ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 & 129F Approved at the same time

Congrats on your approval! My husband and I just found out both the I129 and I130 were approved on the same day. I too am confused about which one is better to pursue...if not both. I understood that if you went the K3 route your visa that is stamped in your passport at your interview would allow you to move AND work in the US right away ....so you can get down there and get working and then apply for permanent residency. Is this not the case? I work for an American company in Canada and would like to transfer with them so I need to have work approval before I move. It seems like the I129 approval means you skip right to the medical and interview whereas the I130 means all those forms exchanged with the NVC for a few months before the interview....if I am reading these posts correctly.
gulp. Help. Confused still.


The CR-1/IR-1 visa is an immigrant visa. You get your green card and are permitted to work right away. This is the 'better' visa but it also takes longer because of the additional processing at the NVC. The K-3 visa is a non-immigrant visa. It is generally the quicker route because it's quickly forwarded on to the foreign consulate/embassy but once you're in the US you will have to adjust status and apply for permission to work once you're here. Which route is best depends on the people involved. For my wife and I we are choosing the K-3 route because we value being together quicker more than an immediate green card and ability to work.

I wanted to mention that our I-130 was approved on the same day as our I-129F but I never received an Email notification and the online status is still pending. I received both hard copies of the approval notice in today's mail.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-10 19:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved 2-12-2006!
Big congrats to ya, Rin & John! :dance: :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-13 18:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLawyer Service in Southern California
Most will tell you that if you've got a simple petition for a K-1, K-3, or CR-1/IR-1 you don't need a lawyer. A lawyer can't make the process go faster and depending on how quickly they respond to the USCIS it will often only delay the process.

Edit: I should add that there are other (and IMO better & cheaper) options to immigration lawyers as well. I have someone assisting us with the process. Feel free to PM me and I'll give you his info.

Edited by Robor007, 12 February 2007 - 02:10 PM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 14:08:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do I send in as proof of meeting for the I-129F?

Hello everyone,

what about with the new I-130 rules? The #7 states that you need to prove a "ongoing" relationship.. that was my question with another topic.. would I need to send just a yellow folder with I-130, G-325A, and passport photos, or would I need to send a big package with emails, cards, tickets, package slips, and other stuff too?

Thanks

Hmmm... Good point. We submitted the 'old' I-130 and didn't have to include any proof of an ongoing relationship. Thanks for the correction! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 10:58:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat do I send in as proof of meeting for the I-129F?

Hello. I have heard of people bringing in affidavits from friends who were there the day/night that you first met. It also helps if those friends are US citizens with SS numbers.

Hi Everyone,

I'm not sure what proof (to show we have meet within 2 yrs of filing) I need to send in with the I-129F petition that I will be filing if and when I receive an NOA1 on the I-130 petition.
Do I send in the same documents as with the I-130, or other documents like e-ticket stubs, picture etc. Please advise me on this.

Thanks in advance for all help.

sandybabe_onuh



Pictures (printed out not on a CD), phone records. IM messages or emails. Ticket stubs would probably also work. Basically anything that would show that you 2 were at the same place at the same time. Just makes sure that if you use tickets or anything like that that its obvious he would also be there. Like if you met up in Paris try to get his tickets as well as yours etc.

Fofire


What I need to know here is, will my proof of marriage certificate, wedding pics and so forth be enough to establish our meeting? Or do I need to send in things like emails, chats etc. just like as if i was going the K-1 fiancee visa route.

I traveled to meet him back in april of last year for the first time. I have since traveled back just last month and while there we were married. So I'm unclear if I am to send in things like for the K-1 visa petition or, same documents that i have filed with for the I-130 alien relative visa since he is already my husband and not my fiancee any longer.

thanks
sandybabe_onuh


As far as I know you don't need to send any proof of relationship along with the I-130 or I-129F. All we sent was the required documents and ours were approved without any RFE's. The proof of relationship is needed for the interview. Look HERE for more info on the K-3 process.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-12 07:22:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat if my address is temporary?

hey people - what a great site. I'm preparing a K-3 Application for my wife and am nearly ready to send out my I-130.

I've just moved back to the US and am in Temporary housing. My wife is in Japan while I get her a visa. I'm in a different state than my mom, so I can't use her address. I have a PO Box, but don't think that I can put that as my residence. Any tips? How can I get my correspondance at my PO box?

Thanks,

Alan

Why not just put down your current address and update it later? You can always have your mail forwarded to your new address when you move.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-14 11:18:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI130 approved!!!Now what??

It seems like the consulate in Columbia has a fairly good turn-around time for IR-1/CR-1 interviews. If I were you I'd stay wit the CR-1 visa.

We had our I-130 approved before the I-129F, but we decided to go with a K-3 visa because Mexico takes forever with CR-1 interviews (10-14 months!). We should only wait 3 months or so for a K-3 interview.

A CR-1 interview takes 10-14 months? That is whack!!! :blink:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-09 22:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGeneral approval times and being reunited with loved ones
You can estimate the length of your waiting by looking at others who filed for their petitions through the same service center as you. Then add in a little time between the service center, the NVC, and the foreign consulate/embassy. Then look at others who had their K-3 interviews at the same foreign consulate as you.

I found the 'Immigration Timelines' link very helpful

You can filter your search down to your specific service center and foreign embassy. Almost forgot to mention... :time: ...that will help you and others estimate their timelines. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-15 13:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa before K3
My wife worked in the cruise industry. To make a very long story short we were engaged at the time she was going to port in Florida about 6 hours from me. I called the port and spoke to one of the immigration agents. I explained the situation honestly saying that she had a C-1/D visa and was finishing her contract in port. Normally she would fly back home (Philippines) that day but I wanted to come pick her up and have her stay with me a few weeks. She would then return to the Philippines and I would accompany her. We had plans to marry. I could provide tickets for both of us to show our intent to travel. I called 2 times, spoke to 2 different agents, and got 2 different answers.

The one agent said it would (probably) not be a problem. It might help if I sent a letter to my wife to provide for the immigration agents when she departed the ship. She said to explain everything and provide my personal contact information with a brief summary of our relationship and our plans. We were both happy and looking forward to being able to come back to my area so I could introduce her to my family and friends.

A few weeks passed and it was getting closer to her contract ending. I called the same port immigration office and spoke to another agent - just in case. This agent had the exact opposite response. She said there's absolutely zero chance of my fiancee being able to visit and whoever told me it was possible was wrong. I asked her why and she said my fiancee was a 'threat to immigrate'. I told her I understand that might seem the case but it wasn't. Her visa (C-1/D) does not allow her to marry and adjust status and we planned to marry in the Philippines after her visit. I told her I would provide any information to them so they would know who she's with and she would be my responsibility. She said the fact that I was her boyfriend/fiancee made the situation worse (ties to the US). My wife was in the middle of building her home at the time as well so she does have land/home ties in the Philippines. I told her about getting tickets for both of us and would book honeymoon plans for further proof but none of it mattered. All of that could be canceled. It simply wasn't possible according to her.

In the end, I think the immigration agents use the 'guilty before proven innocent' method. They assume every foreigner coming into the US an immigration threat and the person trying to visit must go beyond any doubt to prove they are not. While it's frustrating to those of us in our situations I can't really blame them because they're just doing their jobs.

Edited by Robor007, 01 February 2007 - 09:22 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-01 09:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 when she visits me ?
As Reba said, the processing times are about the same for a K-1 and K-3 but there are advantages/disadvantages to both. You should read the guides (in the tabs above) to see which visa is best for your situation. My wife and I chose the K-3 route because it is a 2 year multiple entry visa. That means she and I can travel outside the US together while waiting for her adjustment of status. The K-1 visa does not allow that (unless you get 'advanced parol' approved).
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-16 09:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved! I-129 through the California Service Center
Thanks for the congrats everyone. :) When I saw the Email from CRIS I was a little worried it might be an RFE because I wasn't expecting approval yet. I have been keeping an eye on a few other timelines that were Fil-Am K-3 couples going through the CSC and a few petitions just ahead of ours got approved last week. But there's also many further ahead that are not approved yet too. Hopefully we'll see some more approvals coming out of the CSC soon. :yes: Good luck everyone and thank you again! :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 09:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproved! I-129 through the California Service Center
I just received three Emails from 'CRIS'. Our I-129F is approved! :dance: :dance: :dance: Our timeline is in my sig but by my count that's only 51 days from NOA1 to NOA2. I know there's a lot of couples who filed before us who are still waiting. I hope ours is just one of many approvals coming from the CSC soon.


I don't know if the CSC workers read VisaJourney.com or not but if they do all we can say is, THANK YOU so so much! :thumbs: :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-07 10:23:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBreaking news: Wife coming home today
Congrats to you both! :thumbs: :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-16 08:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it just me or ????

I only filed the I-130 on what you said. I think it is best to get it all done at once and have the freedom to travel without parole. I filed in mid Sept and my case will be on its way to the embassy next week. From there I am expecting an April interview and then back to a real life with my wife. God that sounds so great!!!! :dance:

You don't need advanced parole to travel with a K-3. It's a 2 year multiple entry visa. It's the K-1 that need AP to travel before AOS.

Under 2 months from receipt to interview? Nice! :thumbs: Sounds like the embassy in Columbia has their act together. :yes:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-17 09:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThank GOD for VSC

Depending on which Service Center you're going through. VSC seems to be getting the petitions to the NVC quicker than the CSC. Ours was approved on 2/6 and we're still waiting for the NVC to get it. You're right though, from other timelines the NVC gets it on to the foreign consulate/embassy pretty quickly.

:thumbs: :) GO NVC! :) :thumbs:


VSC seems to ship to NVC daily. Mine was forwarded to them within a couple of days and only stayed a day at NVC. CSC ships in bulk weekly it seems. Hopefully yours will get to NVC soon!

I Emailed the NVC but it bounced back saying the mailbox is full. I sent it in HTML form so maybe they only like plain text? I called them NVC last night instead and we're there! Our petition arrived on 2/15 and I got our MNL case number. Next up, Manila! :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-17 09:01:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThank GOD for VSC

First of all congrats.

Second when did you file for 129F?


My 129F was filed on 1-11-07 and approved on 2-15-07.


As far as I know it shouldn't take more than a week or 10 days to go through the NVC


Depending on which Service Center you're going through. VSC seems to be getting the petitions to the NVC quicker than the CSC. Ours was approved on 2/6 and we're still waiting for the NVC to get it. You're right though, from other timelines the NVC gets it on to the foreign consulate/embassy pretty quickly.

:thumbs: :) GO NVC! :) :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-16 15:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGot my interview date for k3
Congrats on getting your interview date!!! :dance: Good luck!!! :thumbs:

It's good to hear that you were notified of your interview over 2 months in advance. I want to go there for my wife's interview and I was worried I would have a hard time getting our flights. Two months should be plenty of time. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-16 15:41:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresi129 and i130 approved today !!
Congrats to you. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2006-12-01 16:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFinally after waiting...
Congrats on the interview date. Hope everything goes smoothly for your husband. :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-08 15:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOne question
Technically what you would be trying to do is not 'kosher' . If he was here on a tourist visa and you met by chance and decided to get marry then adjust status that would be okay. But you're in the process of a K-1 so you have intent to marry. If he comes here as your fiancee on a tourist visa and you marry and try to adjust status you may run into problems. I think it would be viewed as trying to get around the immigration process. However, I base that only on what I've read here so hopefully others can offer more insight.

Edited by Robor007, 17 February 2007 - 09:38 PM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-17 21:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat information is stored in your passport when you get to customs?

Are you sure about that? I know someone here on VJ who is in a K-3 process who can visit frequently. Normally they would say they were visiting family but last time they said they were visiting their spouse and got a bunch of additional questions about their spouse and the process. They were also asked something by the person taking boarding passes at the airport gate.


Who you talking about? ;)


Oh, I don't know... Maybe someone in a similar situation as you...? :whistle: :hehe:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-20 11:02:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat information is stored in your passport when you get to customs?

Yes, they will know that a K3 is pending.

Hope it works out.


Are you sure about that? I know someone here on VJ who is in a K-3 process who can visit frequently. Normally they would say they were visiting family but last time they said they were visiting their spouse and got a bunch of additional questions about their spouse and the process. They were also asked something by the person taking boarding passes at the airport gate.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-19 18:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved!
Congrats on the approval! :thumbs:

Chances are your I-130 and I-129F will be approved on or about the same time. That's how it's been for most of us with I-129F & I-130's in process. I got the Email from CRIS stating my I-129F was approved and when I checked the online status it was 'Approved'. My I-130 status never changed and I never received any Email about it. A short while later I received both NOA2's. My I-130 online status still says it's 'Pending' but the NOA2 at my house states different. :P We're going the K-3 route so I'm not too worried about the I-130 right now.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-22 15:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNSO marriage certificate

Do you need your marriage certificate authenticated by the NSO before I file the I-130? We were told by my wife's friend who deals with US Immigration that we should wait for the NSO marriage certificate or there could be problems! Thanks and God Bless us all!



when we file a I 130 my husband sent the MC from local registry you don't need to wait the NSO copy.

Yep, the registrars copy is good enough for the I-130 and I-129F petitions. Both of our petitions were approved without RFE's using it. We were told to get the NSO copy for the interview though.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-13 18:32:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhat a wonderful Day today!
Congrats to you!!! :thumbs: :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-27 10:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresPreparing for interview

HOW does everyone keep from losing their minds? Mine seems to be hanging on a thread half the time. Thanks Ann


If you both have broadband internet access Skype or Yahoo Messenger with voice/video can really help you feel close to your spouse while you're apart. It's not the same thing as being there but it's better than text or phone. Oh, and it's free! :D
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-28 08:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresgot lots of ?

Ok, carry on. Makes sense not to get married anywhere other than your country of origin or the US if you are planning on emmigrating then.

I think in most cases it's a result of working in another country. Good paying jobs in the Philippines are hard to come by. Several of my wife's family members are working in other countries just for that reason.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-28 09:09:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedurescancel K3..?
Just adding that our recently approved I-130 was retained at the California Service Center. Of course I wouldn't know that if I didn't get the I-197 for the NOA2 in the mail. It's been 3 weeks and our online status for the I-130 still says it's pending at the CSC. ;)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-28 15:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresSo Happy!!! Packet 4 received today!!!
:dance: Congrats to all the packet 3 receivers! :dance:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-27 18:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI 129 & 130 problems
You were not tricked - the idea filing the optional I-129F for your spouse is for the two of you to be together faster. If you were not in a rush you should have just filed the I-130 and let it process.

According to what I read the K3 fees would go up about 60%. If it helps make the process better I have no problem with higher fees. We're already on to the US Embassy in Manila so we're done with the I-130 & I-129F fees but we'll still have to apply for work authorization, adjust status, and remove conditions.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-05 11:21:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApplication for admission withdrawn
My wife worked in the cruise industry (that's how we originally met) and she ended her contract early to go back home. She was in Alaska at the time but scheduled to disembark several weeks later in Miami. When she tried to leave in the Alaska port the officials denied her. They reason they gave her is a cruise ship employee disembarked the previous week and disappeared. She had to stay on the ship until the next port which was in California. They allowed her to disembark but they had an agent accompany her from the ship to the airport and she had to sit in immigration until it was time for her plane to leave.

Anyway, the point of my post is we made note of this as an attachment with our I-130 and I-129F and they were approved without issue. :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 09:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy chicago?
I don't understand the reason some things are done either. I wondered why we had file our I-130 first when we're planning to use the K-3 process anyway. Why not file the I-129F first and when it's approved file the I-130 knowing that we are going to pursue a K-3. In the end I think it's best to not try to make sense of the process. Just follow it as they have it designed and don't worry about 'why'. :) Good luck to you! :thumbs:

Edited by Robor007, 16 February 2007 - 09:05 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-16 09:04:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes it matter whether it's K1 or K3?

oh my god were you really sure that cr-1 route takes 12-14 months
thats terrible to hear that mine 6 months have passed already we havent filed for k-3 route do u suggest that i should now go for a k-3 route when already 6 monhts have passed by ..

I've looked at your timeline and you should be approved right about this time and additional 3-6 months stuck at NVC depending on how quick your husband responds to NVC paperwork. Since K-3 hasn't been filed, and 6 months past, in my opinion, no sense in filing for K-3. That's up to the both of you.

Doesn't cutest_girl's timeline look a bit odd? They're 5 months waiting for the NOA2 through the Vermont Service Center. Seems way overdue.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 09:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes it matter whether it's K1 or K3?
It seems the K-1 and K-3 process is about the same length now. My wife and I preferred being married in the Philippines so her family and friends could see her get married. We'll have a small ceremony/party here after she arrives for my family and friends. I was told by someone that's an expert in immigration (specifically from the Philippines) that a K-3 petition carries more 'weight' than a K-1. That really wasn't a factor for us though. We chose the K-3 process because we liked the idea of being married during the process and the fact that a K-3 is a multiple entry visa. That allows us to travel because my wife can come in and out of the US with her K-3.

Edited by Robor007, 06 March 2007 - 09:44 AM.

Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 09:43:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 visa limitations
Great info... Thanks Savanphil & griffin! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-07 11:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 visa limitations
Congrats on the visa approval. :thumbs: Once your wife is here she'll have to apply for work authorization and a social security card. From what I've read in other posts here it's 2-3 months waiting time but as you know it can always vary. Have a look HERE toward the end of the page and you'll find more info.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-07 10:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresG-325A additional sheets
The NOA1 just means they've entered it into the system. It's not being processed yet. Maybe they'd notice if you only sent 1 G-325A or something like that but AFAIK they wouldn't catch something like a missing signature. If you were going to get an RFE that would likely come later.
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-07 15:03:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED!!!! APPROVED!!!!
Congrats to both of you! :dancing: :dance: I had a feeling your approval was coming soon with those strange status changes you just got. Now that our paths are so close maybe our wives will see each other during the medical or interview? I'm planning to be there at Lina's. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-02-10 09:13:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNo Touch since 01-23-2007
Our I-129 received several touches then went quiet for a while only to get more touching action right before approval. Our I-130 got touched when it arrived then nothing for a long time. In fact, if I check our I-130 online status it still says pending yet I received the approved I-197 NOA2 document in the mail the same day as the I-129F. :)
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-06 15:20:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresUS Citizen, Filipina Fiancee
Looks like you got some good advice already so I'll just say congrats on the engagement and welcome to VisaJourney! :thumbs:
Robor007MalePhilippines2007-03-08 16:26:00