I just received by NVC case number and found out that they received my case on April 27. I was unsure about whether USCIS was going to hold my case until my I129F is approved. But I am in a little bit of dilemma. Should I wait until my I129F is approved since I have heard that K3 is much faster than IR1/CR1 in terms of being transfered to Consulate? I think that it is going to take about a month for my I129F to get approved. Or should I just go along with IR1/CR1 since it doesn't require adjustment of status. I am willing to accept a delay of about one month to pursue IR/CR1 but not much longer.

There is another thing that I am worried about. Let's say that my I129F is approved in a month and I am going along with IR1/CR1. Would they automatically schedule me for K3 visa even though I am going along with IR/CR1 process? I have happy that the process is moving along but confused at the same time. Any advice/comments would be appreciated. Thanks

I'm not quite sure. I hope someone else chimes in with the response. But it is my understanding that the K-3 Visa simply speeds up entry to the US. The I-130 is required regardless. That is the visa that needs to be completed even after he/she enters the country.

So - if the K3 will bring him/her here faster than the I-130, go with K3. If the I-130 was completed so much earlier than the K3, stick with the I-130 (CR1) and avoid the K3 updates. If you're patient (which some of us are NOT), the I-130 (CR1) is a better option because of exactly what you said - no need for AOS (adjustment of status) once he/she gets here.

But I'm still a newbie myself. Hope this helps.

If you use James' shortcuts, there's a good chance your I-130 can clear NVC in about two months. I doubt your I-129 will be approved faster than that. The K3 moves much faster after approval. If I were in your shoes, I'd keep both horses in the race and whip the I-130/CR1 pretty hard at this point.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=117