Interviews

[honeyblonde 0]

Jenn, I work with a girl who married in Morocco, almost 2 years ago! She filed in 2004, her husband interviewed in June 2005 and was denied, and now she is over there visiting him. When I mentioned to someone at work that I was engaged to a Moroccan, they introduced me to her. Over the past year she and I have become pretty good friends. Because of her situation, I researched the topic here before I even went to meet Abdel. I know it must be very hard for her to see me happy with Abdel but she never once expresses any frustration at him getting here first. She only tells me how happy she is for me. Of course she vents her own frustrations, but not by complaining about the K1 being quicker.

I think the difference between venting and saying hurtful things is to not complain about other people's happiness. Any of us could be in your shoes and we know that. We come here trying to be supportive and caring, and try to bring up topics that might cheer you up or distract you while you wait. Yes, please vent. That's fine. Just don't make jabs at us.

When Abdel's interview was scheduled, they gave us a date 3 months out. Marriage visas that got there after ours got dates immediately while we had to sit for 3 months. We were disappointed too, but we just made the best of it and the time flew by.

I'm really sorry you're having to wait. I know how frustrating the not knowing is. I think just about everyone here has had to deal with it for at least some period of time, certainly much longer for some than others, but not many have been spared completely.

Waiting is pretty much a part of life, and the ability to deal with it well is a sign of maturity. This process gives us all an opportunity to see what kind of wife or husband we will be once our spouse gets here, and to observe our partner as they wait too.

[Diane 0]

>How would you like to spend years apart from your spouse while others can get their fiance here within a few months to marry? <

Many of us have had to spend years apart from our spouses; you are not alone. Why should I be upset because other people have been able to be together faster? I think that it's wonderful whenever a couple can finally be together.

>Your telling me this is fair? <

Who says that life has to be fair?

>Im just saying think of others and dont be so cruel. <

That's excellent advice. Maybe you should consider it.

>Not many people even do anything but K1 anymore so many of you dont even know what I mean.<

I filed for a CR1/IR1. It takes time. It looks like you've only been waiting a year or so. That's really not too bad compared to many of us. If you miss your husband, maybe you could arrange to go visit him.

These forums are meant to share advice and to support others that are going through similar processes. I don't understand why you have chosen to attack people that were merely trying to explain to you the different visa types, etc and why the times are different.

[babybunny 2]

I wish I could visit my "secret lover ".

[jennieh 0]

>How would you like to spend years apart from your spouse while others can get their fiance here within a few months to marry? <

Many of us have had to spend years apart from our spouses; you are not alone. Why should I be upset because other people have been able to be together faster? I think that it's wonderful whenever a couple can finally be together.

**I never said anything was fair and I didnt say anything was wrong with people being together soon but no one will ever get my point!

>Your telling me this is fair? <

Who says that life has to be fair?

>Im just saying think of others and dont be so cruel. <

That's excellent advice. Maybe you should consider it.

**sounds like you can be quite cruel your self cause you dont even know me and here you are just bad mouthing someone you have never spoke to before!** So maybe you should consider it!

>Not many people even do anything but K1 anymore so many of you dont even know what I mean.<

I filed for a CR1/IR1. It takes time. It looks like you've only been waiting a year or so. That's really not too bad compared to many of us. If you miss your husband, maybe you could arrange to go visit him.

** and I have not been waiting for one year its been over one year way over one year get your facts straight! Not everyone is made of money and can go see their spouses whenever they want. Miss my husband? Im lucky If I get to speak to him two times a week!

These forums are meant to share advice and to support others that are going through similar processes. I don't understand why you have chosen to attack people that were merely trying to explain to you the different visa types, etc and why the times are different.

***I know Im so godly horrible Im the worst person there is like you say I come here to just attack everyone!

Diane first of all Im not attacking anyone! I know the different types of visas. All I did was ask a question and say what I thought of it whats so horrible about that? Oh you think im cruel huh? Thanks Ill just stop coming here if im so damn cruel!!!!! Actually thats a good idea I t hink I will!

[jordanianprincess 0]

Jennieh - I think we all understand how frustrated you are and we definitly don't want you to stop coming here. I don't think I could say it better than Liz...Venting and complaining about other peoples happiness is totally different.

You do have some valid points, its definitly an unfair process and should not take so long. I think we all understand what you want to say but there are just better ways to say it. I honestly wish you the best of luck and hope your reunion with you husband comes quickly. I know you think a fiance is just a "boyfriend" but its not. My fiance is my life in the same way your husband is your life. Our engagement was half of a wedding ceremony so I pretty much consider him my husband more so than my fiance. I think that most of us here consider our fiance's to be more like a spouse then anything else. That's probebly why this conversation got so heated.

Husand, Fiance, K1, K3....it all represents love.

Jordanian Princess

[landp 0]

Wow, I don't know what to say, this is the first thread I've seen like this.

I did research before I filed for my K-1, everyone has the option to do so, options options options...so deal with the bed you made and lie in it!!!

On the other hand, ####### is casa doing, there is no rhyme or reason it seems for what they do. What about the poor people who turned in their passports, a month goes by and no visa. It all just sucks.

I chose K-1 for this very reason and in my opinion that makes me a smart person for doing my research first. But then you have to consider peoples situation. Maybe someone had the option, but for religious reasons had to marry first. I had a friend who made vulgar comments out of jealousy because her s/o wasn't her and I flat out told her it wasn't my fault. We don't speak anymore, but I was always willing to help her.

Now I'm going through AOS and it has been hell, my husband can't work, can't get a damned driver's license NOTHING. That makes his adjustment and mine alot more difficult.

Newsflash, whether the K1, K3 or whatever. It's an adjustment that we all need to face. Some of us will end up happily ever after, some of us second guessing and some of us in divorce. So let's just be supportive of each other. We should all be allowed to vent without being attacked. However, like I've said before REREAD your post before you send it.

Have a blessful day and may Allah bless all of us.

Salams.

[myfellah 0]

I'm really at a loss for words for what I have read here. I know all about venting because I have done quite a bit of it myself whether here or elsewhere during my immigration process. I can only say I read and researched and researched some more and at the time we finally made our decision, it was faster to go through the K-1 process with a backup plan of ours to marry if it was denied. I know how frustrating waiting can be, really I do. I also know I would think to myself going through the K-1 process about how I wish I could have filed with Vermont instead of Nebraska but hey I had to go through NSC and watch others move faster than us. I couldn't hold it against the person just the system. I was lucky enough in one respect to know our interview date, though it was 3 months away when they told us. I now others waited and waited to find out only to have to rush. Everything has pros and cons. I know we all know this and at times it seems maybe we are the unlucky ones but I do believe everything works out the way it is planned to and for me it has hopefully made me a bit more tolerant knowing each case is different and while I may have a wait for one area, I may move faster in another. I pray for those waiting and I get excited for those who are with one another or just about there. Vent yes, point fingers at others no. This is such a touchy subject. I wish everyone success but, of course, I am human as well and wanted everything NOW for us. I never thought our journey would end but it has, for the most part. For those who are going through such struggles I have no wise words but I do pray for you, really I do. Just don't resent me for going through the K-1 process, it took us over 400 days to get him here but we worked through it and did it. You will too.

[ohiobuck 0]

My point is look at how long a family member has to wait compared to a boyfriend or girlfriend. All these people complain its been 5-6 months or whatever since you seen your fiance last. If you had to wait as long as some of these married people what would you do?

I can't say why the K1 is so much faster than the K3. I understand it is like a short 90 visa to get married, but unlike the K3 Visa the K1 Visa gives them a social security card right away and the right to work right away for 90 days but the K3 has to file for the work permit and then after about 3 months once they get the work permit they can file to get a social security. In this way both are very secuirity issues, and looking at the K1 getting the social security card so fast after arrival maybe they should take longer to process because I for one would think that requires more checking before the visa is issued. With the K3 they have more time once in the USA to deny the work permit and social security. So in short all I am saying there is no reason the K1 should be faster to process than the K3, they should take the same amount of time and be treated equally or maybe even take longer since the social security card is given faster with a K1 than a K3.

We can all look at this very many different ways but this is an important way of looking at this issue if we are all honest about the process.

[Together4ever 1]

My point is look at how long a family member has to wait compared to a boyfriend or girlfriend. All these people complain its been 5-6 months or whatever since you seen your fiance last. If you had to wait as long as some of these married people what would you do?

I can't say why the K1 is so much faster than the K3. I understand it is like a short 90 visa to get married, but unlike the K3 Visa the K1 Visa gives them a social security card right away and the right to work right away for 90 days but the K3 has to file for the work permit and then after about 3 months once they get the work permit they can file to get a social security. In this way both are very secuirity issues, and looking at the K1 getting the social security card so fast after arrival maybe they should take longer to process because I for one would think that requires more checking before the visa is issued. With the K3 they have more time once in the USA to deny the work permit and social security. So in short all I am saying there is no reason the K1 should be faster to process than the K3, they should take the same amount of time and be treated equally or maybe even take longer since the social security card is given faster with a K1 than a K3.

We can all look at this very many different ways but this is an important way of looking at this issue if we are all honest about the process.

I thought K3 gets their visa upon issuance, and K1 has to apply for AOS?

[ohiobuck 0]

I don't think that it is right that the wait for a CR1 or K3 visa should be as long as it is but like Rebecca said when doing the CR1/K3 route all of your AOS is done. When your husband/wife is approved that's the end of the road. They get their green card (not sure if its a 2 yr or a 5 or 10yr - but I know for most AOS it's just a 2 yr.) So you're done with immigration, you don't have to worry about what will happen after you're married. For us K1 people, yes we can get get our SO here faster in general 6-8months (8 for me..). But there are problems when they get here. They really lack any legal standing, for drivers licenses, jobs, apartment leases, health insurance etc. etc. While I won't complain about having my SO here, sometimes I consider if we had done it the other way if things would be easier for us, both financially and mentally. It is hard on the SO when they can't access any of those things. I think this topic is a lose lose situation no matter what, everyone wants what is in their best interest - that's just human nature. Immigration is a tough road that most Americans have no concept of. It is frustrating for all people involved. And while some K3 people may be legally married, some of us are just as good as married (have done the religious ceremony) - let's not forget many people in the US live together for years and years and never do the ceremony - does that mean they lack the same relationship someone who has done the ceremony does? I don't think so. And as for kids - some couples have children without a marriage (whatever people's beliefs on this are - it happens). In my opinion, if there are children in the relationship that should take the top priority over any other situation, because they suffer more than any of us. Obviously the government couldn't make that policy because then people might start having babies like crazy to try and speed up the process.

So, I guess what I'm trying to say is everyone cool down! It sucks for everyone, and for some more than others. None of us have all of the answers why so let's try and stay happy to make it through this process!

This is wrong, when you do a K3 you do not get the work permit, you have to enter the states and file for it and hope it gets approved in about 3 months I am told. Then and only then can they file for the social security card. The K3 is treated worse than a K1 and I am only stating a fact.

[UmmSqueakster 54]

This is wrong, when you do a K3 you do not get the work permit, you have to enter the states and file for it and hope it gets approved in about 3 months I am told. Then and only then can they file for the social security card. The K3 is treated worse than a K1 and I am only stating a fact.

Only K-1s who enter via JFK get a temp work permit. My husband's work permit didn't arrive until more than 5 months after he entered the United States.

[MaryandMian 1]

CR1 or IR1 is only good for two years and then you must lift conditions if you have not been married over two years at time of issuance. With this visa the AOS is done before it is issued. You can work and have ss card usually within one month to six weeks upon entry into the states. K3 still has to AOS just like the K1.

K3 was to put married couples together faster. It does not have the work or travel approved and you must file for them once you enter the USA.

K1 is for fiance and it is just a one time entry visa for the purpose of marriage. After marriage you have to file the AOS.

Edited April 21, 2006 by mianishqsrose

[Together4ever 1]

My point is look at how long a family member has to wait compared to a boyfriend or girlfriend. All these people complain its been 5-6 months or whatever since you seen your fiance last. If you had to wait as long as some of these married people what would you do?

I can't say why the K1 is so much faster than the K3. I understand it is like a short 90 visa to get married, but unlike the K3 Visa the K1 Visa gives them a social security card right away and the right to work right away for 90 days but the K3 has to file for the work permit and then after about 3 months once they get the work permit they can file to get a social security. In this way both are very secuirity issues, and looking at the K1 getting the social security card so fast after arrival maybe they should take longer to process because I for one would think that requires more checking before the visa is issued. With the K3 they have more time once in the USA to deny the work permit and social security. So in short all I am saying there is no reason the K1 should be faster to process than the K3, they should take the same amount of time and be treated equally or maybe even take longer since the social security card is given faster with a K1 than a K3.

We can all look at this very many different ways but this is an important way of looking at this issue if we are all honest about the process.

I thought K3 gets their visa upon issuance, and K1 has to apply for AOS?

I meant GREEN CARD.

[ohiobuck 0]

My point is look at how long a family member has to wait compared to a boyfriend or girlfriend. All these people complain its been 5-6 months or whatever since you seen your fiance last. If you had to wait as long as some of these married people what would you do?

I can't say why the K1 is so much faster than the K3. I understand it is like a short 90 visa to get married, but unlike the K3 Visa the K1 Visa gives them a social security card right away and the right to work right away for 90 days but the K3 has to file for the work permit and then after about 3 months once they get the work permit they can file to get a social security. In this way both are very secuirity issues, and looking at the K1 getting the social security card so fast after arrival maybe they should take longer to process because I for one would think that requires more checking before the visa is issued. With the K3 they have more time once in the USA to deny the work permit and social security. So in short all I am saying there is no reason the K1 should be faster to process than the K3, they should take the same amount of time and be treated equally or maybe even take longer since the social security card is given faster with a K1 than a K3.

We can all look at this very many different ways but this is an important way of looking at this issue if we are all honest about the process.

I thought K3 gets their visa upon issuance, and K1 has to apply for AOS?

K3 only gets their visa upon issuance, but they do not get the right to work until they file for it once they get to the states. This is why I wanted to mention this disadvantage so others understood maybe K3 Visa's aren't as good as people thought.

[Bosco 1]

K3's have the ability to travel without AP. The K3 is a multiple entry visa and no AP is required.

K3's do not have to apply for AOS right away, like K1's do. This is helpful in the cases where finances are an issue.

Rebecca