My husband and I considered waiting to get married and going the K1-fiancee visa route since we had heard the process was much quicker and smoother. Well... we were sooo in love and could not wait to marry one another as an expression of our love and passion for one another. That part is great.... but based on the CR1 & K3 timelines compared to K1's, there is no DOUBT it's the quicker visa. Folks have applied in October and have interviews scheduled for April???? That's crazy! Good for them but crazy for those who got married and were approved 6mths ago with no interview in site.
Why oh why didn't I listen to the counsel. "DONT MARRY ABROAD, THE K1 WILL GET HIM HERE FASTER!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Another dumb move on my part!!!! DANG!!!! No approval or interview in SITE foe us.

Ya ya ya. I don't want to hear it. We're in the same boat. Applied in June and no interview in site. Bleh.

Yep, my point exactly-K1 is the way too go!

Have you considered sending in the I-129F and doing a K3 instead? In know that you would have the AOS fees once he gets here but it is free and, at least for Nigeria, the wait time for an interview is MUCH shorter than a CR1.

You might want to take a look at the timelines and see if it is worth a shot.

I had heard the K1 route was faster and probably it is but we applied last July and still no interview. Our papers were shipped DHL to the embassy in December and they are still stating they never go them. We took it upon ourselves to get started on packet 3 and turn the paperwork in and made a case with our senator. It is almost like you never know which ones are going to be fast anymore. I wish you the best of luck and hang in there!

I do not agree with the USCIS approving the K1's faster then the K3. There is no reason why they should not take the same amount of time. When I viewed the paper work that was needed for the K1 proof of relationship I was relieved that we were married, But the time is substantial.

I have been patient, but as it closer to one year since I seen my SO, I am starting to plan a second visit. I would rather save the money for us when he arrives for vacations and college. It is a hard choice.

My husband and I did the K-1...but looking back I would have done the CR1 route instead. Having them sit on their arse while waiting for a work permit is NOT FUN for you and especially for your husband! Being able to work right away is KEY ladies! To save them from boredom and so they can help with bills! I know you have to wait long, and I know in this time its so difficult, but once you DO have them here you will be glad they can work. Good luck on getting those interviews!

We did the K-1 route. I don't regret having gone that way one bit. If I were doing it now, knowing all I know about the procedure, I would still file the K-1.

I'm sorry for your frustration.

Both routes seem to take an exceptionally large amount of time. In our case, we did a K-1. We filed for it the beginning of March 2007 and my interview wasn't til Feb 6th 2008. The process in general is lengthy no matter the route....just be patient and know that eventually it all comes together.

Thanks for the moral support guys! VJ is like one loyal union.
Yes, I decided to send the 129F a week ago after pondering on whether I should send it or not. After reading stories about how it can actually slow down the I130, I walked around with the petition in my bag for about two weeks. Then I decided what have I got to lose, you just have to have FAITh things will work out. I hope sending the 129F for the K3 doesn's delay things. I don't want to pay the Extra grand to adjust status and also the delay in working, but I figured it can't be any worse then what I'm going through now. We'll manage with my income during the waiting period if he comes on the K3. Well, with all the phone cards, plane tickets (Yes, I'M GOING BACK TO NIGERIA MARCH 15TH!!!!Cant take the separation), miscellaneous expenses, how much worse could it be. We could spend the time bonding ))))

Thanks guys for the feedback!

On the other hand, if they decide to return the petition to the USCIS then more than likely the petition will expire, and you will have to do it again with a K-1. With the CR1 it doesn't expire. Not to say that they would do that, but it has happened to a few.