DC's 12 month processing times. Will K-3 make sense?

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

We will be filing soon and our case will most likely be transferred to DC. Unfortunately their processing times are 6-12 months (leaning towards 12 more than 6, of course).

It is said that K-3 visas are kind of obsolete now, cause I-130's processing times aren't as long anymore (sic!)..... and by the time K-3 reaches NVC I-130 gets approved which automatically cancels I-129F.

But, given how long DC is taking now (outrageously long!), would I-129F be worth considering?

Please advise... Thanks!

[domwardbound 73]

We will be filing soon and our case will most likely be transferred to DC. Unfortunately their processing times are 6-12 months (leaning towards 12 more than 6, of course).

It is said that K-3 visas are kind of obsolete now, cause I-130's processing times aren't as long anymore (sic!)..... and by the time K-3 reaches NVC I-130 gets approved which automatically cancels I-129F.

But, given how long DC is taking now (outrageously long!), would I-129F be worth considering?

Please advise... Thanks!

As far as I can tell, it can't hurt - filing I-130 followed by the I-129f after receiving the I-130 NOA1 doesn't have any extra cost associated (except for AOS if the K3 gets approved first). Just extra work to put together another packet.

Who know what will happen in 4-5 months. Perhaps the local offices will get more staff to drive down times. If so, the K3 will be cancelled. However, California Service Center says they're processing K3 petitions in 5 months or less.

Nothing is guaranteed with these local office processing times, especially since there are no official times coming out of USCIS, but with the Atlanta issues, it might be worth it to try K3 to save time, and then just deal with the additional hassle and cost of AOS down the line. At least you'll be together!

[fcat 79]

I believe a few people have tried this recently and the K3 application gets cancelled.

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

I believe a few people have tried this recently and the K3 application gets cancelled.

Their K-3 got canceled, because I-130 got approved? That would be a nonissue for us

Your case in DC too.. and has been for a long time. Looking back, would you have filed I-129F as well?

DC office is just ridiculous and one of the worst offices to be transferred too, from what I've read here..

As far as I can tell, it can't hurt - filing I-130 followed by the I-129f after receiving the I-130 NOA1 doesn't have any extra cost associated (except for AOS if the K3 gets approved first). Just extra work to put together another packet.

Who know what will happen in 4-5 months. Perhaps the local offices will get more staff to drive down times. If so, the K3 will be cancelled. However, California Service Center says they're processing K3 petitions in 5 months or less.

Nothing is guaranteed with these local office processing times, especially since there are no official times coming out of USCIS, but with the Atlanta issues, it might be worth it to try K3 to save time, and then just deal with the additional hassle and cost of AOS down the line. At least you'll be together!

No, of course nothing is guaranteed. Totally aware of that..

If K-3 gets canceled because our I-130 gets approved sooner- that will be awesome.

If K-3 gets approved- that will be awesome too.

Whatever it takes, we are willing to do it. As long as it doesn't hurt us along the way.

Wishing you guys a super day

[Ryan H 3,893]

The K3 will be administratively closes only if the I-130 makes it to the NVC ahead of or at the same time as the I-129F that was filed to start the K3 process.

Now if the K3 survives the NVC, there is still a chance it could be administratively closed if the I-130 makes it to the NVC at a later date and the Embassy or Consulate learns that the approved I-130 is on-station at the NVC. This happened to VJ member EmilyS.

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

The K3 will be administratively closes only if the I-130 makes it to the NVC ahead of or at the same time as the I-129F that was filed to start the K3 process.

Now if the K3 survives the NVC, there is still a chance it could be administratively closed if the I-130 makes it to the NVC at a later date and the Embassy or Consulate learns that the approved I-130 is on-station at the NVC. This happened to VJ member EmilyS.

Makes sense. It would be fine if it happened... as long as either one gets approved in a reasonable time!

Do we know what K-3's average processing times are now? I would assume it isn't 10-12 months, like in DC local office now..?

And who processes them.. ?

I will look up EmilyS. Thanks, Ryan!

[Blueberry Pancake 311]

Ok, I read about Emily's case. Both her petitions got approved fast!

I do not think this would happen in our case. With DC office being so. damn. slow.- our I-130 would probably not beat the I-129f at NVC.

All in all, looks like filing I-129f wouldn't hurt us and is worth considering.

I just want to be with my husband already... We just got married, we should be TOGETHER. Ugh, this is just so damn hard...

I really appreciate your help here! Thank you

[domwardbound 73]

Makes sense. It would be fine if it happened... as long as either one gets approved in a reasonable time!

Do we know what K-3's average processing times are now? I would assume it isn't 10-12 months, like in DC local office now..?

And who processes them.. ?

I will look up EmilyS. Thanks, Ryan!

USCIS has only posted processing times for K3 at California Service Center as 5 months or less. I'm not sure if other centers are processing the form, but USCIS is saying it should be 5 months or less for a K3 to get adjudicated.

The DC local office, on the other hand, is swamped by I-130 petitions (and really hasn't shown any trend/proof that they are increasing speed or dedicated resources). As of April, they are processing around 10% of all petitions they have per month - which leads to a 9-11 month processing time, I'd estimate.

With such a big difference, I'd be really surprised if the I-130 was processed before the K3 approval.