K3 vs. CR-1

[reynardine 0]

I was just told by someone at my senator's office that our I-130 is likely to be approved before our I-129F. This was a big surprise to me since I read the official government news release a couple of months ago announcing that they would stop processing I-130s for spouses, assuming that everyone intends to get K-3 visa. It seems from what I have seen and heard that processing of 1-130s is actually continuing as before. Anyway, I began reading the information on this site about the CR-1 visa process. It seems to me that there is a lot more processing done at NVC for CR-1 than for K-3. Is the amount of time between petition approval and forwarding to embassy significantly longer for CR-1 visa applicants compared to K-3 visa applicants? Any insight is appreciated!

[Robor007 0]

I too am a little confused on the I-130 processing if there's an I-129 in process. I saw that memo or press release about the change but it looks like people with I-129 & I-130 petitions still getting NOA2's for their I-130's now. Keep in mind that even if your I-130 is approved (NOA2) there is more processing to do at the NVC whereas the I-129 goes to the NVC for just a brief time and then is forwarded on to the foreign consulate or embassy. As far as the processing time for an I-130 at the NVC I don't know the amount of time but I do know there's fees, paperwork exchange, payment, etc involved. Maybe check out similar timelines in the 'Immigration Timelines' link above. Hopefully someone with more insight can shed more light on this...

[misa 2]

Yup, it will take longer for a CR-1/IR-1 especially since they seem to be approving both petitions at the same time. The I-129F goes directly to the NVC for a short time and then to the consulate. With the approved I-130, it gets retained until you file and pay $200 for them to release it to the NVC and then more processing (see the NVC flowchart for CR-1/IR-1) before NVC schedules an interview with the consulate.

I don't think anyone knows exactly how long it's taking yet either after they file for the I-130 to be forwarded before it even gets to NVC.

See my timeline. Both petitions were approved the same day and my I-129F is already at the consulate and only spent 1 day at NVC. If I had filed for the I-130 to be forwarded to NVC, it probably still wouldn't have been forwarded as of today.

Edited January 28, 2007 by misa

[MissStacey 1]

We have pretty much given up on the I 130 route. It has been a nightmare for us. It hasn't been touched since October 28 2006, we filed an I 824 to have it sent to the NVC and then to Canada. That hasn't been touched since Noveber 11.

We sent the I 129- K3 in on Dec 29, we have our receipt for it and it has just been sent to California. It will go to Vancouver which I hear is usually quicker. I wish we had known more before, we could have filed for this in September.

The K3 is supposed to reunite couples faster, that is the general plan for it anyway. I have more hope for the K3 than the CR1.

Edited January 28, 2007 by Stacey33

[misa 2]

Stacey, you know that when you finally get your visa (whichever one), Mel will not let you come back to Canada right?

(also only Montreal does CR-1/IR-1 interviews)

Edited January 28, 2007 by misa

[MissStacey 1]

I know- Mel has already said he will never let me leave the US.

I would have been excited to go to Montreal for the CR1- I am from Montreal and haven't been back in a while. But I'll be happy to have the K3 in Vancouver.

Edited January 28, 2007 by Stacey33

[misa 2]

I love Montreal too. Used to go every month or so and hang out around the Plateau area a lot. I hope that you get some action on your I-129F soon!

[hafiz 1]

ah the debate of k3 and cr1 lives on