Is I-129F worth it?

[FAW 12]

Hey All - brand new member here.  I’m just in the process of filing my paperwork for my husband to join me in the US.  I’ve been researching all of the types of forms and am undecided if it’s worth completing the I-129F, especially now that COVID-19 has invaded all of us?  
 

I’ve read it’s a waste and usually not faster than the I-130.  I’m not sure what to do.  Thoughts and experience please?  Thank you. 

[TheLedgerFiles 78]

The I-129f is a fiancé visa. It sounds like you’re already married, so that is not an option for you. 

[FAW 12]

I must have misread that - I thought the I-129F was different from the Fiancé Visa and could be used to possibly expedite a petition.  

[geowrian 22,337]

14 minutes ago, TheLedgerFiles said:

The I-129f is a fiancé visa. It sounds like you’re already married, so that is not an option for you. 

It's also for a K-3 visa for a spouse.

 

That said, a K-3 actually getting issued is on the scale of winning the lottery. And it's honestly not a great prize given the drawbacks.

I think the idea is that there is some anecdotal evidence of some people who filed an I-129F for a K-3 having their I-130s processed. This was primarily the case (anecdotal still - never confirmed) before IOE case numbers were assigned.

 

Edit: To clarify, it means an I-130 AND an I-129F. An I-129F for a K-3 cannot exist without a corresponding I-130.

Edited April 20, 2020 by geowrian

[TBoneTX 45,273]

I wouldn't waste the time or effort.  Stick with the I-130 alone.

[SalishSea 17,824]

55 minutes ago, FAW said:

Hey All - brand new member here.  I’m just in the process of filing my paperwork for my husband to join me in the US.  I’ve been researching all of the types of forms and am undecided if it’s worth completing the I-129F, especially now that COVID-19 has invaded all of us?  
 

I’ve read it’s a waste and usually not faster than the I-130.  I’m not sure what to do.  Thoughts and experience please?  Thank you. 

Also be aware that Pakistani males are often subjected to long periods of AP for background and security checks.

[pushbrk 12,877]

There is some anecdotal data that points to following the I-130 with an I-129F for spouse can speed the approval of the I-130.  Whether that is "real" or will continue to be effective, is not knowable.  I recently posted about two examples where I think it DID speed the I-130 approval, but it's an educated opinion, not actual evidence.  Make your own decision, but do NOT expect a K3 visa to result.

[FAW 12]

Thank you All - this was what I was finding via my internet search but one can never be sure of the source.   This validates it.  Appreciate it!

[FAW 12]

3 hours ago, Jorgedig said:

Also be aware that Pakistani males are often subjected to long periods of AP for background and security checks.

I’m not surprised to hear this.  From what I gather - the country has a lack luster criminal background check system which stinks because the country can’t get it together.  If worries me exactly how long and how do they actually obtain the information they are looking for?  

[SalishSea 17,824]

1 hour ago, FAW said:

I’m not surprised to hear this.  From what I gather - the country has a lack luster criminal background check system which stinks because the country can’t get it together.  If worries me exactly how long and how do they actually obtain the information they are looking for?  

Exactly, which is why it is the only country (I believe) for which a police clearance is not required.  The state department just doesn’t trust Pakistan’s criminal record-keeping ability.

 

There are multiple threads here on VJ about prolonged AP and denials for Pakistan.  Check out the ‘Waivers and AP’ board for at least two long threads.

[geowrian 22,337]

14 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Exactly, which is why it is the only country (I believe) for which a police clearance is not required.  The state department just doesn’t trust Pakistan’s criminal record-keeping ability.

Several others do not require one as well. Some of this is because of non-availability to non-residents (like KSA), and others due to lack of trust of their completeness.

Edited April 21, 2020 by geowrian

[pushbrk 12,877]

1 hour ago, FAW said:

I’m not surprised to hear this.  From what I gather - the country has a lack luster criminal background check system which stinks because the country can’t get it together.  If worries me exactly how long and how do they actually obtain the information they are looking for?  

The old fashioned way.  Direct investigation and in person interviews with neighbors and associates.  That's why it takes a long time.  Longer if the name is very common.

 

[SalishSea 17,824]

4 minutes ago, geowrian said:

Several others do not require one as well. Some of this is because of non-availability to non-residents (like KSA), and others due to lack of trust of their completeness.

Interesting!  I didn't realize there were other countries with DOS trust issues for PCCs. I guess I did know about non-availability for KSA non-residents, since there are so many overseas workers who later ask here about that.

[geowrian 22,337]

10 minutes ago, Jorgedig said:

Interesting!  I didn't realize there were other countries with DOS trust issues for PCCs. I guess I did know about non-availability for KSA non-residents, since there are so many overseas workers who later ask here about that.

Yup. One very blatant example is Iran: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/IranIslamicRepublicof.html

Quote

Police Certificates

Available

Comments:  Available but unreliable.  Police records are not required for immigrant visa applicants because posts cannot verify them.  Clean record certificates can be obtained in Iran or from Iranian Embassies and Consulates, and the physical appearance of the certificate changes significantly depending on which authority issued it.

 

Edited April 21, 2020 by geowrian

[SalishSea 17,824]

1 minute ago, geowrian said:

Yup. One very blatant example is Iran: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/Visa-Reciprocity-and-Civil-Documents-by-Country/IranIslamicRepublicof.html

 

Ah, no suprise there.