k-3 visas...are they of any use? what exactly are they good for?

[Nicole_1228 5]

I read the comparisons and from what I read I would be able to move once the i-129f is approved, correct?

My I-130 has already been mailed out, have my NOA1 for March 5th.

I would just have to come back to Canada once my interview is scheduled and then apply for an AOS once the CR-1 is approved fully?

Why would I not want to go this route?

once the i-129f is approved i have to apply for a work visa which may take 90 days correct?

[Dualie 185]

K3 visas are very rare. It is highly likely the I-129 will be taken out of the equation and you will go the CR1 route. The K3 was once a viable option several years ago, but they are all but extinct now. I even read of one case where the filing of both I-130 and I-129 ended up getting all confused at USCIS and ended up costing a month or two of time to straighten out. Just my own opinion here, but I wouldn't get your heart set on a K3.

That being said, AOS will generally take (I am guessing here), but from what I have been reading...about 6 months. EAD would be around 90 days. Now I am sure someone with a little more knowledge will chime in here during the daylight hours and fill you in with more minute details. There are a few K3s given out now and then and I will bet someone will tell you how it went for them. I hope it works out for you, and I wish you the best of luck on your journey.

[mmjohnson 27]

I filed for the k3 2 months after I did my i-130. I think it affected my case and set it back. it took me 8 months to get an approval from USCIS... I DO NOT RECCOMEND IT

[NikLR 13,220]

In all my years at VJ I've seen two K3 for Canada that made it to the consulate. One went to Montreal, who closed the i-129F and told the person to do the CR1 route. The other went to Vancouver who got the K3 visa. Hers was a special case because she lived in Vancouver, has USC children, including a baby or toddler, and it would have cost her as much as the AOS to fly to Montreal for the interview.

When you send in the I-129F, the USCIS pulls the I-130 out of line and puts it with the I-129F so they can be adjudicated together. If they arrive at the NVC at the same time (or if the I-129F arrives after) then the I-129F is closed and you MUSt continue on the CR1/IR1 route. If the i-129F arrives first, it may still result in a possible K3 route. It's only logical to take if you may be interviewing in Vancouver.

The K3 is a multi entry visa but requires an adjustment of status within the USA, which can take a year (or more.) It is an inferior visa that costs almost twice as much as it's alternative and was introduced when I-130 petitions took years, not months.

[Nicole_1228 5]

In all my years at VJ I've seen two K3 for Canada that made it to the consulate. One went to Montreal, who closed the i-129F and told the person to do the CR1 route. The other went to Vancouver who got the K3 visa. Hers was a special case because she lived in Vancouver, has USC children, including a baby or toddler, and it would have cost her as much as the AOS to fly to Montreal for the interview.

When you send in the I-129F, the USCIS pulls the I-130 out of line and puts it with the I-129F so they can be adjudicated together. If they arrive at the NVC at the same time (or if the I-129F arrives after) then the I-129F is closed and you MUSt continue on the CR1/IR1 route. If the i-129F arrives first, it may still result in a possible K3 route. It's only logical to take if you may be interviewing in Vancouver.

The K3 is a multi entry visa but requires an adjustment of status within the USA, which can take a year (or more.) It is an inferior visa that costs almost twice as much as it's alternative and was introduced when I-130 petitions took years, not months.

Thanks for the insight! I was just hoping more for it to let me stay in the US while i wait for the cr-1 is approved as we already have our NOA1 for our i-130. I ALMOST over stayed my 6 months as of January & got denied entry when i tried to go back for a week, driving because of a friend n the officer didnt trust i was coming home as i had no ties and was just there for so long. so i feel its going to be tough to prove very strong ties to canada as I live at my moms place. I plan to have my schedule printed from work, return ticket, letter from employer, tax documents, try and sign up for a home phone at my moms house in my name in time for my next planned visit, and my student loan in hopes this will be enough for the officer,