130 & 129F?

[aba anoma 0]

Hello everyone!

I just joined VJ today. I am a US citizen, petitioning for my Ghanaian husband. We were married in Ghana in November '05 (I lived in Ghana from 7/05-8/07, we met 9/03). My husband traveled to the US for one month last year on a multiple-entry B1/B2 visa. I mistakenly assumed that he would be able to return on that same visa and apply for AOS. I found out last week that he needs to apply to enter as an immigrant to avoid being charged with fraud (for applying for residency while on a non-immigrant visa). Anyway, I was advised to submit the I-130 and then the I-129F once I have a receipt for the I-130.

I'm just wondering if anyone has any experience with the dual application- do you recommend it and did it seem to shorten your processing time? I have read a few threads that made it sound like the K3 actually slowed down their process...but then in some cases, the opposite occurs.

While I would like to get my husband here as soon as possible (we thought he could be returning to stay in October, on the B1), it would be great if he could enter as an IR-1 and not have to file for AOS. It looks like the US Embassy in Ghana has a long wait between receipt of applications and interview date- if you have any insight into the workings of the consulate there, I would really appreciate it.

I would appreciate any advice on this matter! I am sorry if this is a repeated thread- there was a lot to wade through.

Thanks!

[Ta Ta 1]

Welcome to VJ.

I would do the IR-1 due to the fact that the K3 is not much faster if at all and because it saves a lot of money.

Hoping someone who has gone through Ghana can offer more insight.

Best wishes on your visa journey !

[LovinLiberia 0]

Welcome to VJ.

I would do the IR-1 due to the fact that the K3 is not much faster if at all and because it saves a lot of money.

Hoping someone who has gone through Ghana can offer more insight.

Best wishes on your visa journey !

I've heard the same thing, but like Omoba said, different processes are longer in certain countries. Good luck on whatever route you take.

[aba anoma 0]

Thank you both!!

I think we're probably going to go with the IR-1. I'm sending off the I-130 this week and we'll have a bit more time to make a final decision while I wait for the receipt...though I have noticed some people mailing the I-130 and I-129F simultaneously.

[Ta Ta 1]

I would not send them simultaneuosly.