Opinions on K-3 now that I have new information

[Darnell 8,478]

more stuff for the I-130? it can be done - via the drop box at the Detroit office - you not need any appointment, just go in and tell the security guards you have stuff for the drop box.

[Dyattaw 7]

I think I would get my senator(s) involved at this point. This doesn't sound normal at all. they should be able to get you some kind of answer as to what's going on within a month or so. Hopefully this won't take that long to have some resolution for you.

[Amhara 460]

Imo. The k3 would possibly create a bigger delay. If they have an issue with the I130, What makes you think they won't have the same issue with the k3? They will match them up because they do name searches when they receive new cases to make sure there are no duplications. Then the k3 gets closed anyway. Call your congressional office and see if they can make an inquiry. They usually get a detailed answer. Calling the USCIS never gets a straight answer. They dont give out specific information over the phone anyway.

I believe the Form I-129F and I-130 are processed separately. Yes, while the USC will put his info on the Form I-129F, they process them both separately, from what I have read.

If the petitioner gets lucky and has his petition routed to CSC, it would beat the CR-1 to Pakistan, and the K-3 won't get canceled if his CR-1 is waiting in Detroit. I would try the K-3 before the congressional grievance. Then, if your K-3 is mis-routed as well, then you can show that you have taken all appropriate steps.

Btw, I don't think it costs extra, so I really don't think you have much to lose. The only thing is if you get TSC, that will take a very, very long time to get approved. If you can move to Pakistan, can you move to California (or another state that CSC covers) before filing the K-3? (Just a thought...)

[tsabbas 47]

I believe the Form I-129F and I-130 are processed separately. Yes, while the USC will put his info on the Form I-129F, they process them both separately, from what I have read.

If the petitioner gets lucky and has his petition routed to CSC, it would beat the CR-1 to Pakistan, and the K-3 won't get canceled if his CR-1 is waiting in Detroit. I would try the K-3 before the congressional grievance. Then, if your K-3 is mis-routed as well, then you can show that you have taken all appropriate steps.

Btw, I don't think it costs extra, so I really don't think you have much to lose. The only thing is if you get TSC, that will take a very, very long time to get approved. If you can move to Pakistan, can you move to California (or another state that CSC covers) before filing the K-3? (Just a thought...)

Moving to California is probably not an option. I could move, but that move would require money up front for a place to stay plus I would need to get a job right away. With Pakistan, I can close up the house and just buy a plane ticket! Although I don't know what would happen with the petition overall if I moved there, even though it's temporary.

I think just sending the K-3 petition will have to do for now and see what happens. You're right, there's really nothing to lose. Thanks.

[NikLR 13,227]

I believe the Form I-129F and I-130 are processed separately. Yes, while the USC will put his info on the Form I-129F, they process them both separately, from what I have read.

If the petitioner gets lucky and has his petition routed to CSC, it would beat the CR-1 to Pakistan, and the K-3 won't get canceled if his CR-1 is waiting in Detroit. I would try the K-3 before the congressional grievance. Then, if your K-3 is mis-routed as well, then you can show that you have taken all appropriate steps.

Btw, I don't think it costs extra, so I really don't think you have much to lose. The only thing is if you get TSC, that will take a very, very long time to get approved. If you can move to Pakistan, can you move to California (or another state that CSC covers) before filing the K-3? (Just a thought...)

No they are not. The I-129F will be put with the I-130 as per USCIS policy.

But at this point the I-129F may help.

[Cathi 5,746]

I usually say that a K-3 is a total waste of time and money with a normal case, but in your situation I would say to try, it won't hurt. I am still very curious as to why you would need an interview before the I-130 is processed. How long did you know your spouse before filing and how much time have you spent in real life together?

[Amhara 460]

No they are not. The I-129F will be put with the I-130 as per USCIS policy.

But at this point the I-129F may help.

I am more than likely wrong. I was assuming that the Form I-129F would only go to TSC or CSC - not routed directly to the Detroit service center. But if that's the case, then it should (my opinion) get routed relatively timely. If TSC gets it, but will not work it, then I would think they would ship it off shortly. Then maybe someone will say "Why is his petition there?" or what will probably happen is you need to push again for the case to be reviewed and worked properly. It just sounds like they routed it wrong and don't really know why or how....

[NikLR 13,227]

I know exactly why it went to a local office actually.

Because it was originally at the NBC. When I originally went through 2 years ago, everything was sent to the NBC who in turn sent it to local offices. The local offices occasionally had interviews because they use old adjudicating manuals. Local offices sometimes would also ask for beneficiary birth certificates (again, old manuals.) As long as it doesn't end up in Atlanta or Newark you tend to be okay.

But I would make an infopass and talk to a congressman about making sure this file is upgraded to an USC petition vs LPR so that there isn't any wait once you get to the NVC.

[tsabbas 47]

I know exactly why it went to a local office actually.

Because it was originally at the NBC. When I originally went through 2 years ago, everything was sent to the NBC who in turn sent it to local offices. The local offices occasionally had interviews because they use old adjudicating manuals. Local offices sometimes would also ask for beneficiary birth certificates (again, old manuals.) As long as it doesn't end up in Atlanta or Newark you tend to be okay.

But I would make an infopass and talk to a congressman about making sure this file is upgraded to an USC petition vs LPR so that there isn't any wait once you get to the NVC.

Actually, it wasn't originally at NBC. It was sent from the Chicago lockbox to TSC on 12/18/14. Then on 1/27/15, after it was at TSC for 6 weeks, I got a transfer notice that it was being sent from TSC to NBC. I wonder if that was the original problem. But you would think after two InfoPass appointments, someone would notice! I put the transfer on my timeline so I think that's why it doesn't show TSC anymore.

And I'm not sure what you mean by upgrade? I am a USC.

Thanks!

[tsabbas 47]

I usually say that a K-3 is a total waste of time and money with a normal case, but in your situation I would say to try, it won't hurt. I am still very curious as to why you would need an interview before the I-130 is processed. How long did you know your spouse before filing and how much time have you spent in real life together?

We knew each other about a year but I don't recall even indicating our length of time known on the I-130. I just sent in pictures, chat logs, Skype calls, and my visa stamp. The only one at the time! We didn't meet until the week we got married as it took us that long to save up for the ticket, wedding, hotel, etc. because his family wanted a full on traditional wedding with all family and friends (like 1000 people it seemed!). And we had to feed them all! They really did not want me to pay for anything so it took them a long time to save. Plus he wanted a hotel for me for the "honeymoon" because he was afraid I would be uncomfortable staying in his village. Silly man! When I went back the second time (after filing I-130) we stayed in the village the whole time and it was a blast. I loved it. In fact, I can't wait to go again.

So I've had 2 trips, one before and one after the I-130 filing and I have another trip planned next month.

If this was the problem though, why not just ask for more evidence instead of waiting a whole year to do an interview??

[Amhara 460]

We knew each other about a year but I don't recall even indicating our length of time known on the I-130. I just sent in pictures, chat logs, Skype calls, and my visa stamp. The only one at the time! We didn't meet until the week we got married as it took us that long to save up for the ticket, wedding, hotel, etc. because his family wanted a full on traditional wedding with all family and friends (like 1000 people it seemed!). And we had to feed them all! They really did not want me to pay for anything so it took them a long time to save. Plus he wanted a hotel for me for the "honeymoon" because he was afraid I would be uncomfortable staying in his village. Silly man! When I went back the second time (after filing I-130) we stayed in the village the whole time and it was a blast. I loved it. In fact, I can't wait to go again.

So I've had 2 trips, one before and one after the I-130 filing and I have another trip planned next month.

If this was the problem though, why not just ask for more evidence instead of waiting a whole year to do an interview??

I didn't even know the USCIS would interview before sending the petition to NVC. I thought most of the work was done at the NVC for spousal visas, but for the USC to need an interview before it's sent to NVC?

[NikLR 13,227]

I didn't even know the USCIS would interview before sending the petition to NVC. I thought most of the work was done at the NVC for spousal visas, but for the USC to need an interview before it's sent to NVC?

It normally happens if there is an issue...

Actually, it wasn't originally at NBC. It was sent from the Chicago lockbox to TSC on 12/18/14. Then on 1/27/15, after it was at TSC for 6 weeks, I got a transfer notice that it was being sent from TSC to NBC. I wonder if that was the original problem. But you would think after two InfoPass appointments, someone would notice! I put the transfer on my timeline so I think that's why it doesn't show TSC anymore.

And I'm not sure what you mean by upgrade? I am a USC.

Thanks!

Sorry I was mixing yours and another's post.

Anyhow, NBC is notorious for sending I-130s to local offices. It may be there is no issue and it's just NBC being NBC.

Your profile says NBC.

I really think an infopass would help you out.

[tsabbas 47]

Hi,

Just wanted to update this post and ask one other question.

I sent in the I-129F. It was received on 6/17/15 and NOA1 is dated 6/22/15. It was sent to NBC (of course ).

In the meantime, I did schedule another Infopass. This time I was told that, while they originally told me one year, they are actively trying to process all pending petitions by the end of this year. A little better but still could be another 5 months before interview.

Now, I guess it's just a race to see if the K-3 gets processed first or the interview comes first...

My question is: should I leave my timeline the way it is or update it for the K-3 petition? It doesn't seem I can have both running at the same time.

Thanks everyone for all your input. It's still frustrating but at least I have a couple things to watch now to pass the time!

[Amhara 460]

Thanks everyone for all your input. It's still frustrating but at least I have a couple things to watch now to pass the time!

I'll be tracking your timeline and be wishing the best for you!

(I would leave my timeline as it is, and see which one gets approved first. If your spousal visa gets approved first, then you would just need to switch it back anyways...)

[amkhan 108]

Hi, me and my wife are in similar condition we filed I130 in December 2014 and got letter from Local USCIS office (Memphis) that interview is required they set a deadline of 240 days which will come in FEB 2016. Our lawyer advised us to wait till August because he is hoping that Local field office would call for interview soon but if they do not call then we might see congress men or what ever. going for interview is not an issue for my wife too but the problem is waiting time as they mentioned on letter 240 days that's so long, earlier we were thinking that i will have my interview at Abu Dhabi embassy by before Feb 2016, but now we are still waiting for I130 approval, please let me know how this K3 things works so i can advised my lawyer too.