New and Confused

[aries52 0]

I will to be going to China to meet a wonderful lady and she wants to very much meet me. We have been communicating for quite a while (6 mths). We have also started talking on the phone. She and I are looking ahead to what roads we may want to follow together. Frankly, my head is swimming to all the information on what needs to be done to get us together here in the states. I have several questions and would very much appreciate some very good suggestions / opinions.

1. Which is the best: K-1 or K-3 with the IR1/CR1 route and why? Time lines, less forms, pros

and cons? Exactly what is the reasoning.

2. Can one start the process before the two meet? If so, which one or can both be done but realizing that only one can be chosen. I look at this from shortening the length of time even though the time is still the same. It is just that when two meet and already have the same strong opinions of each other the time will seem shorter.

3. If one applies for the single certificate, how long is this valid for? I have to apply at the SF Consulate. Is the G1 form the only form to fill out besides the documents that one must send in?

4. No matter how hard the road is, two with the will can make it to the end. The question is, exactly how tough is this process and can one actually complete this by themselves?

Thank you,

Aries52

[pushbrk 13,073]

I will to be going to China to meet a wonderful lady and she wants to very much meet me. We have been communicating for quite a while (6 mths). We have also started talking on the phone. She and I are looking ahead to what roads we may want to follow together. Frankly, my head is swimming to all the information on what needs to be done to get us together here in the states. I have several questions and would very much appreciate some very good suggestions / opinions.

1. Which is the best: K-1 or K-3 with the IR1/CR1 route and why? Time lines, less forms, pros

and cons? Exactly what is the reasoning.

2. Can one start the process before the two meet? If so, which one or can both be done but realizing that only one can be chosen. I look at this from shortening the length of time even though the time is still the same. It is just that when two meet and already have the same strong opinions of each other the time will seem shorter.

3. If one applies for the single certificate, how long is this valid for? I have to apply at the SF Consulate. Is the G1 form the only form to fill out besides the documents that one must send in?

4. No matter how hard the road is, two with the will can make it to the end. The question is, exactly how tough is this process and can one actually complete this by themselves?

Thank you,

Aries52

1. The guides here are very helpful. I always suggest couples make their life plans with regard to marriage, time and place, then choose the visa process that fits the plans. Choosing the visa process first, seems backwards to me. A major consideration is that the Chinese woman's family is extremely unlikely to be allowed to visit the US for a wedding or any other reason.

2. You can begin preparation for the process before meeting but you cannot file any petition until you've met or met and married.

3. The process of obtaining a single certificate for marriage in China is spelled out on the SF Consulate's website. There are two other options. One is to go through an agency to obtain it by mail. The other is to simply stop off in Guangzhou for a day on your way to see her and get a "Certificate of Marriageability" from the US Consulate there.

4. How tough the process will be for you, depends on you, how and how much you can communicate while apart and how often you can visit. It also depends on luck.

For China specific support and answers I suggest you check out http://www.candleforlove.com

Please tell them Pushbrk sent you.

Edited October 14, 2007 by pushbrk

[edp333 9]

I will to be going to China to meet a wonderful lady and she wants to very much meet me. We have been communicating for quite a while (6 mths). We have also started talking on the phone. She and I are looking ahead to what roads we may want to follow together. Frankly, my head is swimming to all the information on what needs to be done to get us together here in the states. I have several questions and would very much appreciate some very good suggestions / opinions.

1. Which is the best: K-1 or K-3 with the IR1/CR1 route and why? Time lines, less forms, pros

and cons? Exactly what is the reasoning.

The best is what is best for your circumstances. The K1 generally will get your significant other to the US the quickest. The K3 is generally faster than the IR1/CR1 but costs $1010 to adjust status. Recent delays in USCIS sending out I797c notices is delaying the K3. The IR1/CR1 takes 3 to 6 longer than a K3, but your spouse will enter as a Legal Permanent Resident without the hassle of Adjusting Status.

2. Can one start the process before the two meet? If so, which one or can both be done but realizing that only one can be chosen. I look at this from shortening the length of time even though the time is still the same. It is just that when two meet and already have the same strong opinions of each other the time will seem shorter.

You can start the process by reading the Guides above, dpwnloading the forms, and collecting the evidence. Of course you cannot get married without meeting and you must have proof of meeting to send in the I-129F for the K1.

3. If one applies for the single certificate, how long is this valid for? I have to apply at the SF Consulate. Is the G1 form the only form to fill out besides the documents that one must send in?

The beneficiary has 6 months to arrive in the US after the visa is issued from most of the Embassy/Consulates and 90 days to get married once in the US.

4. No matter how hard the road is, two with the will can make it to the end. The question is, exactly how tough is this process and can one actually complete this by themselves?

Thank you,

Aries52

The toughest part is the waiting. Many people here on VJ have done the process themselves and many have fired their lawyers. Doing the process yourself is easier following the guides here on VJ. There are even sample forms to view. Learning the visa process is also another benefit of doing the applications yourself.

Edited October 14, 2007 by edp333

[Jasman0717 9]

I chose K-1 because at the time it was much quicker, I don't think that is any longer true. Read the guides here on VJ and take a look at the Immigration Timelines, the stats may be helpful.

[aries52 0]

I will to be going to China to meet a wonderful lady and she wants to very much meet me. We have been communicating for quite a while (6 mths). We have also started talking on the phone. She and I are looking ahead to what roads we may want to follow together. Frankly, my head is swimming to all the information on what needs to be done to get us together here in the states. I have several questions and would very much appreciate some very good suggestions / opinions.

1. Which is the best: K-1 or K-3 with the IR1/CR1 route and why? Time lines, less forms, pros

and cons? Exactly what is the reasoning.

2. Can one start the process before the two meet? If so, which one or can both be done but realizing that only one can be chosen. I look at this from shortening the length of time even though the time is still the same. It is just that when two meet and already have the same strong opinions of each other the time will seem shorter.

3. If one applies for the single certificate, how long is this valid for? I have to apply at the SF Consulate. Is the G1 form the only form to fill out besides the documents that one must send in?

4. No matter how hard the road is, two with the will can make it to the end. The question is, exactly how tough is this process and can one actually complete this by themselves?

Thank you,

Aries52

1. The guides here are very helpful. I always suggest couples make their life plans with regard to marriage, time and place, then choose the visa process that fits the plans. Choosing the visa process first, seems backwards to me. A major consideration is that the Chinese woman's family is extremely unlikely to be allowed to visit the US for a wedding or any other reason.

2. You can begin preparation for the process before meeting but you cannot file any petition until you've met or met and married.

3. The process of obtaining a single certificate for marriage in China is spelled out on the SF Consulate's website. There are two other options. One is to go through an agency to obtain it by mail. The other is to simply stop off in Guangzhou for a day on your way to see her and get a "Certificate of Marriageability" from the US Consulate there.

4. How tough the process will be for you, depends on you, how and how much you can communicate while apart and how often you can visit. It also depends on luck.

For China specific support and answers I suggest you check out http://www.candleforlove.com

Please tell them Pushbrk sent you.

[aries52 0]

Hi Pushbrk,

Just learning this set up and when I think I know it, I will probably blow it again.

After thinking about what you said about this seems backwards, you are right. It is where both your hearts are and then the process will take its course. I was kinda figuring that it would be down loading the forms and start the preparation and gathering of information could be done but had to ask. As for the SF consulate, I have read it a dozen times and know that it is one form to fill out. Had to make sure because I read on another site about a person saying that there were two forms that needed to be filled out and all I saw was one. I think that the hardest part of this process will be that I will have to leave her (of course, I will be making some in between trips). The both of us are in this together and we both need the education.

I just started in with candleforlove and will be signing up and you bet I will tell them Pushbrk sent me this way!

Thanks,

Aries52

[aries52 0]

Thanks Edp333!

I will be doing the down loads and start the collecting of information. You give me encouragment / hope about the fact their are many out there that have done this on their own and firing lawyers just to find out they could do it themselves all along.

I do plan on looking this wonderful place over for all information. Looking into all these futher processes will give me some good insights. All I am wanting at this moment in time is that slap on the back saying you can do it.

Thank you and see you around!

Aries52

[aries52 0]

I chose K-1 because at the time it was much quicker, I don't think that is any longer true. Read the guides here on VJ and take a look at the Immigration Timelines, the stats may be helpful.

Jasman0717,

I have been starting to see this about the time difference is almost the same. I will be looking the charts and all else. My brain is going to take a beating but it will sure be worth it!

Later,

aries52