Should I file K3 Visa? It's at Vermont Service Center!

[fbadshah 0]

Hello All,

I know this topic has been discussed numerous times here on these forums and I understand that K3 visas are rarely given now....but I want to know if the K3 will help me in my case.

I filed my I-130 on 1/2/14 and received NOA1 on 1/13/14. My case has been transfered to the Vermont Service Center. I called USCIS today and they mentioned to me that I can file a K3 Visa to have my spouse from india come to the US faster. USCIS mentioned that it may take up to January 2015 for them to approve.....

Based on the time it takes to approve the I-130 at the VSC, should I file for K3?

Thanks!

[Cathi 5,696]

No

[li_09 40]

It can't hurt. It most likely won't go anywhere but like I said, it can't hurt.

[fbadshah 0]

Has anyone experienced filing a K3 visa that transferred to the Vermont Service Center? I heard this center takes a very very long time to process. That's why I am bit worried, and thinking of taking the K3 Route.

[UncleBeer 244]

I'm a noob here, so y'all feel free to correct me. My understanding is that while the K3 might be faster, it also carries the disadvantage of your spouse not being able to work upon arrival in the US (file papers; takes about 3 months to approve), plus the Adjustment of Status process will cost you an extra $1,000 compared to the I-130 route.

[TBoneTX 44,679]

*** Thread moved from K-3 Process forum to the "What Visa Do I Need" forum -- OP is weighing visa paths. ***

[Ed and Gina 45]

If I-130 sent to Vermont...as they told you...could be until 1/15 before they're finished with it! Ours is also at Vermont. I went ahead and filed for K3. Depending on where you live, you'll send it to a lockbox...ours was in Texas. It was then sent to Vermont where K3 visas are NOT processed. K3 visas are only processed in Texas and California. Eventually, the K3 was sent to Texas and my wife has been assigned an Alien Registration Number. The 1-130...no change since NOA1. I really don't know what it means that they've assigned or "changed" the Alien Registration Number. I assume that the process has started and they're beginning to gather the information from various agencies.

It's true, not many K3's have made it to completion before being joined/re-joined with the I-130 at some point...somehow stalling the K3 and eventually leading to the I-130 and K3 being approved simultaneously. Then the K3 will be Administratively Cancelled.

It will cost more to go the K3 route and your spouse will have to wait before getting a Green Card. If, with any luck at all, the K3 goes through at the suggested processing time of 5 months and is not re-joined with the I-130, the NVC will assign a case number and forward the package to the American Embassy where you spouse is from.

Good Luck