Buyer's Remorse: K3 vs IR-1

[Canadian Tired 6]

I had understood – from the NVC website – that once an I-130 application is underway, it nullifies a K3 application. So, when we were finally approved for K3, I thought nothing of it.

Now that we are several months LONGER in the throes of NVC (than we anticipated), I am wondering whether we made the right decision in not pursuing the K3 option?

Somebody, please tell me that had we gone with the K3 route, that (a) it would not have been possible (as we had suspected all along), or (b) that going through the AOS, EAD, procedures would have prolonged the experience, as a whole?

Or, did we choose poorly?

[canadian_wife 1,822]

A) I love your nickname!

And now on to the question. We thought about the K-3 when it was a viable option. We discarded it quickly when we realized its restrictions and additional costs and time associated with the visa. However, these days the I129F petition is often closed by NVC when it reaches there along with the I130.

Your timeline says September of paying the IV bill - what's been going on since?

Also, when did you send in the I129F? When was it approved compared to your I130?

Good luck

[ariani 71]

There is a difference between K1 and K3...

[j&ana 363]

There is a difference between K1 and K3...

yes

[j&ana 363]

I do not think you chosen poorly. If you had gone k-3 route, how do you know your I-129f petition would of been sent to the embassy and process before the I-130 arrive at the NVC.

I believe overall The IR-1/CR-1 is better then the K-3 visa, as there is no AOS later in the states or more fees. The only thing good about the K-3 visa is it is possible for your spouse to come to the USA sooner. If the main concern is for the beneficiary to be in the states sooner then they should do the K-1 fiancée visa if possible .I think even the K-1 visa is better then the K-3 visa.

To me a K-3 just does not seem worth it.

[SharksBelow 99]

I do not think you chosen poorly. If you had gone k-3 route, how do you know your I-129f petition would of been sent to the embassy and process before the I-130 arrive at the NVC.

I believe overall The IR-1/CR-1 is better then the K-3 visa, as there is no AOS later in the states or more fees. The only thing good about the K-3 visa is it is possible for your spouse to come to the USA sooner. If the main concern is for the beneficiary to be in the states sooner then they should do the K-1 fiancée visa if possible .I think even the K-1 visa is better then the K-3 visa.

To me a K-3 just does not seem worth it.

I completely agree with this, we went through the same thought process as you. There's NO guarantee the K3 is faster. I'm nearly at the end of IR1/CR1 so just keep the faith my friend it does all end <3

[NikLR 13,227]

I had understood – from the NVC website – that once an I-130 application is underway, it nullifies a K3 application. So, when we were finally approved for K3, I thought nothing of it.

Now that we are several months LONGER in the throes of NVC (than we anticipated), I am wondering whether we made the right decision in not pursuing the K3 option?

Somebody, please tell me that had we gone with the K3 route, that (a) it would not have been possible (as we had suspected all along), or (b) that going through the AOS, EAD, procedures would have prolonged the experience, as a whole?

Or, did we choose poorly?

I suppose it depends on if you could have interviewed in Vancouver or not and if the expense would have been worth the extra wait.

CR1 gets you a green card upon entry. You can work, collect EI, travel, etc... You can remove the conditions sooner and get citizenship sooner if you so desire.

K3 gets you a multiple entry visa upon which you must adjust your status. You cannot work right away but you can travel with the K3. Its longer to everything else, while being marginally shorter to visa.

Also Montreal has historically closed the I-129F even if it does go through when they find out about your approved I-130. They still make you go through the NVC too.

Most of the time the I-129F is closed anyhow by the NVC and you don't have a choice. I've only seen one K3 in Canada in the last 3 years make it through and that was in Vancouver.

---

Also to anyone else reading, the US Embassy in Canada does not do visa interviews for spousal or fiancé visas. CR1/IR1, K1, and K3 are all conducted at the US Consulate in Montreal, QC. K1 and K3 are conducted at the US Consulate in Vancouver, BC. Yes, there is a difference between an embassy and consulate.

Edited February 18, 2015 by NLR

[Canadian Tired 6]

First of all, thanks to everyone who took the time to reply with a piece of education or reassurance. I truly appreciate and value your contribution.

Your timeline says September of paying the IV bill - what's been going on since?

Also, when did you send in the I129F? When was it approved compared to your I130?

Sept - 129F approved (after sitting at TSC, it was forwarded onto another service centre for faster processing)

Oct - was thinking it was about time to get CC, but got an AOS checklist, instead

Dec - was thinking it was about time to get CC, but got an IV checklist, instead...

I have to admit, I am not counting my chickens before they are hatched re: NVC!

[Canadian Tired 6]

NLR, thank you so much for taking the time to explain the process here in Canada.

There were several learning points here for me. The bit that actually made me say "BINGO!" out loud is the prospect that I would have had to go through NVC anyway. To go through the NVC hoops, only to get a K3 visa (rather than an IR-1) is just exhausting to imagine: crossing a marathon finish line, only to be told that there is longer to run.

I suppose if I was savvy enough a few months ago, I could have gone through Vancouver... but, as canadian_wife, J&ana, and Sharksbelow astutely pointed out: though, my family would be united, my visa journey would have been prolonged.

(And, of course, I wasn't savvy enough re: Vancouver!)

Thank you all! I have been kicking myself for potentially missing an opportunity, but I am feeling reassured now that I have been on the right path.

With appreciation,

I suppose it depends on if you could have interviewed in Vancouver or not and if the expense would have been worth the extra wait.

CR1 gets you a green card upon entry. You can work, collect EI, travel, etc... You can remove the conditions sooner and get citizenship sooner if you so desire.

K3 gets you a multiple entry visa upon which you must adjust your status. You cannot work right away but you can travel with the K3. Its longer to everything else, while being marginally shorter to visa.

Also Montreal has historically closed the I-129F even if it does go through when they find out about your approved I-130. They still make you go through the NVC too.

Most of the time the I-129F is closed anyhow by the NVC and you don't have a choice. I've only seen one K3 in Canada in the last 3 years make it through and that was in Vancouver.

---

Also to anyone else reading, the US Embassy in Canada does not do visa interviews for spousal or fiancé visas. CR1/IR1, K1, and K3 are all conducted at the US Consulate in Montreal, QC. K1 and K3 are conducted at the US Consulate in Vancouver, BC. Yes, there is a difference between an embassy and consulate.

Edited February 18, 2015 by Canadian Tired