Total $ for this visa

[ktfitz3 0]

I wanted to make sure I'm reading into the K3 visa correctly because I can't believe how much this process seems to be.

I don't understand why I would have to pay for both petitions: the Alient Relative I-130 AND the Alien Fiance Form I-129. Do I have to pay for both filling fees? $420 for I-130 AND $340 for the I-129 ANd $140 for the Visa fee which all is $900! this seems like a very high number to me, am I doing this correctly? And then after all this, it is still not 100% that we will get accepted. I just don't have this much money to throw around, and not even be guaranteed a visa!

Is it cheaper to just get a K1 Fiance Visa instead?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Pura vida,

Kaity

[Inky 1,110]

Have you looked at the guides?

http://www.visajourney.com/content/compare

[dimples 9]

I would start by reading this link below. It basically compares the pros and cons of each visa, including the cost.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?autocom=custom&page=compare

IMO the CR1 visa is the way to go just because they are processing them much faster than they used to(slowed down lots lately). Also once you enter the country with that visa you are set, green card, SSN. As far as costs you dont have to come up with that lump some immediately its done in steps.

USCIS(petition)

NVC(Visa)

The time between USCIS on average is about 5 months so you have time to save for that next step. These processes definitely cost money and time so you have to prepare yourself both mentally and financially for it. Visa Journey is your best friend throught his entire process, if you have a problem or questions you can almost gurantee than someone here has been through it already.

Good Luck with whatever path you choose.

Edited February 22, 2012 by dimples

[jaycali 415]

Honestly, the K-3 is a huge waste of money.

Why?

Because filing the 129f in conjuction with the I-130 won't help you one bit, it might actually even slow down the process.

Why?

Because the K-3 visa was meant for a different time.

What do I mean?

The CR-1 visa (I-130) used to take years to process. Recent processing times at the USCIS have lead to the I-130 petition taking approx 3 - 6 months from start to finish. That's about how long the K-3 initially took.

So if yuo file for both the K-3 and the CR-1, the USCIS will approve the I-130 and the I-129f at the same time. When they reach the NVC, the NVC will just abandon the I-129f, and go on and process the I-130. In other words, you're paying for the I-129f, and it won't help one bit.

Between the CR-1 and K-1..

If you have the option, get married and file I-130 for CR-1 visa. It's cheaper in the long run, and your spouse will have the green card in hand immediately upon arrival in the US. He/she can start work immediately, and you won't have to file to adjust status. Overall, the CR-1 is about $400 cheaper.

[jaycali 415]

I wanted to make sure I'm reading into the K3 visa correctly because I can't believe how much this process seems to be. I don't understand why I would have to pay for both petitions: the Alient Relative I-130 AND the Alien Fiance Form I-129. Do I have to pay for both filling fees? $420 for I-130 AND $340 for the I-129 ANd $140 for the Visa fee which all is $900! this seems like a very high number to me, am I doing this correctly? And then after all this, it is still not 100% that we will get accepted. I just don't have this much money to throw around, and not even be guaranteed a visa! Is it cheaper to just get a K1 Fiance Visa instead? Any help would be greatly appreciated!Pura vida,Kaity

As for the price, it's the price you're paying to have your loved one live with you in the US. That's what the USCIS and Dept of State charges to even look at your application. They put a lot of work hours into processing these things.

Price wise,

The I-130 (CR-1) visa will cost you about $1,000 altogether. $420 to file, then roughly $580 later on when filing the Affidavit of Support and Immigrant Visa. The I-129f (K-1) will cost you you about $1400 altogether. Unsure of the exact costs of the K-1, but it's $340 to file I-129f, then another $1100 or something down the line.

The K-1 is cheaper in itself, but it requires you to pay for adjustment of status after you're married. In addition, your fiance will go 3 - 6 months in the US unable to work (you have to adjust status for him/her to be able to work legally). That's what makes the K-1 more expensive than the CR-1 in the long run.

There is no guarantee either the CR-1 or K-1 will get approved. And the USCIS won't give refunds if they don't approve your petitions or visas.

But, if you file correctly, and your fiance/spouse has a clean criminal record, no history of overstay/illegal stay, and you are able to sufficiently prove your relationship/marriage, you'll most likely be approved.

If price is your major concern, the CR-1 visa is the best option.

If you're more concerne about time apart, the K-1 is usually a bit quicker than the CR-1.

Keep in mind that for both the K-1 and the CR-1 visas, you will have to provide an affidavit of support. This means you'll have to show that you make at least 125% above federal poverty guidelines. This is about $18,000 annually, slightly higher if you live in Alaska or Hawaii.

Edited February 22, 2012 by jhsm85