Started K-3, became IR-1, now much cheaper? :)

[xenologue 0]

One more question:

We started out filing as K-3 because it was supposedly going to be faster. I realized along the way that the process was somewhat different from what I had read it would be, so perhaps I should not be surprised that we were apparently shunted over to IR-1. On my immigration foil in my passport it says "IR1" under IV Category, so I assume that's what I am.

So does that mean that instead of having to apply for my GC when I get to the States, and filing for an EAD so I can work soon, I really will get my GC and SS (yes, I checked the box) 2 weeks after I arrive??

Because if so, that makes me ridiculously happy. Can someone confirm?

It seems so unlike the government to automatically direct your application in a way that results in SAVINGS for you.

[Malrothien 6]

You are correct - you will receive your GC and SSA (if you ticked the box on the DS230) within a month or so after activating your visa.

[christeen 966]

One more question:

We started out filing as K-3 because it was supposedly going to be faster. I realized along the way that the process was somewhat different from what I had read it would be, so perhaps I should not be surprised that we were apparently shunted over to IR-1. On my immigration foil in my passport it says "IR1" under IV Category, so I assume that's what I am.

So does that mean that instead of having to apply for my GC when I get to the States, and filing for an EAD so I can work soon, I really will get my GC and SS (yes, I checked the box) 2 weeks after I arrive??

Because if so, that makes me ridiculously happy. Can someone confirm?

It seems so unlike the government to automatically direct your application in a way that results in SAVINGS for you.

Get ready to be happy then... Yes, on an IR1 visa once you enter it is a multiple entry visa and you will get the 551 stamp and that is your green card until the real one arrives... After a week or two (even if you checked the box) you can go to the local SS office and find out your SSN#... then you get the card. The actual GC takes a month or two (were still waiting too)... But hubby has already tested the GC stamp when he had to leave the country for work and all OK... And yes, you can work without doing any EAD or AOS..

The IR1 is the gold standard for family visas... and I suppose it is more about the amount of paperwork the govt would have to process then the money as it probably takes more $$ to process a K-3 then the IR1 (govt never does nothin that ain't in their favor)... Congrats... But I believe you have to activate it when you enter the US not visit as a tourist THEN activate on another trip...