ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvery happy
Your good news is lifting a lot of spirits! Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 12:29:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThank God I cant beleive it
Yes, thank God you can stop worrying now and start living! Congratulations, tracimn123, you've had quite a journey so far and we all hope it will be a rewarding experience from today onward.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 06:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it necessary to Adjust Status when in the US on a K-3?
I'm no expert, but plan to have my Canadian husband enter on K3 and return to Montreal later for the I-130 interview.

While none of us are obliged to do AOS after K3, it's assumed we will. That's the whole point of K3: do part of the application from outside the U.S. and finish it here. But it's not the only way to get to the ultimate goal, the greencard.

Once the I-130 is approved, we'll let it continue to process. We're only a day's drive from Montreal, so in our case, it's convenient. It's also, I gather, less of a pain in the posterior.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 13:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approved Aug 15
Mateen, if you do your timeline, and check with others in the IR-1/CR-1 boat from Pakistan, you'll probably find your answers. Good luck.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 18:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approved Aug 15

Now what, this obviously bumps his K-3 right? does this mean he has to stay out longer? I know th cr-1 takes longer to process

We have a choice. We can continue with K3, which will get an interview faster, and then adjust status. Or, we can continue with K3 and let the I-130 continue at the same time, then go back for that interview.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 20:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approved Aug 15
I'm at a loss for words. This never happens. I must be in shock.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 20:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approval
Congratulations, jerseygal, and welcome to the club. A few of us have approvals for both I-129f and I-130. Simple_male laid out the options. There's little doubt the I-129f will get the interview quicker, with entry to the States sooner.

After that, we can adjust status through the local USCIS office. It looks like Newark is relatively slow. But it may not be that much slower than allowing the I-130 to chug along and then have hubby go back to his homeland for the interview.

If it's important to have him working asap, we have to estimate the fastest route, and frankly, I don't have any bright ideas.

If it's a huge expense to have him go back home for another interview, then AOS may be the answer, albeit a slower route to the greencard.

Don't try to make any decisions for a few days, until you come back down from Cloud 9. I feel like I've drunk a gallon of coffee and have turned into a crazed maniac. That's what getting the approval has done to me!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 16:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 APPROVAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Holy jumpin', phat mama, I just got an approved I-130 less than a hour ago. Don't ask me any questions until tomorrow!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 19:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 APPROVAL !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Hey desperate! I'm sending you great big bear hugs! We've got our arms around each other and we're rockin' back and forth! We're singin' and dancin'.

But wait. We just realized we can't live the bachelorette life much longer and have some serious house cleaning to do before hubby gets here. When's the last time you vacuumed?

Okay, reality. I too am weighing AOS vs. going back for I-130 interview. There are pros and cons, and a lot depends on processing times at your local office. I checked New York City and they're handling I-485s dated in July. That's not bad when you compare it to Newark, NJ, which is still stuck in February. No Jersey jokes, please. Let's have another Red Stripe!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-15 17:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSorry
I love turnaround stories. You know, where someone realizes that what they're doing is wrong, so they turn around and do what's right. There will always be support for someone who admits their mistake and takes steps to change their life.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 12:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureslooking for advise
rickmt, I married my Canadian husband while he was visiting New Jersey. (No visa required.) Yes, his information was recorded for the license, and we had to have a witness swear that he was who he said he was. But there was never any inquiry into his status in the States. Having legal status is not a pre-requisite for getting married.

Which is why women filling their cars always get free marriage proposals from gas station attendents. Illegals working here want to normalize their status by getting married.

We aren't really helping the OP here, but we're touching on the underlying issue regarding all illegals. People are rarely challenged about their status while in the States. We have a free country and don't like the idea of a gestapo demanding to see your papers.

Perhaps if there was an acceptable way to verify status, we'd have fewer problems.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 17 August 2006 - 06:38 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 06:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureslooking for advise
Not helpful, Libersolis. We all have opinions about what should be done about people who immigrate without authorization, but these people are trying to make things right. This is not the place to get philosophical, but I venture to guess that faced with chronic unemployment, you and I might make a run for the border ourselves. Have a little compassion, because they could have more hardship to come. Hope everything eventually works out well for you, Happily Married.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-16 15:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNVC and K-3

I'm just so weary.

Tracy, you may be exhausted from worry. Give yourself time to rest. Have faith that everything will turn out well. I am pounding on the doors of heaven for you.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 12:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNeed real advice for hypothetical situation
Wildcard option: why not consider going back to the States to go to school there? Yes, it's expensive, but it may be easier to petition for a visa. Yodrak is right; you need a good immigration attorney to see if you can stay in Canada (on a student visa?) and petition for him to enter the U.S. Is he in Canada as a student?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 08:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129f approved today!!
Wow! Congratulations!

Does the I-130 have to be approved before my husband can come over to the US, or he can do so on the i-129f?

He can come on the non-immigrant K3 visa and either: 1- complete the process in the U.S. by adjusting status, or, 2- go back to his homeland for the I-130 interview.

For immunization requirements, check the Embassy Info (top of this page) as well as other people from his area. If he has no record of previous immunizations, he could be given the shots at the medical. Also, there may be another option to test his immunity (titres?) It may be possible to get his shots and records from a family physician before going to the medical. Please ask others going through the same embassy.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 18 August 2006 - 06:11 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 06:11:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA-2!
belize, if it's important that he work right away, you may have answered your own question: go for CR-1. He'd enter with a greencard and be eligible to work. And if the wait time for interviews is short in Belize City, you may not be adding much time if you dropped the K3 and went straight for the main event. It would also give you more time to save money. Whichever visa you choose, we all hope the journey is joyful!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-19 12:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA-2!
Congratulations, belize! Isn't it always the case that when you give up, your prayers are finally answered? Now you have a nice dilemma. Which Embassy handles the interviews? How long are they taking?

Edited by Jersey Girl, 19 August 2006 - 08:04 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-19 08:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Wow, that was really speedy! Congratulations and best of luck from now on!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 05:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresrfe finally arrived!!!!
Good stuff!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 17:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 approved...does that really mean anything??
Hi Waiting. If your I-130 was approved first, there's always the possibility of entering the States on the CR-1 instead of the K3 as originally planned. Depending on when it arrives at the Embassy, and the wait time for the interview, it may be a little longer than the K3, but bearable, since the process would be complete. Have you considered this scenario yet?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-20 06:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI129F approved !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!11
Hey, timesnap, I'm sending you a great big hug. We all knew it would happen for you. Hope you get the answers you need on the next steps. And remember that everything will work out fine in the end.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-19 12:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 status - phone number?
:time:

dougalted, you may get a better estimate of timing from others petitioning for a spouse from the same country. When everybody contributes to the site's stats, we all get a clearer picture than if we tried calling USCIS.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-22 10:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F & I-130 approved in the same day !!
Wow, the big guy upstairs is certainly smiling on you. Don't worry, you don't have to choose right now. You can let both progress and see which one gets an interview first. Or, you can decide you want to enter with greencard in hand, and will wait for the CR-1 interview (assuming it takes a bit more time than a K3 interview). Check with others from your part of the world on wait times.

What papers, forms, etc. should my husband (petitioner) send me to Morocco?

Sit tight. I believe that both petitions now go to NVC, and once they're forwarded to the Embassy, you'll each get the next set of forms.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-22 07:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 and I-129F
Take a deep breath, because so far, you've gotten NOA1 for the I-130 and have sent the I-129f. If they want a cover letter, you may get an RFE. There's no doubt the forms can be confusing. It's easy to make a mistake or omit something. You've done the best you can and can't change history, so relax and wait to see what's next.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-22 07:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresRob and Melinda Approved I-129F
Hey, Rob and Melinda, your faith has blessed you a hundredfold. Only 63 days?! I wish you all the best on the next part of your journey. And when you have a moment, I ask for your prayers that I finally land a good job so I can sponsor my husband. Thanks from Marianne.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-22 11:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer Up Or No?
Mike, you can probably do it yourself if you don't mind filling forms and following instructions to the letter. Immigration timelines show 177 days for a K3 from Mexico. You also need to know what's involved in getting the twins here. You can also plug in here:
others from Mexico
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-21 06:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 APPROVED!!!!
Congratulations. May all your prayers continue to be answered.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 07:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 APPROVED !!! :o)
Congratulations and good luck on the rest!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 07:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTracyluis
Dear Father in heaven, please take good care of Tracy. Help her to trust in your love. Help her remain confident in your promises. You said that when two or three are gathered in your name, you are present. Well, all of us here are praying for her while trusting in your compassion. Grant our request, Lord, not for our sakes but for your glory.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 17:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on no answer
knowledge, anyone can be denied entry if the official suspects immigrant intent. End of story.

Please re-write carefully before posting. Use a spell check in another program. Your English writing skills leave you open to misinterpretation. There's also a tone that can come across as haughty or insulting. This is not what you intend. Polish before posting and you'll build better relationships.

You're really searching for knowledge and may not be in a position to impart it.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-18 06:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on no answer
You'll find differing opinions on traveling to the States while your visa petition is in the works. While there's no law forbidding it, there's also no guarantee you'll be allowed to enter.

There's a checklist of things border officials like to see that demonstrate your ties and intent to return to Canada. A return airline ticket. A letter from your employer stating when you're expected to return. An apartment lease or statement showing mortgage payments. Phone, electricity, gas, cable, and internet bills. Bank statements. Even with all these, you could be denied if it appears your intent is to immigrate.

Most people who've entered successfully will tell you to be truthful. They'll also say to answer questions with no more information than necessary. I'd avoid: "Hi! I'm just going to be with my fiance a few days so we can celebrate the fact that I'm pregnant!"

You may not like the visa process or timelines and they may not be what you expected. But now that you know, you two need a viable plan. The foolproof method is for him to visit you. I hear they observe Labour Day on both sides of the border.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-12 18:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion on no answer
Guys, a baby takes 9 months. A visa may take roughly the same amount of time. Check the timelines, especially for Canadian-American couples who interview in Montreal.

We started the petition in April and figured 4-6 months. But we didn't figure on IMBRA, which added time. Nor could we have predicted having our I-130 transferred from Vermont to California. Who knows how much time that added?

Now we're hoping for a timeframe of 8-9 months. Which is why this process is like being pregnant. Lots of waiting, imperceptible progress, and hormonally challenged crazies living on pickles and ice cream.

If there's any visiting, it's probably best for the USC to go to Canada so you don't risk being denied entry.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-12 05:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor K3 are vaccinations needed ?
Thanks, Reba. My husband was born in the Azores Islands and we've had his vaccination records from there translated from Portuguese to English. He came to Canada when he was 6 years old and there's no further record of shots. I'm hoping the panel physician in Toronto can see what he's had and what he needs, if anything.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 17:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFor K3 are vaccinations needed ?
Don't know about your Embassy, but we're assuming my husband in Canada will get whatever shots he may need when he goes for his medical.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 07:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129
You're approved and that's cause for celebration. The Web site will catch up!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-25 11:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUk guy, got married in usa.. MAJOR help needed
Nikkis, here's two cents from the peanut gallery:

You can drive yourself nuts asking about the previous denial and how it could affect you. Leave it alone. You also know that staying and trying AOS is risky, so leave that alone, too. Instead focus on K3 and waiting for it in the U.K., which is how it's done.

Yes, the separation will be difficult, but get over it. Like the rest of us, devise your strategies. Start thinking about your future together and how you're going to get there. She will need her good job in the States in order to sponsor you. It could take up to a year for you to be together permanently. Start living with that idea now.

There are many visitors who are denied entry because they can't produce evidence of ties that make return to their own country highly likely. It happens to Canadians all the time. Be aware that there's a point in the K3 process where this question will be asked. (Package 3.) But it doesn't have to be a deal breaker. As people here have said, as long as you comply now and don't overstay, you will most likely be fine later on.

The danger is that you're too focused on what you want rather than what immigration law demands. Stop looking for loopholes that could scotch your plans later. Stop looking for attorneys with answers you like. Start doing things that have the highest probability of success.

You have time to assemble the I-130, which is the first form required for K3. You can also start assembling the I-129f so it's ready to go as soon as she gets a receipt for the I-130. You don't need a lawyer for these, only an eagle eye to fill the forms exactly as they want and to pay the fees. (roughly $400 in total)

Sorry this is all hitting you like a ton of bricks just when you were so happy on your honeymoon. But you'll find good advice and support here and it won't cost $300 an hour. (No, it's not too early for a beer!)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-25 08:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUk guy, got married in usa.. MAJOR help needed
You need to contact a good immigration attorney for personal advice.

But you should know that it's your wife (the petitioner), who starts the K3 process for you (the benificiary). She fills out most forms, not you. Once she has proved she's eligible, and her petition is approved, then you have permission to apply for a visa. That could be several months down the road. Generally, the foreign spouse goes back to their country to wait.

What is your status in the States now? Do you have any kind of visa? I believe that if you entered legally and married on the spur of the moment, you may be eligible to apply for AOS (Adjustment of Status). You would not be allowed to leave until (and if) it was granted. And you'd be on the hook to prove you did not have immigrant intent when you entered. Might be difficult given your history.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-24 16:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone on this forum every been denied a K3?
Let's not forget drugs. They screen for them at the medical stage.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 07:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHas anyone on this forum every been denied a K3?
Being married to an American does not entitle you to a visa of any kind. It simply gives your wife options on how she might petition on your behalf.

There is always the possibility that you will be denied, for a variety of reasons. As Yodrak says, if they suspect you entered a marriage to obtain a visa, you'll be out. And yes, people have been denied for this reason. Besides immigration fraud, other deal breakers include having previous convictions, serious health issues, undesirabe political activities, and a few more.

If you got married on the spur of the moment, you should have no trouble going home and waiting for a visa like most people here. But if you assumed marriage gave you immunity so you could stay in the States guaranteed, you couldn't be more wrong.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-25 17:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOptions once got K-3 Visa
knowledge, you're posting in the K3 area, and may already know that in order to petition for the non-immigrant K3 visa, you must first petition for the immigrant visa, with form I-130. It's conceivable that the foreign spouse enters on K3 and goes back to their country later for the immigrant visa interview. In some cases, this may be a quicker and more convenient route to a greencard. Whatever you choose, count on a long wait for the spouse to enter and another wait until they're a breadwinner.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-17 17:41:00