ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproval of I-130

i'm sorry, the answer isn't clear. so, there's no real "deadline" by when it should be used??


How does one "use" an approved I-130? It is your question that is unclear.

After the I-130 is approved (and you receive your NOA2 in the mail, which is a receipt indicating the approval), your file is forwarded to the National Visa Center (NVC). You will then receive further direction from the NVC.

The "approval" will not "expire" unless you fail to provide them with what they ask of you. Say, for example, you move and neglect to notify them of your new address/contact information and they don't hear from you and can't get a hold of you; they will then assume that you no longer want to pursue the petition and they will abandon your case.

So it's not that your approval expires, but that the NVC will abandon your case if you neglect to take action (or notify them of a change of address, or what have you.)

Does that answer your question?

Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 31 March 2007 - 08:18 AM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-31 08:15:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresApproval of I-130

Sorry I wasn't clear.

How long is the approved I-130 good for? I've heard one year.

thx.


ilovemyfrenchie,

Yodrak has already answered this in the other thread.

ilovemyfrenchie,

Until they decide that you've abandoned it when they realize that you're not following through and responding to their instructions for taking the next steps. Could be years.

Yodrak


Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 30 March 2007 - 05:08 PM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-30 17:07:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 in hand, but still no I-130 Approval...

EmilyRugBurn,

Your question is overly simple, and improperly worded, by using the phrase "to adjust status".

I repeat - you do not need to have an approved I-130 to apply to adjust status, the I-130 will be approved before the application to adjust status is approved.

Yodrak


My apologies, Yodrak. I understood what you told me. Yes, I suppose I meant to say "apply to adjust status". Consider my hand slapped.

And you are also correct that 2 years is a long time; I can't imagine the I-130 taking that much longer to get approved.

Once I'm in the US, I don't think I will apply to adjust status as I would much prefer to return to Montreal for the IR-1 interview. I will just need to be (more) patient.

Thanks again for your advice and assistance.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-28 10:08:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 in hand, but still no I-130 Approval...

Yup, that's us... being "purist" one way, didn't work for us yet...So seing your route, certaintly, even now after all this time waiting we think seriously for a k-3...we should have done it....


So sorry, knowledge. I can only imagine how frustrated you must be. Especially since a lot of people who sent in their petitions after us already have approvals (and in some cases, CR-1/IR-1 visas).

A lot of people seem to think that when you submit the I-129F petition (for a K-3) that it pushes everything else along. It's not too late to for you and you can always abandon it for the CR-1/IR-1 when it gets approved?...

Anyway, good luck to you.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-28 08:43:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 in hand, but still no I-130 Approval...

All I can say is Thank God for the K3! Good Luck!!


Thanks, maureen! To you as well!

Yes, I am SO glad I applied for the K-3. I know a lot of people have chosen not to, but it really worked out for us. I read (in other threads) that the I-130 can 1 year+ for approval. At least I'm already two thirds of the way there.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-27 21:34:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 in hand, but still no I-130 Approval...

EM,

The length of stay granted to a K3 entrant is 2 years, and the K3 visa is a multi-entry visa valid for 2 years. Plenty of time for the I-130 petition to be approved in most cases.


It sounded like a lot of time when I sent in my petition (nearly 8 months ago) but I'm getting quite worried about it.

You can go the AOS route if you wish. You do not need an approved I-130 to apply for adjustment of status, the I-130 will be approved by the time the application for adjustment is approved. If you do this, apply for EA befor applying for AOS.

Yodrak


I thought I needed the NOA2 from the I-130 to adjust status? Not that I want to, mind you. I would much prefer to just wait for the IR-1 interview in Montreal. I'm hoping you're right (that I've still got plenty of time).

Thanks for your help, Yodrak!

Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 27 March 2007 - 09:34 PM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-27 21:30:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 in hand, but still no I-130 Approval...
Greetings, Vjers

I see that others are in the same boat with the VSC. As you can see from my timeline (below), no touches (no nothing) on my I-130 petition since receiving the NOA1 last August (`06). I'm coming up on 8 months now. :unsure:

Thankfully, in a few weeks, I will finally be with my husband in the US on a K-3. To avoid the AOS fees/paperwork (and since I will be driving distance from Montreal), I had always planned on returning for the IR-1 interview. Is this still a possibility? What if my K-3 expires before I get an approval/interview date? Is the expiry date of the K-3 automatically extended (do I need to apply for an extension)?

Since I cannot go the AOS route (since I do not have an approved I-130 petition), what can I do? Apply for the EAD? Get an SSN?

Thanks for any assistance/advice!

Cheers!,
Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-27 17:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Transferred from VSC to CSC

From time to time the centers transfer cases back and forth to balance the work-load, CSC is the largest of the centers, and perhaps VSC is overloaded at this point.


Thanks for your response, YuAndDan. I figured as much -- I just wish they would've elaborated a bit more in their e-mails/notices.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-07 10:31:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Transferred from VSC to CSC
Although I am happy that someone actually looked into my case, I am *not* happy about starting the waiting process over again at a new service center after 9 months of my petition collecting dust at the VSC.

Am I to expect a new NOA1 from the CSC now?

And is transferring I-130 petitions to the CSC a common occurrence?

Thanks for any assistance or advice.

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-07 09:17:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOne more time...Vermont!

This time is the right time for us too, we have been approved!..Thank you to VJ!...to those approved and those in waiting time!.. (L)


WOW! CONGRATULATIONS!

I was sure your petition would be transferred to the CSC (as were several others this week) but I'm glad you got your approval instead! :thumbs:
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-10 09:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCase transfers

Question for those who had any kind of transfers.

Did you have a "touch" when they transferred and a "touch" when the new location received it? I am worried because I only got one, 3 fricking months ago.


See my timeline (below). I received a touch and an e-mail telling me that my petition arrived at the new service center (CSC). Have you checked the status of your case on the USCIS website? If you have, click on your receipt number. If your petition has arrived at the new service center, it would say:

"Application Type: I130, IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN

Current Status: This case is now pending at the office to which it was transferred.

The I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN that was transferred to our XXX SERVICE CENTER location is now pending there."

I have also received a few touches since the transfer (and none in the previous 9 months), so I am feeling more hopeful about an approval than ever before.

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-15 14:12:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDoes the clock reset when I-130 transferred to another SC?
I called the USCIS today and, although I got the impression she really didn't know what she was talking about (I was put on hold twice so she could conference with somebody else), she told me that petitions/cases are transferred to another service center to "finish processing" and that I was to expect an "update" within 60 days of the transfer. Either an RFE (which would be RIDICULOUS after 9+ months!) or an approval. Come on, approval!

With all the recent touches I told hubby to hold off sending the letter to his senator (it's typed up and signed, it just needs a stamp). I'm giving it another 2 weeks. Then the letter goes out.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-17 10:58:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is GOING ON with VSC

On May 6, 2007, we transferred this I130 IMMIGRANT PETITION FOR RELATIVE, FIANCE(E), OR ORPHAN to our CALIFORNIA SERVICE CENTER location for processing because they now have jurisdiction over the case. We sent you a notice of this transfer.

This is odd. HOw do they now have jurisdiction over your case? It seems rather random.


It's not random; it's happened to several of us this week. (There are several threads, including the one I started yesterday, about I-130 petitions being transferred to the CSC.) The VSC seems to be majorly back-logged so hopefully this will help move things along for those of us who have had our petitions stuck there for several months.

~ Em

Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 08 May 2007 - 09:29 AM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-08 09:25:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is GOING ON with VSC

7 months since you guys filed your I-130s with VSC?! That's insane! :o


insane is an understatement. It just over 7 months for us too and it's sickening. Called VSC many times and got nowhere. Just don't know what to do anymore.


I might as well get in on this thread, too.

My I-130 has been stuck at the VSC since last August -- I'm coming up on 8 months without movement (no touches, no nothing).

Thankfully, I'll be w/my husband in the US (on a K-3) in a few weeks, but this is still very frustrating. :wacko:

Why the backlog of August filers?!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-03-30 11:00:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresCR-1 question

Simply question. I just received my 3 years tax transcript from IRS. When summiting them to the NVC do I send in my originals from IRS or can photo copies do? What do you think guys and what did you do?


If I remember correctly, when I had my K-3 interview, they specifically asked for the originals (not that there's any major or visible difference between original IRS transcripts and photocopies), but keep in mind, when you copy them to sent them in (or when you copy them for your records), the pages are double-sided, so be sure to copy both sides.

Wow. That was a really long sentence. :lol:

Anyway, good luck to ya!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-07 20:40:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

Uppdated:
Myself & Geist: NOA2 after 106 days of waiting :blush:


Hey, alright! CONGRATULATIONS!! :thumbs:

(Btw, 106 days is nothin'! Talk to me after 294 days have past!) ;)

In all seriousness -- VERY happy things seem to be finally moving along! Way to go, CSC! (Woot!)

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-08 08:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals
GOOD LUCK, Geist and dillydally and to all awaiting approval!!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-04 08:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

So i've been waiting to say this for several months...please update my status.


YAY, Singha! CONGRATS!

So, lemme get this straight: I wish you Good Luck on June 1st, and your petition is approved on June 1st... Coincidence?... ...

:D
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-02 09:06:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

Wow, 10 months! Congratulations to you! And good luck as well! (I still cannot believe that I received 2 email approvals last night. Still feels like a dream lol!) :thumbs:


I know! 10 months for *no* reason! I'm Canadian (less than 2 hours from the US border), it's the first marriage for both of us, we're the same age (only 40 days apart,) we've been married for more than 2 years, neither of us have any kids, no criminal records, had no RFEs, etc... I thought our case would be easy-peasy-lemon-squeezy -- how silly of me! (Thankfully, we got pretty lucky with the K-3, so at least I'll be with hubby in the US in 24 days!)

Congrats and GOOD LUCK to you, as well! I know what you mean -- I really don't believe I actually got an approval. I've had to read the e-mails and the USCIS website at least 4 times to be sure! After watching people get approvals (and some even greencards) while I waited for an NOA2 for 10 months, I thought something had perhaps gone seriously wrong. Hubby's on his way here to visit (for 10 days) and he doesn't know we got our approval. I can't wait to celebrate, tonight! ;)
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-01 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

congrats and good luck the rest of the way.


Thank you, Singha! To you as well!

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-01 08:41:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals
Somebody pinch me.

After 10 months (less 10 days), my I-130 petition was FINALLY approved yesterday. No RFEs, nothing funky -- it just took them that, freakin' long.

Anyway, please (finally!) update me on the list! (Timeline below.)

Woot! :dance:
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-06-01 08:27:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

niagara_falls NOA2 05/18/2007


YAY! Congratulations! It's about time.

(And dammit, I'd better be next!)
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-22 10:09:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

added karina and emilyrugburn.


Thanks, jediknight. May the force... ah, forget it. Too easy! ;)

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-10 17:37:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

CSC is backed up too, I've been waiting for 124 days. Oh well I'm sure they have a good reason. :blink:


Yes the CSC is backed up (the USCIS says they're processing petitions received in October of `06), but the VSC still says it's processing petitions received in March of `06, so it's even more (7 months more) backed up than the CSC.

I think the average approval occurs somewhere around 6 months (180 days) - you've got 2 months to go, and I'm 3 months over-due.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-10 11:51:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals

Does anyone know why VSC is transferring filed to CSC? If anything I would think VSC would process these petitions faster.


The e-mail we got (there are several of us who had our petitions transferred this/last week) said that CA now had jurisdiction over our cases, but it sounds like VSC is backed up so CSC is taking the over-flow. Which I guess is a good thing, but I'm not happy about being "in line" at a new service center all over again. And I don't know if we are to expect a new NOA1 or what. Hubby is mailing a letter to his senator tomorrow. SO frustrating.

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-10 11:26:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTimeline on I 130 Approvals
Well, someone may as well slap my name on your handy-dandy chart. I've now been in the system for 9 months with no approval. (A transfer from VSC to CSC, but still no NOA2.)

(Timeline below.)

:crying:

~ Em

Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 10 May 2007 - 10:12 AM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-05-10 10:10:00
IR-1 / CR-1 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIR-1 Interview in Montreal
Howdy, VJ'ers -- it's been a while since I've poked my head in here. Life has taken... some bizarre and stressful turns and this impending interview was *so* completely off my radar that my interview letter has totally caught me off guard, and now I have only 4 weeks to prepare (and it's the holiday season). Ugh!

Anyhow -- Here's my situation; I currently reside in the US (upstate NY) with my husband. I’m here on a K3 (since June).

It appears as though I require another medical (had one done in Toronto for the K3). The immunizations that I see listed on these instructions are different (for eg. I do not have Hep B or influenza immunization, as those were not required for the K3).

Q1: Does anyone know how I can find a licensed immigration physician who can perform my medical closest to where I am located (upstate NY)?

Q1(a): I will be in Toronto/Canada over the New Year. Perhaps I should get all my missing immunizations done here (in NY) and have another medical done in Toronto while I’m there over the holidays?... Is that a good plan? Anyone have any advice?...

Q2: I see nowhere in this letter about bringing an xpresspost envelope (or equivalent) with me… will they be confiscating my passport? (i.e. do I need to bring an envelope so they can send it back to me)? Or will they just send me the greencard in the mail?...

Ack, I’m so out of the loop. Life has kicked my butt a bit since I got here and I am so far removed from this process.

Any advice you’re able to give would be MUCH appreciated.

Thanks Again, VJ-ers,
~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-12-15 09:53:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS contact for Canadians?

I have to ask- What is Skype?


Skype is a free program you can download (available for both MAC and PC) and use to make calls to phones (or other Skype members). It's like MSN Messenger, but with calling features.

Also, since I'm on a MAC and most of my friends/family are on PCs, Skype is the only program we can use to video conference (using webcams).

It's pretty darn sweet!

Edited to add: Some Skype features are free and others you have to pay for. I'm not sure what's what, but I do know that my 1-800 call to the USCIS was free.

Edited by EmilyRugBurn, 05 April 2007 - 12:15 PM.

EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-04-05 12:12:00
USCIS Service CentersUSCIS contact for Canadians?

I've heard that people have had luck using skype to call from outside the U.S.


Yes! Wow, such GREAT info! It worked (man, I love Skype) and the entire call (including listening to all the prompts) took less than 10 minutes.

I spoke to a SUPER nice guy, but of course, got the whole "we are still processing petitions from March..." schpeil. Eh, it was worth a shot.

Thanks SO much for this, riblet!!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02007-04-05 11:56:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few (not-so) quick questions re: I-130 & I-129F
Thank you so much -- both of you. You have been a HUGE help. (I have a feeling you haven't heard the last of me!...)

Have a great night! (And weekend!)

Cheers,
~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-28 16:31:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few (not-so) quick questions re: I-130 & I-129F
Thanks for your response, CutienPurg. I didn't realize that it could take that long for the I-130s to be processed via Montreal. The worst-case-scenario (a year or more), is admittedly, pretty terrible.

Just when I think I understand it all - I realize, I do not.

In regards to working right away, fortunately, that will not be an issue for me (I see it's roughly a 3 month wait for an EAD)... so now perhaps the K-3 is our best option.

So if I were to go the K-3 route (which we can submit once we recieve NOA1 from the I-130), once in the US, I would need apply for adjustment of status, then yes? The Step-By-Step Guide, seems to indicate that this is a fairly lenghty process (and it looks as though I may require a second medical exam?), but at least we get to wait it out together.

Does anyone know the conditions on the K-3? I know I won't be able to work until I have an EAD, but while I'm in the US (on the K-3) can I visit Canada? Can I travel outside the US? (I think I read somewhere that I can, but I have to file for an Adjustment of Status before travelling, so they know I intend to come back...). Is that right? Is there anything else I should know?

So this is the basic procedure then:

- Husband mails I-130 from NY (this will happen tomorrow!)
- When he receives NOA1, we will prepare and send in I-129F
- When I-129F is approved (NOA2), I will recieve information regarding a medical exam and a date/time for my interview in Montreal.
- After the interview, if I am granted a K-3 Visa, I have 6 months to move out of Canada.
- Once in the US, I need to file for an Adjustment of Status (from K-3 restrictions to Permanent Resident), and I need to do this before travelling outside the US.

Is it possible to have your I-130 approved before your I-129F (/before being granted a K-3)? So that you don't need to apply for an AOS?

So, for dummies like me, the K-3 is (roughly) twice as fast (since you get to be with your spouse in the meantime), but twice as much paperwork to get everything settled?

Sorry for all the questions -- I'm just trying to wrap my head around it all. (Perhaps an immigration lawyer would be a good idea..!).

And good advice, CutienPurg -- I will plan on eating plenty of poutine and Swiss Chalet rotiserie chicken before I go! Good luck to you, as well!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-28 14:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few (not-so) quick questions re: I-130 & I-129F
Thank you, zyggy. Bless your heart.

Your info regarding the K-3 is priceless. After all the research I've done, I had no idea -- thanks for spelling it out for me. Perhaps we will just wait for the IR-1 (that is the Immigrant Visa, yes?) rather than going the K Visa route, which seems like a lot more unnecessary hassle.

So basically, all I need to do is have my husband mail the I-130 (and related forms and documents) and wait for the notices and further instruction. (Yes?)

Thanks also for clarifying that I will need to go to Montreal. I'm sure I would've figured it out eventually, but it's nice to be a step ahead.

Cheers to you, zyggy!! Thanks a million!

~ Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-28 12:55:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresA few (not-so) quick questions re: I-130 & I-129F
Hi Everyone,

I've been lurking on here for the past month or so and think I've got this right, but I, of course, want to be sure before taking the leap. Thanks to everyone for sharing their stories here so openly -- I couldn't have gotten this far without you. (And a big CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who has been successful in their endeavours!!)

Here's a brief run-down of our situation: I'm Canadian (living in Toronto). My husband is American (lives in upstate NY). We met for the first time in 2000 (the US company he was working for at the time, did business with the Canadian company I worked for at the time). In 2001, he came to Canada again (same circumstances - business with the same companies) only he stayed for 3 months, during which time we fell in love. Since it's only an 8-hour drive (and legally, we are allowed to visit each other's country for a period of up to 6 months out of the year), we spent the next 3 years going back and forth about a bazillion times. We finally tied the knot in Toronto (it was a rather large affair) on October 1st 2004 (we're now coming up on our 2-year anniversary). I had a great job and wanted to stay until I finished up my contract at the end of 2005. And at the beginning of this year, I found out I needed foot surgery (which is covered 100% as long as I am an Ontario Resident) so we have waited until now to complete the paperwork and FINALLY get the ball rolling (figuring my surgery date will fall between now and when our petition is, hopefully, approved).

I realize everyone's situation is different, but I would sure appreciate any assistance or advice you can provide. We are about to send in our I-130 (and all related documents and forms), so without further ado (if you've stuck with me this far, I thank you!) here are my questions (sorry for the long post -- I was on a roll)...

1. Here is my understanding of the process -- if anyone can point out where I've gone wrong, please do!!

- Husband mails I-130 forms (and all related documents and forms) to the USCIS Service Center (for NY it is the one in Vermont).
- He waits to receive the first NOA.
- After receiving NOA1, he can register on the USCIS site to track the progress of the petition. Also, at this time, we can start assembling what is needed for to apply for the K-3 (the I-129F and all supporting documents).
- Here's where it gets fuzzy for me... When can we send in the I-129F? Do we need to wait for the I-130 to be approved (ie. the NOA2)? Or can we send it in after we receive NOA1 on the I-130?
- After the I-130 and the I-129F is approved, I will receive information regarding an interview at the US Consolate in Toronto. (And have to fill out all the forms, get a medical, etc...)
- If I pass the interview, I will be granted a Visa, at which time I have 6 months to sell my house and leave Canada.

Another fuzzy spot for me -- I'm not sure when a 2-year conditional Visa is granted, or when a 10-year Visa is granted...?

2. I have used the search feature (several times), but I still do not understand IMBRA - specifically what it is, and how it affects me. Is this something I need to worry about?

3. I'm curious -- what do they ask for in an RFE? (Again, I realize every situation is different - I'm just curious). Is it that they, generally, want to see the originals?

Thanks for sticking with me, here. Again - sorry for the long post. I hope to, one day, become an expert on this (as some of you are), so that I'll be able to help others.

Thanks for you time.

Cheers,
Em
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-28 12:14:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Canada... so where do we send the I-129F?
Thanks, Yodrak -- I'm assuming that these are the forms/documentation/procedures that the Embassy will inform me of once I hear from them. Is that correct?
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-31 16:19:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Canada... so where do we send the I-129F?
Thank you, simple_male!!

Cheers!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-31 12:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Canada... so where do we send the I-129F?
Thanks so much for your quick response! I think I understand what your telling me... I just want to get this straight. So:

- My husband (the petitioner) sends the I-129F petition to the USCIS Chicago Lockbox.
- If/When the USCIS approves the I-129F (NOA2), it gets send to the NVC.
- Then, the NVC will send our case to the Embassy.
- I will then need to apply for the K3 in Canada.

When you say "apply for the K-3 visa in the country (Canada) where you got married", do you mean/are you referring to the interview and where it will take place? Is that what you mean by applying for the K3 visa - the interview?

Thanks again!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-31 11:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresMarried in Canada... so where do we send the I-129F?
Hello Again, Everyone

Thanks for all of your help so far! Just a quick question this time!

My husband (the petitioner) is a US citizen (NY state). I am Canadian. We were married in Canada (Toronto).

He is about to mail in the I-130 (and corresponding documents) on my behalf. I have just looked through the instructions for the I-129F Petition (i.e the K3 spouse Visa) and it says: "The LIFE Act requires applicants to apply for a K-3 visa in the country where their marriage to the US Citizen petitioner occured."

So... do I not send this to Chicago then? Does anyone know where I would send it (in Canada)?

Thanks again for any assistance/advice you can provide.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-07-31 11:10:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it necessary to Adjust Status when in the US on a K-3?

K-3s may apply for EAD *without* filing I-485 (AOS) and get their SS# that way as well---it is not speedy, but it's something.


meauxna - This is terrific news! I didn't realize you could do this, although - it makes total sense. Thanks for that.

I realize that going back to Canada for the interview is not convenient for a lot of people, but it would really only cost us gas money and a night in a hotel -- plus, hubby and I have always wanted to see Montreal, so perhaps we will make a mini-vacation of it.
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-08-15 17:27:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it necessary to Adjust Status when in the US on a K-3?
Any option that is "less of a pain in the posterior" is the one for me!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-08-15 13:06:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIs it necessary to Adjust Status when in the US on a K-3?
No problem, amarceau! I'm here for a least an hour a day looking for answers to my questions, and I too hesitate to post a new topic. And even *if* someone has asked it before, sometimes the answer given is difficult to understand, or you *know* that it's wrong and no one wise has come along to correct them.

aussiewench -- Thanks also for being so clear about the options. I enjoy all your posts as they're always clear, concise and to the point! Cheers!
EmilyRugBurnFemale02006-08-15 13:02:00