ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice checks
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Jan 5 2008, 12:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here's a cool link from the Norweigian embassy. It talks about immigrant visas, but as many consulates actually process K1's in their immigrant section, it's still appropriate. It's also general enough to serve as a good guide for all consulates.

http://www.usa.no/em...ion/imminst.pdf


Thanks a lotr. It seems that this info is similar to what I was referring to. So, I'm sure now:)
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-06 17:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice checks
QUOTE (rebeccajo @ Jan 4 2008, 11:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually, neither get a police check.

The beneficiary (foreign born fiance/fiancee) needs to order police reports for any country they have lived in longer than 6 months, with the exception of the US or a handful of other countries wherein such certificates are difficult to procure (see DOS website for detailed list).

The petitioning US citizen will not need to produce any written information regarding their criminal background unless they answer 'yes' to certain questions on the I129F. This is a really good time to remember that making any false statements (orally or in writing) to DHS can result in the permanent bar of any immigration benefits.


Hi,

I found this comment on police certificates, and it seems that you've answered the question I wanted to ask the members. I wondered if I have to get a criminal record in a case I've lived in the US longer than six months. I've lived there for last five years, actually, fist studying and then working, but now I'm back in Ukraine to complete the K-1 visa processing. (I got a police certificate from Ukrainian authorities already.)

So, in some other posting dated march06 I found that I don't need to get a criminal record from the U.S. but it was almost two years ago and there is a refernce to the package 3 and I found nothing there. And now I found your posting dated yesterday, so could you please tell me where you read it? I've uploaded package 3 from our Consulate website and have read it many times but found no special note about what I'm interested in. I admit I may have missed it of course but I'm glad I ran into your comment. Once I thought I had found it right here (see the link below in the "Police Certificate" section) but it seems that it's related to Immigrants, not to Non-immigrants who we are.

http://travel.state....195.html#police

We're waiting for our NOA2 now and, since we filed yet in September, we're hoping to get the approval in next few weeks.

Thank you smile.gif .
Masha
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-05 07:34:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDoes everyone get a Packet 3?
Congratulations on your approval! We got ours only few days ago, too jest.gif So happy!!!!

I've also heard that it different for different countries. Check the US Embassy in Albania for K1 visas. You may be able to upload Packet 3 from the website. I did it from the US Embassy in Ukraine's webiste; they actually encourage applicants to rather use this link than be waiting for the packet 3 in the mail due to the fact that regular mail in Ukraine is slow. I've attached the link; check the box in the upper left corner that says "Download information Packet here", then Run, then choose where to Browse the documents (if you don't choose where, it'll be automatically downloaded to the Temporary Files folder on your computer.) Then click UNZIP (you may now all the steps, I'm telling y ou just in case rolleyes.gif But still, the procedure in your contry may be different but this will give you an idea. You could also ask some members from Albania who has there visas already, or call the Embassy (our Embassy though says DO NOT call if your petition was approved less than one month ago:) Good luck!

http://kiev.usembass...K2_eng.html#top
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-12 12:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134, Affidavit of Support
I was recommended by few members for my fiance to use his 2006 tax return since 2007's is not due yet. So we did. (I believe that many people are in a similar situation.) I asked him to photocopy his 2005 and 2004 as well even though it's not required. Our case was approved but the NVC didn't send the petition to the Embassy yet, but I hope to have an interview next month:)

You can check the thread for members' opinions on my 'Posts'.

Good luck to you:)!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-15 18:55:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEmbassy Issues
QUOTE (MasikAndKisya @ Jan 14 2008, 12:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Okay,
So I figured out what part of the problem is with the Kyiv Embassy. Maybe this isn't indicative of everyones experience, but it makes sense to me. This is a letter I sent over there, it speaks for itself, but the locals working at the Embassy need a reality check:

Dear Public Liaison Unit,
The customer service that my fiancée and I have received from this sector of the Consular Section has been impeccable, and I thank you for that. However, the service experienced by my fiancée from the Embassy’s locally hired Ukrainian speaking employees has been atrocious. I am absolutely outraged at the way she was talked at while being notified, via phone, of her passport being delivered back to her today. Likewise, I am appalled that the Embassy would even hire individuals who are lacking basic social graces and polite communication skills. I am sure that the Embassy does not need to be reminded that the individuals working for it are the face of the United States government. As an American citizen I am appalled that anyone would criticize an individual over the phone on not picking up on the first ring and continue on to taunt them about not receiving their VISA in the mail in a timely manner because of it. Furthermore, to speak and behave in such a manner with a matter as delicate as a K-1 VISA is simply unacceptable. If the individual is so unhappy with his job then perhaps he should be reminded how wonderful it is to be unemployed in Kyiv. Furthermore, I would expect that this type of behavior is an outlier and is not representative of all local employees at the Embassy. Given the gravity of this situation it would seem that disciplinary measures need to be taken against the individual, as I doubt that this was the first time an act of this nature has taken place. I will assume that the Embassy would have taken this course of action without my suggestion. A written apology will be sufficient to right this wrong. Pending no response an official complaint will be filed with my Congressional representative and my Senator.

Concerned,
Yuriy


Yuriy, I feel sorry that something has made you that angry with a certain Embassy employee. Can you tell me what happened with her passport? I hope that everything else is fine and you'll be here, in Kiev soon enough to see your fiancee.

Warmest wishes,
Masha
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-16 07:30:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 and the self-employed...
The same here. We photocopied my fiance's 2006 tax return and from 2005 and 2004 just in case. He also added his other investments/savings such as retirement savings, etc, but no any report of commercial rating concern:)
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-16 06:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionvisa fee
QUOTE (mariapoe @ Jan 20 2008, 12:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (etripke @ Jan 16 2008, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mariapoe @ Jan 16 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 15 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
$131 for NON-Immigrant K-Visas. Also you should budget for medical exam required for the visa.


That's a great point! On a top of $131 for visa (paid in ukr currency in the bank), she'll need $100 for a medical test - paid in American dollars. It's also $8 for the passport with the visa delivery and she will also need to buy a password to make an appointment for a visa interview -it's another $12.

I cannot think of anything else:) I'm in Ukraine also, and right now waiting for my NO2 reach the Embassy in Kiev.

Good luck to you:)!


The $131 fee is to be paid in USD not in Hryvna!!!!! at the Embassy.


Are you sure it's paid in USD? I thought so, too, but after I had downloaded Information Packet from the Embassy's website I read this ---
"The total fee for EACH K and V VISA APPLICANT (including children) is $131 payable in Ukrainian Hryvnya equivalent only.
Beginning January 01, 2008 the fee for K and V visa can be paid only at the bank" ---
Anyway, I'll probably ask at the bank - it's right across the street from me and it's faster than get in touch with the Embassy's call center.

RESPONDING TO MYSELF unsure.gif -- forgot to paste this part (it comes few paragraphs later)
"The total fee for EACH IMMIGRANT VISA APPLICANT (including children) is $400 payable in U.S. cash only. You can pay immigrant visa fee only at the Consular Section. You do not need to pay additional immigrant visa fee if it has been already paid at the National Visa Center.
Please, do not pay your visa fees at the bank. The erroneously paid fees are not refundable."
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-20 11:53:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionvisa fee
QUOTE (etripke @ Jan 16 2008, 10:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mariapoe @ Jan 16 2008, 06:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 15 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
$131 for NON-Immigrant K-Visas. Also you should budget for medical exam required for the visa.


That's a great point! On a top of $131 for visa (paid in ukr currency in the bank), she'll need $100 for a medical test - paid in American dollars. It's also $8 for the passport with the visa delivery and she will also need to buy a password to make an appointment for a visa interview -it's another $12.

I cannot think of anything else:) I'm in Ukraine also, and right now waiting for my NO2 reach the Embassy in Kiev.

Good luck to you:)!


The $131 fee is to be paid in USD not in Hryvna!!!!! at the Embassy.


Are you sure it's paid in USD? I thought so, too, but after I had downloaded Information Packet from the Embassy's website I read this ---
"The total fee for EACH K and V VISA APPLICANT (including children) is $131 payable in Ukrainian Hryvnya equivalent only.
Beginning January 01, 2008 the fee for K and V visa can be paid only at the bank" ---
Anyway, I'll probably ask at the bank - it's right across the street from me and it's faster than get in touch with the Embassy's call center.
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-20 11:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionvisa fee
QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jan 15 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
$131 for NON-Immigrant K-Visas. Also you should budget for medical exam required for the visa.


That's a great point! On a top of $131 for visa (paid in ukr currency in the bank), she'll need $100 for a medical test - paid in American dollars. It's also $8 for the passport with the visa delivery and she will also need to buy a password to make an appointment for a visa interview -it's another $12.

I cannot think of anything else:) I'm in Ukraine also, and right now waiting for my NO2 reach the Embassy in Kiev.

Good luck to you:)!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-16 07:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion(K1) Police Certificate: Lived in US for five years
QUOTE (Jesse G @ Jan 21 2008, 06:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jan 21 2008, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
no0pb.gif


No, you will not need a police certificate from the US.


Thank you for your response. And I'm sorry if it was you who I've asked before (I cannot find my initial posting on the police certificates) but could you please tell me how you know that? I just talked to the Embassy and the girl on the phone knew nothing. Apparently, she was reading me from the intstructions she had in front of her - the info I've known forever - and she didn't want to connect me to somebody who'd have more information. I don't know what to do now??
Thanks again
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-24 11:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussion(K1) Police Certificate: Lived in US for five years
Friends, I’m wondering about the following –

Do I need a police certificate from the U.S. if I’ve lived their for five years? I was sure that I didn’t; I mainly relied on the information from www.travel.state.gov (link below) but have also consulted a few people on this website, so I figured I was all set. Today, after talking to some guy who heard it from the friend who had another friend blah-blah-blah… I was told that I may still need it. I’m confused now. There is nothing specific about the cases similar to mine in the Information Packet I downloaded from the Embassy’s website (good question why?) Right now, I’m waiting for my petition to reach the Embassy in Ukraine (where I currently am) and to schedule an interview.

Can anybody who’s been in the same situation to clarify this for me please???
Thank you very much helpsmilie.gif !

http://travel.state....195.html#police
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-21 16:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionlink for packet 3
QUOTE (BryantAliona @ Jan 23 2008, 10:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi,guys!
Does anybody have a link for the packet 3 content?
Thanks


What about your medical? Are you gonna be having it in Moldova or the country where you'll be going for your interview??

Yeah, check the link to the Information Packet from the Embassy in Kiev - to use it as an example. Right now, I'd only be concerned about police certificate (if you lived in other countries than Moldova for longer than 6 months) and your birth certificate that must be translated and notarized. Police certificates are valid for either 6, or 12 months, so still you may do it a bit later.

For your visa interview, you'll also need to sumbit an Affidavit of Support, I-134 from your fiance that must be notarized by notary public in the US (I think all countries' applicants do it with no exception.) Check this form from "Example Forms" on this website.) You can also find it here --

http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

Good luck!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-27 07:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDisrespectful interview once, how about 2 times?
I'm sorry that happened to you and your fiancee back in summer, that sucks! I thought about the same thing many times before, it's just so unfair! I understand that fraud happens but why, WHY, say, I cannot go to America to see my boyfriend, stay with him for some time, he'd take care of me ... what's up with all this marriage thing anyway??? British and Canadians are going back and forth (lucky them:) ! and poor Eastern European people cannot go with a honest visit!!!

With your case, I'm sure you'll be fine. It's two different types of visa and, as other members stressed, your fiancee is required to produce totally different evidence, and if it's all fine with it, you guys will be ok! (I know the feeling though; I'll be scheduling my interview next week and I'm a bit freeking out, it's all getting so close... smile.gif

Good luck smile.gif
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-27 17:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Visa Approved! (A September Filer)
friends, thank you for your greetings! i still cannot beleive that at least first part of my visajourney is over:)

i just booked a ticket to fly back to the US on Feb23... so happy!!!

all the best to everyone! and good luck!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-05 08:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Visa Approved! (A September Filer)
My K1 Visa was approved! I had an interview earlier today and it went super smooth! I got lucky when calling the Consulate last Monday to check if they had recieved our petition from NVC, I was offered an appointment only ONE WEEK from then! I'll be posting a review on the US Embassy in Ukraine page.

I wasn't very active posting here but wanted to thank everyone who's a part of this great forum! It was a challenge to wait for NO2 but now I think that it has been a part of my life for so long to chase everybody's timelines, checking when who got what ... I think I'll miss it a bit...

I wish everybody good luck and for your journey to be as easy as our's has been:) ! Sincerely rose.gif ,

Masha good.gif
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-04 10:08:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam in Cuba
You can check posts on your country's portal or try finding it on the US Embassy's in Havana website. There could be some info.

In Ukraine, I had usuall stuff like they checked my blood pressure, my vision, asked bunch of questions if I used drugs, etc, etc... They do x-ray for tuberculosis and blood test for HIV and syphilis, if I'm not mistaken...
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-01-28 16:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Interview at the consulate in Kiev, Ukraine
QUOTE (Sean & Marina @ Feb 7 2008, 12:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
About the beauocracy in America I have to agree that we sometimes have problems just as bad as the Ukraine as well, but in my post I was only specifically talking about the consulate in Kiev, not America. Yes, they do have new lines outside the embassy based on times, but they are NOT for people going for IMMIGRANT visas. If you are there for immigrant visas you just need to pass everyone by and go to the gate entry with your documentation. The inside area is much nicer than being outside. Yes, you can take your jacket off there if you want, but both my wife and I still didn't like the lack of knowledge and professionalism on the part of the Ukrainian workers there. We BOTH also agree that the Americans there are working hard to overcome the problems that are sometimes created by their Ukrainian counterparts. I must also comment that, yes, there are sometimes people ther without notarized documents, etc. but the truth is that they were NOT required to have notarized copies (as per written instuctions and what the Americans told them) yet the Ukrainian were just about "giddy" demanding people meet requirements that were not necessary. I don't think they understand that we are not as NOTARY happy as the people are in the Ukraine. The difference is how our societies conduct business. I've noticed that in the Ukraine, people do not trust anyone and always seem to suspect that people will llie or cheat and therby DEMAND everything to be notarized. To contrast, in America we rarely demand notarizations, instead requiring only signatures on documents. The reason is simple. In America, our culture does not automatically expect people will lie or cheat. We automatically expect the exact opposite, that what people say and so are honest. This simple difference in how the two societies conduct themselves were incredibly evident at the consulate. This is not just an opinion of a single America. My opinion comes form years of traveling experience and is matched by the opinion of my Ukrainian wife as well.


QUOTE (mariapoe @ Feb 7 2008, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations guys! I know how exciting you must be jest.gif ! I got my passport with visa only two hours ago, it's amazing!!!

I have to make a little comment on your review. My experience with the Embassy was much better. Or, may be, because I've had interviews for student visa two times in last six years, this fiancee visa interview seemed much more pleasant. Did you see all this people crowded in that covered area? After I went through check point and they told me to go straight to the building to the Immigration Section, I was very much surprised. That area is warm, it has chairs and water, you can take your coat off, and it makes you feel good. For student visas (as well as for tourist) you'd remain in that crowded covered area outside the Embassy building where a hundred people waiting for their number be called up and go for the interview. Comparing to this, the fact that the girl checking my documents wasn't super friendly didn't bother me. She was polite and professional; I'm sure they are the way they're trained to be. Also, I saw two people in front of me who didn't have some documents either tranlsated, or notarized, and they were let out to get this done and come back right away for the interview. About the luggage, I, for example, wasn't suspicious when left my little perce in that apartment paying $2 for that. They let you take your wallet and cell phone (no, cell phones are left at checkpoint), so I wasn't afraid to leave my stuff over there. It's not convinient but it's the only choice, so I didn't mind!

About the fact that you felt like in the Embassy Americans made it easy for you and Ukrainians did not, I respectfully disagree. You see, I love America, the man I love is American, I've lived there for five years, and I know it's safe, and secure, and you can live your life with dignity. But, once again, I lived there for long enough to know that amount of nonsense people face sometimes dealing with officials at school, at work, etc, is unbelieavable. People who are supposed to be competent turn out to be unable to help and you are left with no answer to whatever quesiton you had. I think the bureaucracy is the same everywhere. It's an excellent advice though to talk to American to clarify specific issues like tax forms, etc.

What pissed me off big time (and basically, the only thing about Ukrainian part of this process,) that when I called the Embassy asking if I needed a police certificate because I lived in US for five years, I both times was told YES. I knew it must have been wrong because I had info from the state.gov (immigration section) that I didn't need it. But since K1 visa is so confusing in terms of that it's non-immigrant actually, I wanted to make sure. Only when I sent an email, I got a clear answer the NO, I don't need to have a police certificte in the US.

To finish about the interview. Remember those lines 8.30/8.45... 9.00/9.15...? Imagine that it wasn't like that before. Two years ago when I was there last time, there was just a huge crowd of people and you had to scream - who is for 9.30, and you'd be the next after the last person in this vitual line. Now, they had this little lines according to scheduled time. I think that this little optimization helps a lot to keep everything in a certain order. In Ukraine, they don't have similar line-separators (I don't know how they're called) like in American banks, post offices, ticket offices, etc. I find it extremely convinient and smart comparing to forming all the horrible 'flocks' here.

I didn't mean to be harsh wink.gif . I just know how things are generally done in Ukraine and, to find out how the Embassy administer K1 visa applicants was a good experience (especially comparing to that horrible medical; I'm sure you've heard about it.)

GONGRATULATIONS ONE MORE TIME! AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF JOURNEY smile.gif !

Masha



You're right that our two countries conduct business differently. I've always felt safe and secure in America; every time I come back to Ukraine I cannot believe the mess around. I agree that there is so many cheating and lieing here, in Ukraine, that people are always afraid be cheated on or lied to. Unfortunately, it's a long way to a better system here.

As for the whole experience, I've probably had a more quilifed clerk who did initial processing of my paperwork at the interview. Besides, I thought that the interview would take much longer than it took. I was happy it was over that soon. That's it smile.gif !
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-07 14:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa Interview at the consulate in Kiev, Ukraine
Congratulations guys! I know how exciting you must be jest.gif ! I got my passport with visa only two hours ago, it's amazing!!!

I have to make a little comment on your review. My experience with the Embassy was much better. Or, may be, because I've had interviews for student visa two times in last six years, this fiancee visa interview seemed much more pleasant. Did you see all this people crowded in that covered area? After I went through check point and they told me to go straight to the building to the Immigration Section, I was very much surprised. That area is warm, it has chairs and water, you can take your coat off, and it makes you feel good. For student visas (as well as for tourist) you'd remain in that crowded covered area outside the Embassy building where a hundred people waiting for their number be called up and go for the interview. Comparing to this, the fact that the girl checking my documents wasn't super friendly didn't bother me. She was polite and professional; I'm sure they are the way they're trained to be. Also, I saw two people in front of me who didn't have some documents either tranlsated, or notarized, and they were let out to get this done and come back right away for the interview. About the luggage, I, for example, wasn't suspicious when left my little perce in that apartment paying $2 for that. They let you take your wallet and cell phone (no, cell phones are left at checkpoint), so I wasn't afraid to leave my stuff over there. It's not convinient but it's the only choice, so I didn't mind!

About the fact that you felt like in the Embassy Americans made it easy for you and Ukrainians did not, I respectfully disagree. You see, I love America, the man I love is American, I've lived there for five years, and I know it's safe, and secure, and you can live your life with dignity. But, once again, I lived there for long enough to know that amount of nonsense people face sometimes dealing with officials at school, at work, etc, is unbelieavable. People who are supposed to be competent turn out to be unable to help and you are left with no answer to whatever quesiton you had. I think the bureaucracy is the same everywhere. It's an excellent advice though to talk to American to clarify specific issues like tax forms, etc.

What pissed me off big time (and basically, the only thing about Ukrainian part of this process,) that when I called the Embassy asking if I needed a police certificate because I lived in US for five years, I both times was told YES. I knew it must have been wrong because I had info from the state.gov (immigration section) that I didn't need it. But since K1 visa is so confusing in terms of that it's non-immigrant actually, I wanted to make sure. Only when I sent an email, I got a clear answer the NO, I don't need to have a police certificte in the US.

To finish about the interview. Remember those lines 8.30/8.45... 9.00/9.15...? Imagine that it wasn't like that before. Two years ago when I was there last time, there was just a huge crowd of people and you had to scream - who is for 9.30, and you'd be the next after the last person in this vitual line. Now, they had this little lines according to scheduled time. I think that this little optimization helps a lot to keep everything in a certain order. In Ukraine, they don't have similar line-separators (I don't know how they're called) like in American banks, post offices, ticket offices, etc. I find it extremely convinient and smart comparing to forming all the horrible 'flocks' here.

I didn't mean to be harsh wink.gif . I just know how things are generally done in Ukraine and, to find out how the Embassy administer K1 visa applicants was a good experience (especially comparing to that horrible medical; I'm sure you've heard about it.)

GONGRATULATIONS ONE MORE TIME! AND GOOD LUCK FOR THE REST OF JOURNEY smile.gif !

Masha
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-07 09:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhy cant we just pick up the visa?
QUOTE (BlakeandOlha @ Feb 5 2008, 08:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (mariapoe @ Feb 5 2008, 04:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Since your fiancee has a son, make sure that all required documents are translated and notarized if required. While waiting for my interview yesterday, I saw a couple of women with children who claimed that they didn't know that documents must be translated, etc., which I don't beleive was true. Just have all your paperwork in perfect order, and your application forms filled properly. They love it organized indeed! And let me give you piece of advice about the medical. They say it's open from 9am to 12pm. Come as early as you can, 9am it is! There is a long line. I came 10.40 and was the last they could register that day. There was a woman whose interview was next day and she was freaking out that she wouldn' be able to finish it in time. They keep doing test after 12pm as well, but the registration closes at that time, so it's better to be there earlier.

I know it's a long way till the inteview but it'll be fine. Good luck:)!


Thanks, I've sent an e-mail - just waiting for a response. Thanks also for the advice on the medical - I read somewhere earlier that it didn't make much of a difference. I'll post what I hear back from the embassy.


Please, let me know what the Embassy replies. I got my passport today. I got a call from the Embassy yesterday and was told that they'd lost one of my little photos from the application form. They asked if I still had a copy of the same picture and I said 'yes'. They offered me to come over today, to bring the photo, and, in return, they'd give me my passport with visa. So, I got it today! I bought a plane ticket too - Feb23 I'm going home kicking.gif !!!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-07 17:18:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionWhy cant we just pick up the visa?
QUOTE (BlakeandOlha @ Feb 5 2008, 10:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank you for your response, your insights were very helpful. To answer your question, we are not looking to fly directly from Kyiv once the visa is issued. Here is the sequence of events that I have in mind (if it were a perfect world): I would arrive in Kyiv two days before the interview as would my girl. (day 1) She will be bringing her six year old son with her. The day before the interview she will have her medical exam (Day 2) The next morning we go to the embassy and have the interview (Day 3) The next day we would hopefully be able to pick up the visa and head back to Zaporozhje that night. (Day 4) Days 5 & 6 would be spent saying our goodbyes and packing up. Day 7 we all board the morning flight from Zaporozhje to Kyiv and on to the US. Timing is an important consideration for her son and his starting of school in the US - I don't want him to miss too much.

If there is no way for me to get the visa the next day then... I would still go to be with her at the medical and interview, but then would accompany her down to Zaporozhje where I would sit for up to two weeks. I have no idea when to plan the return trip (buying tickets etc.) under this scenario. The medical, the interview, and the flight are all very significant events in her life, her son's life, and in my life - I want to be with her every step of the way. If my perfect world scenario is possible, then I can go the entire route with her. I also do not think my employer will be all that happy with a 18-20 day absence, and obviously, I have to keep them happy as well.

I hope this clarifies my thinking. Thanks again for your post.


It's gonna be tough. I'd recommend for your fiancee to call the Consulate and ask the question. She'd pay for her call but at least you'll have some info. Or, you know what? Send an email. People on the phone are rather useless. I emailed a question about the police certificate (I lived in US for five years and wasn't sure if I needed one from there) and in about 5-6 days I had a clear answer to my questions (which I didn't get from the people at Call Center.) The email is KyivIV@state.gov. If you ask and still cannot pick up your visa the next day after the interview, may be you'd be able to pick it up on your way back from Zaporozhje. It will make it impossible for you to fly from Zaporozhje to Kyiv and then to just transfer to the flight to US though. You'd rather take a train, stop by the Embassy, and then take a taxi to the aiport. That's annoying but could be an option, too.

Since your fiancee has a son, make sure that all required documents are translated and notarized if required. While waiting for my interview yesterday, I saw a couple of women with children who claimed that they didn't know that documents must be translated, etc., which I don't beleive was true. Just have all your paperwork in perfect order, and your application forms filled properly. They love it organized indeed! And let me give you piece of advice about the medical. They say it's open from 9am to 12pm. Come as early as you can, 9am it is! There is a long line. I came 10.40 and was the last they could register that day. There was a woman whose interview was next day and she was freaking out that she wouldn' be able to finish it in time. They keep doing test after 12pm as well, but the registration closes at that time, so it's better to be there earlier.

I know it's a long way till the inteview but it'll be fine. Good luck:)!
mariapoeFemaleUkraine2008-02-05 17:43:00