K3 to CR1

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

While living in Thailand my wife and I hired a guy to help us out with the visa process for my wife. He told us a CR1 visa could take a while, but told us he could file for another visa, which may not take as long. I just learned he had us file for a K3 visa. You can see in my signature what we've done thus far.

Anyhow, I just learned the other day (on this website) that K3 visas are obsolete due to the CR1 visa no longer taking years to do. So my question is, what's involved in changing a petition from a K3 visa to a CR1 visa? Is that even possible?

Also, what's the advantage? From what I can tell, if my wife gets a CR1 visa, she'll immediately be issued a green card, but if she has a K3 visa, then paperwork will have to be done to get the green card. I really don't mind having to do a little more paperwork and paying an application fee. But, is my presence required in the States for her green card to be issued? I work in Afghanistan. So, I'll take her to the States, file the paperwork to get her a green card, and will then return to Afghanistan to finish my contract. Is that going to be an issue? Do I have to go with her someplace to get her green card, or is it just a matter of completing some paperwork and receiving the green card in the mail?

[Anh map 2,098]

Both the CR1 (I-130) and K3(I-129F) have been filed. They work through the system and the CR1 emerges at the embassy for the interview. You don't have to do anything to make it happen.

If for some reason (slim chance) the K3 gets through, you'd just wait for the CR1.

In your circumstance (working overseas) the K3 would be a monster headache because of the possible Adjustment of Status interview that you'd have to attend.

[Darnell 8,479]

Comparison on K-3 vs CR-1 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/204324-wondering-if-i-made-a-mistake-marrying-in-us/page__view__findpost__p__3060767

[ThailandToIndiana 11]

Both the CR1 (I-130) and K3(I-129F) have been filed. They work through the system and the CR1 emerges at the embassy for the interview. You don't have to do anything to make it happen.

If for some reason (slim chance) the K3 gets through, you'd just wait for the CR1.

In your circumstance (working overseas) the K3 would be a monster headache because of the possible Adjustment of Status interview that you'd have to attend.

Yikes...having to attend an Adjustment of Status interview would really suck. Flying from Afghanistan to the States for an interview, and then all the way back to Afghanistan is a royal pain in the #### and isn't cheap either. My work wouldn't have a problem with it, but it's not something I'd like to have to do. But from what you're saying, I should just dismiss the I-129F stuff and wait for the I-130 to be approved. Do I have to tell anyone about that? Should I call someone or send an email and tell them to disregard the K3 visa and that I'd like to go forward with only the CR1 visa?

Comparison on K-3 vs CR-1 - http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/204324-wondering-if-i-made-a-mistake-marrying-in-us/page__view__findpost__p__3060767

Thanks for that link...I'll check it out.