March K3 Filer

[SPSguy 18]

Thank you VJ for a wonderful forum. This is a great example of how internet transparency is helping to make petitioners more informed while helping USCIS centers to better serve the public.

After reading the pros and cons on K3, K1 and CR1 I my wife and I made the decision to take the K3 route. We'll monitor the process and keep CR1 as a backup plan.

Our primary reason for not taking the K1 route is the single entry limitation. With K3 my wife can re-enter multiple times ( 2 years ) without the need for a reentry permit/travel document or greencard. With God's help if we get our 130 approved first, we will reconsider CR1.

A brief background.

I am naturalized citizen. Having grown up in the States most of my life I was excited and delighted to visit Cambodia for the first time two years ago. That was when I met my wife in person ( we married 02/22/2008).

I included all the supporting documents as required on I-129F and I-130 along with USPS postal money order for $355 and sent both packages OVERNIGHT USPS to the California Service Center ( Lagun Niguel Center ). A cover letter states the intention was to obtain a K3 visa. I did not send to the Chicago Center since the I-130 instructions state specifically that they accept only 130 STANDALONE petitions. I did not use a personal check to pay because it has been my experience that USPS money orders are good as cash to government agencies. Money orders clear faster than personal checks so I'm hoping/praying for SPEED. For evidence of a bonifide marriage relationship I included the following.

10 Photos from our wedding in February.

Affidavit of marriage eligibility signed by the US Embassy in Cambodia

Affidavit of marriage approval from the Cambodian Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Print out of calling records to my wife from 2006-2008.

Print out of my T-mobile mobile fone showing 100s of text messaging for the past three months

Our marriage certificate

Family residence book in Cambodia signed by local authority

I included basically the same information in both packets. Although the current I-130 no longer requires a copy of the spouse's passport and birth ceriticate, I included one of each just to make sure with a cover letter explaining the K3 intent on back packets. Both packets were placed in a folder with post-it note stating K3 Visa I-130 and I-129F.

Nice lady at the post office assures me that overnight package guarantees delivery by tomorrow Afternoon. I am excited and nervous. Will keep everyone updated.

Hope this helps future 130 and 129 prospects.

Edited March 13, 2008 by SPSguy

[SPSguy 18]

Minor ( potentially big ) mistake folks.

After going through every piece of document and forms again tonight, I noticed that my wife mistakenly reversed her name on the G-325A. She entered her last name under "first name" and her name under "family name."

She did the same for her parents' names.

However, at the bottom of the the G-325A where it asks to fill in Family Name, Given Name, Middle Name, everything is correct.

Any ideas on how to correct the name reversal? When should I contact USCIS without interrupting the flow?

[SPSguy 18]

We decided not to contact CSC regarding G325a for now.

Confirmed delivery today at Laguna Niguel, CA center via INS express mail.

[SaysWho 3]

Hi! Welcome to VJ.

Your petition may be forwarded to Chicago Lockbox from California, although that won't necessarily hold up your petition - they may/should honor the original California received date. There has been some confusion about what "stand alone I-130" means.

This quote is from a post by PUSHBRK who is very seasoned and well informed member here...

USCIS has not made this crystal clear but my current interpretation of "stand alone" is that they mean "not with I-485" etc. When filing for AOS, many I'130's go in with the AOS paperwork. So I would mail to the lock box.

As for the name on the G325a, I'm sure someone here may have experience a similar situation and will be able to advise you.

God bless your Visa journey!

Annie & Tim

[SPSguy 18]

Thanks Annie & Tim,

My reasonings for sending to the California were as follow:

1) Chicago was for 130 STANDALONE center. I noticed the part about 485 and AOS.

2) Since the California center handles 1-129F petitioins my preference was to have the 129F

considered first and 130 directed elsewhere if necessary.

With some luck, USCIS will consider both petitions at the California center. If not, they could review 129F and send 130 to Chicago Lockbox.

Of course, this assumes the best case scenario considering the 130 is what they require first.

[4theloveofhenry 8]

Also a March filer. The 10th to be exact. My check was just cashed on the 14 and cleared with my bank this morning so now I am waiting to recieve my NOA1 in the mail any day God willing.Sounds like you dotted all your I's and crossed all your T's and you shouldnt have any problems so far. With God all things are possible and we will be with our loved ones before the year is out!

[SPSguy 18]

Update:

Please see my signature update. Today, I reeived NOA 1 for both my I-129F and I-130. The CSC is handling both petitions. Each petition is given its own receipt number ( two cases ).

Both NOAs in ONE WEEK! YAY!

So far. So good.

Edited March 22, 2008 by SPSguy

[4theloveofhenry 8]

Thats great to hear, I hope things will remain this speedy for you. I will be sending my I-129 off on monday. I will be praying hard this week

[pushbrk 12,103]

Update:

Please see my signature update. Today, I reeived NOA 1 for both my I-129F and I-130. The CSC is handling both petitions. Each petition is given its own receipt number ( two cases ).

Both NOAs in ONE WEEK! YAY!

So far. So good.

This is good. You must have missed all the times we posted "If you want an immmigrant visa, don't file an I-129F." You state you want a K3, so you've filed correctly. Don't count on the CR1 as a back-up plan unless you're thinking along the lines of a much later back-up plan. The two petitions are adjuducated together and, if approvable, are approved together. This results in the I-130 being held and only the I-129F proceeding.

It's really good to hear they sorted things out and accepted both petitions but I would inspect the NOA1 for the I-129F and even call to make certain they understand your I-129F is for a K3, not a K1. You sent the packages separately, with no proof in the I-129F package that you ever filed an I-130. You'll want to make sure this is all understood. Don't count on them reading and understanding based on your cover letter.

If all is well, perhaps I'll start advising people to file the petitions together again. That was a short term scenario in the recent past but the advise was to file the separate petitions in the same envelope for clarity. The evidence of filing the I-130 was right there in the envelope with the I-129F so they had no reason to separate them.

[SPSguy 18]

THANK YOU and good luck to you too!

[SPSguy 18]

If all is well, perhaps I'll start advising people to file the petitions together again. That was a short term scenario in the recent past but the advise was to file the separate petitions in the same envelope for clarity. The evidence of filing the I-130 was right there in the envelope with the I-129F so they had no reason to separate them.

Thank you PUSHBRK,

That's exactly what I did. I filed separate petitions in the same envelope so the proof was right there.

Nontheless, I will follow-up on your suggestion to confirm with USCIS of the K3 intent.

[SPSguy 18]

PUSHBRK,

I did notice on the NOA for 129F that they referenced the petition for I-130 but I certainly will follow-up for clarity.

Edited March 22, 2008 by SPSguy

[adam75 0]

Minor ( potentially big ) mistake folks.

After going through every piece of document and forms again tonight, I noticed that my wife mistakenly reversed her name on the G-325A. She entered her last name under "first name" and her name under "family name."

She did the same for her parents' names.

However, at the bottom of the the G-325A where it asks to fill in Family Name, Given Name, Middle Name, everything is correct.

Any ideas on how to correct the name reversal? When should I contact USCIS without interrupting the flow?

................................

what does it say on the NOA1 regarding the beneficiary : last name, first name? or first name, last name?

and you said she did the same for her parents, i think you need to call and make sure they got everything right to avoid any surprises.

hope someone with similar situation can explain what to do.

good luck to you

[SPSguy 18]

Hello Adam75,

The beneficiary name is correct on both petitions. I did notice on the G 325A instructions that there is no requirement to repeat the information provided on I-130...except for name and signature. So I assume they will be basing everything off the main petitions.

I wanted to wait to receive a receipt # prior to contacting them.

[SPSguy 18]

Applicant:

Be sure to put your name and Alien Registration Number in the box outlined by heavy border below.

Can somebody confirm? Does the petitioner name ( my name ) go in both 325A or does her name go in hers and mine go on my 352A?