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Why you did NOT use K-1 (Chinese cases)

By spc123 in China

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spc123 Rookie

spc123   0

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

To anyone with a Chinese case who decided against the K-1 option,

I've read the guidelines and understand the general pros and cons associated with the available visa options. However, I'm still curious to identify the key factor that led you to NOT use the popular K-1 visa option. I guess anyone who is interested in sharing might just complete the following sentence:

The K-1 was NOT the best option for us because............

Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,479

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

My wife wanted to do stuff in the USA after she recovered from the jetlag.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

TBoneTX Grand Master

TBoneTX   46,167

Posted
Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Ecuador
 Timeline
Posted

*** Thread moved from CR-1 Process forum to the China regional subforum for country-specific responses. ***


06-04-2007 = TSC stamps postal return-receipt for I-129f.

06-11-2007 = NOA1 date (unknown to me).

07-20-2007 = Phoned Immigration Officer; got WAC#; where's NOA1?

09-25-2007 = Touch (first-ever).

09-28-2007 = NOA1, 23 days after their 45-day promise to send it (grrrr).

10-20 & 11-14-2007 = Phoned ImmOffs; "still pending."

12-11-2007 = 180 days; file is "between workstations, may be early Jan."; touches 12/11 & 12/12.

12-18-2007 = Call; file is with Division 9 ofcr. (bckgrnd check); e-prompt to shake it; touch.

12-19-2007 = NOA2 by e-mail & web, dated 12-18-07 (187 days; 201 per VJ); in mail 12/24/07.

01-09-2008 = File from USCIS to NVC, 1-4-08; NVC creates file, 1/15/08; to consulate 1/16/08.

01-23-2008 = Consulate gets file; outdated Packet 4 mailed to fiancee 1/27/08; rec'd 3/3/08.

04-29-2008 = Fiancee's 4-min. consular interview, 8:30 a.m.; much evidence brought but not allowed to be presented (consul: "More proof! Second interview! Bring your fiance!").

05-05-2008 = Infuriating $12 call to non-English-speaking consulate appointment-setter.

05-06-2008 = Better $12 call to English-speaker; "joint" interview date 6/30/08 (my selection).

06-30-2008 = Stokes Interrogations w/Ecuadorian (not USC); "wait 2 weeks; we'll mail her."

07-2008 = Daily calls to DOS: "currently processing"; 8/05 = Phoned consulate, got Section Chief; wrote him.

08-07-08 = E-mail from consulate, promising to issue visa "as soon as we get her passport" (on 8/12, per DHL).

08-27-08 = Phoned consulate (they "couldn't find" our file); visa DHL'd 8/28; in hand 9/1; through POE on 10/9 with NO hassles(!).

gogo Proficient

gogo   6

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

CR1 has less restrictions when they arrive in the USA.. also it seems to be much cheaper.. I think you may wait a bit longer, but it's worth it..

I-130 STAGE 1 : 533 days - 1 year 6 months (4/16/2007 to 9/22/2008)

Priority Date I-130 : 4/16/2007 ( 533 days , APPROVED 9/22/2008)
Transferred to local office based on "security checks" : 11/27/2007
wrote hundreds of letters - received letter from FBI Records Management Chief stating no security checks
local office interview : 2/21/2008 - brought my parents too (result : you will get approval within 2-3 weeks)
5/2/2008 - (lawsuit) Writ of Mandamus - OFFICIAL DATE (7/29/2008)
9/22/2008 - CALL AND EMAIL COPY OF APPROVAL NOTICE FROM LAWYER

NVC STAGE 2 : 99 days - 3 months (9/30/2008 to 1/7/2009)
NVC Received : 9/30/2008
Received Packet 3 (I-864/DS-230) : 11/10/2008
NVC says "RFE sent out 12/9/08 for missing documents" : 12/10/2008
CASE COMPLETE - 1/7/2009

CONSULATE STAGE 3 : 96 days - 3 months (1/8/2009 to 4/14/2009)
CLEARED CUSTOMS - 3/10/2009
**APPOINTMENT DATE : 4/14/2009, 7:15AM**
** BLUE SLIP **

AP STAGE 4 : 97 days - 3 months (4/14/2009 to 7/20/2009)
DOS call to receive I-601 (Waiver of Grounds for Inadmissibility - basically denial) from Guangzhou : 6/24/2009

REMOVAL OF I-601 due to my letters to the USCIS Director, Michael Aytes: 6/29/2009
CALL-IN LETTER NOTIFIED : 7/8/2009
CALL-IN LETTER (APPROVAL)!! : 7/16/2009
ALL DONE!! (got both GREEN CARD & SSN CARD) : 10/1/2009

"http://www.visajourney.com/forums/topic/194075-feel-like-a-cr-1-csc-castaway/page-60" (pages 53-63) for more updates and letter I wrote to Director Michael Aytes and his replies and back and forth..

HER PARENTS - 10 months so far

I-130 Sent In : 1/7/2013

I-130 Approval : 3/28/2013

Transfer to NVC : 6/12/2013

Case Complete : 8/25/2013

"Ready for Interview" (Ready to wait for 1-3 Months, this is official NVC letter transfer date) : 9/9/2013

DHL Tracking : arrived 9/24/2013

P4 Letter : 11/21/2013

Interview Date : 12/9/2013, originally 12/3, stupid lawyer filled out her dad's passport number wrong..

Interview Passed : 12/9/2013

Visa "Issued" on CEAC : 12/10/2013

Darnell Grand Master

Darnell   8,479

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

The K-1 was NOT the best option for us because.........

My wife wanted to do stuff in the USA after she recovered from the jetlag.

Sometimes my language usage seems confusing - please feel free to 'read it twice', just in case !
Ya know, you can find the answer to your question with the advanced search tool, when using a PC? Ditch the handphone, come back later on a PC, and try again.

-=-=-=-=-=R E A D ! ! !=-=-=-=-=-

Whoa Nelly ! Want NVC Info? see http://www.visajourney.com/wiki/index.php/NVC_Process

Congratulations on your approval ! We All Applaud your accomplishment with Most Wonderful Kissies !

 

Ryan H Grand Master

Ryan H   3,834

Posted
Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

The K1 was NOT the best option for us because I personally found it to be a tricky process at the Consulate phase (based on reading I had done) whereas I found the spousal visa process to be more straightforward.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

SBB Enthusiast

SBB   74

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

Because my wife was already in the US on an F-1...

07/14/2012: Eloped in Texas Hill Country
08/11/2012: Mailed I-130, I-485, and I-765 to Chicago Lockbox
08/13/2012: Package received by Chicago Lockbox
08/14/2012: Priority Date
08/17/2012: Notice of receipt sent
08/21/2012: Biometrics appointment notice sent
08/27/2012: Walk-in biometrics completed
09/19/2012: Interview scheduled for October 26
10/24/2012: EAD production ordered
10/26/2012: Interview in San Antonio. AOS approved!
11/5/2012: USCIS claims green card delivered, nothing in mailbox.
12/5/2012: Service request filed for non-delivered green card.
12/7/2012: Service request replied to (but not delivered).
1/4/2013: Filed I-90, paid another $450
1/24/2013: Biometrics again...
4/1/2013: First Green Card from November finally arrived...

4/22/2013: Replacement Green Card arrived.

8/9/2014: Filed I-751

8/14/2014: Received NOA for I-751

3/12/2015: ROC Approved!

7/18/2016: Sent in N-400 to Texas lockbox

7/21/2016: N-400 delivered

Simeon Explorer

Simeon   25

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted

To anyone with a Chinese case who decided against the K-1 option,

I've read the guidelines and understand the general pros and cons associated with the available visa options. However, I'm still curious to identify the key factor that led you to NOT use the popular K-1 visa option. I guess anyone who is interested in sharing might just complete the following sentence:

The K-1 was NOT the best option for us because............

My wife's K-1 visa was denied because she was a China Communist Party (CCP) member. It is very difficult (ie. impossible) to prove a non-meaningful party relationship. The best way (told to us by a consular officer) is to get married to gain a "qualifying relationship" to a US citizen. This allows the government to use their discretion to waive the inadmissibility requirement for CCP members. See INA212(a)(3)(d) link below:

http://www.inadmissibility.com/info/212a3D.html

==========================================================================

K-1 Visa Timeline (Denied, 3 years, 29 days total)
==========================================================================

2009-8-21 - K-1 sent

2009-10-27 - NOA1 received
2009-11-22 - Received request for DS-230
2009-11-26 - DS-230 sent
2010-1-22 - NOA2 received, medical check & interview date (2010-2-11)
2010-2-11 - Interview! Received Blue Slip for China Communist Party membership. sad.png
2010-3-26 - RFE sent, written statement explaining disassociation from CCP
2010-7-22 - Sent an inquiry every month starting 7/22, always still in AP
2010-12-1 - Senator Feinstein's official inquiry, still under AP (yep, doesn't help. Immigration > Senator)

(…many monthly inquiries later…)
2012-6-12 - Final interview scheduled (9/18/2012)

2012-9-18 - K-1 was denied. :cry: We could not overcome INA212(A)(3)(d)

==========================================================================
CR-1 Visa Timeline (Approved, converted into IR-1, 2 years, 1 month, 29 days)
==========================================================================

2012-12-10 - Married in Beijing! <3

2013-5-1 - I-130 sent
2013-5-6 - NOA1 received

2013-12-6 - Case transferred to the TSC

2013-1-9 - (Bogus) RFE received

2013-2-24 - RFE sent

2014-5-2 - NOA2 received

2014-5-6 - Case shipped to NVC

2014-5-14 - Case received at NVC

2014-6-16 - NVC Case Number Assigned

2014-11-15 - NVC Case Complete!

2015-1-6 - Guangzhou Consulate received

2015-1-26 - Interview date!

2015-1-26 - 221(g) denial (again)! :cry: Case being transferred to Washington for a SAO.

2015-5-21 - Consulate e-mailed us and asked for her passport! Approved?

2015-5-23 - Submitted passport to CITIC Bank

2015-6-29 - Passport with visa arrived :dancing:... but expires in 16 days, time to hustle!!!

shira Explorer

shira   4

Posted
Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: China
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

To me, the IR-1/CR-1 process seemed much simpler. For example, for China, electronic processing is available (EP isn't available for K-1 visas), which means less delays. Also, as soon as my wife arrives in the U.S., she'll have a lot more freedom to do anything she wants (she'll have a green card within a week or two - she can get a job, travel outside the U.S, anything). Also, as soon as she arrives here, I can add her to my company health insurance. With a K-1, you need to get married first.

Finally, I was visiting her in China pretty frequently, so getting married there seemed to both of us like the obvious thing to do.

Edited by shira

08-Oct-2012 -- Married in Chongqing

29-Oct-2012 -- Heavily front-loaded I-130 sent (spouse is Chinese)
02-Nov-2012 -- NOA-1 email received (Receipt Date = November 1, 2012)
01-Feb-2013 -- NOA-2 surface mail received (Notice Date = 28-Jan-2013 - 88 days)
26-Feb-2013 -- NVC case/IIN numbers received on phone (after 3 weeks daily calls) - gave NVC our email addresses
28-Feb-2013 -- DS-3032 email received
28-Feb-2013 -- AOS Invoice email received
28-Feb-2013 -- Tried to pay AOS Invoice on the State Department website, but site wouldn't allow the login
01-Mar-2013 -- Sent the Electronic Processing OPTIN email with signed/dated DS-3032 attached
01-Mar-2013 -- Successfully paid AOS Invoice on State Department website
07-Mar-2013 -- EP-OPTIN/DS-3032/AOS-fee-payment confirmation email received with new GZO case number
11-Mar-2013 -- DS-230 invoice received; Successfuly paid DS-230 invoice on State Department website the same day

16-Jul-2013 -- Sent I-864 package (6 MB) via email to NVCElectronic

16-Jul-2013 -- Sent DS-230 package (18 MB) via email to NVCElectronic

30-Jul-2013 -- Received acknowledgement of receipt of DS-230 package

31-Jul-2013 -- Received acknowledgement of receipt of I-864 package

12-Sep-2013 -- Received Status-change email from NVC - Case complete

12-Sep-2013 -- Received Interview-scheduled email from NVC - Interview scheduled for 4-November-2013

4-Nov-2013 -- Interview easily passed (four questions). Waiting for passport/visa.

5-Nov-2013 -- CEAC Status = "Issued"

7-Nov-2013 -- Status in reply-email from passportstatus@ustraveldocs.com = "Origination Scan"

12-Nov-2013 -- Received email from ustraveldocs: "Ready for pickup"

14-Nov-2013 -- Wife picked up passport/visa from local CITIC bank

14-Nov-2013 -- Paid Immigrant Fee on USCIS website

07-Mar-2014 -- POE = Washington Dulles Airport

 
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