i120 vs k3

[The Mean Lady 604]

My husband and I have been married since October and we have yet to file paperwork due to my financial situation.

Could someone explain to me what the pros/cons are to filing the K3 before the i130 and also I am wondering, how long after approval of EITHER can he begin to stay with me in the US?

EDIT: Sorry the title should have said 130 not 120 (obviously).

Edited July 26, 2011 by KDubovik

[Ryan H 3,812]

You don't file for the K3 prior to the I-130. If you wanted to pursue a K3, you would file an I-129F after filing an I-130.

Most people here will tell you not to waste your time with the K3, the two petitions are tied together by USCIS and if they reach the NVC at the same time, the K3 is administratively closed leaving only the I-130 for CR-1 active.

[The Mean Lady 604]

You don't file for the K3 prior to the I-130. If you wanted to pursue a K3, you would file an I-129F after filing an I-130.

Most people here will tell you not to waste your time with the K3, the two petitions are tied together by USCIS and if they reach the NVC at the same time, the K3 is administratively closed leaving only the I-130 for CR-1 active.

Great so then my only question is how long until he is allowed to stay in the US?

Do I only need approval of the I-130, and then he's allowed, or do I need approval of other documents AFTER the approval of the i-130 before he can stay? Even if he can't work here, I'm so TIRED of all of this driving back and forth.

[Ryan H 3,812]

Approval of the I-130 is only the first step. The file would then be sent to the NVC where you would send civil documents. Since electronic processing is an option for your file once it arrives at the NVC, check out this EP wiki authored by Saylin. Once the NVC completes the case, your husband will have to go to Montreal to interview for the visa. Once the visa is received, he can come and stay.

[The Mean Lady 604]

Approval of the I-130 is only the first step. The file would then be sent to the NVC where you would send civil documents. Since electronic processing is an option for your file once it arrives at the NVC, check out this EP wiki authored by Saylin. Once the NVC completes the case, your husband will have to go to Montreal to interview for the visa. Once the visa is received, he can come and stay.

My husband lives no where near montreal... is that really the only option?

[Ryan H 3,812]

My husband lives no where near montreal... is that really the only option?

Yes, only the Consulate in Montreal issues immigrant visas.

Edited July 26, 2011 by Ryan H

[The Mean Lady 604]

So basically what I've understood here is that he can't stay here until everything is done.

Where can I find approximate times on approval of the paperwork AFTER the i-130?

[Saylin 1,605]

So basically what I've understood here is that he can't stay here until everything is done.

Where can I find approximate times on approval of the paperwork AFTER the i-130?

Here's an approximate timeframe for someone getting an IR-1/CR-1 visa in Canada:

-about 5 months for NOA2

-about 2 months in NVC (less if you're quick and don't get any RFEs)

-about 2 months from NVC completion to interview in Montreal

-about a week or two to get visa back in mail (although there's been a backlog recently and it's taking longer)

In total, from NOA1 to moving to the US: 9-10 months

[The Mean Lady 604]

Here's an approximate timeframe for someone getting an IR-1/CR-1 visa in Canada:

-about 5 months for NOA2

-about 2 months in NVC (less if you're quick and don't get any RFEs)

-about 2 months from NVC completion to interview in Montreal

-about a week or two to get visa back in mail (although there's been a backlog recently and it's taking longer)

In total, from NOA1 to moving to the US: 9-10 months

Thank you!!!

Here's an approximate timeframe for someone getting an IR-1/CR-1 visa in Canada:

-about 5 months for NOA2

-about 2 months in NVC (less if you're quick and don't get any RFEs)

-about 2 months from NVC completion to interview in Montreal

-about a week or two to get visa back in mail (although there's been a backlog recently and it's taking longer)

In total, from NOA1 to moving to the US: 9-10 months

Can you tell me what your total out of pocket expense was?

Krystal

[Saylin 1,605]

Thank you!!!

Can you tell me what your total out of pocket expense was?

Krystal

Well, I didn't pay any of the forms, my husband did. All I paid for was my medical (~$230) and then moving expenses (~$800). But the total cost for everything will be as follows:

-$420 for the I-130 (although it was lower when we sent it last year)

-$88 for the AOS at the NVC stage

-$404 for the IV at the NVC stage

-$200+ for the medical in Canada (depends where you go and if you have all your vaccines done and documented)

Rough total: $1112

And then any costs to get documents. And if you have to travel to Montreal.

I wrote a blog post about costs to immigrate, found here: http://journeythroughimmigration.blogspot.com/2010/09/rundown-on-fees.html