K3 vrs CR-1

[Brianinaz]

I'm trying to decide which is best a K3 or a CR-1. Does anyone ahve any good information on the difference in time lines? Also I was reading on the state dept web site something that seemed to indicate there was no associated status for a child (CR-1 equivalent of a K4) ANy information would be appreciated. BTW this Saturday is the big day. I did everything in Kiev Friday and it went very smooth so thanks to everyone for the help and info

[bgreed]

Hey Brian at this time I guess I can say CONGRATULATIONS!!!!

Now on to your question.  When Lena and I were looking at the advantages/disadvantages of K3 vs CR-1 we came to the conclusion that the CR-1 is a better choice although it may take a little longer.  Reason being is that when your wife arrives she will have her green card and SS# within about two weeks and you will only have to file for a removal of conditions 90 days prior to the expiration of her green card.  Where as with the K-3 you will still have to file for AOS after she arrives and wait for her green card and SS#.  There can be quite a delay in the receipt of the green card.

We have finally received our NOA2 (about two weeks ago) it was four months from the time we sent in our intial packet.  We are now in the NVC process wchich moves quite a bit faster with a  little luck Lena and the bous will be here by the end of September.  Part of this is my fault as I missed the part about NVC needing ORIGINALS of her divorce certfificate, birth certificate, our marriage certificate, her police record (which now seems to take up to twelve days to get) all that need to be sent in with her DS-230 form.  So have your wife fill out the DS-230 ahead of time and take the documents home with you. Have her select you to be her agent on the DS-3032 (which can now be done as an email)  Also you can now pay all your fees online from a checking account (no credit or debit cards) If your good with a computer there are ways to generate your own barcode and paste it into the correct forms (see short cuts on visajourney) so that can save some mail travel time.  From what I have been hearing from others NVC is taking about 7 weeks.

As for minor children you have to file an I-130 for them looking at a CR-1 visa as well same process as for your wife.  If I can be of any help just contact me.

Again CONGRATS!!

[Brianinaz]

Gregg

Thanks, kind of hard to believe but all I can say is WOW.

I wish I had a better handle on the time lines. I'm a math and science person and I've looked at postings at places like visajourney and the data that's posted makes no sense to me. The time to ss# for us is not important. She will have to figure out what she wants to do here; is she going to practice law or do something else. The same goes for the green card. Is there an advantage to having it sooner than later? the only concern she has is that she be able to leave (to visit family) and return before the adjustment of status and as I understand it a K3 is a multiple entry visa. As far as the additional cost; if I take an additional trip because she's there for an additional 2 or 3 months the cost of the trip and especially lost income far out weighs the 1k or so in additional fees. 

I appreciate your support and good will. I'll keep you up to date

Brian