one moving, getting rid of everything, leaving family and friends, living with parents, paying all the phone bills, supplying the income cause he doesn't earn enough and I get ####### for it and no support today! This is a hard thing to do, but it's harder for the one doing the moving. I am self sufficient and smart but sometimes you just need a hug right? Not too much to ask.

Sorry I am so negative this week, but this is the reality of the visa journey. Every now and then you lose your mind and it bites you on the butt! Then you get back up and dust yourself off and move on. I was seriously ok most of the time until recently.

OK that's two ventings now...how much do I owe you guys??

[ausqueen 0]

Hi everyone!

Special hello to all who joined this lovely group later than me and I haven't met you in here

Trying to keep up with this talk of spouse visas, the difference between them and what's best to do but I must admit it's going a bit over my head. Hope that's forgivable It's partly because I am working through K-1 and anything else seems way too "demanding" and "slow" (yeah, right... like any visa process is fast enough?!)

I gues the other reason for my being "lightheaded"... being nice to myself here is that my interview is getting closer and I am more excited and nervous with every minute passing!!! Love hearing everyone's news and hope that things do work out and move along for all of us.

Has anyone heard from David and Stephanie or have I missed their posts lately? How are they doing? Did Stephanie end up going to the US to wait there?

[ausqueen 0]

Lyndell, sorry to hear about your rough time this week. I hope tomorrow you will wake up feeling better and Jake will make it up to you by being over the top gentle and understanding of your feelings and depth of what you are going through. I guess it is not always easy for them waiting for us over there neither but yeah... I know what you are saying! Hang in there!

And... TALK TO HIM... that's irreplaceable!!! Talk, talk talk - that's all we've got while half across the world from each other and I find it helps survive moments like you were having this week!

Your Mum's probably getting just as nervous/sad/upset for herself/happy for you etc. about "losing" you soon and loooooong term, so I can understand your "she is driving me crazy". She must be missing you already!

Sending you smiles and good wishes from "neighbourhood"

vik

xoxo

PS: Are we the only "single girls" in here :)

[meauxna 15]

Hi Meauxna, where do you get that you can't work with the K-3? Apparently, it says on here that you can work on the K-3 with an approved I-765..? Do you know anything about that and how long it takes to get that..(despite the extra $).. Plus, isn't it quicker than CR/IR-1 because after you get the NOA2 for the I-129F you go straight to the interview instead of back and forward with the rest of the packet? and instead of doing the medical here we do it there (States)?

Sorry, I should have conditioned that with 'immediately'. A K-3 must apply for an EAD; if they do so based on the K-3 status (before filing for AOS), they are entitled to a 2-year EAD (the one that goes with AOS is valid for one year).

EADs are currently taking +90days from application to issue.

No, you sorely misunderstand the K-3 with that one---after NOA2 for the I-130, the USC may submit an I-129f toward the K-3. Upon approval of the I-129f, the file is sent through the NVC and on to the Consulate. Check NOA2 timelines for I-129f (for K-3) to see how long they take, but my rough guess is 5-7 months.

The K-3 applicant still does all of the visa steps abroad, including the medical, and then she does AOS in the US (don't have to re-do the medical but must get the vax supplememnt xfered over, like a K-1?).

As always, 'quicker' is relative--it depends on what the interim goal is.

[Poi_n_J 0]

As always, 'quicker' is relative--it depends on what the interim goal is.

Tis true dat.. At this stage it's a lose/lose situation as we work out which way is the less loss..lol..

Thanks again Meaux, I'd read a lot more than I do but we're been having major internet problems for last month which means limited time on net and increased frustration so thanks for the help. I've been reading around as much as possible, when possible and it seems that those on the CR-1/IR-1 trail haven't taken that long...we may be out by ony a couple of months especially if we do Jame's shortcut...so here goes...

Thanks Kath...ur too sweet..

Hey Lyndel, Soz you're had a ####### weekend; it can only get better aye? Besides you're almost there yeah? That's probably why it's starting to get to you now as you've done the hardest part and this bit's dragging.....hang in there hon, not long now...((((BIG HUGS)))...

Communication is a the best thing, especially for us in this situation; good one Vik. Good luck with your interview...

[vylex 0]

Has anyone heard from David and Stephanie or have I missed their posts lately? How are they doing? Did Stephanie end up going to the US to wait there?

Hi Ausqueen,

David posted a while back that Steph visited on the VWP to stay with David in Florida until their DCF paperwork is sorted out or the 90 days expire. She told the POE Officer that she's visiting her husband and about the DCF debacle. She also had tons of evidence stating her return. It was nice to hear they let her through. I am hoping that our IR-1/CR-1 is completed close to or just shortly after September (fingers crossed -- hey a guy can dream right?). If not my wife might be doing doing something similar.

[hampster 0]

Hi Emerald not sure if I said welcome so, WELCOME!

I see Hampster is back from his little holiday and all smiles too!

As for the rest of you. I have been reading your posts on K3's, etc and you lost me at I-130 . Talk about complex! Good luck to you all whatever path you are taking. Our K1 took approx 10mths so I just hope you get through faster.

Well i am having a crappy weekend, as much as I love my mother she is driving me crazy ( i have lived with them since we started the K1)....and following a close 2nd is my fiance who is being really insensitive at the moment! I truelly felt like I was in the twilight zone today. I am now looking at leaving Australia on the 6th April well that is if my cold feet don't win and I do a runner to the UK ! Sorry, but I have had it today, Jake doesn't get my position but what made it worse is that he didn't want get it either. I got attitude instead. I'm the one moving, getting rid of everything, leaving family and friends, living with parents, paying all the phone bills, supplying the income cause he doesn't earn enough and I get ####### for it and no support today! This is a hard thing to do, but it's harder for the one doing the moving. I am self sufficient and smart but sometimes you just need a hug right? Not too much to ask.

Sorry I am so negative this week, but this is the reality of the visa journey. Every now and then you lose your mind and it bites you on the butt! Then you get back up and dust yourself off and move on. I was seriously ok most of the time until recently.

OK that's two ventings now...how much do I owe you guys??

Hiya Lyndel ......for 2 ventings ....that will be hmmmm

ok make it a Vienna Coffee with lots of cream

and maybe prolly a..LARGE box of TIM TAMS

AND A CASE OF VEGEMITE TO GO LOL ALL GOOD.

Well yes I'm back online my motherboard crashed

the day Cheryl arrived,here in South Oz.

And got it fixed the day after Cheryl went home

But as I stated in a post not long ago..in a galaxy not far from reality

That I rang NVC Feb 14 they said " yes we have finished reviewing it,

on the 12th Feb and will be forwarding it off to Sydney Consulate,

in the Next 4 - 6 weeks..( Why would it take so long ffs!!!)

Anyways Cheryl and I had Driven to Melbourne (Mt Martha) TO SPEND TIME WITH MY sister and her family,

and we where together when we got the news after we called NVC!!

Sorry that YOU AND JAKE ARE HAVING,

A COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE OPEN DIALOUGE WITH PARTNERS AND VICE VERSA.

CHERYL AND I HAVE GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US..

YOU HAVE TO TO SURVIVE THE LONG MONTHS APART,

WHEN YOU ARE ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE BIG PUDDLE

KEEP YA CHIN UP LYNDEL,

EVERYTHING WILL GO WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS.

WELL GOTTA GO AND CLEAR OUT MORE OF MY STUFF..

ALREADY GOTTEN RID OF MOST OF MY STUFF,

GIVEN LOTS TO FRIENDS THAT I KNOW THAT WILL APPRECIATE,

AND LOOK AFTER THINGS AS I WOULD HAVE.

SO FAR DONE 3 BOOT - TRUNK LOADS TO A FRIEND OF MINE'S SON,

HE REMINDS ME A HELLAVA LOT LIKE ME WHEN I WAS HIS AGE (21).

SO I THOUGH WHY NOT GIVE HIM SOME STUFF I KNOW HE WILL LOVE.

TO ALL NEW MEMBERS.. AND THE OLDIES,

WAITS FOR THE THROWING OF LARGE SAUCEPANS,

AFTER CALLING EVERYONE ELSE HERE OLDIES

OK GOING NOW.........REMEMBER SMILE MAKE PEOPLE THINK,

WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING

CHEERS

PAUL

[girlfrmoz 1]

Hi All,

Thank you all for your kind words,thoughts and hugs! It gave me tears..YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME CRY, JEEZE! BUT then i read Paul's message and got the giggles, what's this?? Vienna coffee, tim tams and a case of vegimite???? Cheeky man! But seriously you are such a bunch of sweeties and your messages made me feel so much better. The Aussie forum is the best! It's great to have the connection that even if your friends and family don't understand you can come into VJ and everyone gets it. Well, I called Jake today and told him that we shouldn't argue at this late stage, he apologised but is still doing the sulky thing cause he got in trouble off me, so things are looking brighter.

Anyway Hampster, glad to see yr back and had a great time with your wifey. It's hard giving stuff away isn't it. It seems to multiply..I am still giving stuff away 9mths later. It takes time to realise just how much you CAN'T take with you.

Hey Vik, I think you are right, we are the only single ones here...so we better stick together girl as the others out number us, and I can't understand much of the K3, CR1, stuff either. Plays with my head! So have you got an interview date yet?? When is it?

Thanks again all!

Lyndel

[girlfrmoz 1]

PS. Hampster I worked out my dates from NVC to Interview and posted it in your other thread!

Hope it helps!

[hampster 0]

PS. Hampster I worked out my dates from NVC to Interview and posted it in your other thread!

Hope it helps!

HEY LYNDELL ALL GOOD I SAW THAT POST BEFORE I SAW THIS ONE LOL.

AND IT DOES HELP WITH THE TIME FRAME CHEERS