Timely Processing of K3 Applicants

[cuci 0]

From the US State Department Website from the Federal Register regarding the implimentation of K3 Visas: http://travel.state.gov/visa/laws/telegram...grams_1431.html

[open quote]

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Timely Processing of K3 Applicants

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The LIFE Act created the K3 and the V categories to bypass administrative processing delays that cause long separation of families. K3s are immediate relatives of U.S. citizens. Posts should keep in mind that the intent of the K3 is speedy reunification of U.S. citizen families."

[end quote]

At this point, because so many CR1s are catching up with K3s that the USCIS Service Centers and the NVC have double the workload -- however, the foreign Consulates have figured out how to cut their workload in half by sitting on K3s until the CR1 catches up. The purpose of the LIFE ACT was so that families would not be separated for a time period that would become financially and psychologically burdensome, however, if the Consulates ignore the timeliness of K3 processing, most petioners/petionees abandon the K3 and resume with the CR1. I feel that the Consulates should be accountable regarding the "Timely Processing" language in the LIFE ACT litigation because, after all, this is the essence of the ACT.

Obviously, I am frustrated. I figured I'd float this bit by VJ folks before writing to my Congressman. I just feel that it is useless to have Litigation on the books if it is ignored or not applied properly.

Probably doesn't help that it's minus 30 in Montreal today!

[Jersey Girl 2]

No doubt about it, you've reached the inevitable stage in the process where you're certain there's a government conspiracy. Give it up; they're not that smart. They're just backlogged by their own process, forms, and other bureaucratic bs.

Hang tight, because K-3s do happen. It might take almost as long as a CR-1, but you made the best decision at the time, there will always be surprises, delays, and variables, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

A word of advice: don't waste time looking for logic or fairness. Spend your energies instead by sampling the best beers Canada has to offer.

[cuci 0]

THANKS!!!!! I know, I know!!! Just going through the ups and downs. There are some really good beers here!

Thank you, Jersey Girl!

[MissStacey 1]

I agree. Just focus on the booze. I am on my second glass of wine and I am as happy as a pig in Sh#t. Cheers!

NICE BEAVER!!!!

Edited January 27, 2007 by Stacey33

[amarceau 0]

Hey Jersey,

I noticed in your signature, you have "touches" on your K3. How did you check those "touches"? Where are you getting the info? I thought once the K3 got to Consulate there is no way to check "touches"?

No doubt about it, you've reached the inevitable stage in the process where you're certain there's a government conspiracy. Give it up; they're not that smart. They're just backlogged by their own process, forms, and other bureaucratic bs.

Hang tight, because K-3s do happen. It might take almost as long as a CR-1, but you made the best decision at the time, there will always be surprises, delays, and variables, so sit back and enjoy the ride.

A word of advice: don't waste time looking for logic or fairness. Spend your energies instead by sampling the best beers Canada has to offer.

[misa 2]

I was thinking the same thing about the I-129F touches Jersey Girl.

[cuci 0]

That's true. I did telephone the Consulate to ensure that our file was complete . . . but if I had some way to track the "touches" -- I'd feel so much better. Has anyone tried stopping by the Consulate to ask if the K3 could be processed (sometimes, foreign Consulates can move on items when a US Citizen appears at the Consulate).

[misa 2]

Montreal is notoriously slow... but hopefully with their new policy of mailing passports/visas instead of next day pickup, they have more time to schedule interviews. There is one person here who was the first VJ Canadian to get an afternoon interview at Montreal so hopefully they will schedule both morning and afternoon interviews for people.

I transferred to Vancouver so that will free up another interview space at Montreal.

[cuci 0]

Can anyone say somthing to calm my fears that K3's aren't processed in the same time frame as K1's? Does the consulate know that a CR1 is at the NVC when they get your K3 application? I know that they keep saying 2 to 4 months, but it obviously isn't 2 to 4 months for K3ers . . .

Amanda.Lise.............K1.........10/02/06...10/12/06..........10/20/06......01/23/2006 VISA GRANTED!

CutienPurg..............K3.........10/03/06...10/18/06..........10/27/06......

kristenm................K1.........10/04/06...??/??/06..........11/15/06......02/27/2007

EmilyRugBurn............K3.........10/05/06...??/??/06..........10/20/06......

amarceau................K3.........10/06/06...10/25/06..........11/02/06......

Davin & Rachel..........K3.........10/24/06...??/??/06..........12/19/06......

cdngrl..................K1.........10/27/06...11/??/06..........12/21/06.....

Mephys..................K1.........10/31/06...11/22/06..........11/23/06.....04/04/2007

[CutienPurg 0]

If the VJ timelines are a good sampling of what is going on at various consulates......

In the past 6 months, there have been 3 times as many k-1's processed at Montreal than there have been k-3's. From what I can see there are no inconsistencies in timeframes. Montreal is just plain slow in comparison to other consulates. Of the 400 + k visas that have returned their packet 3 at all consulates in Oct, Nov and Dec, there are less than 15 who have yet to receive an interview and 4 of those are Montreal, 3 UK and 3 China. Of our 4, 2 are k-3 and 2 are K-1.

Sooooooooo I dunno if that alieviates any concern you have but the average seems to be about 12 - 14 weeks between returning packets 3 and interview date. Even though Mephys (18 weeks)and I(14 weeks and counting) are outside those timeframes , I do not really believe we are the norm.......BUT if the new norm for Montreal will become 18 you'll be looking at mid May

I know I'm rambling..........it comforts me lolololl

[cuci 0]

Thanks! I just worry that they're just throwing the K3's in a corner -- waiting for us to get the CR1 interview . . .

[Jersey Girl 2]

We knew we were still being touched after the K-3 was approved because of the dates changing on the USCIS case status page. case

[cuci 0]

We knew we were still being touched after the K-3 was approved because of the dates changing on the USCIS case status page. case

You mean that Consular touches are posted on the "Case Status" section of the USCIS website? In that case, there's been nothing since NOA2 . . .

[riblet 0]

They aren't usually, it just seems to happen to some people... try not to worry

We knew we were still being touched after the K-3 was approved because of the dates changing on the USCIS case status page. case

You mean that Consular touches are posted on the "Case Status" section of the USCIS website? In that case, there's been nothing since NOA2 . . .

[misa 2]

You mean that Consular touches are posted on the "Case Status" section of the USCIS website? In that case, there's been nothing since NOA2 . . .

My case at USCIS hasn't been touched since it left for the NVC. Well, except the I-130, but it's probably because they put it in storage.