I130 approved!!!Now what??

[MargotDarko 0]

In the directions for he K3 it says after you receive the NOA1 for the I-130 you should send in the I-129F....

Is that not necessary?

The K3 visa is optional. If you want the K3 visa, you must file the I-129F after you receive the NOA1 for the I-130.

[Portlander 0]

Clarification: At present, it looks like the K3 visa is no faster than the I-130 alone, right? I just got the Notice of Reciept for my I-130 - waiting for the NOA1. cheers

[riblet 0]

The K3 is often still faster than the IR/CR1 - it depends somewhat on the country though.

The receipt notice for the I130 is what is known as the NOA1 - so you've got it already.

Good luck

Clarification: At present, it looks like the K3 visa is no faster than the I-130 alone, right? I just got the Notice of Reciept for my I-130 - waiting for the NOA1. cheers

[Portlander 0]

I'm not up for the IR/CR1 (unless I'm confused??)

[Portlander 0]

OK - I'm a little deconfused in some ways, but more confused in others. I've been trying to analyze people's timelines to get some pattern.

As I now understand it, the K3 is faster than the IR/CR1 because they preferentially schedule interviews at the embassy to K3s - right? Is this the only reason?

I am also trying to understand where the major 'hold ups' are ... it looks like there is a major wait between the NOA1 and the NOA2 (months of waiting in line) . Another major wait is from the time that your application is approved and when you actually get an interview (again months of waiting in line). Right? What other long lines should I be aware of? How does the K3 help vs the IR/CR1? Thanks!

[misa 2]

Nope, the K3 is faster because it doesn't stay at NVC for more processing. After I-129F approval, it goes to NVC for a case number and additional security checks, then onto the consulate where they schedule your interview.

With a CR-1, the approved I-130 goes to NVC, then there's a whole lot more processing done there (bills to generate and pay, etc.) and case completed before an interview is scheduled.

My K3 interview is scheduled for March. If I had pursued the CR-1, I would probably still be waiting for the approved petition to be forwarded to the NVC and waiting for more processing there.

[Portlander 0]

Don't you have to do all those security checks and fees anyway?

Looking through people's timelines, those seem to go pretty quick - like a month.

This are the steps to a IR/CR1

1- send in the application

2- NOA1

3- NOA2, application forwarded to NVC

4- send in more forms, proof of income etc etc

5- application forwarded abroad

6- Interview scheduled

Is that right? I've re-read the guides, and still am a little unlear as to where/how the K3 speeds things up ... especially since they are egtting approved on the same day now ??

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!! (I'm being a single father to a toddler while my wife waits for her visa! I'd be pulling my hair out at this stuff if I weren't alerady balding )

[riblet 0]

The I129F usually only stays at the NVC for a couple of weeks, bhis is where the big time difference comes in as the I130 will generally be at the NVC for at least 2.5 or 3 months even if you use every possible shortcut.

Don't you have to do all those security checks and fees anyway?

Looking through people's timelines, those seem to go pretty quick - like a month.

This are the steps to a IR/CR1

1- send in the application

2- NOA1

3- NOA2, application forwarded to NVC

4- send in more forms, proof of income etc etc

5- application forwarded abroad

6- Interview scheduled

Is that right? I've re-read the guides, and still am a little unlear as to where/how the K3 speeds things up ... especially since they are egtting approved on the same day now ??

THANKS FOR YOUR HELP!!! (I'm being a single father to a toddler while my wife waits for her visa! I'd be pulling my hair out at this stuff if I weren't alerady balding )

[Rob and Melinda 0]

You could have filed the I-129F as soon as you received the first NOA on your I-130. Get the I-129F filed ASAP as this is the vehicle that allows you to be together the fastest.

Rob and Melinda

[misa 2]

Don't you have to do all those security checks and fees anyway?

You pay other fees when you adjust status AFTER you enter the U.S. on a K3.

K3 - faster but more expensive overall when you combine the petition costs along with costs of adjusting status

CR-1/IR-1 - slower and cheaper

[riblet 0]

lol, that should be the USCIS slogan for the I130 "slower and cheaper". Although they are admittedly getting faster.

Don't you have to do all those security checks and fees anyway?

You pay other fees when you adjust status AFTER you enter the U.S. on a K3.

K3 - faster but more expensive overall when you combine the petition costs along with costs of adjusting status

CR-1/IR-1 - slower and cheaper