US/JA couple: K1 vs. IR1

[IceCreamLub 2]

Hello everybody,

I'm a US Citizen engaged to my fiancé who is Jamaican. We have been living together in Kingston for about 6 months. I have to leave JA on March 22 per my tourist visa-- as such we need help determining how to shorten the amount of time spent apart as we plan tour life together the US.

Wishful thinking was that she could leave with me or shortly after me in March/April... We only recently realized how long the processing takes and obviously our goal is to minimize our physical separation and start our new life together in the US (California).

We HAD planned to marry in JA on Jan 23 2016 (at the registry), and then go through the IR1 process...

However, we are now considering doing a K1 or K3 which seems like it would allow us to live together while we take care of her PR status. Which is faster/better for us?

We would be grateful for anyone's words of advice, encouragement, warning, etc...

Thanks!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

K3 is virtually obsolete. K1 is quicker but consulate depending may have drawbacks

[IceCreamLub 2]

K3 is virtually obsolete. K1 is quicker but consulate depending may have drawbacks

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

[Transborderwife 4,666]

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

Some Consulates are just more strict in some regards.

As for the k3 it's hardly given out anymore

[Kastrs 723]

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

The K3 is VERY rarely issued anymore, most people are issued a CR1/IR1 instead, which comes with much more benefits compared to the K3

Additionally I have seen where sending in the I129F for the K3 slowed down processing of their petition overall

As for drawbacks, for some Embassies they have a strong preference for Marriage based visas compared to Fiance based visas

I do not recall seeing this as the case for Jamaica

[IceCreamLub 2]

The K3 is VERY rarely issued anymore, most people are issued a CR1/IR1 instead, which comes with much more benefits compared to the K3

Additionally I have seen where sending in the I129F for the K3 slowed down processing of their petition overall

As for drawbacks, for some Embassies they have a strong preference for Marriage based visas compared to Fiance based visas

I do not recall seeing this as the case for Jamaica

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

[Kastrs 723]

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

Nope there is no DCF for Jamacia, so just like everyone else you would need to mail your petition into the lockbox. You should make sure you have sufficient income or have a joint sponsor lined up, and you should either relocate to the US prior to the interview, or make sure you have clear demonstrated intent to establish domicile (this will be more important after your petition is approved so you have a little time),

As for how long it would take to approve your petition, that is very difficult to predict. Most petitions are processed by the NSC, but some are handled by other service centers. If it is sent to NSC, then you should be able to predict fairly reasonably when your petition will be approved, otherwise it could be more difficult.

[Dame & Ash 12]

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

Good Morning,

If you look at my timeline... I began the whole process on April 10, 2015 and by Dec 31, 2015 my husband was a PR. The first step of the process you don't really have control over (i.e. which service center, and how long it takes to approve). If you are in San Francisco you will most likely be at the California Service Center and they move pretty fast.

After that, everything is pretty standard and if your petition/visa process slows down anywhere you can call and inquire (NVC only holds it for about 2 or 3 weeks, the embassy allows you to schedule your own interview appointment once they receive your paperwork, you just have to email them for instructions, visa takes about a week to print) and you will get the assistance you need.

I am glad I did the K1 as apposed to the CR1/IR1... timing wise you have a better chance of being with your fiance faster. Check your paperwork you submit very carefully, small mistakes or typos will hold you process up for 30 days or more. I never received an RFE (Request for Evidence).

But please know, its all case by case and anything is subject to happen/change. And also my case was very straight forward, no prior marriages, no children, no drug use inquiries, etc.

Best of wishes to which ever route you go. If you decide to go K1, I will be happy to answer any questions and I'm sure CR1/IR1 individuals wouldn't mind helping also.

Prayer helps the process go faster!

A.Powell

Edited January 8, 2016 by Dame & Ash

[Jawaree 717]

Every case us different. I'd suggest you get marry in JA continue to

live with your husband until March you return to the US send in I 130

petition, get your co-sponsor lined up & other necessary things return to

JA & live another 6 mths, JA unlike the US will only pay attention that

you did not overstay, work illegally , or have no fixed abode while there,

so to be gone a mth is ok to return, if your major concern is to be together,

even K1 will make you be apart for a while. You can also apply for extension

from PICA