ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)Received interview date Monday
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Wow. Ivonne and I were talking on Skype Monday evening about how we should have her appointment letter by next week and I just happened to check my email AND THERE WAS THE APPOINTMENT LETTER!!! She is scheduled for July 13 at the Bogota Embassy. I have booked her flight to Seattle for Aug. 14th (that was the first available date where I could use my air miles for most of her ticket!!). That gives her time to resign from her job and spend some time with her family. Our Visa Journey is almost over. Thank GOD for His Grace and MERCY. I pray everyone who is still waiting receives their appointment letters soon. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill : 2009-03-31
Pay IV Bill : 2009-04-03
Receive Instruction Package : 2009-06-01
Case Completed at NVC : 2009-05-05
NVC Left : 2009-06-04
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry : 2009-08-14
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-06-04 22:33:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresGetting Started
My wife, Ivonne, and I had our civil wedding on Dec. 18th, 2008 and our Christian ceremony on the 20th (both in Bogota). I flew back to Yakima, Wa. last Sunday and sent off the I-130 package on Tuesday - so here we go! - Rick

I-130 Journey
01-06-09 - I-130 sent USPS Next Day Air
xx-xx-xx - I-130 NOA1
xx-xx-xx - I-130 touched
xx-xx-xx - I-130 NOA2(approved)

I-129F Journey
xx-xx-xx - I-129F sent
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NOA1
xx-xx-xx - I-129F touched
xx-xx-xx - I-129F touched
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NOA2(Approved)
xx-xx-xx - I-129F Case number assigned @ NVC
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NVC forward case to Bogota


NVC Journey Begin
NVC Received/Case number assigned :
DS-3032 / AOS Bill Generated :
Pay AOS Bill:
AOS Bill Show as PAID:
Mailed I-864 Package:
E-mail/Mail DS-3032 :
IV Bill Generated :
Pay IV Bill :
IV Bill Show as PAID:
Mailed IV Package:
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :


Bogota, Colombia smile.gif
Consulate Received :
Medical:
Interview Date:
RickDMaleColombia2009-01-09 21:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOff to a fast start
QUOTE (CoffeeisSweet @ Jan 17 2009, 05:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Princess In Love @ Jan 17 2009, 03:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
CSC is definitely doing things faster than VSC , we sent our I-130 the same day as you and we had our check cleared only yesterday and we are still waiting for NOA1 .....good luck

Hey Rick this is good news. I am just curious and don't mind me being frank, being the noobie I still am I am always coming up with more questions when I see other people's progress. Adry and myself have yet to marry but we have set a date for March 21st 2009 in Barranquilla, Colombia. We want to file the I 130 because it allows her to work almost immediately when she arrives to the States and 'act' like a US Citizen. My question to you is I noticed you have also filed for the I 129F. Im assuming you are already married (because of the I 130) but why the I 129F? Isnt that not needed?
Curiously intrigued,
James


Ivonne's parents are pretty traditional and since Ivonne was the last unmarried daughter (I like to believe that God was saving her for me ;-), we honored their desire for both the civil and Christian ceremonies to take place in Bogota. So, we are going through the I-130/I-129F process. The I-129F spouse visa petition will allow Ivonne to enter the US IF the I-130 petition takes a while. In past years the I-130 could take a year to two years to be processed. More recently, there have been cases where the I-130 and the I-129F have been approved at about the same time (six months or so). In those cases, then it would make sense to drop the I-129F and go with the I-130.

My advice to MOST couples is do the fiancee visa if at all possible. Ivonne and I would be together right now if the family situation had been different. If you have a religious ceremony but do not register it with the government, then you can legally enter the US on a fiancee visa and do the legal wedding in America (but that does have the disadvantage of your spouse not being able to work right away - same situation with the spouse visa). There are pluses and minuses to each process, so each couple must decide for themselves what will work best for their situation. If you do the legal wedding in Colombia, as planned, have all the forms and paperwork on a flash drive and fill them out while you are there. Print out your wife's G-325 and have her sign it, plus an extra couple of sets of the form, (in blue ink so they know it's the original copy) and hand carry it back with you. Because we had all of the paperwork locked down before I left Bogota, I was able to next day the I-130 package to the Chicago Lockbox just two days after getting back. Having your paperwork complete, accurate, and organized will ensure fewer problems and possible delays. Between the online Spouse Visa kit I purchased ($49.95), the information on this website, and a lot of prayer, I feel pretty confident that we will have a smooth process. I pray that you have the same experience.

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-01-17 16:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOff to a fast start
I hope this is a good sign that the CSC is getting things done more quickly. I sent the I-130 for Ivonne overnight on 01/06/2009. My check cleared on Wed 1/14 and I received the I-797 this afternoon. I will FedEx the I-129F spouse visa petition package tomorrow. We are praying for God's continued blessing on this process.


I-130 Journey
01-06-09 - I-130 sent USPS Next Day Air to Chicago Lockbox
01-14-09 - Check cleared
01-16-09 - I-130 NOA1 back from the CSC
xx-xx-xx - I-130 touched
xx-xx-xx - I-130 NOA2(approved)

I-129F Journey
01-17-09 - I-129F sent
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NOA1
xx-xx-xx - I-129F touched
xx-xx-xx - I-129F touched
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NOA2(Approved)
xx-xx-xx - I-129F Case number assigned @ NVC
xx-xx-xx - I-129F NVC forward case to Bogota


NVC Journey Begin
NVC Received/Case number assigned :
DS-3032 / AOS Bill Generated :
Pay AOS Bill:
AOS Bill Show as PAID:
Mailed I-864 Package:
E-mail/Mail DS-3032 :
IV Bill Generated :
Pay IV Bill :
IV Bill Show as PAID:
Mailed IV Package:
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :


Bogota, Colombia smile.gif
Consulate Received :
Medical:
Interview Date:
RickDMaleColombia2009-01-17 02:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 visa approved yesterday and passport delivered today!!!!
Beautiful story. May God bless your life TOGETHER!!!
RickDMaleColombia2009-02-27 15:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresLIFE Act
QUOTE (Rick in VA @ Mar 3 2009, 01:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is funny because I asked the aide does that mean that the K-3/4s visa which were/are implemented by the LIFE Act are no longer valid.

He told me that he expects this in writing in the next week or two but, I was floored when he told me this.

OBTW, he was speaking with someone from the USCIS headquarters which is scary!

As soon as I get the official answer I will post it....

Absolutely shocking!


The LIFE act had some time limitations (and windows) for those who were already here (amnesty provisions) but I believe the family unity provisions for the K3 visa were intended to continue indefinitely. I cannot find anything on the web that indicates otherwise. I would be highly surprised if something this significant could slip past all of the visa attorneys out there.

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-03 14:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWe passed the Embassy Interview
Fantastic!!! Congrats.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-02 00:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresJust a visit...
Hi Lee,

It is possible that they will not give her a tourist visa if they know you are married, because immigration will assume she is not going to return to Equador. My wife (a Colombian) has a valid, five year tourist visa for the US, issued before we were married, and it is my understanding that immigration would treat her as a pending immigrant and not let her in, even if she had a round trip ticket and every intention to return to Colombia until her immigration status is approved. She did visit last summer, with her father, before we were married, but the letter I wrote was to invite her father to visit (he wasn't about to give his youngest daughter away until he was sure that I was who I said I was innocent.gif ) and Ivonne was just a traveling companion. You can certainly try (and if you do, I pray that you are successful), but just don't get your hopes up.

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-05 16:30:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresVisa On Hand
FANTASTIC!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-05 20:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswife is having my baby
God is AMAZING!! Congrats, Joey. kicking.gif
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-05 20:35:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresThis is Fantastic!!!
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif I got home from work today and found both NOA-2s for my wife's I-129F and I-130 in the mail box. The were approved on 27 Feb. OMG, they never even sent an email and I checked the online status before leaving work today and nothing had been updated, but I have both approved NOA-2s sitting on my desk. I can't believe it. GOD ANSWERS PRAYERS!!!! I already updated my timeline.

For those of you at VSC, I will pray that they get their act together and begin processing there as quickly as at the CSC. This is fantastic. I bought a ticket this morning to go to Bogota for Easter. I will use all of my air miles for Ivonne's ticket to the US later this Spring. GOD IS AWESOME!!!! I pray that everyone here has a blessed weekend and that your approvals come soon. God Bless,

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-06 19:38:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresfraud unit asked more documents
Ariesgirl,

Since they are asking for more evidence, that probably means they are giving you the opportunity to prove that your relationship is legit, which I would take as a good sign. They are looking for proof of a real marrige and evidence of fraud. If they accept what you give them as valid proof of a real relationship, you should receive either your visa or at least another interview. Although both of my parents were US citizens, they were 30 years apart when I was born (dad was 68, mom was 38) and I have a sister a year younger. True love doesn't care about age! I pray that God blesses you both in this process.

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-05 16:40:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK-3 denied also resulting in denial of CR-1/IR-1?
I would not think of the CR-1 as a "backup". The CR-1 and the K3 are simply two paths to the same destination. If there are significant problems with a pending immigrant's K3, then it is likely that the CR-1 will encounter the same problems. If you follow the guides, cross every T and dot every I (and you have sufficient proof of the relationship) then the process should work fine for you. If you have a significant problem (visa overstay, illegal entry, etc.), you may want to consider consulting an immigration attorney. Based upon the good advice in other posts here at VJ, Ivonne and I are going to focus on the CR-1 since she wants to work when she gets here and not just sit around in the house for two or three months. The short cuts in the VJ Wiki are very helpful. I pray that your process goes well.

RickD
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-08 05:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresOMG, I've been APPROVED- Y'all!!!!!!!!!!!
IT FEELS SO GOOD, DOESN"T IT!!! CONGRATULATIONS kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-09 21:53:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAcuurate Timeline
We are about a month ahead of the estimates. CSC seems to be moving faster than expected. Ivonne's NVC case number was assigned yesterday. Based upon her experience with the embassy in Bogota (she has had a couple of tourist visas for the US), I expect her to be with me by mid-May!!! I think we will try to go the CR1 route instead of the I-129F since they approved her I-130 at the same time as the I-129F and we can use the shortcuts to accelerate the CR1 approval process.

Rick

Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
I-130 NOA2: 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-03-11 11:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresShe's Here NOW! YAHHHH
good.gif kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif Fantastic!!!
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-09 02:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresK3 Approved
good.gif good.gif good.gif CONGRATS!!! It feels sooooo good, doesn't it? kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

Edited by RickD, 11 March 2009 - 05:49 PM.

RickDMaleColombia2009-03-11 17:47:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI need your opinions .. share your experience
1. For K-3, California seems to be much faster, especially if your case is put together well and there are no special circumstances.

2. We received Ivonne's NOA2 for both the I-129F and the I-130 on the same day. See our time line below.

3. Read the Wiki and don't make any mistakes in putting your package together. Check the sample forms, dot every "i" and cross every "t" (and PRAY!). If, after reading the Wiki, you still have questions, ask away. There are great people here who have been through every step of the process and are willing to supply solid advice and share your ups and downs. God bless,

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-14 20:45:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresthank God and visajourney
Fantastic news! God's timing is always perfect. Happy anniversary and God bless.

RickD

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-13 15:59:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresArrived in USA March 8/2009
Welcome to the greatest country on earth!!! May God bless you both.

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-03-11 17:54:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhat is the Wait time for RFE?
According to the interview with the former service center employee in the Wiki, they MAY rework your case right away. The guys and gals at the service centers have to meet certain production metrics as part of their employee evaluations, so they have an incentive not to let things just sit on their desks. Hopefully, that will be your case good.gif .

RickD
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-14 20:34:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresscheduled to submit additional docs at fraud unit
You're in my prayers.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-09 02:49:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresBreak Out the Champagne!!!!!!!!!!!!
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Wonderful, Wonderful, Wonderful - it's about time!!!! good.gif

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.


RickDMaleColombia2009-03-19 01:12:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresvisitor/tourist visa or student visa till k3/cr-1 gets approved
Let me put my two cents worth in here. My wife has a valid five year visitors visa, but she does not own property herself and has nothing but her job to anchor her to Colombia. We did not even try to have her come here (I'm visiting Bogota for Easter) because we did not want to take the chance that she would be turned back by an immigration officer at the point of entry and waste the cost of a round trip ticket. From what I can determine, if the immigration officers have ANY reason to believe that someone who is entering on a non-immigrant tourist visa will not go home, they will turn the person away. To come here on any type of non-immigrant visa with the PRIOR intention to marry or adjust status and stay would most likely be considered visa fraud - with its own set of problems when your spouse tries to get legal. Ivonne and I were blessed to have our paperwork go through the California Service Center and our case is pretty straight forward, so we should be through the NVC (for our CR1) in the next couple of weeks. Our K3 paperwork may already be at the Embassy.

I really feel for those who are stuck at VSC or who have "issues". If you do decide to have your spouse try to come in on a non-immigrant visa while you are waiting, just be aware of the risk. I've read about enough problem cases, both here and on other internet sites, that for Ivonne and me it was not worth the risks. Best wishes and I hope this helps.

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 19:07:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI-130 Approved before I-129
Also, the payments for the Affidavit of Support and Immigrant Visa are available online if you have a US bank account. Jame's shortcut in the WIKI will give you a link for the email version of the DS-3032 (choice of agent form) . We hit NVC on March 10th and all we have left is the IV fee (I expect Ivonne's DS-3032 to be input any day now) and sending her documents. With a little more of God's help, she should have her CR-1 interview some time in May or early June. The NVC is moving toward more online services. Best wishes,

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.



RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 19:25:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresQuestion About Time And Expediting
If you dot every "I" and cross every "T" and your application is pretty straight forward, CSC is the place to be. Check our approval times at the bottom of our timeline. Best wishes,

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 19:16:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReally confused and need your guy's help
Not ALWAYS faster, but these days the difference is frequently insignificant for many people. It is definitely cheaper. We started with both the I-130 and the I-129F, but now, we will only pursue the I-130. Ivonne lived and worked in the US (legally!) in the late 90's for a while so she already has a US SSN. The I-130 will let her work here legally again from day one. For most consular posts, the NVC is just collecting, verifying, and forwarding the paperwork, collecting the AOS and IV fee, and making the interview appointment. The approval still has to come from the consular officer where our spouses live. At this point, I almost feel like I could be a Visa attorney rofl.gif .

Rick
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 21:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresReally confused and need your guy's help
Ramses,

Go with the I-130. You will save money and Kris will be able to work (if she wants to) as soon as Social Security issues an SSN. Ivonne and I had both approved the same day, but going with the I-130 will only add a couple of weeks to the process (if that!) and the advantages are huge. Your will save about $600.00 total. You can pay the AOS fee and the IV fee online (if you have a US bank account) and that will shave a lot of mailing time off the timeline. Use the WIKI shortcuts, where applicable. With good documents and the shortcuts, you can get through NVC pretty quick. Best wishes,

RickD
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 21:17:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHelp...
From what I have read on this forum, bring as much evidence as you can. Pictures of the visit, wedding, honeymoon, emails, IMs, phone call records, engagement ring and wedding ring receipts, anything that will show that you have a REAL marriage. The Philippines seems to be considered a high marriage fraud country, so the more evidence you have the better. Don't ramble during the interview, but make sure you let them know that you simply love your husband and want to be with him. Not everyone can afford multiple trips, so only visiting once is not unreasonable, but it is the consular officer that will decide if your marriage is for real. Don't say anything that will give them the idea that you want to immigrate for any reason other than to be with your husband. You love him and you can't wait to be together because you love him, etc. Ask God for His Grace and don't be too nervous (and don't listen to your "friends"). Thousands of people go through this process successfully. God bless and best wishes,

RickD

K-3 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-129F Sent : 2009-01-17
I-129F NOA1 : 2009-01-21
I-129F RFE(s) :
RFE Reply(s) :
I-129F NOA2 : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
I-130 Approval : 2009-02-27
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-129f was approved in 37 days from your NOA1 date.

Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 21:08:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresAPPROVED
kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Way to go!!!! Congrats good.gif
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-20 22:44:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresHe is now on his way
Wonderful news!!! Congrats good.gif
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-23 19:42:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresTourist Visa Question?
My wife already has a vakud 5-year tourist visa, but we decided not to even try to have her visit after we were married . Better to just begin the immigration process.

RickD
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-25 18:36:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Proceduresafter CSC/VSC approves..whats next?
Take some time and read the Wiki NVC short cuts and they will help clarify the process for you. The NVC will forward your I-129 package to the Embassy or Consulate and will begin processing the underlying I-130. The fees and some of the paperwork can be done online. The shortcuts will help you understand what is going to happen next. Best wishes,

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-27 00:27:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresWhich one applies to me?
In many cases the CR1 is going to be the better choice. It does take a little longer (from a couple of weeks to more than a month) but it is about $600-$700 cheaper and your spouse can work as soon as the spouse gets their SSN. With the K3, you have to have a separate Employment Authorization Document (90 days or so to get and can be done as part of applying for adjustment of status or as a separate action). The Vermont center has been slower than California, but people going through both are often having their K3s and CR1 petitions approved at the same time (our's was) Of course, every case is an individual situation. If you can wait a little longer, the CR1 may be the best choice. IF your spouse does not need to work and you don't mind spending more money then the K3 may get your spouse here quicker. Either way, read the WIKI and make sure to dot every "i" and cross every "t" - and PRAY!!!

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

Edited by RickD, 27 March 2009 - 12:51 AM.

RickDMaleColombia2009-03-27 00:50:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresNOA2 question
Mets,

Don't worry about the online updates. We received our NOA2s for both petitions by mail on the same day but the online status never updated. They may not care too much about updating the online status once the NOA2 has been completed.

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-26 22:28:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresIts over :)
Congratulations!!! kicking.gif good.gif good.gif

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-28 00:39:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresFINALLY APPROVAL!!!!!
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa
Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill :
Pay IV Bill :
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.
RickDMaleColombia2009-03-28 00:32:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureswhy did u choose the k3?
Our K3 is already at the Embassy, but we are only going with the CR1. As noted, right now the service centers seem to be processing both petitions at about the same time. Both of our petitions were approved at CSC on the same day. Unless there is some special circumstance, the CR1 seems to be the better approach. Plus you save about $700 over adjusting status with the K3.

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill : 2009-03-31
Pay IV Bill : 2009-04-03
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-04-07 19:26:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresDS3032
We did ours by email (using the email template) and it took about 10 working days for them to process it, but the operator at NVC stated that they get 1000s of emails each week so 10 days was not unreasonable. We never bothered to send in the paper copy.

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill : 2009-03-31
Pay IV Bill : 2009-04-03
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-04-09 16:37:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresConfused plz help my fiancee is in New Zealand :)
I agree. You don´t have to wait to apply. Get married in NZ and file the I-130 right away. Make sure you hve copies of all of your documents so you have all the information you need with you (you will probably need the same documents for the marriage, anyway).

The sooner you file the faster your application will be approved. Carefully read the guides and dot every "i" and cross every "t". As elmcitymaven suggests, after you have read the guides, then post any questions in the CR1 forum. It is possible that if your paperwork is filled out properly with all of the necesary evidence, you could get throught USCIS in less than 60 days if your petition is routed through the California Service Center. As you can see at the bottom of our time line, our I-130 was approved 46 days from our NOA-1. Best wishes.

RickD

IR-1 / CR-1 Visa

Event Date
Service Center : California Service Center
Consulate : Bogota, Colombia
Marriage : 2008-12-18
I-130 Sent : 2009-01-06
I-130 NOA1 : 2009-01-12
I-130 Approved : 2009-02-27
NVC Received : 2009-03-10
Received DS-3032 / I-864 Bill : 2009-03-17
Pay I-864 Bill 2009-03-17
Receive I-864 Package :
Return Completed I-864 : 2009-03-24
Return Completed DS-3032 : 2009-03-19
Receive IV Bill : 2009-03-31
Pay IV Bill : 2009-04-03
Receive Instruction Package :
Case Completed at NVC :
NVC Left :
Consulate Received :
Packet 3 Received :
Packet 3 Sent :
Packet 4 Received :
Interview Date :
Visa Received :
US Entry :
Comments : 01/26/2009 Touched
Processing
Estimates/Stats : Your I-130 was approved in 46 days from your NOA1 date.

RickDMaleColombia2009-04-10 15:09:00