So does anyone see a benefit for the Petitionary to go to the Embassy with the Beneficiary?
Just trying to plan if I should not arrive in Kyiv for the interview, but instead arrive 10 days later to accompany her to the USA.
Based on the current plan, her interview is on Monday July 16, I arrive on July 15. The tickets for both of us to the USA are for July 21.
So I am wondering if I should plan on going there maybe July 27 and we both leave July 29 or something like that.
I think it would be more important to accompany her to the US since she has never flown before as well as going through that travelling process.
What do you folks think based on your experiences and recommendations.
It would be great to get the Visa prior to July 21 but if it is not going to happen, I may need to change some plans.
T

I'm going there about 2 weeks after the interview date. I wanted to give a little leadway if there is a small delay. Which I'm hoping there is not. You can see what I have lined out in my signature. Best of luck to you!

Personally I think your departure date is too tight

Waiting for the update from Skymas on how the interview went
So far I am still going, and maybe stay a few extra days, gonna cost me on change of flight cost though.

Hi All,

Ski had her interview this morning at 9:30 Kiev time, and SMS'd me "APPROVED" at the conclusion. I just now got off the phone with her when she gave me an indepth description. The personnel said she would have her international passport returned to her with the K-1 visa in ten days or less. Ski gave an overall good report about the process.

Because I know there are several Ukrainian/Russian women that read this thread and site, I asked her to write about her experience in Russian. I decided to keep the untranslated Russian because so much is lost after translation.

She said I'd have it by tomorrow morning, my time. I'll run it through a translator and post the English version here.


Ahh... George

Thanks George, would also like to know the day she gets that Visa to see if it is way before those 10 days.
Also, can you ask Ski about the process in getting the actual visa? Meaning from paying for it, to giving an address to them to mail it etc... Just curious if they have different options or just one option.
Like could they pick it up at the embassy or have it mailed it to a friend or pay higher fees to get it quicker etc..
Regards,
T

T,

Will do. But I'm 90% sure that the visa/passport ==>must<== be sent by FedEx courier to the beneficiary's address on file. I don't believe this just SOP(standard operating procedure), I think it is regulation. It's a method for final confirmation of the beneficiary's address, so there are no other options. But, I've been wrong before.

Also, I think fwaguy is most likely correct they're printed in batches once a week. I think he mentioned Monday. Since Tania lives in Kiev and today is Tuesday, I would bet she gets it next Tuesday or Wednesday. Of course, I'll report each step here.

George

We were not given the option to do anything except the FedEx thing. I asked if we could pick it up from the Consulate when it was ready rather than have it sent via courier, and I was told "no" because of the way their process works. It only took 3 days for the passport to be delivered...we were pleasantly surprised.

Ok I used the PIN service again to ask them some questions, They first almost gave me a heart attack when they told me that my fiancee did not have an interview date set. I was like your crazy, he asked me for the confirmation number but I did not have it handy.(it was on my laptop) But I remember the date and time and he looked it up that way. He then confirmed the date/time and gave me the confirmation number again.
I was not going to argue with him on why he told me no.

Anyways, I asked him about the Visa and he stated 10 days, and it would be shipped via Fedex. They do not offer any other services.
He also stated that they could choose another address if they wanted. Basically once approved its approved they could care less where they sent it.
However you can not pick it up at the embassy, so it does have to go via Fedex.

Finally convinced Anna to tell me if she wants me at the interview or to accompany her to the USA. She told me that she wants me to fly with her. (thank god). So I will be rescheduling my flight as well as hers for the first week of August.
Now I have to wait 1 month to see her again. Damn!

Anyways Skymas, Anna was asking me about the Medical exam as well, she is asking how much blood they are taking etc.. lol
I told her I did not know, so if you can kindly ask Ski about the Medical exam, and any tips too, like arrive early go to this door blah blah blah.
Same with getting to the Embassy. Sorry for all the questions, but I just want to make it as easy as possible for Anna, and nothing beats experience.
Regards,
T

I'll ask Tania AKA/Ski if she will correspond with your fiancee. I'm sure she will be happy to send a little information your way.

George

Call and get appointment but still arrive early and get in the queue as there will be many "walk-ins", they do scheduled appointments first.

Yes the do draw one vial of blood for HIV testing

I am glad this post/topic is here. Many folks will learn from this and make better plans because of it.
So thanks to all of you contributing.
Regards,
T.

T.,

I just sent you a PM with info so Anna can contact Tania (AKA Ski) regarding med and interview procedures, and directions.

Rob (AKA George)

Men whom I have read through quickly through and I see the whole a great many questions in case of interview in Kiev, my interview concerning August, 14-thth, but I have a lot of the confirmed information in case of preparation of documents for brides, and I have the full information concerning interview... It is complex to me to write very much in English, that it was not transferred information with mistake in translation but if your fiancee have questions they always, can establish them in me, and I shall help. I am familiar with many brides which already have passed a first step and already with grooms and I continue dialogue with them, therefore I am always glad to give the help to all in that that I know.

Karolina,
I believe that if you write about your experience in Russian, any man can forward that to his bride to be. They can then read about that experience.
Unfortunately there are men out there that sometimes get shy to ask for such info. So if you have the time, and if you could, then please tell us about your experience in Russian.
I will be asking Anna to do the same.
Regards,
T.

OK I having a free time shall write messages in this ните about that that interestingly and it will be useful for each bride Take care everyone

HI! I write the first choice of useful advice for your brides. If will appear questions or that it is not clear - not колеблются, ask, if I shall always know the answer, I to you to give the right answer.

Other than the personal contact information why not post the med and interview procedures openly here in the forum for the benefit of others....

Although Tania speaks English better than average for Ukrainian fiancees and we converse well, her writing in English is slow. She still uses a translator for written communication. Because the list of documents needed and other technical issues are well known, I asked Tania to write something different about her opinion of the procedure. This includes nervousness, crowds, helpfullness of the staff, so on. I don't think it translated well using computer translators, this is why I have not posted it. Here it is:

Long-awaited day of interview has come! When I have come to embassy, I have seen a plenty of people. I have joined general expectation. As do not try to persuade itself to be assured and quiet, this general excitement is transferred! But all occurs very much organized and is duly. Very pleasantly benevolent attitude of employees of consulate. Anybody does not have purpose to give you refusal! The employee has set some simple questions: " Name of your groom "; Where you have got acquainted ". After procedure of acceptance of documents is finished, we expect the answer. Someone from girls feels more confidently, someone is less. To unload conditions, pending the answer, I begin acquaintance and conversation to other girls. It helps to fill a waiting time and also it is interesting to learn histories of happy acquaintances. After some expectation, the consul causes. I receive a paper about approval of the visa and I can not believe, that all excitements already behind! I have arrived on interview with the girlfriend who expected me outside of consulate. She has told, that it is very interesting to observe of people who leave consulate. Each answer "is written" on the person. The extinct sight, or a smile speak more than many words. My happy smile also was the answer

Maybe the translation is awkward, but I think the general "gist" of her thoughts come through loud and clear.... I think it was her experience as well as my SO's experience, that as long as you have your documentation complete and orderly, the Kyiv consulate experience is simple and uneventful.

You are 100% correct that the Kiev embassy experience is rather uneventful if the documents are all ready. I'm expecting Tania to write a similar review of the medical exam.

I talked to Anna this morning, she had spoke to Tania and received a lot of good info. But the best thing it actually calmed her fears of the actual interview. Basically at the interview the Embassy employee focuses more on the Documents then on asking any questions, they go through all documents so the tip to you folks, is have your documents, and have them in order.
Anna found that she did not have one document and she ran around today in Mariupol looking for it. When she did find the place that gives this document they told her it would take her 3 weeks to receive. Not enough time as her interview is July 16 and she is going to Kyiv on July 10.

Document - Certified letter stating she is free of marriage.

Anna read the paperwork sent from Kyiv many times and could not find where they asked for this document. She did not want to wake me up to ask me about this. She waited to tell me about this when I woke up for work.

I ended up using the PIN Services to find out about the document.
What they told me is that it is not required because it is not in the documents that the Embassy requests you to have. However if you can get it, then please do. I was like ok thank you. She actually put me on hold to ask other people. When she returned I asked her several more times about this document, the call lasted about 3 minutes as I wanted to be sure about this document.

So for you folks that have upcoming interviews etc.. you may want to get this document as well. Anna stated that you get it where you get your Divorce papers (Zaks/Zags however you say/spell it).

As for the PIN Services here is something else I learned. I still had 24 seconds (LOL) left from last PIN Call. I decided to try to use the 24 seconds to ask the question above. To my surprise they did not hang up on me nor did they request that I call back. So basically, if you have your question ready (1 quick question) they will answer it for you without making you get another pin. Or, maybe this lady was having a good day. Anyways, some info for those that use the PIN Services.
Regards,
T

Did anyone have a special way to organize or present the documents they list? Did you guys help your fiancee's or tell them a particular order etc?

I am not aware of my SO having this document and if I am not mistaken, it is not anywhere on the KEV-1 checklist....

Eric,

Sveta put everything in the order going right down item by item using the KEV-1 list. She used plastic protector sleeves and a small three ring type binder..... Tell Lena to be anal about the documents....(much like you were with your petition assembly)....

Since Tania is divorced, she had marriage/divorce documents translated and certified with her. I don't know if she had a "free of marriage" document with her for the interview, or ever had this. I believe the Kiev embassy's list of documents required from the fiancee(fiance too) is complete. If a document is not listed, it is not needed. Conversely, if the embassy has requested a document, it must be brought.

There is plenty of bad advice given out, especially from offices outside of Kiev.

Rob (George)

I have most of the documents with me based on my last trip. Anna has some originals that I need for the package.

I am using a Plastic MEAD 3 prong folder similar to this.
http://www.mead.com/webapp/wcs/stores/serv...1_false_10051##

It could be a bit bigger as things are a little tight in here.

I put a piece of paper with 72 font that states the following. "Anna Put Original Police Report Here" she will remove paper and insert stated document.
I have the KEV-1 document as the first page, I am using plastic protector sleeves as well.
I used index tabs that have them in order as stated in the KEV-1 doc.
I am also using 2 inch tape to tape a piece of paper to each front protective sleeve to describe what is in that sleeve (where needed).
Example: "2005 Tax Forms" "2006 Tax Forms", "Bank Statement"
So in essence I only have like 6 index tabs per the KEV-1 document.

I included on the inside front page an email from the embassy that I wrote the day/time, when to arrive and the confirmation number. I put this on the first page and requested Anna to have this out as well as her passport when she approaches security at the Embassy. Better to read the small letter about her interview then having her state out the confirmation number/KEV number etc...

On the Front, I included her KEV number and confirmation number as well.
Maybe I will take some pictures today before I send it off.
I know it seems like alot, but I wanted to do the best I could, you should have seen my I-129 package!
Regards,
T.

I did things the same way for Tania. It was similar to a small report for a boss or professor. The checklist was the title page. Each required set of documents had that entry as it's own title page in a plastic sleeve. Then that sleeve's cover page listed individual docs such as notarized I-134, bank and income statements, so on.

This couldn't be more correct...

I constantly had to tell Sveta to stop listening to her friends/aquaintances about certain requirements and procedures because most of the "advice" was contrary to my own information that I had gathered directly from communications with the consulate.

Ok, I'll admit it...I was Anal...most Cop's get that way w/paperwork.

Thanks Jon, I appreciate it. When's the wedding?

You know... one would think there would be just one day in this 90 day period that would work for all of our family to be present... As we have discovered... it is not...

It looks like right now we will have a simple ceremony sometime this month (maybe July 14th or 15th) and then the reception party on Aug 4th.... We decided to try to do the AOS filing before the rate hike on July 30.....

That's a wise choice, & Congrats again. May you both have many years of happiness, and many, many more children.....well maybe not the latter.

Kiev people, here is Tania's report of the medical review in Kiev. Since it's machine translated, it reads poorly. I can send the original Russian if anyone requests.

I have successful experience of medical interview and interview in embassy. I shall tell a little about medical interview. I have entered the name on interview by phone and serving to me very politely and in detail all have explained. Interviews pass with 9 till 12-00, but it is not obligatory to come very much early! Be not afraid of a plenty of people! Everyone who are written down for the certain day, this day will pass interview! I have arrived to 10 mornings and have gone to registry with the passport, file number and photos. To me have given out a package on which the sequence of visiting of cabinets has been written. First - photoroentgenography, then analyses of blood from a vein, the general survey (the oculist, weighing). Survey of the gynecologist is not present (it for those who is afraid of a gynecologic armchair). Then in cash department you pay 100 $. I passed interview in June and payment was 75 $. But since July, 2nd payment has increased up to 100 $!!! Take with itself little bit more, than 100 $! Finishing item - the therapist. You will ask about the last traumas, operations, illnesses, inoculations. The doctor will tell at once result of photoroentgenography and once again will examine you. Do not worry, answer easy all questions. All employees are benevolent. After the termination of survey, you expect reception of results up to 3pm . In day when I passed interview, results gave out with 2pm . Results give in the sealed package with a press of medical institution. In such kind you bring a package on interview in embassy. I wish all of good luck!

Thanks for the update Rob!

Here are some pics of our folder that Anna will take with her to the interview. Hopefully it will give some an idea.
I know I spent some time on collecting these docs and wanted to make them presentable to the interviewer so that he does not have to look for the documentation.
From what I hear, if your docs are there and in order, the interview goes much smoother.
You have to understand that these folks do this daily, so it would be nice to put something together and in a particular order.

Of course the way I did it is not a "recommended" way by the embassy, I have no idea what is, and you do not have to do it this way, however it gives you an idea.
Good luck in putting yours together.

Regards,
T.
Front Cover
Click to view attachment

Inside Front Cover and First Page (KEV-1)
Click to view attachment

Tabs
Click to view attachment

Added Document Headings on Plastic Inserts Using 2 Inch tape
Click to view attachment

Index Page of "Evidence Of Support" Documents
Click to view attachment

Inserts for Anna to replace with Docs She has with her
Click to view attachment

T,

Thanks for posting the pics. I'm waiting on my tax transcripts and letters from the bank. Then I'm sending everything over to my lady for her interview.

Awesome level of organization, Anna will sail through quickly.

I have rescheduled my flight to arrive August 3 and fly back on August 6th to JFK from Kyiv on the 11 am flight.
So if your bride to be is traveling and you want me to help with connecting flights just let me know.
I know its a pain in the butt to do connecting flights and go through immigration, so if I can be of any help, just send me a PM.
Regards,
T.

Thanks. Everything helps along the journey.

Rob

From the FWIW department: There is almost nothing =>ADDITIONAL<= that the Kiev embassy needs from the petitioner that requires an original or an original signature. The signed and notarized I-134 is all I can think of. Everything else can be emailed to your fiancee, and she can print them at an Internet cafe.

Rob (George)

And not only that but the I-134 is OPTIONAL!

Hmm so your stating that the evidence of support does not have to be original?
I knew about the I-134 being optional as it is stated. However it was too easy to do so why not add it. Unless the $10 notary fee is too much cash lol.
But the Pay stubs, letters from employers or bank does not have to be original?
Does not seem valid as I could create all this myself and send it in. Of course be in trouble if they actually call and I did not work there.

Regardless, my recommendation, is for the petitioner to put all these docs together and mail a complete package to your soon to be.
Nothing like spending the time upfront to make sure your darling gets through with no documentation issues.

T.

In my final docmentation package, the only originals were ones that needed MY signature (ie... the I-134). BTW, I only supported the I-134 with tax returns & pay stubs... no assets, nothing else....

I cannot echo enough your reccomendation about the package being complete and organized. The embassy loves it!!

I didn't know ANYTHING about the I-134 was optional. I sent originals of the I-134 itself with the free notary stamp(any bank officer at any bank). I've never paid for a notary stamp.

I sent in copies of financial documents with the account numbers cut out. I didn't want to send account statements to Ukraine with the account numbers since they also have my SSN#.

On Monday the 2nd of July I sent the Kiev embassy an email asking all documents, photos, etc. be returned to my fiancee. They said in a reply email today they were on their way to her. They also said her K-1 visa was just issued. Remember her interview was Tuesday the 3rd, so fwaguy's statement about Kiev K-1 visas being printed only on Mondays holds for me and Tania.

Rob

Tania received her international passport with embassy's K-1 visa from the courier, along with the returned originals. Tania is ecstatic and so am I!

Congrats Rob and Tanya!

I am sure that is just a huge relief to both of you, the Journey for you to be together is just so much closer now.

I see that you sent an email to the embassy regarding originals, to me it would be nice for us to have that package we put together back in our hands. Do you know if we have to ask for it back or will they automatically ship it back as well?
Regards,
T.

No ask, no receive

Anna is going for her Medical exam in 1.5 days.

I am concerned now about Vaccinations, due to the fact reading some other posts.
http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.ph...p;#entry1036304

Does anyone here have a list of vaccinations needed in Russian so that it would be easier to convey to Anna on what is needed.
I know it is not needed for K1 however I believe it would be much easier for her to receive during the medical exam versus after coming to the USA. Or tell me what you guys think.
I don't want to be running around when she arrives (after marriage) trying to get these vaccinations when she will be at a doctor tomorrow and can get a majority of them if she does not already have them. Seems as though folks are having issues finding a place to get them.
Just trying to stay one step ahead!
Thanks,
T.

I found this on a different site, updated by "Russian Gal", so it may be useful to folks here.
I think I am going crazy as I remember asking about it.

Don't worry, she doesn't need to know the list per se. The clinic is well versed because they do the vaccinations all the time for IR1/CR1 visas, all she needs do is ask....

Attention! Physical examination has again risen in price: adult 100 children - 85! I wish all success

It is 1:20 am PST, I received a call from Anna stating that she just completed her Interview at the Kyiv Embassy.
She was approved and we are both happy.
She stated that they did not ask her any questions what so ever.
I can sense how happy she is with the interview as well as relieved that it is done.
She now waits to travel back home to Mariupol and my arrival on August 2.

Regards,
T.