Is applying for both CR-1 Visa and K3 Visa possible?

[janelance143 13]

Hello there VJ people!

I've seen and have been reading Visa Journey before my husband and I got married. I had to know and understand what Spousal Visa or CR1 Visa is and the forums really helped a lot. I decided to finally make a profile and join the site because recently, my husband and I received an email from our Visa Attorney talking about the big backlog that USCIS is currently experiencing with regards to the processing of I-130 petitions. The Lawyer said they received an information that the backlog will not quickly be resolved as opposed to what the USCIS previously annnounced. He suggested that we file a K-3 Visa as well just like their other clients did for us to benefit with whatever of these 2 Visa is processed the fastest. Although USCIS already said they are no longer processing for K-3 Visas and that even if they processed such kind of Visa, the moment that I get to the U.S we still have to process for an adjustment status.

I would like to hear what you will say about this? My husband said he will call the Lawyer and ask questions for further clarification but I'd still like to ask for your thoughts regarding this matter. I realy believe you guys can help us decide what to do. Thanks ahead!

By the way I am from the Philippines, and my husband lives in California. We got married just recently, June 29,2013.

I would really appreciate if you comment on this post guys.

Best regards,

janelance143

[Jon and Krissy 452]

1) Having a lawyer is only going to slow you down. Save the money and do it yourselves. Seriously. Look all over this forum, nearly everyone who has gotten a lawyer has regretted it. Unless you have visa overstays in the U.S. or a criminal record, there is nothing good about having a lawyer for this process. Expertise: a) I have done this process on my own. b) I am a law school graduate.

2) Given the CR-1 backlog, it might not be a bad idea. Others who have gone this route will hopefully chime in with some personal experience.

Hello there VJ people!

I've seen and have been reading Visa Journey before my husband and I got married. I had to know and understand what Spousal Visa or CR1 Visa is and the forums really helped a lot. I decided to finally make a profile and join the site because recently, my husband and I received an email from our Visa Attorney talking about the big backlog that USCIS is currently experiencing with regards to the processing of I-130 petitions. The Lawyer said they received an information that the backlog will not quickly be resolved as opposed to what the USCIS previously annnounced. He suggested that we file a K-3 Visa as well just like their other clients did for us to benefit with whatever of these 2 Visa is processed the fastest. Although USCIS already said they are no longer processing for K-3 Visas and that even if they processed such kind of Visa, the moment that I get to the U.S we still have to process for an adjustment status.

I would like to hear what you will say about this? My husband said he will call the Lawyer and ask questions for further clarification but I'd still like to ask for your thoughts regarding this matter. I realy believe you guys can help us decide what to do. Thanks ahead!

By the way I am from the Philippines, and my husband lives in California. We got married just recently, June 29,2013.

I would really appreciate if you comment on this post guys.

Best regards,

janelance143

[La Isla Bonita 22]

Hello there VJ people!

I've seen and have been reading Visa Journey before my husband and I got married. I had to know and understand what Spousal Visa or CR1 Visa is and the forums really helped a lot. I decided to finally make a profile and join the site because recently, my husband and I received an email from our Visa Attorney talking about the big backlog that USCIS is currently experiencing with regards to the processing of I-130 petitions. The Lawyer said they received an information that the backlog will not quickly be resolved as opposed to what the USCIS previously annnounced. He suggested that we file a K-3 Visa as well just like their other clients did for us to benefit with whatever of these 2 Visa is processed the fastest. Although USCIS already said they are no longer processing for K-3 Visas and that even if they processed such kind of Visa, the moment that I get to the U.S we still have to process for an adjustment status.

I would like to hear what you will say about this? My husband said he will call the Lawyer and ask questions for further clarification but I'd still like to ask for your thoughts regarding this matter. I realy believe you guys can help us decide what to do. Thanks ahead!

By the way I am from the Philippines, and my husband lives in California. We got married just recently, June 29,2013.

I would really appreciate if you comment on this post guys.

Best regards,

janelance143

We are on a K3 visa. We just applied that process. And we had a lawyer too. There's a pros and cons hiring a lawyer. We started application November 2012, received Noa1 Dec.6,2012. Since that time we did not heared anything from USCIS. I think most of the process it was me always trying to get hold of USCIS. Then I will relay it to the lawyer. Isnt it the other way around? They should relay some good news to us. Well maybe it depends on what kind of lawyer you hired.

Noa1 - Dec.6,2012

September 6,2013 - our case was transferred from NBC to local office.

September 21, 2013 - Husband received a telephone interview from USCIS

September 24, 2013- Got approved

September 28,2013- Received hard copy of Noa2

NVC

October 22,2013 - NVC received our case

November 5, 2013- NVC assigned us our case number and Invoice ID number

November 6, 2013- Fee Bill for both AOS & IV generated on the system

now waiting whats next...........

[janelance143 13]

Hello! Thanks for the comment Jon and Sol.

Yes I did noticed that almost everyone here processed their Visa themselves. I also read that hiring a Visa Attorney can sometimes slow down the process and is costly too.

Not that me or my husband has criminal records or anything. The only reason was that my husband works everyday and he might not be able to really focus on processing for the Visa. We also both dont know how things are done especially with the documents and stuff. Even just a tiny mistake could ruin everything and make us start all over again. I guess my husband just had to hire an agency with years of experience in this matter, showed impressive and fast results with thier previous and current clients too to make sure everything is processed accordingly.

Thanks for sharing your opinion. I do hope people who were in the CR-1 backlog situation before can also share us what they think.

[janelance143 13]

Hello Quennie!

Thanks for posting. Yes I do agree that sometimes it depends on the kind of laywer you hire. As far as we know that lawyer we hired for our case does well in providing thier service for their previous and current clients so I really do hope we made the right decision.

Good for you because your husband is already approved and now you're just waiting for the schedule for your interview. Since it seems that we both are taking the same path, I would really appreciate if you also keep me updated as to how your Visa goes through this thread.

Regards,

Jane

[TBoneTX 45,845]

Welcome to official VJ membership! It's good that you've been reading and studying.

I'm going to transfer your thread from "Introducing Our Members" to the "What Visa Do I Need" forum, in hopes that you'll gain input into your chief question.

[Darnell 8,479]

Is applying for both CR-1 Visa and K3 Visa possible?

Applying? Yes.

[JayJayH 546]

The decision of whether or not to hire a lawyer for this process is entirely up to you. As long as the lawyer is competent, it won't hurt anything but your wallet. If you don't mind spending the money, and you don't feel like doing a lot of homework on US immigration law, hiring a lawyer could be a good thing.

However, most immigration cases are really DIY. A matter of filling out fairly straightforward papers, and some very basic research. Anyone with a good knowledge of English and a fair IQ level can do this themselves - for free.

The only time a lawyer really is needed is for complicated cases involving criminal backgrounds, past illegal presence or visa abuse, etc.

As far as applying for both CR-1 and K-3 - Yes, it's possible to apply for both, but the K-3 is a waste of time, and has been since the late 2000s. It's an obsolete visa, available only on paper.

[NikLR 13,231]

We are on a K3 visa. We just applied that process. And we had a lawyer too. There's a pros and cons hiring a lawyer. We started application November 2012, received Noa1 Dec.6,2012. Since that time we did not heared anything from USCIS. I think most of the process it was me always trying to get hold of USCIS. Then I will relay it to the lawyer. Isnt it the other way around? They should relay some good news to us. Well maybe it depends on what kind of lawyer you hired.

Noa1 - Dec.6,2012

September 6,2013 - our case was transferred from NBC to local office.

September 21, 2013 - Husband received a telephone interview from USCIS

September 24, 2013- Got approved

September 28,2013- Received hard copy of Noa2

NVC

October 22,2013 - NVC received our case

November 5, 2013- NVC assigned us our case number and Invoice ID number

November 6, 2013- Fee Bill for both AOS & IV generated on the system

now waiting whats next...........

if you are doing document intake at the NVC you are not on the K3 visa route, you are on the CR1/IR1 visa route.

[La Isla Bonita 22]

sure Jane. No problem. I'v learned a lot in this VJ site. Hope all is well there in Davao City and not affected of the storm.

Take care

Hello Quennie!

Thanks for posting. Yes I do agree that sometimes it depends on the kind of laywer you hire. As far as we know that lawyer we hired for our case does well in providing thier service for their previous and current clients so I really do hope we made the right decision.

Good for you because your husband is already approved and now you're just waiting for the schedule for your interview. Since it seems that we both are taking the same path, I would really appreciate if you also keep me updated as to how your Visa goes through this thread.

Regards,

Jane

[La Isla Bonita 22]

Yes you are correct NLR. Thanks for your reply. I also received a reply from our lawyer which says :

We are preparing your case as CR1 – spouse of US citizen. Under this category, you will receive your immigrant visa at the US Consulate and you will enter the US as a Permanent Resident (you will complete additional paperwork at the airport when you are at the customs desk). The other category (K-3) will only permit you to be in the US for 2 years and you will not enter the US as a Permanent Resident, you would have to do that once you enter the US (and the fees to the USCIS for Permanent Residence status is $1070). Plus the K-3 is not a faster track to obtain the visa at the US Consulate.

I trust this helps answer your questions. Have a great weekend.

if you are doing document intake at the NVC you are not on the K3 visa route, you are on the CR1/IR1 visa route.

[janelance143 13]

The decision of whether or not to hire a lawyer for this process is entirely up to you. As long as the lawyer is competent, it won't hurt anything but your wallet. If you don't mind spending the money, and you don't feel like doing a lot of homework on US immigration law, hiring a lawyer could be a good thing.

However, most immigration cases are really DIY. A matter of filling out fairly straightforward papers, and some very basic research. Anyone with a good knowledge of English and a fair IQ level can do this themselves - for free.

The only time a lawyer really is needed is for complicated cases involving criminal backgrounds, past illegal presence or visa abuse, etc.

As far as applying for both CR-1 and K-3 - Yes, it's possible to apply for both, but the K-3 is a waste of time, and has been since the late 2000s. It's an obsolete visa, available only on paper

Thanks Yang-ja for sharing your thoughts. With your comments and other people's comments in here, my husband and I decided to settle with CR1 Visa. We hope and pray everything will work out fine.

[janelance143 13]

sure Jane. No problem. I'v learned a lot in this VJ site. Hope all is well there in Davao City and not affected of the storm.

Take care

Hi quennie, everyone are doing fine here in Davao City and werent affected with the Typhoon all praises to God. Thanks for your thoughts.

[JayJayH 546]

Thanks Yang-ja for sharing your thoughts. With your comments and other people's comments in here, my husband and I decided to settle with CR1 Visa. We hope and pray everything will work out fine.

Congrats. You're off to a good start.

It will work out fine.

[Gorjaeous 8]

Hello there VJ people!

I've seen and have been reading Visa Journey before my husband and I got married. I had to know and understand what Spousal Visa or CR1 Visa is and the forums really helped a lot. I decided to finally make a profile and join the site because recently, my husband and I received an email from our Visa Attorney talking about the big backlog that USCIS is currently experiencing with regards to the processing of I-130 petitions. The Lawyer said they received an information that the backlog will not quickly be resolved as opposed to what the USCIS previously annnounced. He suggested that we file a K-3 Visa as well just like their other clients did for us to benefit with whatever of these 2 Visa is processed the fastest. Although USCIS already said they are no longer processing for K-3 Visas and that even if they processed such kind of Visa, the moment that I get to the U.S we still have to process for an adjustment status.

I would like to hear what you will say about this? My husband said he will call the Lawyer and ask questions for further clarification but I'd still like to ask for your thoughts regarding this matter. I realy believe you guys can help us decide what to do. Thanks ahead!

By the way I am from the Philippines, and my husband lives in California. We got married just recently, June 29,2013.

I would really appreciate if you comment on this post guys.

Best regards,

janelance143

Hi, Jane. I see that we were both on the same page at the beginning (because I saw at the end of this thread that you and your husband have decided to take the CR-1 visa application route). As you can see in my signature, my husband and I are fairly new in the process, and we'd like to get as much information from both USCIS and people who've actually experienced going through the process of their visa application.

Would you recommend that we go the CR-1 visa application, too? At this stage, since we are still waiting for responses re: I-130 and I-129F petitions, is it still possible to switch decisions from K-3 to CR-1 visa application?

Your thoughts and opinion are much appreciated.

Thanks,

Jae