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David & Olga

K3 Visa Viability in 2019

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Russia
Timeline

Due to recent backlogs in the Processing Centers with the I-130 applications, would K3 Visa applications be more viable now that the gap between the processing of these two applications has widened? Or may this be a misconception as all visa applications are continually becoming backlogged at the same time - not just the I-130? What are your thoughts.  

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For now it seems that K3 is still not very relevant.   You can apply but less than 10 got approved last fiscal year.   So far I've seen 3 this fiscal year in October, January, April in DOS stats.  2 in CDJ and 1 in Tegucigalpa.

March 2, 2018  Married In Hong Kong

April 30, 2018  Mary moves from the Philippines to Mexico, Husband has MX Permanent Residency

June 13, 2018 Mary receives Mexican Residency Card

June 15, 2018  I-130 DCF Appointment in Juarez  -  June 18, 2018  Approval E-Mail

August 2, 2018 Case Complete At Consulate

September 25, 2018 Interview in CDJ and Approved!

October 7, 2018 In the USA

October 27, 2018 Green Card received 

October 29, 2018 Applied for Social Security Card - November 5, 2018 Social Security Card received

November 6th, 2018 State ID Card Received, Applied for Global Entry - Feb 8,2019 Approved.

July 14, 2020 Removal of Conditions submitted by mail  July 12, 2021 Biometrics Completed

August 6, 2021 N-400 submitted by mail

September 7, 2021 I-751 Interview, Sept 8 Approved and Card Being Produced

October 21, 2021 N-400 Biometrics Completed  

November 30,2021  Interview, Approval and Oath

December 10, 2021 US Passport Issued

August 12, 2022 PHL Dual Nationality Re-established & Passport Approved 

April 6,2023 Legally Separated - Oh well

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Russia
Timeline
2 minutes ago, Paul & Mary said:

For now it seems that K3 is still not very relevant.   You can apply but less than 10 got approved last fiscal year.   So far I've seen 3 this fiscal year in October, January, April in DOS stats.  2 in CDJ and 1 in Tegucigalpa.

I do think that the K-3 visa serves it purpose now more than ever. The Nebraska Service Center has a 11-14.5 month processing time for I-130s (and looks like it'll continue to slow down due a seeming increase in scrutiny) so i would hope that people start considering the K3 again. In last couple of years, the truism was "K3's are obsolete due to similar processing times to I-130" and thusly making no sense. Hopefully USCIS reconsiders the purpose of this Visa and approves more in 2019. I am going to be submitting a I-129F application in anticipation of lengthier I-130 review times - i just hope that it isn't a tide rising all ships with delays because then this would be futile. 

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The K-3 was viable when the Cr-1/IR-1 wait was multiple years. Right now there is a few months difference at most, not years. So I wouldn’t expect an increase at this time. In fact, it decreased to its lowest levels ever during the peak backlogs this past fiscal year.

Edited by geowrian

Timelines:

ROC:

Spoiler

7/27/20: Sent forms to Dallas lockbox, 7/30/20: Received by USCIS, 8/10 NOA1 electronic notification received, 8/1/ NOA1 hard copy received

AOS:

Spoiler

AOS (I-485 + I-131 + I-765):

9/25/17: sent forms to Chicago, 9/27/17: received by USCIS, 10/4/17: NOA1 electronic notification received, 10/10/17: NOA1 hard copy received. Social Security card being issued in married name (3rd attempt!)

10/14/17: Biometrics appointment notice received, 10/25/17: Biometrics

1/2/18: EAD + AP approved (no website update), 1/5/18: EAD + AP mailed, 1/8/18: EAD + AP approval notice hardcopies received, 1/10/18: EAD + AP received

9/5/18: Interview scheduled notice, 10/17/18: Interview

10/24/18: Green card produced notice, 10/25/18: Formal approval, 10/31/18: Green card received

K-1:

Spoiler

I-129F

12/1/16: sent, 12/14/16: NOA1 hard copy received, 3/10/17: RFE (IMB verification), 3/22/17: RFE response received

3/24/17: Approved! , 3/30/17: NOA2 hard copy received

 

NVC

4/6/2017: Received, 4/12/2017: Sent to Riyadh embassy, 4/16/2017: Case received at Riyadh embassy, 4/21/2017: Request case transfer to Manila, approved 4/24/2017

 

K-1

5/1/2017: Case received by Manila (1 week embassy transfer??? Lucky~)

7/13/2017: Interview: APPROVED!!!

7/19/2017: Visa in hand

8/15/2017: POE

 

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9 minutes ago, davidjervis38 said:

I am going to be submitting a I-129F application in anticipation of lengthier I-130 review times

It really doesn't cost more other than the cost to prepare the petition.   Hopefully it doesn't go to Potomac.

 

11 minutes ago, davidjervis38 said:

i just hope that it isn't a tide rising all ships with delays because then this would be futile. 

If it was viable everyone would do it and then processing times would increase.

March 2, 2018  Married In Hong Kong

April 30, 2018  Mary moves from the Philippines to Mexico, Husband has MX Permanent Residency

June 13, 2018 Mary receives Mexican Residency Card

June 15, 2018  I-130 DCF Appointment in Juarez  -  June 18, 2018  Approval E-Mail

August 2, 2018 Case Complete At Consulate

September 25, 2018 Interview in CDJ and Approved!

October 7, 2018 In the USA

October 27, 2018 Green Card received 

October 29, 2018 Applied for Social Security Card - November 5, 2018 Social Security Card received

November 6th, 2018 State ID Card Received, Applied for Global Entry - Feb 8,2019 Approved.

July 14, 2020 Removal of Conditions submitted by mail  July 12, 2021 Biometrics Completed

August 6, 2021 N-400 submitted by mail

September 7, 2021 I-751 Interview, Sept 8 Approved and Card Being Produced

October 21, 2021 N-400 Biometrics Completed  

November 30,2021  Interview, Approval and Oath

December 10, 2021 US Passport Issued

August 12, 2022 PHL Dual Nationality Re-established & Passport Approved 

April 6,2023 Legally Separated - Oh well

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Filed: Citizen (apr) Country: Taiwan
Timeline
17 minutes ago, davidjervis38 said:

I do think that the K-3 visa serves it purpose now more than ever. The Nebraska Service Center has a 11-14.5 month processing time for I-130s (and looks like it'll continue to slow down due a seeming increase in scrutiny) so i would hope that people start considering the K3 again. In last couple of years, the truism was "K3's are obsolete due to similar processing times to I-130" and thusly making no sense. Hopefully USCIS reconsiders the purpose of this Visa and approves more in 2019. I am going to be submitting a I-129F application in anticipation of lengthier I-130 review times - i just hope that it isn't a tide rising all ships with delays because then this would be futile. 

There are big differences between a K-3 and a CR-1 which are worthy of consideration.......the requirement to adjust status after entry via a K-3 (if "lucky" enough to receive approval) is very significant.

Edited by missileman

"The US immigration process requires a great deal of knowledge, planning, time, patience, and a significant amount of money.  It is quite a journey!"

- Some old child of the 50's & 60's on his laptop 

 

Senior Master Sergeant, US Air Force- Retired (after 20+ years)- Missile Systems Maintenance & Titan 2 ICBM Launch Crew Duty (200+ Alert tours)

Registered Nurse- Retired- I practiced in the areas of Labor & Delivery, Home Health, Adolescent Psych, & Adult Psych.

IT Professional- Retired- Web Site Design, Hardware Maintenance, Compound Pharmacy Software Trainer, On-site go live support, Database Manager, App Designer.

______________________________________

In summary, it took 13 months for approval of the CR-1.  It took 44 months for approval of the I-751.  It took 4 months for approval of the N-400.   It took 172 days from N-400 application to Oath Ceremony.   It took 6 weeks for Passport, then 7 additional weeks for return of wife's Naturalization Certificate.. 
 

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You can always try.  However, keep in mind 2 things.  It is USCIS policy to marry the I-129F and the I-130 and adjudicate them together.  It's the NVC policy to close any I-129F that they receive at the same time or after the I-130. 

 

If you wan to try and get around those two things PLUS play the $1225 AOS after arrival you are certainly within your realm to do so. 

 

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  - Dr. Seuss

 

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Filed: Lift. Cond. (apr) Country: China
Timeline

Moved from Progress Reports to Process & Procedures.

Our journey:

Spoiler

September 2007: Met online via social networking site (MySpace); began exchanging messages.
March 26, 2009: We become a couple!
September 10, 2009: Arrived for first meeting in-person!
June 17, 2010: Arrived for second in-person meeting and start of travel together to other areas of China!
June 21, 2010: Engaged!!!
September 1, 2010: Switched course from K1 to CR-1
December 8, 2010: Wedding date set; it will be on February 18, 2011!
February 9, 2011: Depart for China
February 11, 2011: Registered for marriage in Wuhan, officially married!!!
February 18, 2011: Wedding ceremony in Shiyan!!!
April 22, 2011: Mailed I-130 to Chicago
April 28, 2011: Received NOA1 via text/email, file routed to CSC (priority date April 25th)
April 29, 2011: Updated
May 3, 2011: Received NOA1 hardcopy in mail
July 26, 2011: Received NOA2 via text/email!!!
July 30, 2011: Received NOA2 hardcopy in mail
August 8, 2011: NVC received file
September 1, 2011: NVC case number assigned
September 2, 2011: AOS invoice received, OPTIN email for EP sent
September 7, 2011: Paid AOS bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 9, 2011)
September 8, 2011: OPTIN email accepted, GZO number assigned
September 10, 2011: Emailed AOS package
September 12, 2011: IV bill invoiced
September 13, 2011: Paid IV bill (payment portal showed PAID on September 14, 2011)
September 14, 2011: Emailed IV package
October 3, 2011: Emailed checklist response (checklist generated due to typo on Form DS-230)
October 6, 2011: Case complete at NVC
November 10, 2011: Interview - APPROVED!!!
December 7, 2011: POE - Sea-Tac Airport

September 17, 2013: Mailed I-751 to CSC

September 23, 2013: Received NOA1 in mail (receipt date September 19th)

October 16, 2013: Biometrics Appointment

January 28, 2014: Production of new Green Card ordered

February 3, 2014: New Green Card received; done with USCIS until fall of 2023*

December 18, 2023:  Filed I-90 to renew Green Card

December 21, 2023:  Production of new Green Card ordered - will be seeing USCIS again every 10 years for renewal

 

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline

Ok so I researched the I129f and found a couple of things misleading.  There is an assumption that there are more being denied.  But from what I’ve been observing is that yes the I129 is being denied but that they (NSC) are pushing through the I-130 faster.  The processing time right now is stated to take 11-14.5 months but some that are filing the I129 are having their I130’s processed through Nebraska from 1-3 months.  We don’t know exactly how many chose to file the I129 that were approved for the I-130 instead.  

 

The second thing, there’s an assumption that if the I129 was a viable option,  then everyone would be doing it and bogging down the system.  I think the attorneys and various agencies have done a good job of spreading the word that it’s an outdated process and not worth the time to do.

 

i could be completely wrong but we will see as I filed the I129f this week.  If by some remote chance the K3 is approved, then I’m ok with paying the extra fee for adjustment.  11-14.5 is just insane.

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline
On 7/10/2019 at 9:34 AM, Paul & Mary said:

It really doesn't cost more other than the cost to prepare the petition.   Hopefully it doesn't go to Potomac.

 

If it was viable everyone would do it and then processing times would increase.

Why not Potomac?

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41 minutes ago, CSTSLP said:

Why not Potomac?

Based on the k3/k4 processing times:

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

 

March 2, 2018  Married In Hong Kong

April 30, 2018  Mary moves from the Philippines to Mexico, Husband has MX Permanent Residency

June 13, 2018 Mary receives Mexican Residency Card

June 15, 2018  I-130 DCF Appointment in Juarez  -  June 18, 2018  Approval E-Mail

August 2, 2018 Case Complete At Consulate

September 25, 2018 Interview in CDJ and Approved!

October 7, 2018 In the USA

October 27, 2018 Green Card received 

October 29, 2018 Applied for Social Security Card - November 5, 2018 Social Security Card received

November 6th, 2018 State ID Card Received, Applied for Global Entry - Feb 8,2019 Approved.

July 14, 2020 Removal of Conditions submitted by mail  July 12, 2021 Biometrics Completed

August 6, 2021 N-400 submitted by mail

September 7, 2021 I-751 Interview, Sept 8 Approved and Card Being Produced

October 21, 2021 N-400 Biometrics Completed  

November 30,2021  Interview, Approval and Oath

December 10, 2021 US Passport Issued

August 12, 2022 PHL Dual Nationality Re-established & Passport Approved 

April 6,2023 Legally Separated - Oh well

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline
1 hour ago, Paul & Mary said:

Based on the k3/k4 processing times:

https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/

 

Well the worst case scenario is that we have to wait the full length at Nebraska.  We will see where the I129 goes.

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6 hours ago, CSTSLP said:

Ok so I researched the I129f and found a couple of things misleading.  There is an assumption that there are more being denied.  But from what I’ve been observing is that yes the I129 is being denied but that they (NSC) are pushing through the I-130 faster.  The processing time right now is stated to take 11-14.5 months but some that are filing the I129 are having their I130’s processed through Nebraska from 1-3 months.  We don’t know exactly how many chose to file the I129 that were approved for the I-130 instead.  

 

The second thing, there’s an assumption that if the I129 was a viable option,  then everyone would be doing it and bogging down the system.  I think the attorneys and various agencies have done a good job of spreading the word that it’s an outdated process and not worth the time to do.

 

i could be completely wrong but we will see as I filed the I129f this week.  If by some remote chance the K3 is approved, then I’m ok with paying the extra fee for adjustment.  11-14.5 is just insane.

Where exactly are you getting this information?

You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself any direction you choose.  - Dr. Seuss

 

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Filed: IR-1/CR-1 Visa Country: Morocco
Timeline
3 hours ago, JulienR said:

Some stats on Nebraska SC. I found 26 I-130 petitions that were approved significantly faster than the current average (11 months at best):

- 12 were expedite, military, transfer or other reason

- 9 sent form I-129F for K3 with or after the I-130 (all approved in less than 6 months)

- 4 I don't know

- 1 said none of the above

People who sent the I-129F petition had their application denied and the I-130 approved at the same time, 1 to 3 months after the PD of the I-129F.

I don't know if there has been similar cases in other SCs, certainly wouldn't make a difference for Potomac though.

This is absolutely correct. The 11-14.5 months for typical processing comes directly off of the USCIS site for processing times. 

 

What we don’t know is with this small sampling is it typical or atypical for Nebraska. Also as you said we don’t know about the other SC either. I wonder if your I130 is accepted in say Nebraska if they will automatically process the I129 there too. 

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