Hi all, I'm just curious as to what the benefits would be of me going ahead with the K3 and heading to the US on that visa (I would go through speedy Vancouver since I am just across the water from them,)then returning when it is time for my CR1 interview at Montreal.
Maybe that wasn't the best way to phrase the question. What I'm wondering is why would a Canadian bother with both visas when we could just go over to the US for a couple months and pretty much await the interview down there? It's not like K3 gives you the ability to work there, so I'm confused as to why anyone would go through with both visas...

My I-130 was retained but I'll answer this anyway.

My K3 took 4 months (yes I was lucky and got to interview in Vancouver). If they didn't retain my approved I-130, it probably would take 10 months or so (give or take). Technically I *could* have gone to visit for a few months at a time except I had an apartment I was paying for, job, bills, etc. plus 4 animals that I couldn't expect someone else to take care of. I couldn't move my stuff, quit my job, give up my apartment, etc. and move my animals until I had my K3.

Finally, it was important for us to be truly together sooner rather than later. So even if my I-130 wasn't retained, I still would have flown back for a couple of days to do my CR-1 interview. I'm assuming there are others who are following/have followed both routes who had similar reasons.

You're not considering K3 now are you? Your case is already complete and you should have your CR-1 interview soon!

They're saying about a 6 month wait now. There is a couple Vj'ers who are doing CR1 who had their case complete back in April who are still waiting for interviews:( I had my heart set on being back in time for our anniversary, I guess that is why I am getting so impatient.

Ah gotcha. Are you going to go ahead with K3? Did you ever get packet 3 from Vancouver?

This seems to be part of the problem with the system. WHY!!!! clog the system up with applying for more than one visa that does the same thing??? If people would just apply for what they need this would be a faster system!!!!

DAVE

Hi Dave,

I take your point, but it seems to me that the people applying for visas aren't really the thing that is wrong with this whole system.

We could ask why, when the application reaches NVC they send bills and requests back and forth, which takes weeks, when they could just send a package requesting it all at once and therefore cut down on the time dramatically.

We could ask why, in a country of this size, we only have 1 consulate processing IR1 visas (they used to do it at most consulates so I was told by the consulate in Calgary when I visited).

We could ask why, when the whole Adam Walsh ruling came up in late Feb we were prohibited from doing direct consular filing and had to go through the service center, only to find out a week or so later that they opened it up again.

We could ask why we can't seem to ever get a straight answer about timelines and when we might get an interview, why is it some big mysterious secret? Montreal knows where they are up to, they aren't guessing - why don't they post the information so people can make an informed choice.

However - this is the way the system is and I can't blame anyone for trying to get whichever visa suits their purposes the best.

In order to even apply for a K3 using the I-129F, one must have a pending (or approved if already approved) I-130.

Blame the system, not the people caught up in it applying under USCIS' framework. I find your comments interesting since you were inquiring about a TN-1 while having a pending CR-1...

Also, most people who do follow by the K3 and CR-1 route (with the necessary NVC processing) do go back to interview for the CR-1 interview after entering on a K3. And even if they did abandon the CR-1, that's their choice. USCIS' inefficiencies are their own, not the people going through it.

I read and read and I just cannot understand the process you guys are going through. It's so confusing it makes ME want to scream just reading it.

The TN visa has nothing to do with immigration. I do not see how the two compare. But yes I will stick by my statement about people clogging the system..............No doubt the system is BROKE, I have been on the phone to my senator and congress person, have you??? Now you want to hear the real twist!!!! I think they took personal from Montreal to do Passports.............how does that grab ya. Right now I could not be more disenchanted with my own country, it is an embaresment!!!!!!!!!!!

Dave

I sure would have loved to have *not* had to pay the I-130 fees, wait the extra month and do all that additional paperwork if I could have gone straight for the K3 visa!
And as Trailmix heard -
I have gone thru this process 3 times before in my life. The other three times, I was able to do everything thru the local consulate in my province - twice in Toronto and once in Calgary. It took 5 months to get an IR-1 and all the paperwork and fee got sent all at once to one location where it was processed and you did your interview there too. *sigh* those were the days!

Whoa..back up the horse and get your facts straight before you go lashing out at people. It is recommended by USCIS themselves that if you want to be with your loved one faster, you apply for both, then pursue which ever visa will get you there faster. I took this advice, and have followed up with both. You are blaming me for wanting to be back with my husband who I have been fighting to be with for over a year now because why? It's not my fault Montreal is backlogged with over 6 month wait times now, and most certainly not my fault this system is screwed to begin with.
Please, if you are going to talk smack, at least be able to back it up with facts, not mindless ranting.

"Clogging the system" with exactly what? Who exactly are you lashing out at anyway? People going through the legal channels that are offered? Like I said, point the finger at what's at fault, which is the system, not the people going through it.

Anyway, you totally ###### all over Misty's thread which is pretty rude.

Anyway... to Misty, I say go for the K3 and fly back for the CR-1. Where's your approved I-129F at right now? Did you get your packet 3 from Vancouver yet?

Our case is still at NVC, so we really aren't very far along in the process yet. Judging by the responses though, since I can't work in the US (that's a big thing for us right now since I'm working right now to save up all the immigration costs..flights, etc, while my husband takes care of the bills) I will likely just have to stick with the CR-1, unless there is a way to get a work authorization.