I-130/CR-1 processing thru USCIS field office? SEOUL

[nwson 0]

I'm currently engaged to US citizen fiancée, both living in S Korea, and we plan to start our life together in US. While looking at all these different options, K-3 seems to be all around safe/easier way, I would say more versatile, but it still takes as long as other options. And I've read or heard somewhere that USCIS field office in Seoul takes significantly shorter amount of time than going thru US Lockbox and NVC and consulate.

Does anyone have experience with field office in Seoul or if it is a significantly better option than going thru USCIS in the US?

[Ryan H 3,812]

***Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF Discussion.***

**Organizer hat off**

Everyone here on VJ will tell you that if you are able to file at an overseas USCIS field office (aka DCF), do it because it is the quickest route.

Also, you would be going down the CR-1 visa path, not K3. K visas cannot be filed for abroad and the K3 itself is obsolete and virtually unobtainable.

Edited September 4, 2013 by Ryan H

[lost_at_sea 995]

+1 DCF is not available to many folks, but when it is - TAKE IT. It's a much shorter path.

What sort of timeline are you looking at for your US relocation?

[nwson 0]

Yes thanks for the reply. I was just considering K-3 for the easier financial thing.., but it seems not that great a option now that it will take so long.

***Moved from IR-1/CR-1 Process & Procedures to DCF Discussion.***

**Organizer hat off**

Everyone here on VJ will tell you that if you are able to file at an overseas USCIS field office (aka DCF), do it because it is the quickest route.

Also, you would be going down the CR-1 visa path, not K3. K visas cannot be filed for abroad and the K3 itself is obsolete and virtually unobtainable.

[nwson 0]

Clearly so! looking at your timeline and, wow! that's really fast.

My estimated timeline looks like this...

-Nov~Dec 2013 - Register marriage (civil ceremony) and turn in I-130

-Mar 2014 - Wedding

-July 2014 - hopefully we will have all the things we need to enter US

any thoughts?

some of the DCF timelines I looked into were super fast. should I hold I-130 till the wedding ceremony?

+1 DCF is not available to many folks, but when it is - TAKE IT. It's a much shorter path.

What sort of timeline are you looking at for your US relocation?

[lost_at_sea 995]

Clearly so! looking at your timeline and, wow! that's really fast.

My estimated timeline looks like this...

-Nov~Dec 2013 - Register marriage (civil ceremony) and turn in I-130

-Mar 2014 - Wedding

-July 2014 - hopefully we will have all the things we need to enter US

any thoughts?

some of the DCF timelines I looked into were super fast. should I hold I-130 till the wedding ceremony?

If speed is a priority, file as soon as you're legally married.

[Simeon 25]

I'm currently engaged to US citizen fiancée, both living in S Korea, and we plan to start our life together in US. While looking at all these different options, K-3 seems to be all around safe/easier way, I would say more versatile, but it still takes as long as other options. And I've read or heard somewhere that USCIS field office in Seoul takes significantly shorter amount of time than going thru US Lockbox and NVC and consulate.

Does anyone have experience with field office in Seoul or if it is a significantly better option than going thru USCIS in the US?

Agree with the previous posts. K-3 is a much slower route these days. Get married and go through the CR-1 process by DCF. If you are a resident of S. Korea, you have a better shot. Otherwise, if you are only a temporary visitor, DCF is unlikely.