K3 then CR versus K3 then AOS...

[misa 2]

Just gauging what others will do. My I-130 and I-129F were both approved on the same day. We want to be reunited ASAP so I'll interview for a K3 and move there first.

I haven't decided if I'll AOS or pursue the I-130 and fly back for the interview.

Some factors:

- not sure if they are retaining my I-130, if so, that'll be $200 for them to forward

- costs of I-130 fee bills, etc.

- flight, hotel, taxis for interview back in Canada - $800 (give or take)

Would pursuing an I-130 after K3 be faster than EAD/SSN/AOS?

What would you do if you had the option?

[misa 2]

Forgot to mention, cost isn't really an issue. Looking to see what is less of a hassle and faster.

[Peikko 1,575]

I had the option to do either. In the end, I chose AOS which proved quick and easy and because of residing in California, probably less expensive too.

It's hard to know for certain as there are always so many factors. However, if the I-130 overtakes the K3 before the visa is issued, the choice will be removed, but if it doesn't you don't have to decide until you are in the US.

The AOS time factor will be dependant on the state of play of your local office. Mine took 5 months, which is short for the US as a whole, but about average for California, at least that is what I understand.

Good luck with whichever you decide

[misa 2]

Thanks for the input! I'll have to think about this some more to figure out what I will do. I did see a few people whose AOS was transferred to California and approved without interview in about 2-3 months. My local CIS office would be Norfolk, VA after I move down there.

[Peikko 1,575]

Where any of the transfers K3? Most transfers I have seen have been K1's. I am not saying K3's don't get transferred, I just haven't seen it.

Anyway, as I said, you still have plenty of time to decide. Have you looked to see if there are any AOS timelines for Norfolk, VA? It might give you a better idea of the time frame than simply looking up processing dates as I found in CA the processing dates for AOS where inacurate.

[misa 2]

Actually I haven't paid attention to whether the transfers were K1s or K3s. I looked at the timelines for Norfolk but there a bit out of whack since some people were transferred to California.

Oh, I always look at the timelines here and do comparisions with service centres and the foreign person's country, etc. I don't bother looking at the USCIS processing dates.

[NikkisPrecious 0]

Emmm.. I didn't think you could travel until to the US until the K3 has been approved???

[misa 2]

I'm talking about after I get my K3 (I said that in my first post). And legally, I can travel there if I show proof of ties to Canada. I just can't move there until I interview and get my K3.

Edited January 14, 2007 by misa

[NikkisPrecious 0]

gotcha, sorry hehe

[MissStacey 1]

Our 130 ia approved and we have filed an I 824 to have it transferred to the NVC and then to a Consulate here in Canada. That process is at a total standstill waiting for the I 824 to be processed.

We have just filed the I 129F for the K3 and are pinning our hopes on this one moving faster.

It would be nice to go back on the CR1, but we are fine with going with the K3 and adjusting status later on. At this point we will go with the one that comes through for us quicker.