Hello

I was bashing my head up against the walls trying to decide which way to go (K3 or CR-1). This was my logic, It's going to take long no matter how you look at it. After waiting for so long I can't see what the big deal is accelerating the process 3 months, with a K3. And after all that he still is a non immigrant. All of a sudden it just didn't make sence to me.
So I chose the CR1. I am going to stay with my husband in Costa Rica and wait it out.
Is there a CR1 (I 130) October Filers thread?

Kristy

Hi Cristy,

I went through the same thing and actually right now K-3 and CR-1 seem to be running neck and neck as far as time goes. And when you think about the AOS hassle along with all the other stuff the CR-1 makes more sense.

Gregg

Kristy,
Heh, i went through the exact same thing too... and came to the same conclusion. After waiting soooo long, waiting an extra month or two (hopefully not three or four...), getting the CR-1, and avoiding all the AOS stuff afterward seems more worth it. I haven't seen an October CR-1 filers thread yet, but i'll be on it too!! Getting all the stuff ready right now and should be sending very sooooon.
Good luck!!
(And i hope gregg is right about CR-1 being about same as K-3 right now!! let's go CR-1!!!)

Kel

Hi Kel

Thanks for the support.
Remember the faster you send it, the faster your process will start. Just remeber to gather as much evidence as you can and be very organized.
Also, when I put together my supporting evidence I tried to gather a little bit of anything that would help. I sent anything that had to do with our relationship before we got married, how we planned our wedding, the wedding itself and life after marriage. Medical Insurance, joint bank accounts, our rental,etc. I wish you so much luck.Lets keep in touch.

Kristy

Hi Greg

I'm glad you agree with me. When you go through this process it gets confusing.
I'm also glad to hear about the time factor between the CR1 and K3. By the way I had already gathered evidence and made the I 129F package, it was ready to go. But I guess I'll just take that package to my far far away interview, when ever that will be!!

Good luck and lets keep in touch.
Kristy

I think the filing fees are cheaper for CR-1 too. But one thing, can you work in Costa Rica to meet the requirements to be a sponsor (financial sponsor) for your husband? The petitioner (you) needs to sponsor your beneficiary or have a co or joint sponsor if you can't.

Hi

I'm an international broker for recycling. So I can work from anywere. Actually I have been in CR since June and I just came for a visit and to send the papers. I am also going to have a co sponsor ( I think that is what it is called).
And yes the CR1 is less money.

Hello I filed the CR-1 also and am awaiting an interview in Lagos Nigeria I have been waiting 4 months eveything was approved in June of 2007 but still no appointment. Good Luck I think you made a good decision.... God Bless

Good luck with your petition

Good idea. The wait is worth it. Good luck

Good Luck I hope you have a smooth interview as soon as possible.

That's exactly what we decided to do and it's the best decision we made. K3s are about 1-2 months faster than CR1s going through Bogotá, Colombia and it didn't make sense to get here faster and go through the AOS hassle.

Here's a tip for new CR1/IR1 visa filers: Check out James' shortcuts http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=117 in the National Visa Center forum to learn about the process once your case is at the NVC. Even if you choose not to use the shortcuts, it's a very good way to see what each step of the process entails. Make sure to read pages 1, 10 & 11.


Diana

Couldn't agree more! For me, the immigrant visa is the way to go!!!
Disfruta Costa Rica!!!!
L.

I had this same struggle and yes the CR1 makes WAAAAYYY more sense than the K3. Historically for awhile now it seems the K3 is moving slower than what was originally expected of it so it doesnt serve a great purpose anymore and cost THE MOST money!

When we did the process CRs were a lot slower so we went with the K3/K4 so
we went with the K3/K4 and going thru AOS and all the crap that goes with it was HORRORS.
Yeah finally got the GC and SSN but it was a LOT of stress and LOTS of money lost we didn't figure on.
Heck is was way worse the the initial process.

One thing peeps don't mention is the date of the GC determines when you can apply for USC.
The longer it takes to get that. The longer you have to wait to apply for USC. Some K3s are still waiting for GCs after a year .
CRs normally get GC and SS Card in the mail within a month of arrival.

Since the CR process has speeded way up.
If we had to do it all over we'd have gone with the CRs solo.
I guess processing times may change at any time tho.

"Fee beaters" are definitely slowing things down now.

well, if you really want your wife to be you ASAP better send two applications, either k3 or Cr1, which ever comes first! But Cr1 is much better since no problem anymore with the papers, no more applications whatsoever except on removing conditions when the expiration comes but its worth it! One fee for all!

Good luck anyways!

hey Kristy,

BEST of luck for your CR case.... Jus start gathering all the documents... anything relating to you and your husband... All certificates.. photo copies.. make sure if they arent in english you get them made in english... and please Create 2 copies of filled forms/documents you send to USCIS and NVC. Please note down the little details to when you start this journey in your diary or you can do here...

It will help ...

Jigi

My husband and I are still debating this dilemma of K-3 vs IR-1. If money isn't the object, but we want the options for my husband to be able to visit me in the U.S. (he is a Canadian PR, Chilean citizen) during the process, what are the pros/cons of these options?

A little history: We married 2 years ago after a 3-4 year long long distance relationship (we are not really sure when our friendship turned romantic, but its a conservative estimate). I moved to Canada with my son and we started the Canadian PR process. Needless to day, 2 years later, having no first stage approval and out of funds, I found a job back in the states and recently moved back and started working. My husband and son stayed in Toronto so husband could continue working and son will come to live with me when the school year is complete. My FOSS notes from the Canadian PR application process indicate that the Immigration Officers didn't like our significant age difference (I am older) and that is more than likely the reason for the huge delay in the process. All other information regarding the Canadian process (criminal history, background checks, medical, etc) were approved by CIC. We withdrew my application for Canadian PR a few weeks ago and are waiting on a refund of fees. My husband is currently in process for Canadian citizenship, but that process can take up to 1 year.

My husband currently has a B1/B2 visa to allow him entry for visits into the U.S. valid until 2010. I know that there is no AOS on this type of visa, but he can come and go out of short visits to the U.S. without problems.

In short, we want to find the quickest way to get him to the U.S. while having the ability to visit during the process. It would be bonus to have him able to work as soon as he gets here as well. So, voice your thoughts about this wonderful process you are undergoing now so we can make a decision and get off the fence already.

thanks for your help, it is very much appreciated