Canadian93

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I felt compelled to start this topic after I received an email reply from the NVC in response to a "Request to Expedite" that I had filed for my wife's CR1 Spousal Visa. I am the petitioner and the Agent of Choice and we began our journey on 01/25/2016.
I called the NVC on 08/16/2016 to get a status update after 8 weeks (56 days) had passed since they received it from USCIS and I had not heard anything from them. I was informed that our petition had been sent that very day to a Supervisor for review. The person I spoke with was cordial and patient with me but could not tell me why it was there nor who the supervisor was. She did tell me that I should call back in another 6 weeks to check the status. In the next 24 hours I called the NVC 4 times and spoke with 4 separate agents, each one giving me the same, or similar explanation. In a nutshell i was told that since 6 weeks had passed without getting reviewed it was mandatory that it be sent to a "Supervisor" simply because it had not been reviewed in a timely manner and if I didn't hear from the NVC sooner that I should call back in 6 weeks.
Luckily one of the agents suggested that I send a "Request to Expedite" in the form of an email to nvcexpedite@state.gov. I sent the email on September 1st and received a reply on the September 6th stating that my request had been approved. In the hopes that it will help others who may be suffering from "un-timely manners" at the NVC, I have copied the email with my expedite request that states the reasons I felt the request was justified:
From: Rich
Sent: Thursday, September 01, 2016 4:18 PM
To: nvcexpedite@state.gov
Cc: Debbie
Subject: NVC Case Number SYDXXXXXX
Petitioner Name: Rich
Date of Birth: xx/xx/xxxx
Beneficiary Name: Debbie
Date of Birth: xx/xx/xxxx
Dear Sir / Madam,
My name is Rich & I am the Petitioner and the Agent of Choice for Debbie ( #SYDXXXXX).
The following is a timeline of events regarding the CR1 visa application for Debbie :
01/18/2016 - Visa petition mailed to United States Citizenship & Immigration Services (USCIS)
01/27/2016 - USCIS acknowledges receipt of visa petition (NOA1)
05/20/2016 - USCIS approves the visa petition and forwards it to National Visa Center (NVC)
06/29/2016 - NVC acknowledges receipt of visa petition from USCIS (NOA2)
06/30/2016 - Created online account for Debbie n at http://redirect.state.sbu/?url=https://ceac.state.gov/IV
06/30/2016 - Completed Agent of Choice - Rich
06/30/2016 - Affidavit of Support (AOS) Fees Paid - 120.00
07/05/2016 - Affidavit of Support Fees Processed - Transaction ID: 25SXXXX
07/09/2016 - IV Processing Fee Paid - 365.00
07/12/2016 - IV Processing Fee Processed - Transaction ID: 25SXXXXX
07/15/2016 - Completed DS260 and submitted online
07/15/2016 - Mailed AOS with supporting documents to NVC via USPS Certified Mail
07/15/2016 - Mailed civil documents required for IV application via USPS Certified Mail (mailed with AOS).
07/19/2016 - All documents received by NVC
08/16/2016 - I called the NVC to check the status of the application. I was instructed by the NVC to call back on 8/31/2016 because on that date the NVC would have had the documents for a total of 6 weeks.
08/31/2016 I called the NVC and was informed that the documents had not been reviewed and were now being sent to a Supervisor Review and the process could take an additional 6 weeks starting on 8/31/2016.
The agent I spoke with, Carly, submitted a request for a Supervisor call me. I have not received a call as of this date.
I was instructed to call back on 09/01/2016 to confirm the application was under Supervisor Review.
09/01/2016:
I called the NVC to confirm a Supervisor was reviewing the application and was told that the application had not yet been assigned to a Supervisor.
The agent informed of the following:
1. I could not have the name of the Supervisor.
2. I could not request to speak to any Supervisor.
3. I could not have a date that the application would actually be assigned to a Supervisor for review.
4. There is no evident reason the application was not reviewed in the first 6 weeks.
I hereby respectfully ask that NVC Case #SYDXXXXX be expedited for the following reasons:
1. Emotional Hardship:
Debbie , is the beneficiary and is suffering from and being treated for severe depression, stress and anxiety because we still have not been given an interview date with the Consulate in Sydney.
The NVC had the application for over 6 weeks with potentially 6 additional weeks added with no explanation for the delay. There is no evident reason for the delay, the civil documents and the AOS were submitted exactly as instructed.
2. Financial Hardship:
A wedding reception to mark and celebrate our marriage is to be held on 10/21/2016. The reception location, permits, food and entertainment have been paid for, invitations have been sent out and attendees, including those from Australia, have now purchased airline tickets to attend the reception.
The reception date was established with consideration for the normal, established amount of time it would take to complete the visa process, which is on average 8 months. It would create financial hardship for myself, Debbie and family members who have paid for airline tickets, ground transportation and lodging if Debbie is unable to arrive in the US prior to 10/21/2016.
Thank you for considering this request and have a peaceful day.
Sincerely,
Rich
09/01/2016
Here is the reply from NVC accepting my request:
Case Number: SYDXXXXX
Petitioner's Name: RICH
Principal Applicant's Name: ,DEBBIE
Preference Category: CR1
Your Priority Date: 25 Jan 2016
Foreign State Charge-ability: AUSTRALIA
U.S. CONSULATE GENERAL
MLC CENTRE, LEVEL 59
19-29 MARTIN PLACE
SYDNEY, NSW 2000, AUSTRALIA
Dear Sir/Madam:
The National Visa Center (NVC) received your inquiry regarding the immigrant visa petition: SYDXXXXX filed by RICH on behalf of DEBBIE
The U.S. Embassy Consulate General has accepted this case for expedited processing. This file will be immediately forwarded to the U.S. Embassy/Consulate General.
Any further questions concerning processing or the interview appointment date should be directed to the U.S. Embassy or Consulate General.
The U.S. Embassy or Consulate General may still request additional forms or fees at the time of your interview. Please be prepared to bring any missing forms and pay any required fees at the time of your interview.
Please note that it could take up to two weeks for the consular section to receive the case file once it has shipped from NVC.
Thank you.
National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
FCi Federal, Support Contractor
asknvc@state.gov
Good luck!!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

I was approved today, July 27th 2024! PD is June 13, 2023.
 
Just wanted to update for those still waiting as a sign of hope!

https://***removed due to spam***/i130 - bottom of the page. 
 
I hope and pray they STOP focusing on March 2024 and start clearing all us 2023 applicants. It's really unfair and disheartening. 

The welcome letter will contain your login details to the ceac portal. Once you login, you'll be required to pay some fees $425 if I remember correctly(mind you you can't pay with a credit or debit card, it has to be a savings or checking account). Which will take 3 days or more to process, after which you'll be granted access to fill your ds-260 forms and submit your civil documents. The petitioner on his end will be required to fill and submit an Affidavit of Support, provide his recent tax return or transcripts, and w-2s.
 
NVC Requirments
 
Petitioner/Sponsor
 
1- form I-864 Affidavit of support 
2- Tax return transcripts and W2 (most recent)
3- Proof of US Citizenship
4- Proof of Current employment
5- final divorce degree (if applicable to her)
 
 
Applicant/Beneficiary civil documents 
1- passport data page 
2- passport photograph
3- Birth certificate 
4- Marriage certificate 
5- Police report
6- final divorce degree (if applicable to you

If you being able to work ASAP is a priority then k1 is not for you- get married and file CR1. 
if you go the k1 route expect it to take at least 4-6 months. You’d want to get married ASAP and then file adjustment of status and employment authorization document.

With IR-1/CR-1 can immediately work from Day 1: https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/temporary-i-551-stamps-and-mrivs SSN is not required for starting work:
 
K-3 is very rare; in fiscal year 2019 only five were issued worldwide. One in Tegucigalpa: https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/October 2018 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf Page 95
And four in Ciudad Juarez:
https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/JANUARY 2019 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf Page 26 https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/APRIL 2019 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf Page 24; Beneficiary was a Venezuelan national https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/JUNE 2019 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf Page 26 https://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/MonthlyNIVIssuances/AUGUST 2019 - NIV Issuances by Post and Visa Class.pdf Page 26 Note that the (almost) obsolete K-3 visa allows multiple entries with it during it's validity (usually 2 years). Also, temporarily leaving the US after filing AOS doesn't abandon the process for those adjusting from K-3; 8 CFR § 245.2(a)(4)(ii)(C) https://www.law.cornell.edu/cfr/text/8/245.2
 

Can't say I've ever heard that before...or see evidence of it here on VJ.
 
Most cases that I've seen that take "longer than average" for approval have to do with where the foreign spouse (or fiance, for K1) is from or issues with documents filed (RFEs). 
 
My husband and I did the K1 route. We don't regret that choice, but from an objective standpoint that CR1 is better in a lot of ways. 

You can marry in the US and do a CR-1 (presuming -- as is likely if your fiance(e) is from Europe, as most European countries are part of the Visa Waiver Program, and most people from VWP countries are eligible to use it -- your partner can visit the US legally); it's just the non-US citizen has to return to their country after the wedding.
 
Coming to the US on a tourist visa and with intent to marry is not illegal or fraud. Coming to the US on a tourist visa with intent to marry and adjust status and stay is fraud.

My boyfriend and I are going through the same thing as you right now. We are contemplating K1, CR1, or breakup unfortunately. We have been doing long distance between the USA and Europe for 6 years and thought he was going to be able to transfer here through his job, but that fell through. Here’s the hard facts- the K1 visa is quicker in that you can be together sooner, but it will still take 6 months to 1+ years to be approved, average about 9 months to be approved. Then when you are in the USA you will need to get your work permit which will take about 6 months. You will not be able to do any resume building activities. Like you, that is not okay with my boyfriend as he wants to be able to work and thinks that not working will have a negative effect on our relationship. The next option is CR1- you need to get married abroad. You need to look into the country you want to marry in bc some have specific visas and/or paperwork you need to have to get married (again a waiting period). Then afterwards you apply for a CR1 visa. This will take 1-2+ years to be approved. How long it takes is really on multiple factors and luck. My boyfriend met with a lawyer yesterday and was told that the quicker cases are for those who as the foreigner already had a previous investor visa or were in the USA previously on a H1 or L1 visa or for those who have been married for a longer period of time. In my case, being a US citizen working and paying taxes and will be newly married, it would take on average 1.5 years. After that time, he has the green card in hand and can work. Both options completely suck. I hope that helps. Best of luck to you two. I know it’s really hard  

Marry and go CR1, stamp in passport serves as a temp GC and enables you to work from Day 1.

no, you will not be able to work until your have an EAD or greencard. As others have said, that can take anywhere from 6-12 months. sometimes a bit quicker, but i wouldnt count on it.
 
this is why the petitioner has to meet income requirements (which i feel are way too low, but thats not the topic here), so that they can SUPPORT their partner during this time.
 
a cr1 is the better option is working fairly immediately (generally within a few weeks) is important to you. the additional time it takes is fairly minimal at this point.

You are correct, you can NOT work until you have the work permit which takes 4 - 6 months. So you will be sitting at home waiting for months to work after you arrive. Not only that, you can't leave the US (if you get home sick) either until you get travel authorization. And that is taking 4 - 6 months also. And this is why many agree that the K1 sucks big time.
 
If you really think about, for some that want to work right away, the spousal visa is a better option. People get so sold on the K1 being faster (and it is only faster by a few months) that they overlook the huge disadvantages of it. If you are coming from a Visa-free country like Canada, a K1 may not make sense. Because if you do the spousal visa, you can get married in either country, then file the spousal visa, and, yes, you have to wait several months before you get the visa, however, you are still free to come to the US for visits during that time. You can't do that with the K1. Once you enter on a K1 you have to stay here until you marry, adjust status, and file and receive work and travel authorization. Plus, the adjustment of status from a K1 cost $1200. You don't have to adjust status on a spousal visa so it is less money.
 
P.S. The others are correct, the K3 is dead. No point in even considering it.
 
 
 P.P.S An SSN is NOT authorization of work! Those who say they were able to work upon receiving a SSN either became a permanent resident upon entry (like the spousal visa) or has a complete misunderstanding on what the SSN is. A SSN does not give an immigrant authorization to work. 
https://www.nolo.com/legal-encyclopedia/applying-for-a-work-permit-you-can-get-social-security-number-at-same-time.html

K3 is dead as designguy already mentioned. But even with K3, you would have to AoS after arrival and wouldn't be able to work right away - you'd have to wait on a EAD as well.
 
CR1 is the only route when married. And also the only route of fiancée / Spouse visa that immediately allows you to work and travel outside of the US.
 
When you enter with a K1, you then get married, apply for AoS together with AP (for travel, as you won't be able to leave the US without AP either - or at least won't get back in once you leave) and EAD. Processing for EAD is around 6 months. So when entering on a K1, expect to not be able to work for at least 6 months after filing the AOS, AP, EAD. 

K3 is dead you wont get one. If you get married CR1 is your only route.
 
EAD takes about 6 months to process depending on your work authorization

We need extra sheets for the address history of the beneficiary. We are calling it I-130A addendum. Beneficiary will sign and date each sheet of the I-130A addendum. Does the Petitioner also need to sign and date each sheet of the I-130A addendum?