Hello everyone.
I'm a new poster on these forums.

My fiance is from Adelaide, I'm in NYC. We started the fiance visa process actually in November, using a lawyer. They started the case actually in Decemeber.
To get to my questions
We received notification of the interview set for March 30th in Sydney. We were planning an April 7th wedding, and this of course puts us very close. I realize now I probably shouldn't have listened to the lawyer telling me the interview date should be no later than March 3rd... but that's all too late to change now...
*I've read that the consulate does not issue the visa same day, but you can return next day to pick it up. March 30th is a Friday, so does this mean he would have to wait until Monday to pick up the visa?
*Has anyone ever requested an earlier date? It says on the consulate website you can email requesting to be put on a waiting list for a sooner date, has anyone done this? And if so was it granted?

You all seem like a very friendly group of people, and although I've only lurked here so far, I'd like to thank you all for your posts, they have helped me already.

Hehe, I TOTALLY agree. VJ is a wonderful community. Besides the wealth of immigration knowledge and experience, the people are It's great to know that there are so many other people that understand us. Hehe, Australia / US couples define a LDR literally. The one thing it made us sure of is our love for each other. Imagine having to deal with frustrations or arguments while apart. There are also the days we really miss each other. It really can test a couple's commitment to each other. It also made it so much sweeter everytime we visited each other. The first hello at the airport or waking up next to each other the next morning. Ahhhh.

hi ya nycangel
welcome to the aussie thread...good to see you and i think were all glad that it helps everyone in here..even if its just a catchup to how everyone is going...

when our interview was set it was only a week or so notice...that was back in april..my husband hadnt sent me anything because we were expecting it to be in june...so the rush was on for him to send it all..then my police check didnt arrive..so i contacted the consulate and got a later date because my hubby was comin to oz in june to come get me...so i faxed my interview letter with a letter from robert stating we would like a date in june...at the time we didnt even think on the day which landed on a friday...so we had to go back to the embassey on the monday to get my passport and visa...

in your situation you could always try emailing them stating your wedding is on a certain date and would like your fiance out of the country by a date...they might do it for you but i would get on it quick smart on that request give them enough time...even state the date you want ... you can only try ...good luck to that email ...

guinavere, i agree with vylex just keep studying the forms then when your ready just take your time with the forms...make photo copies of it or put your copies on a cd (this is what i should of done less paper to bring over lol) triple check them before you post them off...get someone else to check them for you too...good luck to you ...and also while i think of it...when u get your photo's taken dont forget to take a copy of the sizes you need them they are different to aussie passport photo's...
also i would be interested if you could let me know what kind of process the aussies do that is different because when robbie retires we are looking at going to live back in oz....send me an email or pm me if ya like...i was thinking the other day it would be nice to have your own personal immigration officer that you could rely on an one that would know your case for this process to the states..

hey lyndel...you know its ok to vent in here mate..its what were here for...who else understands your frustrations better than us VJers...my work mates didnt understand it....its definetly a relationship that grows more deeply than someone around all the time...robbie an i have never argued ..i have been here 7 months and i think i have only been mad at him once and that was when he restored the compter and i lost all my contacts and pics in outlook express lol...and he admitted last night never been mad at me but annoyed that i wont let him spend too much money on me lol...men ...one day he will understand i dont need much just him to be beside me...

now i have finished i take my leave and see ya again tomorrow...

take care
kath

Hi Kath,

Come to think of it, I didn't pay close attention to the size when filling out my G-325A forms. I submitted Vy's photo but it was a tad thinner. I hope it doesn't cause an RFE. I like the idea of a CD archive too! Great idea!

Yes I read that Lyndel and thought the same that when I'm due for an interview to remember to watch for that. Am sending out good vibes for your car to sell asap.. that must be a pain in the butt.. I'm going to have to sell my car in a few months so am interested in how long it's going to take and when I should start advertising. I was thinking I might start advertising it earlier and just tell potential buyers the situation and when they can have the car etc..

Those checklists are a great help Guinavere in knowing exactly what you need to send etc. I also joined VJ a few months ago whilst waiting for my USC to arrive so we could be married to begin so I was in here reading up and asking all the questions well before hand.....But otherwise, I think the whole situation is disgraceful; that there isn't at least one FREE helpline for such an important and huge event as immigrating to another country with all it's 'official' rules etc.. is beyond me. I love the idea of having your own consulate official to help out (someone needs to tip off the US officials).

Welcome NYCAngel Your process seems to have gone quite fast..here's hoping ours does the same.

hi ya vylex
i tell ya i wished i had of thought of it early in the process...when i was trying to find something for one of you guys i found all our copies ...so much paper wasted so now i use that for unimportant printing for us lol im a recyler from way back...

speaking of recyling...to the ones that are hear ...do u find your partner doesnt do this....robbie just threw everything into the kitchen bin...now i have trained him to recyle and we take it to the bins...the only thing i dont like is it create a mess so i have shifted the bins for the cans and paper into the shower i dont use ....i really was in shock that they dont give recyling bins here at the apartment block...where in oz we had it with out garbage bins ...

arhh well one thing less to teach him to becoming aussie orientated hehehehe...
kath

HI Nycangel, Welcome to the Aussie forum! Good luck with getting an earlier interview date. Your only hassle might be that they have a certain quota of Visas they are allowed to give out per month as far as I know so that may stop you getting a better interview date. When you get to the interview make sure they take your SO's passport for the Visa. They have been stuffing that up lately and giving the passports back.

Hey Priscilla, I finally saw your wedding photos, ok it took me a while to find the gallery...I am a bit slow! They are beautiful! I loved your dress.

AND...thanks Everyone for your kindness, you're a bunch of sweeties , I just had a crappy day yesterday, but today was better except that I ate an 150g block of choccy in one sitting...grrrr . It's funny cause I am generally a positive person but this Visa process makes you flip out from time to time. One minute you are excited about being reunited and your new life together, the next minute you are overwhelmed and paranoid about the paper work and then there are those moments that you miss your loved one so much it hurts. Jake and I don't argue much so I am glad for that, but long distance arguments on the phone are the worst. I definitely think it has made us stronger as a couple and we tend to laugh at things rather than get into a tizz about it these days.

Hey Kath, Jake didn't understand about recycling either, he just throws everything in the trash. I have a lot of work ahead of me...he is addicted to pizza and thinks it covers the 5 food groups...NOT!

Hello Everyone,

I thought i'd pop in here so that i can communicate with other Aussies.......My hubby is the USC and i am the aussie. We have been married 5yrs now and hubby has lived here for 5yrs. We were just about to file for the DCF at the Sydney Consulate when WHAM they changed the whole bloody thing.

Who else has been affected by this change? What visa process have you decided to go with now. I was adivsed the K-3 route, but i'm so totally confused as to where to send anything. I just got all the DCF stuff worked out .......


I'd love to communicate with others in SYD going through this change etc....... We were hoping to get to the US by August for our daughter to start school in the US... Now we have no idea when we will be going.

We just sold everything adn moved in with my parents (this was to be for 6months max). There is me, hubby 3 kids, mum dad my sister and BIL all lving together, so as you can see we wer pretty shocked with the change and are now wondering how long we'll be all living here.........i guess the good thing is we get to save more $$$ for the move.

So anyone else out there who is about to start the whole K-3 visa process, it would be great to hear from you.

THanks
Emerald

Hi All..

Well My Lovely Wifee Cheryl / NorthernGirl has flown back to,
Massachusetts on Tuesday Morning here 11.30am Adelaide Time
SHE WILL ARRIVE BACK IN MASSACHUSETTS ,
WEDNESDAY 21ST FEB AROUND 9.35AM.


We called N.V.C. ON 14th February and they said that......
They have finished with it there,
And will be sending it off to Sydney within 2 - 4 weeks
So the finishing line isn't too far ahead
Any ideas on how long will I have to wait before,
I get something in the mail from Sydney Consulate ???

Well we had a ball when Cheryl was here 9th Feb - 20th Feb.
Did nearly 3200 kms - 1988 miles on our road trip.
Not bad for a 6 Day trip to see my sister in Mt Martha.
Drove through Mt Gambier to The Great Ocean Road,
Then up through to Sorrento Ferry to cross the Penninsula,
To visit my Sister in Mt Martha......

MORE TO COME

TO BE CONTINUED...

SAME BAT CHANNEL

SAME BAT TIME..

CHEERS

PAUL

Welcome NYCAngel and Emerald! Glad to have you here and best of luck with your visas!

Kath, I know it was a bit odd for me to be able to recycle everything at first! We can only recycle paper and plastic in my state, but I picked up on the recycling quick. I really loved that about Oz and now find myself scolding my parents when they bin the newspaper!

Well, my packet was recieved at the NSC today and I'm hoping it will be sent off to the CSC before the weekend hits. I think it's terribly silly to have to send it there, only to be forwarded to another center, but it's governement so what can you do? I"m just grateful it got there in one piece!

Hampster, that's great you had such a nice time with your wife! That's fantastic that they've sent off the packet to Sydney. My fiance will be coming here at the end of March and I'm making him gather up everything humanly possible to show that he has ties to Oz so they'll let him in! Best of luck on getting a speedy interview date and a smooth visa acquisition!

E, how were you advised about the K-3?

Based on everything you have written in the past, I am curious how you decided that a non-immigrant visa was a good solution for you?

At any rate, I still encourage all USCs living abroad to hold off filing I-130 until some news comes from the Consulate about where overseas you can file.

Meauxna,

I emailed the consulate in Sydney to check on the filing of I-130 at the Sydney office after reading the "End to DCF filing abroad post here" I Wanted to check it with them. The reply i got after giving them all our information was this






So i just asssumed this was the way to go...............what other way is there for us if DCF dosn't come back......

Aww thanks Lyndel, it wasn't the most fancy$ one but I loved it! You can also just click on the photos link just under my name and pic here. It's weird the way it's linked to the gallery but oh well....!

Oh sorry she's gone back already Paul, sounds like you had a ball. I'm thinking of taking Joshua down the Great Ocean Road for easter and staying somewhere in Portland or Nelson depending on how far we can go. Do you know of anywhere nice but fairly cheap to stay?

Kath, I found Joshua doing the same and was shocked when he told me they don't really do recycling over there also. As I asked him how can a modern progressive country like America not be doing the easiest and most important step to preserving the planet..?!

Too late Meauxna, after hearing of someone else's success filing it in another string we've gone and sent it....*fingers crossed*..... I still don't see how the DCF is cancelled and why we need to do the K3 instead...? I'm under the understanding that we just send the I-130 to the States instead and they process it then inform Sydney and the process continues as per usual.....Joshua rang someone over there and they said we would still be interviewed in Sydney........

Hey Emerald; where bouts in Oz are ya?

hi pris

i totally agree with ya on that score....how can they just not recyle it was beyond me...but i do see many putting there stuff into the bins on the mornings we do so at least its happening cos the bins are always full be it the shopping centre or citzens....i just wish they would do away with the garbage collection as it is now and go the way melbourne does it would be alot easier..
good for you valky its a start...it becomes second nature after awhile to do recyling..

up coming project lol enquire if the apartment office can put a recycling bin in the complex lol be too much trouble but i will give it a go....

i am also going to write to my congressman to make her aware of the immigration plight of many in here and that they want to put up the fees..apparently she is pretty good so will give it a go..

take care
kath

hi alls,

There are two spouse processes, as you know. Actually, only one is called 'spouse' and since we all think faster is more better...

Well, the K-3 takes about 6-8 months, petition to visa.
The IV (Immigrant Visa aka CR-1/IR-1) takes about 8-10 months, petition to visa.

The IV is what you get from a DCF.
The K-3 is a pisspoor substitute designed to get you TO the US faster. Nothing else, just there. This was a good deal when the IV took more like 3 years. It is not such a good deal now.
I had the same confusion when I started reading and thought that if I did DCF, I would get him a K-3 visa. The K-3 just isn't as useful now as it was when it was invented.

From the top of my head, Emerald is living in Oz with her whole family. She needs to work as soon as she gets there. The whole family needs to go together. The school year needs to be taken into account.
In this case, I don't see the benefit in 'faster'. ( a K-3 must apply for a work permit and can not get a SS#, driving license, banking etc for a few months)

For P&J, did I just read that someone's got a new B visa? Again, since you've found another way to reunite, moving to the US as a 'partial' resident (my term) for the sake of a couple of months could be counter productive (much additional expense, much additional delay with the requirement to file AOS instead of get the IV).

I know there is a lot of jargon in there--I'm trying to say it quickly, but will expand if you have a question.

Emerald, I see why the Embassy sent you the K-3 info, but I think if you study it, you might see why I question it. The benefits of entering with an IV over a K-3 are many and varied. Before you enter the land of additional expense and confusion, you will be well served by reading up on the differences of these two different but parallel visas.

The part of "DCF" that is magic is the instant or near-instant adjudication of the I-130. If you file that in the US, the wait is 4-6 months for approval. That is the major thing that has been taken away. When you're a newlywed, I imagine that those 6-8 months would be better together than apart. When both halves of the couple are resident abroad, the 'faster is better' doesn't apply in the same way as if you were apart from each other & just trying to get together no matter what.
HTH

Further, after rereading P&J..
The F in DCF is what matters---as above, it refers to where the petition I-130 can be filed: 1) in the one-day line or 2) in the 6 month line. The benefit to being in the short line is clear.
After the petition is approved, the foreign spouse needs to apply for a visa, an Immigrant Visa. In the DCF cases from last year and before, remember how it was all done in one day/one appointment? Then it switched, and the USC filed the I-130 at the smaller Consulates thruout Oz, but the visa interviewee still had to go to Sydney? That was for the IV interview. The same thing happens for people who file I-130 in the US.. eventually it goes to Sydney do you can interview for the IV.

So, same thing now, except it takes much longer to get to Sydney. After approval at the USCIS Service Center, the I-130 now goes to the NVC and spends a couple of months of pre-processing there, and THEN it gets sent to Sydney.

But again, an I-130 alone will not generate a K-3 visa.. that takes an additional petition, and it is not required. Leave the I-130 alone and it will end up in Sydney. Start the K-3 path, and you may find that you MUST come to the US as a K-3 and file to Adjust Status in the US, extending the time when you are not a Permanent Resident.
Everyone seems to agree that it is better to be a PR than not.



This is probably the worst post I have ever written! Sorry if it's not as logical as it could be--let me know if I've totally mucked it up.

No, THANK YOU..!!! That was wonderfully cleared up.

Only, do you know why it will take so long to get to Sydney from the NVC? Will it really take about six months to get there? Why doesn't it go straight to Sydney? Anything we can do to hurry it along?

Soz if the questions have been asked before.

Now I'm thinking we should have filed the K1 while he was in the States but then we didn't know DCF was going to go bust. Yes, Joshua has a student visa so he can be here up to a year (?) but while it's nice to be together in the scheme of our plans we want him to finish his studies asap and ASU which is where he's transferred from won't let him substitute all his studies over here (i.e. they don't accept australian studies as equal to theres ...).

Anyhooo.......guess we shall go wherever this wind blows us.......

Bear in mind that I don't watch these dates all that closely--these are ROUGH guides, but you can check timielines here at VJ.

You can find the info on the NVC at travel.state.gov--it is a fairly new office that all petitions pass through on their way to the Consulate. Aussiewench has some excellent timesavers for the NVC in her signature, and there is another set of shortcuts called James' Shortcuts--read carefully before you mail any of them in.
Time at the NVC can be cut from 3-4 months down to about 2-2.5 I *think*. You'll find info in the NVC forum here.

I just want to make sure everyone knows that the K-3 is not required, and it may not be an attractive option. Sorry, you all have to go back to reading!

Thanks again Meauxna for your trouble, you are wonderful. Gotta go now have lots to read....

Hi Mo',

I've been dying to ask this...

I can't be sure but I have been reading people's posts about filing for a K-3 too and then getting both of them approved at the same time. Now, I am starting to believe a myth that filing the K-3 "speeds" up the process. I don't really know because I can't put together statistics. I do agree that waiting for the I-130 to process is better. I guess my only concern is whether or not filing for a K-3 will actually speed up the processing of the I-130. However, I know about the growing belief that the USCIS might default the K-3 and assume the I-130 will not be pursued. I am caught in a trap of waiting for the I-130 to run it's course or try my luck at filing for a K-3 to theoretically speed up the process. I know that I would have to file (spend more money too) additional paperwork to tell the Immigration folks to go ahead and forward the I-130 to Sydney. Any thoughts on this?

Thanks!

Poi: I'm not familiar with the places you mentioned on the great ocean road, but I do know that while I was there my brother in law was staying in Apollo Bay and it was SO cute and nice! I don't know about lodging, but we had a blast!

I loved the GOR!!!! I thought it was so beautiful!!


A few things:
1. GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Melbourne Victory!!!! What a great grand final for Archie!!! Good times.
2. ALMOST TIME FOR THE CRICKET! Although I've heard our one day team is sucking it up good. My boy, Symonds, is injured and so is Brett LEe Sad but they say they are still sending SYmonds to the World Cup so that's good!

GAH!!! Where have I been OMG there is so much info here. I am trying to catch up but I am at work, but I read that there can be a better chance if you file the K3 along side waiting for the I-130 petition? Is that true?


I would pay additional fees if neccessary but would they conflict is the question....

Well, we obviously have no inside info on this topic, which does allow consipiracy theories to develop...

The bigger question for me is, if filing the I-129f *does* "speed up" the I-130---how and why? It's a bit nonsensical to me. Now, if you go wade thru the thread in the K-1 forum, from the new petitioner who actually used to adjudicate at the NVC, you'll find the explanation of how the cases are fed to the officers. I can not imagine how the I-129f and I-130 would even know about each other for a considerable time. BTW, the work flow related does match up with reports from an immigration attorney who has toured the SCs that I reposted here a ways back.

And, even if the I-129f "speeds up" the I-130 processing--to what end? If the I-129f is filed, CIS is now making the assumption that the beneficiary *prefers* to AOS in the states. In the case of simultaneous approvals, that potentially gets the immigrant TO the US a couple of months faster, but that is the only benefit. (I'm VERY pro-IV, but admit it ). I admit that not being separated from my spouse, and we were not separated at all during our visa journey, leaves me unqualified to speak on that for anyone else. It's easy for me to sit here and say 'oh suck it up and wait the extra 2-3 months' for most people (there could actually be a benefit in the K-3 if the beneficiary is from a high AR country) but I realise that isn't fair. It is up to each family to decide what their top priorities are, and which visa will fit.

I don't like that they've taken the choice away.

If you're willing to gamble the time and money (and the 'time' is an unknown factor at this point) for the I-824, I'll cheer you on, but I know squat-all about it other than what I read too.



They do not conflict--they are meant to run parallel to each other (I-129f MUST have an I-130 filed first anyway).

As to 'better', see my previous post.

Where exactly is this rumor being perpetuated?

Hi Rings,

It was just an observation I made based on reading posts in the K-3 forums. I have no evidence to prove it does or doesn't but I see that members posting that I-130 and K-3s are getting approved at the same time.

As for as conflicting, this is where it gets a little confusing...

1) When filing a K-3 you are also filing for the I-130 simply because you need the NOA1 letter from the I-130 to start the K-3 process.

2) I am reading around the forums that people filing for the K-3 (and I-130) are being defaulted down the K-3 path. That means the USCIS holds onto the I-130 and doesn't forward it to the NVC.

This can be bypassed by filing another form and (another fee) to request that it be forwarded on. However, I am not sure of this.

I prefer the IR-1/CR-1 if it is a difference of only a month or two. All I really want to know is if filing for the K-3 will actually cause the I-130 to be processed faster.

Ok, I'm back from reading this website almost inside out.. and the biggest time waster that I saw in the process of the IR-1/CR-1 was from the USCIS waiting for the NOA2 and it being forwarded to the NVC..in some cases it was like three months...!!! Now if your doing the K3 don't you need to wait for that to send the I-129 anyhow? So how is that quicker? The website states that K3 is quicker but not to go entirely on that as in some cases the IR-1/CR-1 can be.....

In conclusion, I believe that IR-1/CR-1 is the best way from here, for me, understanding it could be for up to three months or more for the NVC to recieve it, however, I intend to do James' shortcuts and generate my own barcodes to speed up that part of the process as that is where I believe the extra time is wasted between this and the K3.

I have now accepted that I will most probably not recieve it in time and therefore miss out on travelling back with J, miss out on his mother's wedding and meeting all his relos, miss out on the roadtrip we were planning back to Arizona with his car and still not be able to see him for a few months..maybe to the end of this year....but thems the breaks and I can only do my best aye....

Cheers,
Priscilla

Priscilla, you only need the NOA1 which is what we should get within 1-2 weeks of mailing in the I-130. So theoretically, there would be a short lag between the two filings.

Hey Caroline: Portland is another 3-4hrs on from Apollo Bay and Nelson is about the border of S.A. and that's the one state I haven't been to. I think I've been to Apollo Bay but I haven't seen the Apostles (what's left of them lol.) but it's a heck of a lot of driving so maybe we may just make it to Port Fairy...

I just love how you're getting into the cricket & the footy...that's probably how I'm gonna sound about the Bears and the Cubs/white soz soon....lol.

Lyndel: Joshua just loves his pizza too..no matter that ours isn't as good as theirs (in my opinion) it's still pizza to him..must be an American thing...lol.

Wow. Thanks for bringing that post to my attention. I just read through that K-1 thread. Crazy! I hope they hire enough people to speed up our processing! Huskerkiev will certainly be overloaded with questions for quite some time. Nice to see an insider share some information on the inner workings. As for seeing how the I-129F and I-130 "know" about it each other, I am betting that the NOA1 is the initial link. I'll probably ask him about it sometime to see if he knows.

In any case, I am also pro-IV Mo'. I want my wife to come here with no need for additional paperwork (other than hitting the 2 year married mark).

Thanks for the support Mo'. I might just wait it out and skip on the K-3, especially if it will only take a few more months. I think my wife and I can wait out the additional few months especially if there will be less work to be done in the end.

"and the biggest time waster that I saw in the process of the IR-1/CR-1 was from the USCIS waiting for the NOA2 and it being forwarded to the NVC..in some cases it was like three months...!!!"

In my case its over 5 months and still no NOA2 -- see the CR/IR1 forum the WHATS GOING ON IN VSC thread - theres unfortunately a few of us, some who has been waiting as far back as July 06 for the NOA2 and NOTHING. Theres actually three of us with the same NOA2 date, two from Maryland and we are still waiting. Someone who filed late Aug got their NOA2 tho. So that was promising.

I hope you guys get a speedier NOA2!!! Cali seems to be faster now compared to Vermont. But it seems late filers are getting approved (from both Cali and Vermont). I think we just got really unlucky and got caught in the late Aug - Early Sept 06 blackhole. Cant really do much either as VSC has posted that they are only processing files from March 12 '06 -- while Cali is processing files from Aug 21 '06.

Have you guys registered to check the updates on your case in the USCIS website?

True, plus it doesn't even include how it finishes - to the actual interview in Sydney....???

Yes they do connect when you send in both a copy of your marriage certificate and the I-130 NOA1.

Elle: 5 months..??? Maybe it will be best to do the K3....Well we've only just sent our I-130 so are waiting for the NOA1 first but this at least gives us the time to decided whether to go K3 or not.. Is there a way to contact the USCIS to see if they recieved it at all? (yes someone didn't send it reciept of mail )

Did you send your petition with tracking with the Post office? We sent ours when I was in the States last year and had signature confirmation - so we were able to track it that way. Once you get your receipt number, register it on the USCIS website, so you can see when they have updated it (this is what the "touched" in my sig is). So my case seems to have not been touched since Sept 20.

I think our case may be the exception to the rule - check out the I130 timelines - theres a thread with NOA1 date, which service center and NOA 2 dates. Try and figure out which you guys would be more happy with. Having learned more about the IR1 visa, I definitely want to go that way - I mean we've waited this long.

Also, dont forget to fill out your VJ timelines.

Goodluck!

Yeah, no we forgot to send it reciept of mail so we'll just have to wait with baited breath for the NOA1 and then register it with USCIS.

Yeah, you may as well, looking at your timeline...thanks hon..

Loke and I have been reading what you guys have said and we are tossing a lot around. We are going to take a longer look at this over the weekend before we determine what is best for us, but I think we may stick with the K3 route because we can do a lot of the paperwork together when he gets here. It may really just fall into the question of "Will it hinder our life in any way if we choose one option over another?"

Yup, there is some good info in there for the people who never believed me, heheh. All petition processing is pretty much the same.

For those of you who have not found that thread--go read it!

But as far as hiring enough people to clear the backlog--have a little perspective--this IS the improved version! Andy made a post the other day trying to remind people that I-129fs really did take a year to be approved, and not that long ago. I-130s were 2-3 years. As awful as it seems now... Anyway, maybe the fee increase will fund more workers, but I wouldn't count on a major hiring surge, despite what he wrote.

When you read the description of case movement though, don't you wonder how an I-129f being added to the MSC would influence an I-130 sitting on the shelf in California? That file is going to sit in the CSC until an officer pulls its bin. If filing the I-129f meant that someone went to the CSC shelf and found the specific I-130 that matched it, and then adjudicated it ahead of others... sorry, I just don't see it happening. As he didn't work on I-130s regularly, and the xfers are a new thing, don't be surprised if he doesn't know about what you're asking.

That is a really major question. You might benefit from reading the DCF Guide, where I tried to enumerate the benefits of entering as a PR. I can only tell you of our own experience, and how I compared it to people filing AOS over the years... I wouldn't go any other way! Check with rebeccajo and see what she's got to say on the subject (her husband is waiting years now for his AOS to complete).
The legal limbo is a PITA, and it's not really a case of too mcuh paperwork.

It can get a bit confusing, but you're a great example of how each visa fits each person differently! As long as you're good with the no-work part of the K-3, and will not be impatient with the lack of state ID or Social Security number etc, being together is good too.

I definitely agree with that. If your spouse can come without expecting to work and it's just a matter of being re-united, K-3 is the way to go. If the spouse intends to work, then I definitely suggest holding out for the IR-1/CR-1. I'll still hope for DCF to return (the way it was + background checks of course). I'll be visiting the wifey end of April. I would love it if we heard definite news before then.

As for the K-3 and I-130 not knowing about each other, I see your point. I guess the only thing I could imagine is that the K-3 would trigger some sort of flag for the adjucator working the I-130. Maybe something similar to the way Congressionals cause the file to move up the line. Just conspiracy theory of course. I just think it's too coincidental that members have I-130s and K-3s approved at the same time.

Oh, one other note that might help demystify the concurrent approved petitions. I believe fwaguy posted that the new K-3 procedure is for the Chicago office to send the I-129F to the CSC or VSC depending on where you live. I think that people who are already filing the I-130s at the CSC or VSC have a high probability of getting both petitions combined. Whether or not the I-130 speeds up is still a mystery.

Wow what alot of information. I need to wait till my kids are in bed to research this. I did'nt realise i wouldn't be able to work on the k-3 straight away, and thats NOT what i want. I need to be able to have the choice of working or not seen i have kids.

My question is, Someone said you can still go the DCF route, BUT the only differance is your sending the I-130 to the USA and then you can continue with the rest of the visa stuff back here in Sydney.

1. Is this true?
2. I have no clue where to send my I-130 as hubby is here with me in Australia. Do i send it to where his address in the US is? (he's from new mexico so i think it's the Texas center)


I'm in Sydney South!!

Hi Emerald,

The DCF process is no longer an option. Just to clarify, the DCF Route was called DCF because you Filed Directly at the Consulate. It was the same I-130 petition with the same requirements, EXCEPT that you have to file at the Service Center where your USC spouse has residence and not the Consulate abroad. So yes, it appears you will be required to file at the TSC. The rest of the process looks to be the same (plus the longer wait now).

Hi Meauxna, where do you get that you can't work with the K-3? Apparently, it says on here that you can work on the K-3 with an approved I-765..? Do you know anything about that and how long it takes to get that..(despite the extra $).. Plus, isn't it quicker than CR/IR-1 because after you get the NOA2 for the I-129F you go straight to the interview instead of back and forward with the rest of the packet? and instead of doing the medical here we do it there (States)?

hi there pris

yeah ya right on that score..on the K3 ya can only work on approval of the EAD application...you would have to take a look at the timelines to see how long they take..and depends on your local office too...

on the K1 i applied for both when doing my aos..i got my greencard approved before i got my ead approved...

good luck to ya chookie i know its very confusing for ya but it does get easier along the way..just read and read and read lol...

take care
kath

Hi Emerald not sure if I said welcome so, WELCOME!

I see Hampster is back from his little holiday and all smiles too!

As for the rest of you. I have been reading your posts on K3's, etc and you lost me at I-130 . Talk about complex! Good luck to you all whatever path you are taking. Our K1 took approx 10mths so I just hope you get through faster.

Well i am having a crappy weekend, as much as I love my mother she is driving me crazy ( i have lived with them since we started the K1)....and following a close 2nd is my fiance who is being really insensitive at the moment! I truelly felt like I was in the twilight zone today. I am now looking at leaving Australia on the 6th April well that is if my cold feet don't win and I do a runner to the UK ! Sorry, but I have had it today, Jake doesn't get my position but what made it worse is that he didn't want get it either. I got attitude instead. I'm the one moving, getting rid of everything, leaving family and friends, living with parents, paying all the phone bills, supplying the income cause he doesn't earn enough and I get crap for it and no support today! This is a hard thing to do, but it's harder for the one doing the moving. I am self sufficient and smart but sometimes you just need a hug right? Not too much to ask.

Sorry I am so negative this week, but this is the reality of the visa journey. Every now and then you lose your mind and it bites you on the butt! Then you get back up and dust yourself off and move on. I was seriously ok most of the time until recently.

OK that's two ventings now...how much do I owe you guys??

Hi everyone!
Special hello to all who joined this lovely group later than me and I haven't met you in here

Trying to keep up with this talk of spouse visas, the difference between them and what's best to do but I must admit it's going a bit over my head. Hope that's forgivable It's partly because I am working through K-1 and anything else seems way too "demanding" and "slow" (yeah, right... like any visa process is fast enough?!)

I gues the other reason for my being "lightheaded"... being nice to myself here is that my interview is getting closer and I am more excited and nervous with every minute passing!!! Love hearing everyone's news and hope that things do work out and move along for all of us.

Has anyone heard from David and Stephanie or have I missed their posts lately? How are they doing? Did Stephanie end up going to the US to wait there?

Lyndell, sorry to hear about your rough time this week. I hope tomorrow you will wake up feeling better and Jake will make it up to you by being over the top gentle and understanding of your feelings and depth of what you are going through. I guess it is not always easy for them waiting for us over there neither but yeah... I know what you are saying! Hang in there!

And... TALK TO HIM... that's irreplaceable!!! Talk, talk talk - that's all we've got while half across the world from each other and I find it helps survive moments like you were having this week!

Your Mum's probably getting just as nervous/sad/upset for herself/happy for you etc. about "losing" you soon and loooooong term, so I can understand your "she is driving me crazy". She must be missing you already!

Sending you smiles and good wishes from "neighbourhood"

vik
xoxo

PS: Are we the only "single girls" in here

Sorry, I should have conditioned that with 'immediately'. A K-3 must apply for an EAD; if they do so based on the K-3 status (before filing for AOS), they are entitled to a 2-year EAD (the one that goes with AOS is valid for one year).
EADs are currently taking +90days from application to issue.

No, you sorely misunderstand the K-3 with that one---after NOA2 for the I-130, the USC may submit an I-129f toward the K-3. Upon approval of the I-129f, the file is sent through the NVC and on to the Consulate. Check NOA2 timelines for I-129f (for K-3) to see how long they take, but my rough guess is 5-7 months.
The K-3 applicant still does all of the visa steps abroad, including the medical, and then she does AOS in the US (don't have to re-do the medical but must get the vax supplememnt xfered over, like a K-1?).

As always, 'quicker' is relative--it depends on what the interim goal is.

Tis true dat.. At this stage it's a lose/lose situation as we work out which way is the less loss..lol..

Thanks again Meaux, I'd read a lot more than I do but we're been having major internet problems for last month which means limited time on net and increased frustration so thanks for the help. I've been reading around as much as possible, when possible and it seems that those on the CR-1/IR-1 trail haven't taken that long...we may be out by ony a couple of months especially if we do Jame's shortcut...so here goes...

Thanks Kath...ur too sweet..

Hey Lyndel, Soz you're had a crap weekend; it can only get better aye? Besides you're almost there yeah? That's probably why it's starting to get to you now as you've done the hardest part and this bit's dragging.....hang in there hon, not long now...((((BIG HUGS)))...

Communication is a the best thing, especially for us in this situation; good one Vik. Good luck with your interview...

Hi Ausqueen,

David posted a while back that Steph visited on the VWP to stay with David in Florida until their DCF paperwork is sorted out or the 90 days expire. She told the POE Officer that she's visiting her husband and about the DCF debacle. She also had tons of evidence stating her return. It was nice to hear they let her through. I am hoping that our IR-1/CR-1 is completed close to or just shortly after September (fingers crossed -- hey a guy can dream right?). If not my wife might be doing doing something similar.

Hiya Lyndel ......for 2 ventings ....that will be hmmmm
ok make it a Vienna Coffee with lots of cream
and maybe prolly a..LARGE box of TIM TAMS
AND A CASE OF VEGEMITE TO GO LOL ALL GOOD.

Well yes I'm back online my motherboard crashed
the day Cheryl arrived,here in South Oz.
And got it fixed the day after Cheryl went home
But as I stated in a post not long ago..in a galaxy not far from reality
That I rang NVC Feb 14 they said " yes we have finished reviewing it,

on the 12th Feb and will be forwarding it off to Sydney Consulate,
in the Next 4 - 6 weeks..( Why would it take so long ffs!!!)

Anyways Cheryl and I had Driven to Melbourne (Mt Martha) TO SPEND TIME WITH MY sister and her family,
and we where together when we got the news after we called NVC!!


Sorry that YOU AND JAKE ARE HAVING,
A COMMUNICATION BREAKDOWN ALWAYS GOOD TO HAVE OPEN DIALOUGE WITH PARTNERS AND VICE VERSA.

CHERYL AND I HAVE GOOD COMMUNICATION BETWEEN US..
YOU HAVE TO TO SURVIVE THE LONG MONTHS APART,
WHEN YOU ARE ON OPPOSITE SIDES OF THE BIG PUDDLE

KEEP YA CHIN UP LYNDEL,
EVERYTHING WILL GO WELL WITH YOU AND YOURS.

WELL GOTTA GO AND CLEAR OUT MORE OF MY STUFF..
ALREADY GOTTEN RID OF MOST OF MY STUFF,
GIVEN LOTS TO FRIENDS THAT I KNOW THAT WILL APPRECIATE,
AND LOOK AFTER THINGS AS I WOULD HAVE.
SO FAR DONE 3 BOOT - TRUNK LOADS TO A FRIEND OF MINE'S SON,
HE REMINDS ME A HELLAVA LOT LIKE ME WHEN I WAS HIS AGE (21).
SO I THOUGH WHY NOT GIVE HIM SOME STUFF I KNOW HE WILL LOVE.

TO ALL NEW MEMBERS.. AND THE OLDIES,
WAITS FOR THE THROWING OF LARGE SAUCEPANS,
AFTER CALLING EVERYONE ELSE HERE OLDIES

OK GOING NOW.........REMEMBER SMILE MAKE PEOPLE THINK,
WHAT THE HELL HAVE YOU BEEN DOING

CHEERS
PAUL

Hi All,

Thank you all for your kind words,thoughts and hugs! It gave me tears..YOU ARE NOT SUPPOSED TO MAKE ME CRY, JEEZE! BUT then i read Paul's message and got the giggles, what's this?? Vienna coffee, tim tams and a case of vegimite???? Cheeky man! But seriously you are such a bunch of sweeties and your messages made me feel so much better. The Aussie forum is the best! It's great to have the connection that even if your friends and family don't understand you can come into VJ and everyone gets it. Well, I called Jake today and told him that we shouldn't argue at this late stage, he apologised but is still doing the sulky thing cause he got in trouble off me, so things are looking brighter.

Anyway Hampster, glad to see yr back and had a great time with your wifey. It's hard giving stuff away isn't it. It seems to multiply..I am still giving stuff away 9mths later. It takes time to realise just how much you CAN'T take with you.

Hey Vik, I think you are right, we are the only single ones here...so we better stick together girl as the others out number us, and I can't understand much of the K3, CR1, stuff either. Plays with my head! So have you got an interview date yet?? When is it?

Thanks again all!
Lyndel

PS. Hampster I worked out my dates from NVC to Interview and posted it in your other thread!

Hope it helps!

HEY LYNDELL ALL GOOD I SAW THAT POST BEFORE I SAW THIS ONE LOL.
AND IT DOES HELP WITH THE TIME FRAME CHEERS