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US/JA couple: K1 vs. IR1

By IceCreamLub in Caribbean

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IceCreamLub Rookie

IceCreamLub   2

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted

Hello everybody,

I'm a US Citizen engaged to my fiancé who is Jamaican. We have been living together in Kingston for about 6 months. I have to leave JA on March 22 per my tourist visa-- as such we need help determining how to shorten the amount of time spent apart as we plan tour life together the US.

Wishful thinking was that she could leave with me or shortly after me in March/April... We only recently realized how long the processing takes and obviously our goal is to minimize our physical separation and start our new life together in the US (California).

We HAD planned to marry in JA on Jan 23 2016 (at the registry), and then go through the IR1 process...

However, we are now considering doing a K1 or K3 which seems like it would allow us to live together while we take care of her PR status. Which is faster/better for us?

We would be grateful for anyone's words of advice, encouragement, warning, etc...

Thanks!

IceCreamLub Rookie

IceCreamLub   2

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

K3 is virtually obsolete. K1 is quicker but consulate depending may have drawbacks

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

Transborderwife Veteran

Transborderwife   4,666

Posted
Filed: Other Country: Canada
 Timeline
Posted

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

Some Consulates are just more strict in some regards.

As for the k3 it's hardly given out anymore

Kastrs Experienced

Kastrs   723

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Pakistan
 Timeline
Posted

I have read that the K3 is useless/obsolete... care to expand on that a bit?

Regarding the drawbacks of K1, are you talking about processing time based on the Consulate/Embassy we would go through?

Thanks for the advice!

The K3 is VERY rarely issued anymore, most people are issued a CR1/IR1 instead, which comes with much more benefits compared to the K3

Additionally I have seen where sending in the I129F for the K3 slowed down processing of their petition overall

As for drawbacks, for some Embassies they have a strong preference for Marriage based visas compared to Fiance based visas

I do not recall seeing this as the case for Jamaica

Spoiler

 

Married December 19, 2014

I-130 Petition sent January 14, 2015
NOA1 date January 20, 2015 (NSC)

NOA2 date May 28, 2015 :dance::dance::dance:

Mailed to NVC June 4, 2015

NVC Received June 10, 2015

NVC Case Number Assigned June 23, 2015

NVC AoS Invoice via Mail June 24, 2015

NVC Selected Agent Over Phone June 30, 2015 (Unable to logon to CEAC)

NVC IV Invoice via email received July 1, 2015

NVC AoS/IV Package Mailed July 2, 2015

NVC AoS & IV Fee Paid Online (CEAC is working) July 6. 2015

NVC Document Scan Date July 6, 2015

NCV AoS & IV Fee marked as paid in CEAC July, 7 2015

NVC DS 260 Completed July 8, 2015

NVC CC July 30, 2015 (24 days after scan date, about 2 months post NOA2)

Interview Scheduled on August 26, 2015

Interview P4 Email Received August 27, 2015

Medical in Islamabad September 2, 2015

Interview Date September 22, 2015 CANCELLED (Embassy is Over scheduled) :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Interview Scheduled on September 10, 2015

Interview Date October 14, 2015 APPROVED

Visa Issued October 16, 2015, 9 months start to finish

POE JFK October 26, 2015

GC in Hand Jan 8, 2016

RoC I-751 NOA1 August 31, 2017 (Vermont Service Center)

Biometrics October 2, 2017

I551 Stamp in Passport August 2, 2018

18 Month Extension Letter August 3, 2018

Applied for Naturalization N-400 Online July 30, 2018

Biometrics August 23, 2018

10 year GC is in production September 17, 2018

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
IceCreamLub Rookie

IceCreamLub   2

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
  • Author
Posted

The K3 is VERY rarely issued anymore, most people are issued a CR1/IR1 instead, which comes with much more benefits compared to the K3

Additionally I have seen where sending in the I129F for the K3 slowed down processing of their petition overall

As for drawbacks, for some Embassies they have a strong preference for Marriage based visas compared to Fiance based visas

I do not recall seeing this as the case for Jamaica

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

Kastrs Experienced

Kastrs   723

Posted
Filed: Citizen (pnd) Country: Pakistan
 Timeline
Posted

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

Nope there is no DCF for Jamacia, so just like everyone else you would need to mail your petition into the lockbox. You should make sure you have sufficient income or have a joint sponsor lined up, and you should either relocate to the US prior to the interview, or make sure you have clear demonstrated intent to establish domicile (this will be more important after your petition is approved so you have a little time),

As for how long it would take to approve your petition, that is very difficult to predict. Most petitions are processed by the NSC, but some are handled by other service centers. If it is sent to NSC, then you should be able to predict fairly reasonably when your petition will be approved, otherwise it could be more difficult.

Spoiler

 

Married December 19, 2014

I-130 Petition sent January 14, 2015
NOA1 date January 20, 2015 (NSC)

NOA2 date May 28, 2015 :dance::dance::dance:

Mailed to NVC June 4, 2015

NVC Received June 10, 2015

NVC Case Number Assigned June 23, 2015

NVC AoS Invoice via Mail June 24, 2015

NVC Selected Agent Over Phone June 30, 2015 (Unable to logon to CEAC)

NVC IV Invoice via email received July 1, 2015

NVC AoS/IV Package Mailed July 2, 2015

NVC AoS & IV Fee Paid Online (CEAC is working) July 6. 2015

NVC Document Scan Date July 6, 2015

NCV AoS & IV Fee marked as paid in CEAC July, 7 2015

NVC DS 260 Completed July 8, 2015

NVC CC July 30, 2015 (24 days after scan date, about 2 months post NOA2)

Interview Scheduled on August 26, 2015

Interview P4 Email Received August 27, 2015

Medical in Islamabad September 2, 2015

Interview Date September 22, 2015 CANCELLED (Embassy is Over scheduled) :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry: :cry:

Interview Scheduled on September 10, 2015

Interview Date October 14, 2015 APPROVED

Visa Issued October 16, 2015, 9 months start to finish

POE JFK October 26, 2015

GC in Hand Jan 8, 2016

RoC I-751 NOA1 August 31, 2017 (Vermont Service Center)

Biometrics October 2, 2017

I551 Stamp in Passport August 2, 2018

18 Month Extension Letter August 3, 2018

Applied for Naturalization N-400 Online July 30, 2018

Biometrics August 23, 2018

10 year GC is in production September 17, 2018

 

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
Dame & Ash Contributor

Dame & Ash   12

Posted
Filed: K-1 Visa Country: Jamaica
 Timeline
Posted (edited)

Thanks everything is making a lot more sense...

I see that I would file I-129f ... Anything different about filing this since I would be in Jamaica at the time?

Seeing "5 months" processing time for most of the service centers... some people saying it only took 30 days, some saying it took several months... Anyone care to guess what the timetable would be in our situation??

Thanks again guys.

Good Morning,

If you look at my timeline... I began the whole process on April 10, 2015 and by Dec 31, 2015 my husband was a PR. The first step of the process you don't really have control over (i.e. which service center, and how long it takes to approve). If you are in San Francisco you will most likely be at the California Service Center and they move pretty fast.

After that, everything is pretty standard and if your petition/visa process slows down anywhere you can call and inquire (NVC only holds it for about 2 or 3 weeks, the embassy allows you to schedule your own interview appointment once they receive your paperwork, you just have to email them for instructions, visa takes about a week to print) and you will get the assistance you need.

I am glad I did the K1 as apposed to the CR1/IR1... timing wise you have a better chance of being with your fiance faster. Check your paperwork you submit very carefully, small mistakes or typos will hold you process up for 30 days or more. I never received an RFE (Request for Evidence).

But please know, its all case by case and anything is subject to happen/change. And also my case was very straight forward, no prior marriages, no children, no drug use inquiries, etc.

Best of wishes to which ever route you go. If you decide to go K1, I will be happy to answer any questions and I'm sure CR1/IR1 individuals wouldn't mind helping also.

Prayer helps the process go faster!

A.Powell

Edited by Dame & Ash

K - 1 Fiance Visa Process (I-129F Petition)

(L) Engaged (L) - March 22, 2015

K-1 Petition Sent (via USPS) - April 10, 2015

K-1 Petition Received - April 15, 2015

NOA1 (Email & Text) - April 16, 2015

NOA2 (Email, Text & App Notification) - May 22, 2015 (37 LONG Days from NOA1) :dance:

NOA2 (Official I-797 via Mail) - May 29, 2015

NVC Received (Phone Verification) - June 10, 2015

NVC Issued Case Number (Phone Verification) - June 11, 2015

Left NVC (Phone Verification) - June 15, 2015

Consulate Received (CEAC Website) - June 16, 2015

Emailed for Packet 3 - June 16, 2015 (US Immigration Computer Glitch Era: 6/9-6/23)

Emailed for Packet 3 - June 23, 2015 (2nd Attempt)

Received Packet 3 (via Email) - June 24, 2015

Scheduled Interview & Medical - June 24, 2015

Medical Appointment - July 3, 2015 (Medical Paperwork Picked-up 7/15/15)

Consulate Interview - July 17, 2015 (Approved) :dancing:

CEAC Web Status Update: "Ready" Case Created Date: Case Updated 7/20/2015 (Non-Immigrant Visa Application)
CEAC Web Status Update: "Administrative Processing" Case Updated 7/22/2015
CEAC Web Status Update: "Issued" Case Updated 7/24/2015 :dancing:

Department of State email stating Visa documents are at DHL Kingston ready for pickup - July 28, 2015 @ 5:45PM

Documents Transferred to Montego Bay, Jamaica for pickup w/DHL - July 29, 2015 (Called DHL Kingston to make request; Will be available 7/30/15)

Visa in Hand at DHL Montego Bay - July 30, 2015 @ 1:30PM :dance:

US Entry (IAH - Houston Bush Intercontinental Airport) - August 8, 2015

Court House Marriage - September 1, 2015

Applied for Social Security Card (In-Person in Houston about an hour wait) - September 1, 2015 (No Issues)

Adjustment of Status Process (I-485, I-131, I-765)

Sent I-485, I-765, I-131 (via USPS) - October 1, 2015

Applications Received - October 5, 2015

NOA1 (Email & Text) - October 8, 2015

NOA1 (Hard Copy) - October 13, 2015

Biometrics Appointment Letter Received - October 19, 2015

Biometrics Appointment - October 30, 2015

Wedding Ceremony - October 31, 2015

Service Request - December 28, 2015 (Called USCIS to check status of I-765 (Work Permit), representative put in Request for update since we were approaching 90 days)

New Card Is Being Produced (Text & Website) - December 30, 2015 (Status Update for Green Card (I-485) Case) :dancing:

Case Was Approved (Text & Website) - December 31, 2015 (I-485 Case)

Card Was Mailed (Text & Website) - January 5, 2016 (I-485 Case)

Green Card Received (USPS) - January 8, 2016 :dancing: :idea: :dancing: :no: :thumbs: :yes: :dance: :jest:

Jawaree Grand Master

Jawaree   718

Posted
Filed: Timeline
Posted

Every case us different. I'd suggest you get marry in JA continue to

live with your husband until March you return to the US send in I 130

petition, get your co-sponsor lined up & other necessary things return to

JA & live another 6 mths, JA unlike the US will only pay attention that

you did not overstay, work illegally , or have no fixed abode while there,

so to be gone a mth is ok to return, if your major concern is to be together,

even K1 will make you be apart for a while. You can also apply for extension

from PICA

 
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