K3 vs. a IR-1/CR-1

[Alex&Jen 20]

I will be submitting my application for my husband's visa next week. I am still learning about the different Visa's and was wondering if I could submit only the K3 application or if I need to first submit the IR-1/CR-1 application, THEN apply for a K3 visa. Just like every other couple we want to be together as soon as possible. Could anyone help me with this question? 

Thank you

[milimelo 4,500]

They don’t issue K-3 visas any more. Stick to I-130 only. 

[Sarah G 179]

As above, K3 is dead. Only submit the I-130 for the CR1/IR1, don't bother with I-129F. 

 

Sadly there is no quick way of getting this done (I wish there was). Read as much as you can on here, there is so much helpful information and always someone who can answer questions. 

 

We just submitted our I-130 this month so you won't be far behind 😊

 

Best of luck to you and your husband! 

[JFH 12,190]

The K-3 was introduced by the LIFE Act at a time when there was such a huge backlog of I-130s that it was taking up to 3 years for people to get their IR-1/CR-1 visas (excluding extended AP times, this was normal processing time). The K-3 allowed spouses to enter on a non-immigrant status and adjust status within the USA, like the K-1 fiancés do. 

 

Whilst the process is still long (approximately 12-14 months now), it is much faster than the days when the K-3 was introduced and therefore the K-3 has become obsolete. It served its purpose but is no longer really needed as an option. As such, almost all I-129Fs submitted by spouses hoping for a K-3 are closed and the process continues as an IR-1/CR-1.

Edited January 26, 2019 by JFH

[Unlockable 7,315]

1 hour ago, Alex&Jen said:

I will be submitting my application for my husband's visa next week. I am still learning about the different Visa's and was wondering if I could submit only the K3 application or if I need to first submit the IR-1/CR-1 application, THEN apply for a K3 visa. Just like every other couple we want to be together as soon as possible. Could anyone help me with this question? 

Thank you

Like previously mentioned, K3s are pretty much dead. Hardly any were processed last year. Stick with IR/CR-1.

 

Also, nothing with immigration is fast. The best way to get through with this is to accept the fact that it is going to be a long process.

[Crazy Cat 41,981]

I agree.  If you send in an I-129f, it will just be administratively closed and the case will go forward as a CR-1, so the I-129f is useless.  Besides, a CR-1 is superior in the fact that no adjustment of status is required, and your spouse will obtain all Green Card benefits immediately upon arrival.

[pushbrk 12,975]

15 hours ago, Alex&Jen said:

I will be submitting my application for my husband's visa next week. I am still learning about the different Visa's and was wondering if I could submit only the K3 application or if I need to first submit the IR-1/CR-1 application, THEN apply for a K3 visa. Just like every other couple we want to be together as soon as possible. Could anyone help me with this question? 

Thank you

You have good answers already, but it is important for you to understand you are NOT submitting any "application" for anything, certainly not your husband's visa.  You are submitting a petition for alien relative.  When your petition is approved, your husband will be invited to apply for a visa, based on that petition approval.  Study, learn, and then proceed.

[Alex&Jen 20]

On 1/26/2019 at 4:45 AM, Sarah G said:

As above, K3 is dead. Only submit the I-130 for the CR1/IR1, don't bother with I-129F. 

 

Sadly there is no quick way of getting this done (I wish there was). Read as much as you can on here, there is so much helpful information and always someone who can answer questions. 

 

We just submitted our I-130 this month so you won't be far behind 😊

 

Best of luck to you and your husband! 

Thank you!! Best of luck to you and your husband as well!!

[Alex&Jen 20]

20 hours ago, pushbrk said:

You have good answers already, but it is important for you to understand you are NOT submitting any "application" for anything, certainly not your husband's visa.  You are submitting a petition for alien relative.  When your petition is approved, your husband will be invited to apply for a visa, based on that petition approval.  Study, learn, and then proceed.

Thank you for the clarification. I feel overwhelmed with everything I am reading an learning about the process. I am afraid I will leave something out. 

[pushbrk 12,975]

1 hour ago, Alex&Jen said:

Thank you for the clarification. I feel overwhelmed with everything I am reading an learning about the process. I am afraid I will leave something out. 

Time to study the actual instructions for the forms themselves.  Did you download them with the forms.  This study will be critical to your ultimate success.