Well, both of our applications were approved on the same day last month. Since then, the I 130 has been retained ( I found this out from a very nice person at Visa Jourcny) at the California Service Center and the I 129 has moved along swimmingly to the London Embassy and we have received our packet three. Now, I got to thinking how unfair it was that we are not able to pursue the I 130, since it has been approved. I also thought how VERY unfair as we had to file an I 130 in order to file an I 129 in the first place. And finally, we all know it will be more expensive to adjust status while in the US rather than getting all employment authorisation before entering the country.

Well, I rung them up to see if there was a chance I could have the I 130 sent through as I had read about this possibility in Visa Journey posts. We aren't that rich, and we have been married for 6 years, so we are in no rush. The only reason why I did both is because I thought there was a big difference in wait times, but now that both were approved on the same day, I realised I was tricked! So I rung USCIS, or the number that was on the approval letter. I spoke to a very nice woman who could not help me in the least, so she transferred me to another department and I was on hold for 20 minutes before someone spoke to me. I explained the situation, nicely, and also explained why I didn't really think it was fair and that I would like to pursue the I 130. The person told me to have a nice day and hung up!

Is there some sort of conspirousy going on here? Did someone in the immigration service think up this complicated way to make more money form us?

And isn't in convienient they are now talking about upping the fees almost 50%, which is near the same amount as both the I 129 and I130. Does anyone else agree? Or am I out of line? If you agree, I would like some input as to how to go about doing something about this.

No there is no conspiracy, just the normal human red tape and lack of concern that all government agencies have. Pursue the I-129F as it seems o be the course chosen for you. Best wishes for your new life here in the US once you finish the process.

Rob and Melinda

From what I understand it's faster to get an interview at the embassy with a K-3 visa, thus the use of the I-129F. But I'm with ya, it's all about money, it's a business and they can do whatever they want, whenever they want, unfortunately. I wish I could wait the 1+ year to get my husband here with just the I-130, but waiting a year from now is way too long for us. We've already waited almost 3 years and another one would be too much.

You were not tricked - the idea filing the optional I-129F for your spouse is for the two of you to be together faster. If you were not in a rush you should have just filed the I-130 and let it process.

According to what I read the K3 fees would go up about 60%. If it helps make the process better I have no problem with higher fees. We're already on to the US Embassy in Manila so we're done with the I-130 & I-129F fees but we'll still have to apply for work authorization, adjust status, and remove conditions.

I agree you were not tricked. The K3 process was a lot faster at one time but now things have changed. I too thought about filing it but we decided to wait out the CR1 b/c it was a lot cheaper and better off in the long run.

All I-130's are being retained if a I-129f was also filed and approved on or around the same time. If you want to continue w/the CR you will need to submit $200 for the I-824 form.