I did the I-130 route and was initially not going to go with the k-3/I-129F because I thought that it wasn't any difference in the processing times between the CR1 and K3 and due to the complication and amount fees of completing AOS once my wife is actually here, but from reading more posts from the different members on VJ, the NVC and CR-1 method seems to be just as much of a headache, and so now i'm wondering should I go ahead and send the I-129F too? Our mutual friends are telling my wife that the k-3 visa shortens our time apart by as much as 3-6 months, and I do want my wife with me as quickly as possible, but is a that realistic assessment? What is the process of completing AOS? What are the normal fees? Would it be worth it from a time/financial standpoint? Basically, i'm just looking at weighing the pros and cons more and want to know more facts before making a decision and also other people's personal experiences. Thanks again for all you guys help with this!

The guides will answer most of your questions about fees and process.

Yes, the K3 generally cuts the total time by several months. I would put the range closer to 4 to 9 months for China but it varies with the country.

You've already lost a month of the potential time savings by delaying filing the I-129F.

It really depends on the situation at your consulate. If they quote interview timing on their website, that will give you an idea, or you can view timelines here. In some countries like Mexico, it can cut down the wait for an interview significantly, down to a four month wait instead of a 12 month wait.

Yeah, I'm not sure why i didn't send in the I-129F so I will have it in the mail within the next day or two. I even completed all the paperwork after my NOA1 and had my wife sign the G-325a forms, but I guess I just didn't think the time would be shortened significantly enough to warrant paying the extra fees. I checked the Lima Embassy website and it doesn't list wait times for K-3 or CR-1 visas and there don't seem to be any members within the last 6 months that have Peru listed as the beneficiary's country, but going by the wait times listed under "immigration timelines" Peru seems to have an average wait of 240 days from NOA1 to interview. Anyway, I guess I answered my own question, I can't believe I wasted a month not sending in the I-129F just to save a few bucks! Now im annoyed at myself