ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedures1-130 approved!!
Happy news. Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 11:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWE GOT OUR APPROVAL!!!!
Wow, royal flush! What luck!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 17:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOur Journey has started for K-3
macburt, we're all hoping you misunderstood the lawyer. He/she may have gotten you to fill all forms in advance, but will submit them in the correct order, not simultaneously! It may be the lawyer's strategy to pursue the K3 and adjust status in the U.S. Is this correct?

We're hoping your Canadian wife is waiting in Vancouver and that you live in Seattle. Is this correct?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-27 08:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAproved!!!!!!!
Congratulations and best wishes for the next steps!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-27 07:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBack from The Philippines-Were Married-Yeahhhhhhhhhhhh
Congratulations on your marriage! Don't fill out any forms while still drinking champagne!

Seriously, the forms can be tricky, so give yourself plenty of time. Read the entire form OUT LOUD before beginning. Answer "none" or "n/a" instead of leaving blanks. Be careful of fillable PDFs that pre-fill answers that aren't appropriate. When you're finished, read everything OUT LOUD all over again. Then, have somebody else do the same to double check.

Good luck on your journey!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-27 09:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHeaded to Manila Tomorrow to see Melinda for 17 days
Rob, while you're together, please crank up the prayers!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-27 08:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureseducation question
limah, go to school. Get your nurse credentials. Once you have it on your resume, no one can take it away. You'll have a profession that's in demand. You can live anywhere in the country. Don't worry about being out of the classroom for a while. Devote all your time to your studies.

I'm not sure that receiving financial aid disqualifies you from being a sponsor. Others may know. But it might be best to have a co-sponsor, since you may not have a fat income while you're going to school.

If you concentrate on going to school instead of holding his hand during the visa waiting process, it will be the greatest gift to yourselves as a couple.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 18:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA sick feeling...
You have not been sidetracked. Your I-129f got NOA1 in June, so why are you fretting? Give it time. To see how much time, compare yourself to others from Ukraine.

Even if you checked "divorced" by mistake, it shouldn't have an effect at this point on timing. Can you correct it? Perhaps others have an idea.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-30 12:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresk3 forms
Read the Guide for K3 on this site. For the I-130, each of you needs 4 copies of your G325 bio. Be careful of the word "copies" because each page needs an original signature.

For the I-129f, you each require another 4 forms. That's a total of 16 signed bio forms. Will you get an RFE? Or a nice person who'll do some photocopying for you and look the other way? It's anybody's guess.

If you're downloading forms, check their expiry dates.

clear instructions
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-31 08:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Happens After NOA2 for K3?

Where can we find a panel physician in or around Ottawa, Ontario?

list of doctors

When can we expect a case number from the NVC for our I129/K3?

About 2 weeks? Check my signature as well as other Can-Am couples.

When can we expect "packet 3" from the consulate for either our I129 or I130?

Ours came in 28 days. Check other people's timelines, and
Package 3 contains

Why does our NOA2 for our I129F list Ottawa as our consulate?

Two people have already answered, they don't know.

Contact the site administrator to see if you need a new account to turn your timeline into K3.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 30 August 2006 - 01:03 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-30 12:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat Happens After NOA2 for K3?

We received an NOA2 for our I-129/K3 visa. Wondering what happens next, I checked the guide - but it seems to end abruptly at that point.

Your timeline shows you applying for CR-1, not K3. It also shows an approved I-130. If you do a proper signature with dates, more people can help you.

On our NOA2 it lists the consulate as: Ottawa. However, I have been told that Ottawa does not handle visas and that we will need to go to Montreal. Is there any reason/significance that our NOA2 says Ottawa?

Not sure. But why did you list Ottawa as your embassy in your timeline?

What happens now? I know that the NVC will forward our visa petition to the NVC and that the NVC will then send it to the appropriate consulate. Will the NVC contact us, and, if so, what will they be sending? Will the consulate contact us, and if so, how, and what will they be sending?

Just wait for further instructions. If you have approvals for I-130 and I-129f, you can let them both proceed, and go with whichever gives you an interview first. Or, you could make a deliberate choice to pursue I-130 and enter with a greencard.

What monies are due from here out? I believe there is a $100 fee at the consulate. Are there any other fees? Regarding the medical examination - this is necessary for the I129/K3 and the 130 as well, yes?
I have looked far and wide for a list of physicians in Ottawa/Ontario who are certified/"panel" physicians allowed to do visa medical exams. I can't find one anywhere! I was hoping we might be able to get a head start on this by having the medical exam done now - but how do we find a physician? We already have all of his immunization records, proof of negative HIV/syphyllis/Tb, negative chest x-ray, etc.

Again, wait for instructions before going for a medical. Start assembling vaccination records.
read answers here

When will we be directed to file an interview appointment? Would it be wise to go ahead and schedule one now?

You will be assigned a date at the Package 4 stage (K3). You don't schedule anything.

Please, if anyone knows these answers, or knows specifically where to find these answers, let me know. I don't mind doing my own research but I haven't had any luck so far at any of the usual sites!

Use this site well and it will give you everything you need to know. Read the Guides in the appropriate forums (K3, CR-1, National Visa Center, etc.) Check Immigration timelines to get a picture of wait times. Read Embassy info for Montreal. You are now at the National Visa Center stage and have graduated from the I-130 and I-129f petition guides.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-30 10:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYahoo!!! I got my VISA yesterday!!! Thank GOD!
Happy news! Congratulations and good luck on your new life.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-31 08:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approval
vamos, do your signature and give us a snapshot. Others may provide more experienced opinions. (Top of this page > My Controls > Personal Profile > Edit Signature.)

Yes, it's a race between petitions, but in your case it might be a tie because of the dates. The I-130 was approved Aug 8 and your I-129f is relatively new, with NOA1 on July 26.

You need to compare your timeline with others going through your Embassy (London?) to get a rough idea of when you might be called for either interview.

People who are certain K3 will gain entry quicker have the option to complete the greendcard process in the U.S. or have the foreign spouse go back to their country for the CR-1 interview. But for you, this would not be a quick, cheap trip. Nor, I'm assuming, would it make entry any quicker.

You could consider pursuing CR-1 because:
- the I-130 is approved
- the interview may come at the same time as a K3 interview
- you enter with a greencard ... no AOS pains or waiting to work
- it gives your wife time to prepare

Personally, I'd consider having your wife return to the States now to set up a residence and look for a job. Those things could be in place in time for your interview. It wouldn't be a long separation, but a constructive one.

(just one opinion)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 14:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approval
In my humble, amateur opinion, do nothing for now.

Your I-130 was approved (hip hip hooray) and your I-129f is in the works. You can keep going with I-130, which may get an interview first. When that happens, you can drop the I-129f. But there's no point doing anything until you get an interview. You already paid your fees for each, so let them ride. And there's always the remote possibility that you get an I-129f interview first. Strange things happen.

I'm curious about your wife's U.S. domicile and whether she'll have income from a U.S. source. How are you handling these aspects?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 08:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approval
vamos, are you a U.S. citizen living in the Scotland? Are you a legal permanent resident there? Where is you wife from? What is her citizenship?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-28 17:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAnother I-130 approval
:time:
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 12:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshafiz's k3 approved
Hafiz! This is great news! I am so happy for you! Can you feel the smiles and slaps on the back coming your way from the Garden State? Hey. Wasn't it just a short time ago you were so worried you were going to open a freelance business worrying for the rest of us? ;)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-01 14:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHe divored his wife after our marriage?
He may not have considered the marriage important or binding, but it could still have been legal in the eyes of USCIS. He never had it annuled, as a Catholic might who did not consummate. Instead, he divorced, which presupposes a marriage.

Time for the legal beagles. Hope hasana doesn't find her 3-year marriage isn't recognized. Better find out before filing any petitions.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 16:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHe divored his wife after our marriage?
Very astute, mermaid. Not only is polygamy against the law in the U.S., but it's a deal breaker when petitioning for a visa. But weren't they asked at the marriage license stage to produce proof that the previous marriage was dissolved? I had to in New Jersey.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 16:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHe divored his wife after our marriage?
I'm not familiar either, but wonder if you married in a religious or civil ceremony. At this point, I'd do whatever it takes to qualify as a U.S. petitioner. If you're not considered legally married, there may be a possibility of petitioning for K-1. Not sure if that might be faster or advisable, given his country of origin. It may be time for a specialist lawyer.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-29 07:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Issue
Sorry, I was thinking there might be debt payments that would reduce his income. But I guess there aren't any with bankruptcy.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 10:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMoney Issue
The other factor is assets, which might help your case as a sponsor. But if you're filing for bankruptcy, the assumption is that you don't have assets such as savings or investments.

I'd start looking for a co-sponsor with a history of reliable income. I'd also get familiar with the Affidavit of Support requirements at your Embassy.

I don't know if the bankruptcy issue will come up. I'm assuming you'll be asked for at least one tax return, but may be able to provide more if you think it paints a better picture. Check Embassy Info top of this page.

If you fill in your timeline and signature, folks can see where you are in process. You may be filing for bankruptcy in September, but you might also start a new job at the time, right? If you take a job (any job), you may have enough pay stubs at the Package 3 stage to satisfy the income requirements. Personally, I'd get a co-sponsor as a back up, but that's just one opinion.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-08-26 07:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Do I send all four pages of the G-325A with it
I'm looking at the bottoms of the four forms and the each say something different. They may go to different places. Unfortunately, those identifiers get cut off when dowloading forms, since someone forgot about the half inch margin a printer needs. The indentifers are:

(1) Ident.
(2) Rec. BR
(3) C.
(4) Consulate

This G-325-A was "revised 05/31/05." It has a nasty habit of checking off "naturalization" for "this form is submitted in connection with application for." The correct answer for I-130 or I-129f is "Other."
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-02 06:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 has been Approved today!!!
Wow, that was fast! Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-03 07:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApply for K3 while in US?
dude, your upcoming marriage to an American will not entitle you to a visa of any kind, and there are risks associated with Adjustment of Status, as Kezzie points out. It may be difficult to prove your intent when you entered last. If they judge it was immigrant intent, you could be refused and find yourselves looking at her moving to Canada instead.

A better avenue might be the K3 visa, with you waiting in Canada. It's what many Can-Am couples do who marry in the U.S. As soon as you return to Canada, she can file the I-130 (required) and as soon as she gets a receipt, file the I-129f. You need to be in Canada, not the U.S., while this is going on, regardless of what's on the form.

You entered as a tourist, but will change your marital status. This may seem fishy, unless you go back north asap, demonstrating your intent to do things right. But if you decide to stay and try AOS, you cannot travel outside the country, or work, until it's granted. The way I see it: the quicker you go back to Canada, the quicker you can enter on a proper spouse visa. (just one opinion)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-01 17:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa Type...Help..
Your wish is to have him come on a tourist visa, marry and stay. Ah if only that were a good plan! Others here would all be doing it! But it's a risky, inadvisable plan as others have pointed out. Forget about what may be convenient or desirable for you and get with a program where his visa sucess is highly probable.

I'm not sure why others have not pointed this out, but it may be possible for him to come, marry at the end of his tourist visa stay, and then return home immediately. Then you could apply for K3.

(Guys, is this a plan?)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-03 07:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHafiz K3 Visa Approved
Hafiz, I'm so happy for you I just ate a whole tub of Ben and Jerry's Chocolate Brownie ice cream. I wouldn't do that for just anybody! Congratulations!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-01 16:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUPS Lost my AFFADAVIT!!! Interview Cancelled!
Belize, everybody has bumps in the visa road and this is yours. So breathe deeply and just sort it out. For what it's worth, our Package 3 was held up a month because someone put in the wrong postal code. Nothing's perfect.

When your immediate issues are solved, write a letter to UPS head office and copy FedEx, who might use it for marketing purposes. Explain in one page the domino effect UPS' inefficiency has caused.

The trouble with UPS is that it's a franchise. They make money by selling terrirtories and then let ordinary people, who are not well-versed in customer service, run them. That's why you'll never get satisfaction from UPS. Nobody's driving the bus.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 04 September 2006 - 06:20 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-04 06:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUPS Lost my AFFADAVIT!!! Interview Cancelled!
Great advertisements for FedEx, guys. You just convinced me not to use UPS for important visa docs.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-02 15:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHERE TO MARRY, U.S. OR CANADA?
My Canadian boyfriend was on a visit to the States (no visa required) and we married in New Jersey. He then went back to Canada while I filed for his K3. This is the probably the safest method.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 14:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWHERE TO MARRY, U.S. OR CANADA?
getback, if you're a Yank who's also a landed immigrant in Canada, you can marry in either country and file DCF, as mentioned. But you need to look down the road and start planning a place to live and work in the States. Setting up a U.S. home, job, health insurance, bank accounts, etc. for a returning American can be more time consumming than submitting the visa forms.

You'll be financially responsible for sponsoring an immigrant, and at some point, will have to demonstrate U.S. income and/or assets. You may need a co-sponsor. You'll also have to produce U.S. tax returns, which you're required to file no matter where you live or how much you make. If you need to file back taxes, now's the time to put it on your list of To Do's.

If you want an idea of how long visas take, look at my signature and other Can-Am couples going through Montreal. Always imagine bumps in the road. (I had IMBRA, which may have cost a month, as well as someone at NVC copying the postal code wrong, which may have cost another month.)

Oh yeah, caps. They're hard to read. The human eye can't interpret them on a computer screen. It guarantees people can't read what you've written.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 06 September 2006 - 06:20 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-06 06:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married
Hi Martin,

I'm not an expert, but would marry in the U.S. or Puerto Rico and have your wife start filing for K3 in the U.S. You would wait in Peru.

I would not try visiting her with your tourist visa simply because your new marital status would make you an immigration risk in the eyes of the border officials. However, others (from Canada, for instance) have visited the U.S, during the visa process armed with documents demonstrating their financial ties to their home country. It was evidence they would not be likely to remain in the U.S. illegally. But Peru isn't Canada, and it's a long way back if you are denied.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-09 06:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal Interview
boboroad, it would help many people if you put your history in a signature. There are many Can-Am folks who believe there's little risk trying to enter the U.S. during the visa process. It seems you're paying a heavy price. Which Port of Entry denied you?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-14 17:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAbsolutely amazing...NOA2!!!
Tracy, your waiting has been rewarded. We all share in your joy. You're beyond this hurdle now and can look forward to the next step. I know you've come through this a stronger person. Hugs and kisses!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-16 09:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMight have an interview date?
Personally, I believe you're in this together, so you can share what's going on, as well as your reservations. You've had a rough road, so I hope things are resolved for you soon.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-19 17:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPerforming K3 Visa - Would love some advice
The forms can be challenging, so make photocopies of the blanks in case you mess up. Read every word carefully. Then read it all over again. Don't leave blanks. Put "none" or "n/a" instead. When you're done, have a pair of fresh eyes go over everything. Make a photocopy of the entire package before sending it. For safety, use a money order and save the receipt, or a check that's returned to you cancelled.

Go to the Post Office and send your package in a way you can track. Don't send it registered if it's going to a Post Office Box because guess what, nobody's there and you'll slow down your process. If you want a courier, FedEx is good but UPS has a reputation for losing things.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-19 18:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI'm trying to spend my time wisely......

our marrige licence certified

I think you need a certified copy of your marriage certificate. (A license doesn't prove you're married.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-20 18:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview Date
Very good news, indeed!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-21 19:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPursuing I-129f instead of I-130
Thanks, guys, I'll do nothing with the I-130 for now, and keep my fingers crossed for a quick K3 interview in Montreal. I hope I don't wind up traveling by sleigh like Lara in Dr. Zhivago.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-09-22 17:56:00