Can you change from K1 to K3

[sambear]

I have a couple questions I hope I can get direction on. I have applied and have received approval on the I129-F for my Canadian fiance and he has received his packet to start the process for the K1. We were hoping to be married in June but the paperwork in his packet says it can take another 4 to 6 months AFTER his checklist has been sent in. Do you have to actually wait until you have all the requested paperwork in hand before you send the checklist in or can you make the requests to the proper channels and then send it in? Also is it possible to get married and request a K3 instead? I know you need the I129-F approved for both processes but am not sure if you can change half way through.
Thanks for your help!!

 

[elcupacabras]

No- you cant change from K1 to K3. Should you marry before you enter the US, then the K1 will be deemed abandoned and you will have to start from scratch with a K3/CR1.

As for the checklist. Well the embassy advices you not to submit it until you have all the documents, though as long as you can ensure that you will have all these documents ready by the time of interview, then you should be fine. I personally didnt have them all ready and to hand, though I anticipated how long it would take me to get each one, and then once I was confident I would have them all in my possession by the time my interview would come around, I sent off my checklist.