filing K-3 from Ghana?

[livindadream 156]

Hi VJ...I have a question Im hoping you can help me with. My fiance is Nigerian, but living in Ghana for many years. I have been coming back and forth to Ghana for the last 3 years to be with him. I usually come for 3 months, then go home for 3 months, come back for 3 months, go home for 3 months, etc. This last time, I came in April and Im not going back til January. We finally want to get married, which we will be doing in a couple weeks. My question is...since Im not going home til January, can I file the K-3 petition from here so that I can at least start the process? I know it says to file from your home country, but does that mean I have to physically be there? I could send all paperwork home and have someone send it to the USCIS for me..do u think that will be acceptable? Your advice will be greatly appreciated!! Thanks !!

[together4evr 360]

K3 is a waste of money and time. You should just file a CR-1, I-130 forms.

Does Nigeria have DCF filing. If they do then you stay in Nigeria for 6 months after marriage and send in the form to the consulate in Nigeria and it is processed quickly.

If they do not have DCF -Direct Counselor Filing then you can get married and send the forms to USA from Nigeria. Only use the Nigerian address as your address and your paperwork MIGHT be processed very quick.

Good Luck

and congrats!

Edited June 1, 2012 by togetherforever13

[Cathi 5,747]

the k-3 visa is obsolete as the processing time for the cr-1 is just about the same

[Ryan H 3,812]

Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures; OP is inquiring about filing for a spousal visa and the CR-1 path is the only viable path.

Does Nigeria have DCF filing.!

There is no USCIS field office in Nigeria so DCF is not possible there.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

To file a petition as a DCF you must be a legal resident of the country you are staying in. This usually means you have a passport for that ocuntry or a resident visa of some sort ( not just a visitor or VWP type entry ) You can mail your package from anywhere in the world but unless you are living aboard it will undergo normal processing. so once you are married you can gather your evidence and send the package. Then you would need to worry about the I 864 do you have income in the US to meet the requirements or a co sponsor.

[livindadream 156]

Nigeria does not have DCF option...nor does Ghana for that matter, which is where we both reside. As for income, yes...Im self employed and can show my tax returns for prior years, also have a couple great options for co-sponsors if needed. So if I can file from anywhere, then I will def send the paperwork home to the USA and have someone re-mail it for me from there. So as one of the posters stated...the K-3 is a waste of time? I just was under the impression that K-3 was both easier to obtain (better success rate) and also slightly faster.

[NigeriaorBust 4,087]

They seem to be taking the load off the paper pipeline and close the K3 when they are appoved together. Once in awhile one slips by but not often enough to count on it.