ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 and working

my wife doesn't want to be bored waiting to work for a couple months

It may be worth considering having something to do, instead of working, until she's eligible. The K3 takes awhile and once she's here, there's another round of applications before she can work legally. It's up to her to know in advance what the wait times might be so she can plan ahead.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-24 14:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Approved
Excellent news and very interesting to the U.S.-Canadian couples here who are destined for the Montreal interview. Please keep us posted on your next steps, eh? ^_^
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-24 14:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-129F petition sent to embassy

Congrats, I'm following you

I'm following you, too, and hope everything continues to go quickly.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-28 06:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfused questions
Congratulations, Dylan. You and I recently married Canucks who'll wait in Toronto for the K3 Visa. The paperwork can be daunting but just take it one step at a time. Before she returns to Canada, get the passport-style photos you'll need for the I-130 (first step in the process) and the I-129F, which you'll have to file soon after. (They expect you to be wearing clothes even though you're honeymooners.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-24 14:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresconfused questions
Hi Dylan, we may have some parallels. I married my Toronto guy in New Jersey while he was visiting here last month. He has since gone back to Canada while we pursue the K3. An immigration lawyer in T.O. gave us some advice about U.S. Immigration: they prefer you to apply from outside the country.

I know a big wedding and reception can take on a life of its own, but I'd consider pulling the plug, since it's not too late. Get married right away, simply, wherever you like, and then start the process, while she's in Hogtown. Once she's in the States on a K3, have the biggest party imaginable. Not for the family, but for yourselves, to celebrate your marriage and her immigration.

Another thing the lawyer recommended: if you have a small engagement party and small civil ceremony, take plenty of pictures with family, in case you need to prove it wasn't a fly-by-night quickie in Vegas.

If your priority is to do things right and get her here asap, then the big wedding needs to be postponed. That's just one opinion and I'm sure there'll be many.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-18 16:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Processing
D'accord et bonne chance!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-25 10:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Processing
Cygnet, we'll be waiting to hear about your adventures in Montreal. Just curious, since your Service Center is in California, why not Vancouver?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-25 09:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresExpediating Case
Call and see if there's some sort of "compassionate" type of temporary visa, although I never heard of one. It may be best, however, to consider getting another health care worker to take care of grandma rather than jeopardizing your immigration status. Even though you feel no one else can (or should) take care of her, Immigration will surely see it otherwise: there are plenty of nurses in the States.

You may want to investigate Hospice, which provides daily home visits for those who qualify for Medicare. She'd get RN's to monitor meds, nurses aides for bathing, toileting, laundry, and feeding, volunteer drivers for doctor's visits, and lots more. Better to see this in practical terms rather than making a moral or emotional stand that could backfire.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-30 07:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCan I send a photo-copy of Marriage Cert w/I-29F ?
Interesting thing about photocopying a certified copy of a New Jersey marriage certificate. The security paper it's printed on reacts when it's photcopied. The word "void" comes up everywhere. Just to be safe, I sent certified copies with I-130 and I-129F. I'll get an extra one for the interview, just in case.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 06:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressmall question about filling out forms

does it matter to USCIS if it is partly filled by typing and partly filled by pen?

You have to sign with a pen anyway, so it's okay to neatly write dates and phone numbers, too. Do as much as you can ahead of time with the full version of Acrobat. If you're doing the 325a bio forms, it pays to print, photocopy, then sign and date later. Keep "masters" just in case.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-30 17:57:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAll USCIS offices were closed today...
In other news, the U.S. State Department announced it has just annexed Mexico. Bush said it's the best way to deal with the flood of illegal immigration and that now, everybody will happy. (kidding, of course)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 19:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUgh, I feel sick now
Gina, you may be withdrawing from the interview at a good time, before there's irreparable damage. That's a good thing. Bringing a lawyer on board, regardless of the cost, is another good thing. You may feel better when it's in the hands of an expert. So make sure you get an expert immigration lawyer. Don't cheap out on this one.

Before you burn yourself out with an ulcer, play a fantasy game. Ask yourself: what's the worst that can happen? You both move to a rural part of Mexico where your husband is reunited with his family. They treat you like a princess and teach you how to make Mexican hot chocolate. You re-apply for his legal immigration. Your lawyer contacts local news media in the States with your story because immigration is a hot topic. You're interviewed on television and there's an outpouring of support. The government does not want to be embarrassed so your petition is granted. At that point, you've fallen in love with Mexico and decide to stay.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 10:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUgh, I feel sick now
Agree, get a few professional opinions, if possible. But I'm curious: how did you apply for a K3 if he's in the U.S. already? What did you give as his address? Also, if his mother became a Legal Permanent Resident, couldn't she have sponsored him? Hopefully, you'll encounter sympathetic people who understand he had no say in how he came here, and is now trying to get legal status, even if it's late. Good luck.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-30 18:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPETITION ASSEMBLY
Put it all away for day. Then come back fresh and re-read everything with a fine-tooth comb, looking for ommissions or errors. Reading it out loud helps. This is more important than fretting about staples.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-01 06:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A bio info
If you're assembling the I-130, you might want to look ahead at the I-129F, because you're going to need the bios all over again. You can't sign and date them ahead of time, but you can have it filed out, photocopied, and ready to sign.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-03 21:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting married while vacation?
You'll need to know the birth dates and places of your parents, so if you need to verify anything, it's best to do it while you're still in Europe. Also, at some point, you'll be asked about your vaccination records, so you may want to start going through old papers. When we did our photographs, I wish I'd asked for lots more prints, because beyond the bios for the I-130 and I-129F, you'll need two more (of the foreign spouse) for the package that goes to the interview. And in Canada, I understand it's possible the medical doctor may want 5 more. Not sure if this is true or if it applies to Germany.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-04 06:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWant to begin paperwork before having job, but what if I fail for income?
Could you do it with existing assets?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-05 13:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMontreal visa interview w/ refugee status
Email me if you need a Toronto Immigration lawyer.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-04-30 07:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresInterview scheduled
meddykomp, you can look at things this way: Your anniversary present to one another is the interview. You've both worked long and hard for this and now you're in the home stretch. You can each start chilling a good bottle of French champagne and pop the corks when you talk to each other by phone on your anniversary.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-05 07:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG!!! MY I-130 was just approved!!!`
germanangel, you seem to have a grasp. What are the implications of pursuing the K3? I assume you enter the U.S. faster but do many forms and waits once you get here. What happens to the I-130?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-17 11:24:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is next after I-129F, urgent!!
It wouldn't hurt to do some homework and be prepared for the next stage. If you're doing a K-3, this might be Package 3. If you need original documents, translation of birth certificate, vaccination records, etc., now's the time to start assembling. If a co-sponsor is needed for the the Affidavit of Support, it may be a good time to line one up. Never a dull moment!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-19 15:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressponsers responsibilty
Yodrak, I read it again and understand that the sponsor (and joint sponsor) agree to maintain the immigrant at 125% above the poverty line. Other than that, there aren't many specifics. What if the immigrant incurs debt on a credit card? Or, what if they land in an emergency room without health insurance? Does the sponsor's liability end after they've kicked in their obligatory 125%?
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-24 17:51:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduressponsers responsibilty
Scary stuff. Especially since about half of the marriages will end in divorce. Here's another question: what if the alien is not covered by medical insurance and runs up a whooper hospital bill? Is the sponsor responsible? (Whether they're still together or not.)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-23 18:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!
Good stuff. There's a happy ending coming right around the corner.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-24 18:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOur Journey begins K-3
Hope everything goes smoothly. Sounds like you're on top of it!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-25 07:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI hv an idea..Do u think it will work
Please don't be discouraged. When you look at your timeline, it's full of important accomplishments: getting married, getting your U.S. citizenship. You need to congratulate yourself rather than set artificial deadlines. This month, you took the first step for your husband: the I-130. If you love him, you'll follow through, for yourself as well as him. Compare your process to those in a similar situation to get an idea of the actual time involved. Then relax. Because you've already set the wheels in motion for good events in the coming months.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 26 May 2006 - 07:56 AM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-26 07:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI hv an idea..Do u think it will work
Follow the rules, I say, or you could jeopardize the process, making it take longer. Few people realize going in that there will be so much paperwork, angst, and seperation. Inventing your own shortcuts isn't a good strategy. Inventing ways to pass the time, being with people who are supportive, and working toward your inevitable life together are better ideas, I believe. Go paint your toe nails red. Enjoy being a newlywed.

Edited by Jersey Girl, 25 May 2006 - 07:59 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-25 19:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???
Austin: What's worse than all the waiting ? All the explaining to relatives about how this convoluted process works! I'd rather give a lesson on the internal combustion engine. It's understandable if the unitiated don't understand the process, but it's inexcusable if a spouse doesn't.

If your spouse is uninformed, she can't act with you as a united front to work through the process and support you and the marriage. It's up to you to feed her information about what to expect. This can be hard if she's not a big reader or Web surfer. Nevertheles, you have to educate her by phone or snail mail or any means you can to get her into the same boat, rowing with you in the same direction.

Some people don't do enough homework to know what to expect, and quickly start whining that things are taking too long or the government is making a mess of their particular case. Truth is, there are plenty of couples in the same situation and it's all unfolding pretty normally.

If you estimate this is going to be a 6-month process, start there, telling her this will take half a year. Keep telling her until she "gets it," and understands you'll see her in six months. Meanwhile, get her involved filing out sample forms or connecting with others in her country going for a visa. Enlist her aid to "push your file forward" on a daily basis, getting documents and translations, or simply going to work every day and writing you letters.

Personally, I'd rather be in an adult-adult relationship with my spouse during this journey than in an adult-child relationship. Set it up that way and require more.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-27 07:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???
You can second guess yourself at this point, or stick with the plan already in motion. It's not clear whether DCF in Belize would be quicker than the K3. Maybe someone here knows. It's also not clear how you'd make a living in Belize if you moved and waited to set up residency in order to apply for DCF. Keep in mind you'd still have to file a tax return in the U.S. for 2006, not only because U.S. citizens living abroad must do this, but because you could need that return later as part of the visa process or adjustment of status.

In any case, if you're going to be the sponsor, it would be good to have an income, and I'd focus on making that part of the puzzle happen. On the other hand, it may be possible to get someone else (in the States) to be the sponsor and bear full financial responsibility. Correct me if I'm wrong, but the petitioner (you) does not necessarily have to be the sponsor. Or, you could get a job now and also get a co-sponsor as insurance.

There are so many scenarios that it's best to pick one, stay with your strategy, and sleep better at night because you'll know what to expect. Sometimes the best strategy is to do nothing. Allow events to unfold and get the K3 while you work in the States. It won't take forever. This is just one opinion from the haste-makes-waste camp and I'm sure there are others.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-26 08:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???
Perseverance brings good fortune. (message in Chinese fortune cookie)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-24 06:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???
Shanny, do your timeline. It helps calculate the statistics so people here have a better idea of what to expect.

If I'm in Toronto or Montreal the same time as you, I'll buy you a Blue, or a donut at Tims, or even a quarter chicken at Swiss Chalet, whatever you like, eh? But I'm not getting my knickers in a twist about when the interview will happen. That's out of my control. All I can do is be well prepared. Then, spend my energy on things that will make our life together a good thing.

Yes, waiting sucks, if you look at it as waiting. For me, it's part of a process I signed up for, knowing beforehand it would take some time but be worth it in the end. Instead of whining and wringing my hands because my husband isn't here, I do constructive things, such as drinking more beer, letting the dishes pile even higher in the sink, wearing the same socks two days in a row, eating Rice Krispie squares for dinner, over tweezing my eyebrows. I'm okay. Really. ;)
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-23 19:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???

other than that, the fast-pace stressed out US is not ideal for us...this is why I'm confused...both countries have their perks and their disadvantages...

You have two questions going on. First, should you continue to pursue the K3 Visa? And second, should you live in the U.S. or Belize?

Why not keep all your options open? Why not finish the K3 process so you can live in the U.S.? (There are plenty of low stress places to raise a family.)

If you abandon the K3 now, and go to Belize to live, then change your mind later (because of tropical disease or wanting a better education for your kids), then you'll have to start the Visa process all over again before you can both go to the States.

The good news is that you don't have to decide today. The K3 is already in play. When you get to Belize, you'll think it's heaven on earth. But before you get totally seduced, ask the "what if's." And remember you'll be answering from a family persepective.

What if I want to work and use my brain? What if my husband can't get decent work to support us? What if I need special medical attention? What if there's no fresh milk? What if I get homesick? And so on.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-23 19:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGiving Up???

I just feel discouraged, mainly because there is no time certainty, no ending in sight

Take a deep breath and know that you're not alone. People here can testify to the fact that there is an end in sight. Love is forever, but the waiting isn't. Personally, I'd rather live in the U.S. and visit Belize than the other way around. Deep down, you probably would too.

You're already invested in the process and have submited the I-130 and I-129F. So relax, because the next stage is Package 3, coming to Belize. You may even be there when it arrives. You're lucky because you can spend a month with your husband in a beautiful part of the world. Others here are too far apart. When you come back for a full-time job, you can also get a co-sponsor if you think it will strengthen your case.

Meanwhile, treat yourself to a beer and a bubble bath. Toast yourself for having finished your B.A., which is your ticket to ride in the U.S. job market, but probably worthless in Belize. Then, get busy, because you have less than a month to get ready for your trip!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-23 18:39:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-797C
"when I was sending off the I129F I sent in a few wedding pictures"

Why? They didn't ask for wedding pictures. They don't return things, and you may need them at the interview stage. Please read carefully and give exactly what they ask for. When you get the next packet, use exactly the forms they send.

"I am wondering about the bank records, do I still have to give them if I make well over the 125% poverty level."

Again, read the requirements and follow them to the letter. Someone here may be familiar with the Embassy in Jamaica. You have time to get ready with your employer's letter, your tax return(s) and evidence of assets, if you need them.

"On the NOA1 it says it takes about 60-180 days to process the I129F but on the website it says 60-90 days, which should I go by?"

Go by this philosophy: it takes however long it takes. You can compare yourself to others going through Jamaica but it's just a best guess. Godspeed!

Edited by Jersey Girl, 27 May 2006 - 03:37 PM.

Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-27 15:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-797C
We have similar timelines and are doing the same things. I assume your husband's birth certificate is in English and doesn't need a translation. I'll assume we're going to get similar instructions in Package 3 and 4. If this is the case, he should be looking for his vaccination records. He may also need a police name check, or fingerprint check if he has a criminal record. If this takes awhile in Jamaica, he might want to start now. I'm not certain how old the report can be when he submits it.

Is his passport up to date? Will it be valid for 6 months (I believe) after his entry to the U.S.? Do you have any wedding photographs in case they want evidence it's a bona fide marriage? Do you have a notary lined up who'll look at your I.D. and put a seal on whatever you want to bring forward as financial support evidence? Can you assemble bank statements going back a year? (The more the merrier, is my philosophy.) Are you making plans to be with him at the interview?

Better check everything I'm suggesting because I'm just as unsure as you are!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-26 23:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresYYAAYY I-130 APPROVED
Great news! Good luck to you both!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-05-31 14:05:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIMBRAS

This is like the Twilight Zone, only we're not watching it, we're in it...

So let's entertain ourselves while we're here, because a "watched kettle never boils." We're too focused on trying to predict how long this will take, but we're working with limited information. As my down-to-earth husband in Toronto says, it takes however long it takes. We're better off trying to predict the direction of the stock market, or the winning lottery numbers. If I get any more gray hairs over this, my husband won't recognize me when he finally does get here!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-06-06 06:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresChicago Immigration attorney / lawyer
If you feel better using a lawyer, then dump the whole thing on one and save yourself the grey hair. I'd start with the Yellow Pages and Web and then get recommendations. You're close enough to Canada to think about Toronto lawyers. Here's a good one I used for a house sale even though he's an immigration specialist. http://www.globalmigration.com
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-06-07 13:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHow many more months will IMBRA add to the process?
There doesn't seem to be enough verifiable information yet.
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-06-07 13:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSaying Hello....we have now begun the K3 process!
Welcome aboard Flight K-3 to the USA. Please fasten your seatbelts as the captain expects some turbulence due to IMBRA. Your safety features can be found in the guides up top. Drinks are now being served. We stock Canadian, Australian, British, and German beers, as well as Russian vodka and hemlock. Our estimated time of arrival is completely unknown. If you need an air sickness bag, you'll find one in your front pocket. We encourage you to remain calm and in your seats at all times. The movie today is Greencard starring Andie Mac Dowell and Gerard Depardieu. Thank you for flying USCIS and have a pleasant trip!
Jersey GirlFemaleCanada2006-06-06 08:01:00