Costs of visa choices K-3/CR-1

[Matcoody 0]

Congratulations to all of the speedy K-3 approvals, and my prayers are with those who are waiting in what certainly seems to be an unfair situation.

With the speed at which the new I-129F's seem to be getting approved, my Sweetie and I are torn. Before all of these "surprise approval" posts started popping up, we had planned to let both the K-3 and the CR-1 processes run and see what happens. It seemed like the gap between the approvals was pretty close: if he came home on a K-3 it wouldn't be long for him to go back for a CR-1 interview, so we could get him working sooner. Now I wonder if we should abandon the CR-1 idea and just go the EAD/AOS route. Last night we decided it would probably come down to cost, and the good advice of VJer's.

After the initial cost of filing the I-130 and the I-129F, what is the breakdown for costs of forms and fees associated with each path (including the AOS process for the K-3)

I may not be the only one out there right now who would like to see these side-by-side, and I haven't found another post that covers them together like that.

Thanks as always for your help!

Cat

PS: What impact is this rush of I-129F approvals going to have on the Embassy/Consulate wait times? Should we expect a major bottleneck?

[Buttons 0]

AOS = $325 + $70 Biometrics EAD = $180 Total $575.00 in filing fees !

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

I don't see where there is a huge difference in cost financially. Where there is a difference is the amount of time spent on one or the other. Personally we weighed it out not monetarily, but emotionally and the amount of stress one or the other might cause for the entire family. CR-1 you have the added wait for the interview, do a few extra bits of paperwork through your process, but when that visa is in hand it is done for the next 21 months. K-3 you can either adjust status, or travel back for your CR-1 (added flight means added money). For the K-3 toss in the adjustment time, travelling for your appointment and the cost that might entail, and also the fact if you need two incomes the stress of financially just getting by. Maybe it is a good idea to compare the two financially side by side, there is something for you to do while you wait.

[Matcoody 0]

I don't see where there is a huge difference in cost financially. Where there is a difference is the amount of time spent on one or the other. Personally we weighed it out not monetarily, but emotionally and the amount of stress one or the other might cause for the entire family. CR-1 you have the added wait for the interview, do a few extra bits of paperwork through your process, but when that visa is in hand it is done for the next 21 months. K-3 you can either adjust status, or travel back for your CR-1 (added flight means added money). For the K-3 toss in the adjustment time, travelling for your appointment and the cost that might entail, and also the fact if you need two incomes the stress of financially just getting by. Maybe it is a good idea to compare the two financially side by side, there is something for you to do while you wait.

Thanks for your advice, T&B. And thanks also to Buttons for breaking down the AOS costs. So tell me this, so I know I'm figuring this right:

1) Once the I-130 is approved and goes to the NVC, we will get a bill for fingerprinting ($70) and an IV fee bill ($380), plus we have to pay for costs associated with the medical exam. Are those the only fees/expenses to get the CR-1 visa in hand?

2) Once the I-129F is approved and goes to the NVC, I know there is the $70 fingerprinting fee, but what other fees/expenses will it take to get the K-3 in hand? You can obviously skip the AOS/EAD charges, which Buttons has kindly laid out for us. I have read the guides, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

TYVM,

Cat

[aussiewench 9]

1) Once the I-130 is approved and goes to the NVC, we will get a bill for fingerprinting ($70) and an IV fee bill ($380), plus we have to pay for costs associated with the medical exam. Are those the only fees/expenses to get the CR-1 visa in hand?

2) Once the I-129F is approved and goes to the NVC, I know there is the $70 fingerprinting fee, but what other fees/expenses will it take to get the K-3 in hand? You can obviously skip the AOS/EAD charges, which Buttons has kindly laid out for us. I have read the guides, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

TYVM,

Cat

1)The $70 fee at NVC with the I-130 is for the Affidavit of Support (see NVC Flowchart)

Aside from medical costs you also need any police certificates.

2) There is the medical costs and cost of any police certificates........plus there is a visa fee $100

Which District Office will you be going through with the adjustment of status process? Some can take up to a couple of years to finish processing. This is something worth considering as well.

Edited August 23, 2006 by aussiewench

[sheraz 0]

I don't see where there is a huge difference in cost financially. Where there is a difference is the amount of time spent on one or the other. Personally we weighed it out not monetarily, but emotionally and the amount of stress one or the other might cause for the entire family. CR-1 you have the added wait for the interview, do a few extra bits of paperwork through your process, but when that visa is in hand it is done for the next 21 months. K-3 you can either adjust status, or travel back for your CR-1 (added flight means added money). For the K-3 toss in the adjustment time, travelling for your appointment and the cost that might entail, and also the fact if you need two incomes the stress of financially just getting by. Maybe it is a good idea to compare the two financially side by side, there is something for you to do while you wait.

Thanks for your advice, T&B. And thanks also to Buttons for breaking down the AOS costs. So tell me this, so I know I'm figuring this right:

1) Once the I-130 is approved and goes to the NVC, we will get a bill for fingerprinting ($70) and an IV fee bill ($380), plus we have to pay for costs associated with the medical exam. Are those the only fees/expenses to get the CR-1 visa in hand?

2) Once the I-129F is approved and goes to the NVC, I know there is the $70 fingerprinting fee, but what other fees/expenses will it take to get the K-3 in hand? You can obviously skip the AOS/EAD charges, which Buttons has kindly laid out for us. I have read the guides, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

TYVM,

Cat

You have to factor in the approx $400 required for immunization and medical exam not covered by insurance. Yes I filed a claim but immigration medicals is not covered by insurance.

Overall the K3 is the better route. We got married in 06/05, our case was transfered after RFEs to ISL embassy in Pakistan. Got visa K3 in 02/06, wife in US 03/06. I applied EAD and AOS for her in 03/06 and it came in 05/06. AOS interview in 07/06 and total process completed 08/06 with green card in hand.

Now consider this, I got RFE for K3 which took out 1 mth, RFE for AOS (didnt include biometeric fee in the application). That took out 2 weeks and another two weeks due to medical exam. Plus Pakistan is a red flag country. AOS in Houston which is the slowest center of them all

I have seen so many posts with people being put on AR/AP after their interview in consular post overseas. I dont see what the benefit will be for the CR process. If your file goes to AR/AP, atleast the spouse is in US. I strongly recommend K3 as it is faster and takes away the aggravtion of being far apart. If some issues come up during the AOS interviews, you can get legal help. This luxury is not available in embassy interviews

[Matcoody 0]

1)The $70 fee at NVC with the I-130 is for the Affidavit of Support

Sorry. Got my fees confused.

Which District Office will you be going through with the adjustment of status process? Some can take up to a couple of years to finish processing. This is something worth considering as well.

I live in NC (Go Tarheels!), so my District Office is in Atlanta, GA. Not the fastest!

Thanks for your advice.

Cat

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

I don't see where there is a huge difference in cost financially. Where there is a difference is the amount of time spent on one or the other. Personally we weighed it out not monetarily, but emotionally and the amount of stress one or the other might cause for the entire family. CR-1 you have the added wait for the interview, do a few extra bits of paperwork through your process, but when that visa is in hand it is done for the next 21 months. K-3 you can either adjust status, or travel back for your CR-1 (added flight means added money). For the K-3 toss in the adjustment time, travelling for your appointment and the cost that might entail, and also the fact if you need two incomes the stress of financially just getting by. Maybe it is a good idea to compare the two financially side by side, there is something for you to do while you wait.

Thanks for your advice, T&B. And thanks also to Buttons for breaking down the AOS costs. So tell me this, so I know I'm figuring this right:

1) Once the I-130 is approved and goes to the NVC, we will get a bill for fingerprinting ($70) and an IV fee bill ($380), plus we have to pay for costs associated with the medical exam. Are those the only fees/expenses to get the CR-1 visa in hand?

2) Once the I-129F is approved and goes to the NVC, I know there is the $70 fingerprinting fee, but what other fees/expenses will it take to get the K-3 in hand? You can obviously skip the AOS/EAD charges, which Buttons has kindly laid out for us. I have read the guides, but I want to make sure I'm not missing anything.

TYVM,

Cat

You have to factor in the approx $400 required for immunization and medical exam not covered by insurance. Yes I filed a claim but immigration medicals is not covered by insurance.

Overall the K3 is the better route. We got married in 06/05, our case was transfered after RFEs to ISL embassy in Pakistan. Got visa K3 in 02/06, wife in US 03/06. I applied EAD and AOS for her in 03/06 and it came in 05/06. AOS interview in 07/06 and total process completed 08/06 with green card in hand.

Now consider this, I got RFE for K3 which took out 1 mth, RFE for AOS (didnt include biometeric fee in the application). That took out 2 weeks and another two weeks due to medical exam. Plus Pakistan is a red flag country. AOS in Houston which is the slowest center of them all

I have seen so many posts with people being put on AR/AP after their interview in consular post overseas. I dont see what the benefit will be for the CR process. If your file goes to AR/AP, atleast the spouse is in US. I strongly recommend K3 as it is faster and takes away the aggravtion of being far apart. If some issues come up during the AOS interviews, you can get legal help. This luxury is not available in embassy interviews

Yes all true, but they are filing through London bit of a difference there. The CR-1 is as straightforward and easy as the K-3 when it comes to getting through the embassy portion of the journey and easy enough for them to travel back for the CR-1 interview if they so choose.

[Matcoody 0]

Thanks, Everybody.

I think I know what I am going to suggest this evening...that we continue with both options for now. It won't be too much more money to keep them both rolling through the NVC leg, and maybe things will be more clear to us when it's time to make a final decision.

Cat

And T&B...just a few days left, huh? I'm excited for both of you. Congratulations!

Edited August 23, 2006 by Matcoody

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

Thanks, Everybody.

I think I know what I am going to suggest this evening...that we continue with both options for now. It won't be too much more money to keep them both rolling through the NVC leg, and maybe things will be more clear to us when it's time to make a final decision.

Cat

And T&B...just a few days left, huh? I'm excited for both of you. Congratulations!

I think you are making a wise choice, let them go on through their process and see how you feel nearer the end.

Nine days to go Cat, it can't go quick enough at this point! Thanks much, someday I will be saying the same to you.

[sheraz 0]

Thanks, Everybody.

I think I know what I am going to suggest this evening...that we continue with both options for now. It won't be too much more money to keep them both rolling through the NVC leg, and maybe things will be more clear to us when it's time to make a final decision.

Cat

And T&B...just a few days left, huh? I'm excited for both of you. Congratulations!

Have you already recieved the K3 visa for your spouse.

The time difference in AOS and counsular processing is one thing, legal issues another. With AOS people can get a lawyer if things went bad. With CR1 this option is not available.

[Tim and Bethanie 1]

Thanks, Everybody.

I think I know what I am going to suggest this evening...that we continue with both options for now. It won't be too much more money to keep them both rolling through the NVC leg, and maybe things will be more clear to us when it's time to make a final decision.

Cat

And T&B...just a few days left, huh? I'm excited for both of you. Congratulations!

Have you already recieved the K3 visa for your spouse.

The time difference in AOS and counsular processing is one thing, legal issues another. With AOS people can get a lawyer if things went bad. With CR1 this option is not available.

STEP SLOWLY AWAY FROM THE BOOK! Now take a deep breath and read what is posted here. No one is asking if they need legal advice.

[internetkafe 0]

The cost of flying back to your country for CR1 can be overlooked if you have relatives there to visit. You can both get your interview done and visit your family members in your native country.

I don't see where there is a huge difference in cost financially. Where there is a difference is the amount of time spent on one or the other. Personally we weighed it out not monetarily, but emotionally and the amount of stress one or the other might cause for the entire family. CR-1 you have the added wait for the interview, do a few extra bits of paperwork through your process, but when that visa is in hand it is done for the next 21 months. K-3 you can either adjust status, or travel back for your CR-1 (added flight means added money). For the K-3 toss in the adjustment time, travelling for your appointment and the cost that might entail, and also the fact if you need two incomes the stress of financially just getting by. Maybe it is a good idea to compare the two financially side by side, there is something for you to do while you wait.