What are the benefits of getting a K3 visa as oppose to a K1

utopiacowboy says on Nov 7, 2005, 07:55:

1. With a K1 you must get married in the US. Usually, few of her friends and family can attend. Sometimes people have a second religous ceremony in Colombia later.
2. K1 is a single entry visa. K3 is a two year multiple entry visa. If the woman needs to return to Colombia shortly after entering the US with a K1, you have to file for AP (Advanced Parole) so that her application for AOS is not deemed to have been abandoned by leaving the US. It's another $170 and takes about a month to get. A K3 does not need AP even if they have filed for AOS.
3. Speed is slightly faster for the K3 now. As of November 4, 2005, Missouri is handling K3 petitions dated September 26, 2005. As of the same date, the four different service centers are handling K-1 petitions dated as of July 7, 2005 (California), September 5, 2005 (Nebraska), July 7, 2005 (Texas), October 1, 2005 (Vermont).
4. K1 requires proof of relationship when filing petition and at the time of the visa interview. K3 usually requires only marriage certificate.
5. Children of both K1 and K3 can "tag along" with their parents under K2 and K4. However K2 is a 90 day single entry while K4 is a two year multiple entry visa. With the K4 you can delay filing for AOS for any children until a year or two later if you want while with the K2 you have to file for their AOS after the marriage occurs.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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ElCheAmericano says on Nov 7, 2005, 08:46:

Thanks Utopia, I knew I screwed up the K's K3 definitly sounds like the way to go, just the answer I was looking for.

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 7, 2005, 08:48:

Well, the situation is fluid. For a while Missouri had a 9 month backlog on K3 petitions so people stopped filing for them. Then they got their act together. Let's hope it stays this way long enough for you to get through it.

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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ElCheAmericano says on Nov 7, 2005, 09:04:

Utopia Do you know exactly what I need in order to get married in colombia

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ElCheAmericano says on Nov 7, 2005, 09:04:

Utopia Do you know exactly what I need in order to get married in colombia

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utopiacowboy says on Nov 7, 2005, 09:50:

As Gator puts it, you need exactly what the notaria says you need. They vary and some will require things that others don't. It's best to have your novia shop around and find the best "deal".

Disclaimer: any comment I make is inane and is not to be taken seriously, and is so patently ridiculous that no one should take it seriously, even as an insult.

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lpdiver says on Nov 7, 2005, 11:03:

Also If you are flexible enough direct consular filing is the only way to go. reading between the lines of your post I assume you cannot spare the time to "live" in Colombia long enough to meet the residency requirements.

T

"cook some rice!"

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