I don't even know if I have this idea right in my head but I'm sure someone will correct me if I'm wrong.

Seeing as how my husband will arrive on his K-3 visa after the July 30 rate increase for AOS, I'm starting to wonder if it would be economically sensible to just pursue the I-130 since we've already spent the money on the application fee.

Has anyone here already broken down a comparison of the remaining NVC fees for the CR1 vs. the fees that we would incur (I think over $1,000) for AOS?

Also, am I right in assuming he would have to fly back to Cairo for the interview if we pursued the CR1? If so, would he be able to come right back after or would he have to remain in Egypt again until AP/AR processing is done?


Thanks!!!

Do you mean you paid the I-130 petition fee or that you've paid the visa application fee of $380 as well. Your I-130 timeline is incomplete. I take it you've only paid a fee with the petition. The remaining fees are $380 plus $70. The additional waiting time is unpredictable. If he arrives on the K3, you'll have to add his travel expenses back home for the interview to your answer.

Just the petition fee. The timeline is incomplete because I have only been working on the I129K portion of the K3. I didn't file to have the I130 forwarded to the NVC.

So you think the only additional fees would be the airfare, and then $450?

According to your timeline, your husband will be interviewing for a K3 visa, the CR1 is no longer an option since the I-130 was not processed at the NVC. So you will pay the remaining fees and then apply for AOS when he gets here and pay those fees as well.

It is technically possible to file the I-824 with the $200 fee to have the I-130 released and sent to NVC for processing, but it will take a long time. I haven't read about anyone successfully doing it yet even though they started the process over six months ago. In my opinion, it will be a better transition for your family to do AOS at this point. It will save hassle and time and shouldn't cost too much more.