ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IMBRA Special Topics1 prev approv K-1 Petition within 1 year that was cx require a waiver for 2nd K-1?
I am in the same boat.
Original K1 filed Feb 2004; approved July 2004
She arrived July 2004-stayed only 6 weeks before culture shock took its toll.
This K1 was filed Mar 24 2006, so going by your reasoning, the 2 year limit from filing date of first petion until approval of second petion will be satisfied.
At the ate USCIS is going, it will be 2 years from approval to approval

Any thoughts?
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-06-29 17:25:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects

I hope that´s ´cus of the situation, and not for me. :o


it's for the ENTIRE situation!!!!!!! :crying:
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-06-20 14:58:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects

If am not mistaken, you have to send your RFE letter back, which has your name and case number, so you´ll have to wait for yours.



%#@&#*%@$#^ :ranting: :ranting: :ranting: :ranting:
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-06-20 13:33:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects
Sorry if this is a dumb question----
When someone scans and posts the first RFE --- can I print and fill it out? With a NOA1 date of MAR 24; CSC will be another eon or two getting to me. I just thought I could have the RFE already filled and returned to them.
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-06-20 05:47:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects
Letters to legislators as well as DHS Ombudsman sent yesterday. Add another tiny voice crying in the wilderness.


BTW-in case you need the info www.vote-smart.org will give you names and addresses of your Reps
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-05-31 17:57:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects
Hi Gary,
add us to your list
NOA1
aikorob........K1.......TSC........Ukraine...........03-31-06

I guess I will be a REAL good guinea pig for IMBRA compliance----K1 several years ago--she recieved visa, but only stayed for 6 weeks. Met current fiance through MB in Dec of 2004.


Incedentally, the restraining order brought by IMBs in Georgia was only against certian portions of the act: they would be required to get background check of USC; forward to foriegn national, and get explicit permission to release contact information of said FN before going any further.
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-05-27 13:12:00
IMBRA Special TopicsLets collect some information about IMBRA effects
aikorob K1 Ukraine TSC 03/31


Can someone tell me if the additional checking being done by USCIS will require any input from us, or is this another internal check by them?
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-05-24 11:04:00
IMBRA Special Topicscalifornia rfe,,,got mine!!
Nice little RFE from those fine folks at USCIS -waiting for me when I got home. FINALLY!!!! I will overnight this puppy after work tommorrow.


BTW-also had a message on my machine from Congressman Gingrey's office. Gist of it was "final processing should take another 60-90 days.....will probably be sooner, but you should make plans using the longer time. They are adding extra people to clear the backlog."

Not sure if this needs to be seperated out or not---I filed another K1 in Feb 2004; approved in July 2004---she came, but only stayed 6 weeks--she couldn't handle rural life. Should I go ahead and send in a waiver request, or just get it together IN CASE I get tagged for another RFE?
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-06-29 17:16:00
USCIS Service CentersCSC Class of 2006 IMBRA RFE
Uling-
Mistake in RFE date in my timeline--I fixed it.
Great job you are doing!!!!!!
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-07-31 09:20:00
United KingdomAny Atlanta People??
We were just up there on Thursday, the 16th.
The exit is for Howell Mill Road--at the top of the ramp, take a right. Like Kathryn said; after you turn on Howell Mill, get in the left lane--Collier Road will be on the left.
Wife's appt. was for noon--we got there around 11:20. They made everybody line up out side until 11:45 or so.

ONLY APPLICANTS WERE ALLOWED IN--NO SPOUSES. NO CELL PHONES; NO PURSES OR BAGS. MAKE SURE YOU BRING YOUR APPOINTMENT LETTER.

The Mrs. was out by 12:30--only bright note of the day---they stamped her appointment letter, and said it would be sufficient proof for Georgia DMV to get her driver's license
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-08-18 04:45:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Ukraine Police Certificate
She is trying to get more info--
perhaps this is an internal Ukraine thing---not wanting the elderly parents to be unsupported; or perhaps the lawyer wants a "gift" to help with this other document?
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-01-30 08:03:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Ukraine Police Certificate
I hope you folks can help us; or give us some guidance---I recieved a SMS from N. this morning. She had finally recieved her police certificate, and was ready to request the interview from the embassy.
The SMS read:
"in police lawyer tell me that I need papers from my parents. Permit. if they not work."

The only thing that comes to my mind is the "exit visa" stamp --- but I thought that was involving taxes that might be owed to Ukrainian government. All the embassy cares about the police certificate is that she does not have an outstanding record.
Have any of you heard about this?
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-01-30 06:58:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Really---never had ANY hassles going in or returning from Odessa or Kiev


I've told her repeatedly that the greencard will be all she needs---plus it has her photo--- even the most dense DHS official should be able to match a face.
aikorobMaleUkraine2008-01-08 19:12:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Hi folks---I have a question for the married couples.
My wife is planning her first visit back to Odessa in March, but she has some MAJOR concerns. The important points are:

1. She kept her name after we were married.
2. Her birth certificate is from USSR---her name is listed--First; Patronymic; Last
3. Her passport is Ukraine---her name is listed--First; Last
4. Greencard has her name same as birth certificate (Homeland Security goes by this document first)

She is very worried that since her greencard and passport do not match EXACTLY, she will not be able to return to the US. When we went for the greencard interview, the case officer said the only way he knew it could be resolved was by her going down to the county courthouse and filing a name change.

Does anyone have any suggestions or thoughts on this?

BTW---she will use JFK as POE if that makes any difference.
aikorobMaleUkraine2008-01-08 15:51:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (LvivLovers @ Oct 9 2007, 01:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just FYI, I bought my tickets directly through NWA but they used their partner KLM. It seemed that I got about the same price as going through Orbitz...Orbitz didn't offer the ability to buy a ticket originating from Ukraine...that's why I went through NWA directly. My roundtrip ticket was about $800. For her ticket 1-way from Kyiv, they wanted $2,500. I asked if I could just get her a roundtrip ticket like mine but just not use the first half. They said no...they would cancel if she didn't show up on the way over. So finally I told them to make a roundtrip ticket starting in Ukraine and then returning later on in the year even though she probably won't use it. That dropped the price down to about $800. Ah...the silly games airlines play. My guess is you can probably get even cheaper tickets...I was too busy working on other things to shop around more. Hope this helps someone.


Oh one more thing. Anyone know a cheap way to ship things to the USA from Ukraine? My wife is an avid reader and doesn't want to leave her books behind! hahaha She's got 100-200 kilograms worth which could get expensive transporting as luggage. She thinks she may have a company that will do it for about $3/kg but am just curious to see if anyone knows a cheaper way. Thanks!


We have the same problem---my wife wants her stuff from Odessa also. There is a company called Meest---but if I remember correctly, the prices they quote on shipping by sea are from the docks in Odessa to their terminal in Jersey--you are responsible for getting it delivered down here. Have you really looked at paying the "extra baggage" fee from the airlines? Or you could possibly find someone else visiting Lviv to act as your mule. Right now our plan is: on her next visit back to Odessa (probably in April) I am going to accompany her also, and we will pack the maximum allowed in the luggage to bring back here.
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-10-11 06:02:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Hi folks,
Just a short note to inform you of our post-marriage USCIS involvement:

N. received her approved AP papers on the 20th of last month; along with a notice that her greencard interview was scheduled for Nov. 14 (4 months exactly since we filed the papers). Monday we received a notice that her EAD card was approved and mailed. This seemed fast even though we had 2 RFEs--first was because I did not send copies of my W-2 with tax return; second was because they could not find records of her medical exam from Kiev.

The EAD card will allow her to get her driver's license here which will give her mobility, and allow her to look for a job. Now all we have to do is pass the interview hurdle next month.
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-10-03 13:47:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
MAriya,
Vaccinations are not required until you file for AOS. It would be much easier for you to get them before you leave (probably cheaper also)

oh wait---I just noticed you were filing CR-1---your rules may be different. I know my statement above is true for K1
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-09-12 05:59:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Zadan,
You will be outside of security zone once you travel between terminals. There is 1 exit from customs at terrminal 4, so it will be easy to spot your sweetheart when she exits---don't forget the flowers rose.gif

PS-secondary processing times will vary depending on the work load--it took my wife 2 hours to get through after her plane landed

Unless it has changed in past few months, I-134 was considered "optional" --I sent the same financial docs as you did---without I-134
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-09-10 06:09:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
E,
I think you were replying to me.
Long story on the reason she gave me---she had worked for police in Odessa before; and there was a waiting period of x number of years that she could not leave the country---departmental secrets or some such. She had to get a friend to issue her report, and then she mistakenly sent it to the embassy when she sent the request for interview. By that time her friend had also left the department, so she had to find someone else who could help her. It took her months to get a new police certificate.
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-09-08 08:24:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Etripke,
No need to wait for embassy to send info packet---have your girl download it from embassy site. I had my lady do this as soon as we learned KEV# , so we had everything ready and assembled when they finally scheduled her interview. Medical and other documents are good for a year----be sure to tell her to get a copy of her medical exam for YOUR records. Our illustrious DHS cretins lost Nataly's exam somewhere between JFK and our AOS application. She had to go to a CS here for a complete new medical exam. Interview in Kiev was VERY easy---they only asked her one question.
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-09-06 16:49:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
A SSN IS required; but if you look at the guides provided here, there is a notation on there from the Social Security Administration that a K1 visa recipient does not require the EAD stamp to beginn work once they have a SSN
However, since the K1 expires after 90 days, so does the implicit work authorization--she will then need to file for a formal EAD.

BTW--I can verify the SHORT interview from Kiev---they only asked Nataliya 1 question at her interview in March

Edited by aikorob, 26 July 2007 - 05:48 PM.

aikorobMaleUkraine2007-07-26 17:44:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionFedEx transit time in Kiev
I am trying to figure all of the angles before my fiancee sets the interview date.
Due to my critters needing care, I can only be gone a week. I want to be there with her--as moral support, a guide through the airports, and as a pack mule :lol:

Does anyone have any idea how long it takes FedEx to deliver her passport after the interview?
Right now I am loking at scheduling the interview on a Monday, then we could go to Odessa for her farwells--IF her passport will be delivered there by Friday.

Please let me know of your experiences with this.
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-09-26 13:57:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondumb RFE question
THANKS!!!!
aikorobMaleUkraine2010-10-19 09:12:00
US Citizenship General Discussiondumb RFE question
We sent my wife's N-400 application in August; and recieved the biomectrics appointment letter in early September for a 9/14 fingerprint.

We opened an online case so we could monitor the status (don't ask why, but for some reason we never did this before-greencard, advanced parole, etc)

The online status says "an RFE was sent 9/1/2010"----this date does not match the biomectrics appt. letter.

Our question is: Is the mentioned RFE likely referring to the Biomectrics request; or is there an RFE letter floating around we have not recieved yet?
aikorobMaleUkraine2010-10-19 06:31:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionProblems understanding USCIS officer at interview
OK--my wife has been reading the Russian language forums, and there is a big discussion going on over there.


People are asking "what is the best response when you don't understand the interviewer's question?"

we are not talking about understanding English; rather a problem of the interviewer having an accent, or talking really low, or mumbling.

I told my wife the best response would be "I'm sorry,could you please speak up and repeat the question"

Apparently people on her forums are worried that if they utter the phrase "I don't understand" that this will be seen as not understanding English; and will cause a strike against them.

Anybody had this experience in their interviews?
aikorobMaleUkraine2010-10-30 21:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMore CSC Approvals.
Add our name to the approved list!!!!!!
No e-mail for us either, I saw the case status was updated this morning.
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-07-29 09:11:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresMore CSC Approvals.
Great news!! I have my fingers crossed ---NOA1 was Mar. 24

CSC is doing SOMETHING (finally) --touched on Tuesday, yesterday, and today!
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-07-28 11:16:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCSC Approvals
I was wondering about NVC also. Theorecticaly it would seem that oncee the application was approved, all visa should process through NVC at a similar rate (barring any problems). Logic would dictate that the bottlenecks are the Service centers and the Embassies themselves. Does anyone have any idea about the time now required for NVC processing? Surely they have cleared any backlog during the IMBRA hiatus.

BTW--we got our approval e-mail yesterday also!! :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
aikorobMaleUkraine2006-08-01 06:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresUkraine police certificate?
I am also posting this in the regional section.

I hope you folks can help us; or give us some guidance---I recieved a SMS from N. this morning. She had finally recieved her police certificate, and was ready to request the interview from the embassy.
The SMS read:
"in police lawyer tell me that I need papers from my parents. Permit. if they not work."

The only thing that comes to my mind is the "exit visa" stamp --- but I thought that was involving taxes that might be owed to Ukrainian government. All the embassy cares about the police certificate is that she does not have an outstanding record.
Have any of you heard about this?
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-01-30 07:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTime required to schedule interview
Ok, I think I found the problem.
I asked her to re-send the docs to the embassy and copy me as well. The docs cme through compressed as a .rar file.
I guess when she scanned them in, the file was too big for her mailbox. I am assuming the e-mail filters at the embasy kicked the message out, so they never recieved her docs.
I asked her to try to save the scans in another format, or at a lower resolution, and send again.
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-02-15 12:28:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresTime required to schedule interview
Hi folks-
I have a question- my fiancee sent her interview request to the embassy in Kiev last Monday--as of now, neither of us has heard anything back.
Any idea how long it takes to confirm a date? She e-mailed it in, and included both her and my e-mail address.
Thanks
aikorobMaleUkraine2007-02-12 10:08:00