Vietnam - Time to Visa

[ppb 0]

Hey all.

I was wondering what the average processing time for a Vietnamese spouse would be for both a CR-1 and K-3. I've called some local immigration lawyers and the answers they gave me were all different.

One said the immigration visa was 8-9 months, the other said 12-24.

For the non-immigrant visa, the first said 6-7 months, the other said 9.

What have y'all experienced?

I'm still trying to decide on which to file. I'd prefer the CR-1 since it's less hassle later, but I don't want to wait 12-24 months. Should I file for the K-3 and hope the CR-1 gets done before the I-129f interview is scheduled?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've read the guides and am still not sure what is best.

Thanks.

[lindal24 1]

Hey all.

I was wondering what the average processing time for a Vietnamese spouse would be for both a CR-1 and K-3. I've called some local immigration lawyers and the answers they gave me were all different.

One said the immigration visa was 8-9 months, the other said 12-24.

For the non-immigrant visa, the first said 6-7 months, the other said 9.

What have y'all experienced?

I'm still trying to decide on which to file. I'd prefer the CR-1 since it's less hassle later, but I don't want to wait 12-24 months. Should I file for the K-3 and hope the CR-1 gets done before the I-129f interview is scheduled?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've read the guides and am still not sure what is best.

Thanks.

It depends on where you're located in the US and where you mail your application to. I live in TX and sent my application to the Vermont Lockbox where it would have typically taken 12-24 months but they transferred it to the California Lockbox where it typtically takes 6-12 months and they finished processing it in 9months from the time I submitted it (~2 months after receiving it). Results vary, but that's just the USCIS process. You still have the NVC (wich takes ~2weeks to 2 months) and the Embassy/Consulate Journey (which takes at least a month...then depending on your interview outcome "longer")

From what I understand, if you're married, you can actually apply for CR-1 Visa and K-3 (or K-1? not sure) visa at the same time to get your spouse over here while you wait. Which ever one gets processed faster, you can abandon the other one...check the guidelines...lots of great info!!!

Edited August 13, 2009 by lindal24

[Anh map 2,098]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

[Jasman0717 8]

Have you looked at the immigration timelines link at the top of the page? There are some stats there that might be helpful

[Kevin and 10]

It depends on each case. Some sail right through and others get stalled. MarkNhi is still waiting for her NOA2 from the CSC and its been well over a year. Good luck!

[lindal24 1]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

IMO, it's not the USCIS petition, it's the NVC process that you should send the bulk of your evidence in...Make sure to send copies at this point, bc you'll probably want to keep the originals for the interview, incase they ask for it.

Edited August 13, 2009 by lindal24

[Anh map 2,098]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

IMO, it's not the USCIS petition, it's the NVC process that you should send the bulk of your evidence in...Make sure to send copies at this point, bc you'll probably want to keep the originals for the interview, incase they ask for it.

Yes, here is where you want to submit the detailed relationship timeline, list of all relatives in the US, and all the proof of relationship that can be mustered. Waiting to submit info for the first time at the interview seems to be leading to blue slips. Get the info in the file so that when the file is sent to HCMC the info can be reviewed by the CO in preparation for the interview.

[lindal24 1]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

IMO, it's not the USCIS petition, it's the NVC process that you should send the bulk of your evidence in...Make sure to send copies at this point, bc you'll probably want to keep the originals for the interview, incase they ask for it.

Yes, here is where you want to submit the detailed relationship timeline, list of all relatives in the US, and all the proof of relationship that can be mustered. Waiting to submit info for the first time at the interview seems to be leading to blue slips. Get the info in the file so that when the file is sent to HCMC the info can be reviewed by the CO in preparation for the interview.

One thing that should also be mentioned, should you submit data at the NVC process, you should prep your fiancee/spouse of potential questions which stem from the information provided. They should STUDY the documents that you submit because I presume that is where the CO will get the questions they ask in the interview to see if they "know" you. This is not a fact, that I know of, more of just a heads up....

[hniHnitsuJ 8]

Hey all.

I was wondering what the average processing time for a Vietnamese spouse would be for both a CR-1 and K-3. I've called some local immigration lawyers and the answers they gave me were all different.

One said the immigration visa was 8-9 months, the other said 12-24.

For the non-immigrant visa, the first said 6-7 months, the other said 9.

What have y'all experienced?

I'm still trying to decide on which to file. I'd prefer the CR-1 since it's less hassle later, but I don't want to wait 12-24 months. Should I file for the K-3 and hope the CR-1 gets done before the I-129f interview is scheduled?

Sorry for all the questions, but I've read the guides and am still not sure what is best.

Thanks.

Welcome to VJ family. My process for CR-1 take only 8 months. It very depend on individual. You will get lot of help from here.

Good luck.

Loi and Suong,

[lindal24 1]

You can see the estimated processing time by USCIS on their website. Check out where you would send your case to and then just monitor where they are at as far as case load time. If you're lucky, your case will be sent to Cali and it'll only take a couple of months!

Mine started in Vermont, but moved to California.

[vietazn 1]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

I think I made a little mistake of following only the directions in the I-129F, and giving the information requested.

If I didn't front load documentation with my I-129F, is it too late to do so prior to the interview? Is there some time in the process prior to the interview to make up for the skinnier file I submitted at the beginning?

[ScottThuy 140]

CR1 is the one to file for as you learned. No adjust status step, less cost.

Timelines vary greatly at HCMC. This is a tough consulate. A well prepared petition that includes a great deal of evidence is suggested. Also, you want to front load your petition, meaning send in more of the evidence earlier in the process. Do some reading in this forum to familiarize yourself with the workings of HCMC.

Welcome to VJ.

I think I made a little mistake of following only the directions in the I-129F, and giving the information requested.

If I didn't front load documentation with my I-129F, is it too late to do so prior to the interview? Is there some time in the process prior to the interview to make up for the skinnier file I submitted at the beginning?

I submitted a supplemental pkg to USCIS a couple of weeks ago... I filed in June... They signed for the supplement, but there has been no touch... it may be there, it may not.. I will know when we get to the interview if it worked... If I get an RFE before I get NOA2, I will know then as well.... I figured it was worth the time and money for me to try to pre-empt an RFE and front load the extra stuff if possible.

Edited August 14, 2009 by ScottThuy

[luckytxn 2,263]

I am confused by what everyone said about sending in additional info when it gets to the NVC. After the USCIS is done and oks the petition then they send it on to the NVC and then they send it on to the appropiate embassy or consulate. Mine was at the NVC about 5-6 days before it was sent on to the HCM consulate and I would have hardly had time to send any info to the NVC at that time.

[ScottThuy 140]

I am confused by what everyone said about sending in additional info when it gets to the NVC. After the USCIS is done and oks the petition then they send it on to the NVC and then they send it on to the appropiate embassy or consulate. Mine was at the NVC about 5-6 days before it was sent on to the HCM consulate and I would have hardly had time to send any info to the NVC at that time.

Not enough time at NVC for anything to be added there.. IMO the only possible place is USCIS...

[lindal24 1]

I am confused by what everyone said about sending in additional info when it gets to the NVC. After the USCIS is done and oks the petition then they send it on to the NVC and then they send it on to the appropiate embassy or consulate. Mine was at the NVC about 5-6 days before it was sent on to the HCM consulate and I would have hardly had time to send any info to the NVC at that time.

Not enough time at NVC for anything to be added there.. IMO the only possible place is USCIS...

You have plenty of time to submit at the NVC process to "frontload". You should submit it when you submit the Applicant Processing Documents (the DS-230 form and related documents including birthcertificate, marriage certificate, passport, police certificates, and photos).

We should get a couple of newbies to try it...

1 newbie submit with USCIS I-130 form and 1 newbie submit with NVC DS-230 form and see whose documents endup at the embassy/consulate....