ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 or CR-1 Confusion please help
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Feb 27 2009, 06:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GS4EVER @ Feb 26 2009, 02:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Feb 26 2009, 06:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GS4EVER @ Feb 26 2009, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (pushbrk @ Feb 26 2009, 05:38 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (GS4EVER @ Feb 26 2009, 01:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am totally confused as well since both K 3 and I 130 are getting approved together whereas it used to be that the K3 got approved faster and then I 130 was approved a few months later. When this happened, the consulate processed the K3 visa and the beneficiary wasn't able to enter the US on a CR1 visa and had to adjust status after arrival.

HOWEVER, now that I 130 is being approved on the same date, where does that leave us I129F/I130 filers??

Many people have said they would he be able to wait after receiving the K3 interview and try to swap it for the CR 1 interview. But, will awaiting the CR 1 interview further delay our wait by a few months or a mere week or two?

I don't even know if I am making any sense wacko.gif . This whole thing of both being approved at the same time is new to me. I am not sure whether I should be glad for it. Does the interview/visa approval for CR1 entails more wait and more extensive background checks/delays such as AP than the K3 would? unsure.gif


K3 is virtually a dead issue for the vast majority of couples and has been since November 16, 2006. The news is slow to spread, unfortunately.

Do a search on "If you want an immigrant visa, don't file an I-129F for spouse" and see how many hits you get. And that's just me.

"Where does this leave the I-129F for spouse filers?" you ask. Generally, it leaves them wishing they had never filed the I-129F.


"Generally, it leaves them wishing they had never filed the I-129F." laughing.gif Pushbrk you made me laugh, ABSOLUTELY RIGHT!! But I mean, what do we do now once we get the approval for both?? That's what's confusing me most!


Simply pursue the one you want and ignore the one you don't want.


Does anyone have the answer to this question, especially those who recently went/are going through this process? Does the interview/visa approval for CR1 entails more wait and more extensive background checks/delays such as AP than the K3 would?


In general, no. In a specific case, maybe. That would be unpredictable.



I have seen so much written on this subject yet I am still confused. We are ready to submit the I-130 but do not plan to enter the US until Feb 2010 - 11 months. I get the impression that after the I-130 we get the I-130 done, we should NOT file the I-129F and just wait for the CR-1 process to begin. Will this be automatic. Is it really that simple and cheaper also. Is there an online documentation for this? I have been following the K-3 instructions from this website. Wife says K-3 is the wrong path. If the CR-1 takes a few month more that is fine for us.
We are living comfortable in China and only have been married 6 months. We are grateful for your help on this matter.
paulbulgerMaleChina2009-03-22 03:48:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionsocial security income and I-864
I am eligible for social security but was not going to start collecting until my wife and I moved to the US. It is not 125% of the poverty level but is more secure than any US job now and we also have some savings in China which I had hoped to use as a house down payment. I have been in China for the last 4 years and have no reported income history. I am trying to avoid using a cosponsor. I could start collecting SS now.


paulbulgerMaleChina2009-03-28 20:57:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTeaching ESL, married and returning to US
QUOTE (iLoveAPolishGirl @ Apr 3 2009, 01:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think u need a good accountant!!!



I got a tax expert to help me now. I need to do 2555 and 4852 with my 1040.
paulbulgerMaleChina2009-04-19 21:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionTeaching ESL, married and returning to US
Hi,

Many questions
I am sure there are many in somewhat similar positions. I have been teaching ESL in China for four years. While it is hard to find clear, solid information, my understanding is that I did not make enough money to be required to even file income tax return and that this type of employment does not involve paying Social Security taxes.(see below) I had no plans to ever get married, but now I want to return to the US with my wife and I see problems ahead. My China employers have not provided any written records of my income and doubt they would be able to do it even if they wished to do it. I have some contracts but they are vague and seldom are an accurate account of my pay. This is typical of teaching in China.

I also want to start receiving SS retirement benefits before I return and the online benefits request form asks about earnings that so far I have not reported.

Of course I will need a joint sponsor and my sister has the income. I have been using her as my "residence" since I was living there when I left 4 years ago and my mail still goes to her house. That is where I will return to hopefully next year summer 2010 with my lovely wife. I am starting early since I suspect getting through the visa process will take much time.

It is hard to get through to IRS and Social Security on the phone and they don't respond to email. I find their websites very large but hard to find the clear answers I seek and how it affects my wife's visa .

April 15 is coming soon and I think maybe I should file a return but have no W-2. And should I file married since we did marry in Sepember 2008.

sorry this is so large

Lili and Paul



below

Filing Requirements
If you are a U.S. citizen or resident alien, the rules for filing income, estate, and gift tax returns and for paying estimated tax are generally the same whether you are in the United States or abroad.
Your income, filing status, and age generally determine whether you must file an income tax return. Generally, you must file a return for 2008 if your gross income from worldwide sources is at least the amount shown for your filing status in the following table.
Filing Status*
 
Amount
Single
$8,950


In general, U.S. social security and Medicare taxes do not apply to wages for services you perform as an employee outside of the United States unless one of the following exceptions applies.
1.You perform the services on or in connection with an American vessel or aircraft (defined later) and either:
a.You entered into your employment contract within the United States, or
b.The vessel or aircraft touches at a U.S. port while you are employed on it.
2.You are working in one of the countries with which the United States has entered into a bi national social security agreement (discussed later).
3.You are working for an American employer (defined later).
4.You are working for a foreign affiliate (defined later) of an American employer under a voluntary agreement entered into between the American employer and the U.S. Treasury Department

paulbulgerMaleChina2009-04-02 23:12:00