I'm interested in hearing the Viet Nam VJ member's who opted for 1 over the other. I know that it takes longer for the IR-1/CR-1. Anyone have any idea how much longer? I also know that a Green Card is issued on arrival so there is no Adjustment of Status to deal with. Any other benefits? I finally have everything I need and will be sending in the I-130 at the end of the week. I am assuming now is the time to decide which way to go.

I faced the same dilemma as you when I was starting out the journey, but I decided to go with the CR1 route over K3. I still think CR1 is a superior visa due to less paperwork, cost and headache later on when my wife arrives in US. If being apart a few more months longer is a big issue, then K3 is preferred. For me, I accept the delaying of a few more months due to all the paperwork at NVC after the case has been approved by USCIS.

As of right now, NVC is streamlining the billing process using online payment for CR1/IR1, so the time it takes from approval to HCMC is reduced dramatically. My case was completed at NVC in less than 2 months, and I was expecting at least 3 months or more even with James's Shortcut. Instead of sending the case immediately to HCMC, I intentionlly opt to lengthen by 2 months in order to submit the paperworks to NVC. All the documents for Packet 3, such as PC and BC, are processed at NVC instead of at consulate. In that way, I take care of all the workload for my wife from the very beginning to interview. Well, she still has to obtain the required documents to send to me. With CR1, my wife will receive her green card immediately, get her driver license right after and apply for US citizen after only 3 years. Plus, I need her SSN as soon as she gets here to re-submit for my stimulus check heh.

Anyway, the decision to go for CR1 or K3 starts at the start of the journey depending on your circumstances. Submitting both and hoping for whichever is the fastest don't work anymore. If you can wait just a few more months, I recommend doing a CR1 route. You still have time until NOA1 to send out I-129F. Good luck with whatever route you choose.

So you're saying it's around 2 months longer? I know there is no set rule on the length, but all of these go to the National Visa Center, so it should be about the same length of time.

If I understand you correctly we have until the NOA1 is sent to decide. Now if we do go the IR/CR1 route then there is no need for the I129F, correct? Or do I still have to file that and cancel it out later? Thanks Tyrobe, I figured it would be you who responded. I'll probably have more question (well I know I will) if we decide to go this route. It seems like the logical choice to me. We'll see what Thuy thinks.

I'm trying to figure out the time difference here. On the California Service Centers website, as of 05.13.2008, they are working on:

129F = October 8th 2007

I-130 = August 19th 2007

So there's a difference of 40 days. Is that the time difference we would be looking at, or is there something else to take into consideration?

Need to add another month and half at NVC for CR1 on top of that 40 days, so we are looking roughly 3 months behind. We catch some of this time back by not requiring to wait for packet 3 in VN then turn them in; all paperwork is already done upfront at NVC. The wife just sits there and waits for the interview letter.

You're correct. For CR1, once you turn in your I-130 that's it. No need for I-129F. In some rare case for K3, USCIS hold the approved I-130 and delay the case in order to process I-129F. Even requesting to switch back to CR1 can still delay some time. So decide at the start of the process which route to take can save you a peace of mind later on. But in general, K3 is faster to reach HCMC.

If I start the process again I would still stick with CR1 route. It works out for our circumstance.

O.K., got it. Thanks!