ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev US Embassy interview average process time?

Hi Igor!

Elena said it last approximately 3 hours. She and Anton were there approximately at 0830 and were out the door around 1130. I think there were two other couples there. It all depends on how busy they are. I wish you good luck but I know all will be perfect.



Thanks Mehmet!

[img]http://http://en.loadtr.com/animated_train-425102.htm[/img]
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-16 15:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev US Embassy interview average process time?
Well, we finally have an interview date, 17 June at 9:00 AM. Lena wants to get an estimate of how long the interview lasts from start to finish from those of you who have gone through the process. She needs to consider what time to schedule her return train ride back to Kharkov. I realize that an estimate is - just that but please chime-in. Thanks so much!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-16 15:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs translation necessary?
Thank you all again.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-22 18:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs translation necessary?

I would do the translations just in case. It won't hurt + better safe than sorry.



Yes, this is my thought as well is to better be safe than sorry and translate but, but, but, Lena wants to know if it is necessary...this is a difficult question to answer because of the remote possibility that the CO (may) ask for the English translation. Then, Lena says, "well, who can translate? Is it anybody from the street? This person must have a certificate or license to translate professionally and, and this person also must put a notary stamp on each document!" - Whooo-ooch! :bonk:

There is no definitive answer as I see it. I will call Kiev tomorrow and ask for their take on this. I'm sure the official instruction will be read to me as the last time I called for 12 USD. :wacko:

Thanks for your continuing support!

Igor
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-22 12:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs translation necessary?
Thanks for your response. Here is what the US Embassy in Kiev states:

TRANSLATIONS: Documents in English, Ukrainian or Russian do not need to be translated. When you arrive for the interview, you MUST present all the original documents accompanied by an English translation, which is produced by a certified translator, only if the document is not in English, Ukrainian or Russian. After the interview, all originals except the medical examination report will be returned to you. The consular officer has the right to request translation of any submitted document.

But, it is my understanding that the CO has the discretion to ask for any documents presented to be translated into English. Does this really happen. Experienced VJ'ers please? Thanks.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-22 10:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs translation necessary?
I know based on the instructions on the US Embassy site and in packet 4, if and when documents requested by the CO are in Russian, is it his discretion to request some or all to be translated into English? All of our documents are either Russsian or Ukrainian. Should we translate all into English? Or is this a non-issue? Thank? :bonk:

Igor and Lena
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-22 10:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe best of times, the worst of times.
My prayers are with you.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-30 06:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime after the interview for visa issuance

I bought the tickets ahead of time. Like you said, it's a risk. But it seemed calculated and I was ready to take the hit if it happened. Everything worked out and she got the visa in time.


I believe there is merit in taking one day at a time. I was sure that Lena's medical was going to be a breeze last month and yes, most are but, she was required to return the next week for repeat studies. I will not buy the ticket until she has her visa in hand. Damn the additional cost!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-01 15:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCan health issues get citizenship revoked?

I wouldn't necessarily give up my burgers, but I would live on a spacecraft with some Russians for a few years.



Can do without the Gamburger but not without the vanna! But not 6 times a day like my SO!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-02 10:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCan health issues get citizenship revoked?

Any one know if AKdiver is dead yet?


Maybe he suffers from...

Mal de Mir: a queasy feeling in the stomach after having lived for almost a decade on an old Russian spacecraft without a burger and a real bath.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-01 15:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Father's Day
Happy Father's Day - especially to the fathers who have sole custody of their children!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-19 07:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Thanks. Much appreciated!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-23 16:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Thank you. Wish you a speedy journey!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-23 04:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Yes the CO asked basic questions like when did you meet, what is my job, how many children do I have, do you have children, will you bring your son to the US, that was it. You can go to interview reviews and read the entire review in Lena's words if interested.

Her passport with visa and some originals will be sent to her address by FedEx. It can take up to one week to arrive. Don't purchase the ticket until she has her visa in her hand. Our interview was 17 June and Lena has not yet received her visa. Good luck!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-22 20:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!

Congrats!


Thank you for your kind thoughts.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-19 12:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Yes I know - It's off to work I go!

AOS, EAD, ROC, GC, post secondary education for my teenage sons who reside with me, etc. Good thing Lena will work when she is able to! Life is good!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-19 07:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Well then I better have some rest before she comes home.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-18 19:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!

Super! Posted Image Congrats!!!! Dont forget to post a review before Jun 30th. After that, you'll forget.Posted Image



Ha ha ha! :rofl:

Thank you Ellie and Vadimir! I just posted Lena's interview review on our Timeline page in her exact words. I better get back to cleaning up the house and assembling the shoe organizer I bought today. :luv: :D
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-18 15:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!

Congrats! You will be together soon!!!


Thank you those who came before us. Tickets from Kharkov to Detroit will be purchased for arrival on 30 June. Ochen Khorosho!!!!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-17 10:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApproved in Kiev!
Just received the call I had been anxiously waiting for! Lena's K-1 was approved. I don't have the details yet but she did say that the CO looked at her nearly 2 kilos of evidence and cordially declined to review any of it! We'll post a review soon. Thank you my RUB friends for your help during this stage!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-17 03:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDoes medical require embassy interview appointment
You don't need a set interview date for her to arrange for the medical exam. You will need the KEV case number however. Lena did her medical about 1 month before her interview date. Good luck!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-24 16:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusArrived!!!

Congrats!


Lena arrives in early July. We're in Sterling Heights. p.primak@comcast.net
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-24 17:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusArrived!!!
Congrats!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-24 17:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2 approved June 6!
Thank you so much!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-23 18:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2 approved June 6!

What I did for Olya is write a new affidavit of support I-384 for her and gave her my current pay stubs and my past 3 years of tax returns. I happened to visit again almost 6 weeks before her interview. I also e-mail her my current pay stubs and a letter from my employeer. Olya has a complete duplicate of my I-129F filling. Her interview is tomorrow morning in Moscow. I'll fnd out how all went when I wake up tomorrow. I have heard that sometimes they do not even ask for the affidavit of support. Nevertheless, I included it in my original petition. Good luck to you and Elena!!!! :thumbs:



Good luck! Wake up smiling!

Post her review to help others.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-21 16:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo
I am really beginning to understand that you must pay the right person in order to accomplish or obtain anything in Ukraine and maybe the other RUB counties as well.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-04 17:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo
Thank you. This is helpful.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-03 17:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo
I tried calling the Ukrainian Consulate General of Chicago but all I got was a voicemail box and left a message. :wacko: Left an email message as well regarding my question about renewal of Lena's internal passport photo since she will be 45 on 30 July. Hopefully, the good Consulate General will return my call. :huh: If interested, The following explains the process of the Internal passport (from Wikipedia). :blink:

Ukraine Internal passport:

Internal passport is issued as an identification document within the country. Citizens are required to obtain the passport at the age of 16 and be in possession of it all of their life. The information in the passport includes the full name of the person (family name, patronymic name, given name), date and place of birth, photograph and signature of the holder, name of spouse if married, names of dependent children (younger than 16 year old), military eligibility, and the address of registration. The passport has no present expiration date. Changes in marital status, military registration, and place of residence are subsequently recorded in the passport. Additional photographs need to be added at the age of 25 and 45. New passport can be obtained if there is a change in holder's name, most commonly due to marriage. New passports are also issued due to significant wear or tear, or when lost or stolen.

The information in the passport is recorded in Ukrainian language, except for the full name, date and place of birth, and issuing authority, which are given both in Ukrainian and Russian.

The domestic passport is of no use outside of Ukraine, except for travel to certain CIS countries and Georgia. For international travel Ukrainians can obtain so-called "abroad" passport.

Ukraine had a plan to replace domestic passports with ID cards beginning in 2008, but postponed it to the future.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-27 17:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo
Thanks Brad, as I mentioned, I'll call the UA Consulate for clarification. Sticky wicket.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-26 18:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo

I dont know what internal passport is, but the international passport, is expiring in July, then I would say she should get it renewed in Ukraine itself before starting her travel.

At POE when you have passport that is expiring pretty soon after arrival is not liked by the officers.


All of the people from Ukraine require an internal passport. Her international passport will not expire soon.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-26 16:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo

In Russia, Ukraine (and, I believe, some other countries) we have internal passports (used as an ID pretty much everywhere) and international pasports (which are in English and are used for travelling).
I believe that the OP is talking about the internal passport (the international passport needs to be changed every 10 years, not just have a new picture in it).
The easiest thing will be getting the new picture in the passport before she leaves Ukraine. You might have to use the option that tom&tanya mentioned. It might be hard or impossible to do it in the consulate (I'm not sure about Ukrainian passports, Russian internal passports can't be renewed by the consulate). Another option is just wait for her firs visit back, she'll have to pay a fine for not doing it on time, but it's not a big deal, plus she won't need her internal passport in the USA anyway.
Now I'll let the guys with Ukrainian wives talk, cause they probably know more than I do.


Thank you Ona and others. Yes, I gave her your suggestion to use this time before her voyage to go and try to have her "internal" passport photo renewed. She told me that after the Ukraine became an independent country, everyone was required to obtain an internal Ukraine passport. It seems unusual but photos must be retaken every 10 years. The passport has no expiration date. Only the date it was issued. Just to be sure, I will call the Ukraine Consulate in Chicago also. :)
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-26 16:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine Passport Photo
Lena's POE will be in July. She informed me that everyone who holds a Ukraine passport is required to have a new passport photo every 10 years. Her expiration date is 30 July and she will be arriving here on 15 July. Question: can we renew with the Ukraine Consulate office in Chicago after she arrives. Thanks.

Igor
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-06-26 13:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine
Gonna shop for a few foodstuffs prior to Lena's arrival on Monday. After the long voyage she only asked me to buy black tea, good russian bread, cheese, oranges, banana and milk...oh yes a little kulbasa and vegetables for soup.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-07 18:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine
She is now bringing only 50 bikini. Thanks for the good advice.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-04 20:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine

Does Meest provide packing materials? Sounds silly but, are there any packaging centers in the big cities where cardboard cartons can be purchased? Lena is at a loss as to where she will find boxes. Where is a UHaul Store when you need one? :huh: :wacko: :unsure: :blink:



I have found an acceptable solution. Meest has an office in Kharkov and to ship personal items, it will cost 5.00 USD per kg port-to-port. At 50 and above kilos, the cost drops slightly to 4.40 USD per kg. To have the items picked up in Ukraine and delivered to the US residence, add an additional 85 USD. :)

Thanks all! :)
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-04 10:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine

We've shipped about 15 huge boxes of stuff through Meest and always had a good experience. I'd recommend them as well.



Does Meest provide packing materials? Sounds silly but, are there any packaging centers in the big cities where cardboard cartons can be purchased? Lena is at a loss as to where she will find boxes. Where is a UHaul Store when you need one? :huh: :wacko: :unsure: :blink:
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-01 13:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine

Have you tried Meest? I just shipped 110 lbs for 175.
http://www.meest.us/


Will try Meest. Thank you :thumbs:
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-01 11:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine

We are paying a considerable amount for the extra bag for Lena's Lufthansa flight to the US. What she will be taking with her is a fraction of what she would like to eventually send over. I've checked a number of international shipping/freight companies prices and was astounded with their quotes (i.e., 100 kilos = $1200 port to port). Can anyone suggest a pocket book friendly company for us? Otherwise, the remaining 100 bikini, etc. must stay in the Ukraine :) :D


Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-01 09:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShipping Personal Items from Ukraine
We are paying a considerable amount for the extra bag for Lena's Lufthansa flight to the US. I've checked a number of international shipping/freight companies prices and was astounded with their quotes (i.e., 100 kilos = $1200 port to port). Can anyone suggest a pocket book friendly company for us? Otherwise, the remaining 100 bikini, etc. must stay in the Ukraine :) :D
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-01 08:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview date

My fiance just called and received the interview date. I have read others here before posting about the US citizen calling to try and move the interview date up. I know everyone wants their fiance here faster but I am trying to get it move forward as my fiance has a child who will enroll in school. The current interview date will be pushing the start of school.

Can someone tell me if I can call the embassy in Kyiv to try and change the date? Thanks in advance. I am very excited that we at least have an interview date.


Many congratulations. My Lena will arrive here next Monday! Try calling every few days, what can it hurt?
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-07-06 15:19:00