I have a friend who went to the Ukraine a few months ago to meet a woman. She agreed to marry him.

She has told him that her agency has told her that she can get a fiancee visa at the US embassy in Kiev, bypassing the system here. Today she emailed him two forms to fill out, DS-156 and DS-156K, "Non-Immigrant Fiancee Visa Application." I checked and found these forms on the US Department of State website.

Has anybody heard of or used these forms? Is what his woman says possible? I am wondering if it is some kind of scam.

Bob

As far as I know, those forms are sent out (along with others) once the K1 approval is obtained with USCIS and an interview is scheduled at the consulate. Also, those forms should be filled out by her, the beneficiary, and not the petitioner. I think she's kind of confused as to how the process works.

doodads

Yes you can get a K-1 fiance visa at the embassy/consulate. But what you need in order to apply for that visa is an approved I-129F petition. There is NO getting around that. Even those that file directly with the consulate when married, still have to submit a petition that is subsequently approved before an application/visa will be granted.

I should've said I-129f (as aussie just did)! Once the I-129f's approved. Sorry about that.

A fiance visa, bypassing USCIS? I don't think so. I have never heard of this.

The forms are legitimate.

DS-156 = Nonimmigrant visa Application (filled out by the beneficiary)
DS-156-K = A rider, to the DS-156K (also filled out by the beneficiary)

These documents are usually included in "packet 3" from the Embassy or Consulate, after the I-129F application is approved by USCIS.

However, there are many other documents required to get the visa.

Suspicion is high on this end.

Anyone?

Here here william, I second that, I smell fish....But I just cannot IMAGINE a woman from ukraine scamming someone...*GASP*

sounds like true love to me...she even had the forms with her.

you missed DS-157..

Is he marrying another man??? Sorry, missed that one!!!

SUBJECT: A NEW FORM - DS-157, SUPPLEMENTAL NONIMMIGRANT VISA APPLICATION

1. The Department announces the introduction of a new form, Supplemental Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-157). Effective immediately, all male nonimmigrant visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45, regardless of nationality and regardless of where they apply (including CA/VO/P/D and USUN), must fill out and submit to the post a DS-157 in addition to the usual Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-156). In the aftermath of the September 11 terrorist attacks, the use of the DS-157 is an interim measure that will allow posts to elicit information which, in some cases, will lead to a security advisory opinion (SAO). The new SAO procedures will be announced by septel. Until the new procedures are announced, posts should file the DS-157 with the DS-156 and should employ current procedures in order to determine visa classification and eligibility.

It came in packet 3 for me and the consulate in Brazil requires that all applicants above the age of 16 fill it out.

William,

Use of DS-157 is optional for women at the discretion of the post.

Some posts do require DS-157 for women.

Yodrak

That is good information to know. Thanks for that.

Does not apply to women applying in Jakarta, that I know for certain.