K-3 Question for Canadian Applicants

[Cygnet 0]

I posted this question in this forum because I wasn't sure if all K-3 procedures are the same for everyone all over the world. Our I-129-F was approved on April 14th, and we are waiting for the next step from the Montreal consulate. We are trying to do both the CR-1 and K-3 (don't know which one would get an interview first).

I was just wondering... do we have to send all the original documents (marriage, birth, police certificates) in with the next package for K-3? Or do we just bring it in to the interview?

I'm asking this because until two weeks ago, I didn't know that CR-1 applicants from Canada had to send all that stuff in with the DS-230. Anyway, our CR-1 application is held up right now because a police certificate from another country I've lived in for 1 1/2 years is taking awhile to be processed. I applied for it late October 2005 but they told me they will only process it once I send them the letter from NVC stating that the police certificate is required. Anyway, I faxed it to them as soon as I got the IV packet and I've been calling them every few days. I really am hoping I'll get it in a couple of weeks. Meanwhile, I'm waiting...

I know I'll have to apply for all the police certificates (from 3 different countries, Canada being one of them) again for the K-3 but I just want to know how much time I have to collect them: to be mailed right away or can it wait until interview time. (International snail mail has to be factored in here too. Ugh!)

If it will set our applications back by a few weeks, well... can't do anything about that. But I just need to know so my husband and I are mentally prepared for the longer wait.

Thanks for any input.

[Movin on New Life 3]

When I spoke with NVC they said orginals or CERTIFIED copies not photo copies. I had been misinformed that photo copies could be sent as long as you had the originals at the inteview... Three telephone calls to NVC all said orginals.. so I had to resend..

Note: you may want to be prepared for a wait for interview with Montreal... they seem to be a nightmare when it comes to back up. I have gotten several time frames for waiting for interview date most recent was two to four months.. Other info shows them booking appointsments for the end of June and into July UGH!!!! Hope this is incorrect..

Best to you and good luck

[Reba 2]

I never sent originals with anything, just photocopies and they just looked at the originals during my interview. They have a tendency to lose things, I wouldn't send originals where copies will do.

[BR549 0]

I know with the K-3 that they just want to see originals at the interview.

[Cygnet 0]

Hhmmm.... some conflicting reports...

When I spoke with NVC they said orginals or CERTIFIED copies not photo copies. I had been misinformed that photo copies could be sent as long as you had the originals at the inteview... Three telephone calls to NVC all said orginals.. so I had to resend..

I was told the same about CR-1 but have not asked about K-3. And yes, the back up in Montreal is worrying me, too.

I never sent originals with anything, just photocopies and they just looked at the originals during my interview. They have a tendency to lose things, I wouldn't send originals where copies will do.

I know with the K-3 that they just want to see originals at the interview.

It would be great if they'll accept photocopies for K-3 especially. Getting originals takes so much time and money.

Thanks for the replies!

[Reba 2]

well, you do have to have the originals in order to make photocopies

It may well be different requirements for the CR1/IR1 application, but for K3 I only sent copies and showed them originals at the interview.

[Cygnet 0]

well, you do have to have the originals in order to make photocopies

It may well be different requirements for the CR1/IR1 application, but for K3 I only sent copies and showed them originals at the interview.

Thanks, Reba.

I do have the originals (just waiting for one more police certificate), but if I send them off for the CR-1, I'll have to apply for another batch of originals for the K-3.

When I get the K-3 instructions (hopefully soon), I might just send them the photocopies (of the originals I send in with the DS-230). Hopefully, I'll get the new set of originals by the time I get the interview.

[shirlJ831 0]

When I went to Vancouver for my K3 I took copies of all things and I had the originals with me. The lady who helped me which BTW vancouver is excellant! she told me only give copies if you give originals they will keep them. Vancouver as I understand from many pple is a great office and I can tell you it was.

[Reba 2]

yeah, always make several photocopies, so that even when you show them your original, you can give them a copy if they've misplaced it. Its just way too much hassle to keep applying for and paying for certified originals/copies

(technically only the registrar has the "original" of any birth certificate or marriage certificate, and what we get from them is the certified copy with the registrar's seal)

[wally 0]

for your CR1, you must send originals.

we didn't and got RFE'd for marriage certificate and birth certificates.

you get it all back at the CR1 interview

since you may face a delay or an overlap of K3 or CR1, perhaps you should get more than one certified copy of those documents

[Flames9_RN 358]

I recall sending in "originals" plus I bought extras just in case they lost them!!

[Cygnet 0]

Thank you all for your replies.

I got Packet 3 for the K-3 today, and just wanted to share my telephone conversation with the operator at the Montreal consulate. (ShirlJ831, unfortunately, I have to go through Mtl).

It basically comes down to this (you guys were right):

For CR-1: I need to send originals to NVC with my DS-230

For K-3: I only need to mail them the form and show them the originals during the interview. They will accept/keep photocopies.

During the telephone conversation, I told the operator that my husband and I were doing the CR-1 and K-3 applications. I then asked her what would happen if I could only get one original police certificate from another foreign country (because the issuing institution refuses to give me a second copy). This was just a hypothetical question... just wanted to see what they would say.

Then I asked, "What should I do since NVC wants me to now mail them an original, but I also need to show an original during the K-3 interview?"

Well, she told me that I should just send my one and only copy to NVC and not pursue the K-3. She also told me that they have a backlog and that K-3's and CR-1's are processing almost at the same time ("neck to neck", were her words, I think).

So then, I asked her what the processing time for getting K-3 interview is like. She said, "Well, we're really behind. It's normally 2 to 4 months. But now, it looks more and more like 4 to 8 months."

I don't know if that's totally true or if she's just trying to discourage me from doing the K-3 (and encouraging me just to do CR-1).

Anyway, that's my story for today...

I'll have to discuss this bit of information with Rob tonight, and see what we'll do.

[Flames9_RN 358]

1 thing I have learned when dealing with the operator, they are full of baloney!! lol

[Reba 2]

yeah, when I called I was told it would be about 3 months til I got my notice letter, I received it the next day

That was nearly 2 years ago now tho, so they very well may be backlogged. it happens.