Ukraine - Simplified Application Process (Dropbox)

[Ed C 0]

Hi everyone,

I've tried to search the web for people who have had experience with the simplified visa application in Kyiv (or even anywhere) and I can't find anything. So, I'm hoping someone here might have had an experience?

Anyway, here's the situation, my fiancee and I are going to be filing a K-1 petition within the next month or so, I am just waiting for some documents she sent me to arrive in the mail. In the meantime, we are going to try to have her apply for a B-2 tourist visa to come and visit while the petition is pending since it will probably be a minimum of 6 months.

She applied and was approved for a B-2 tourist visa last year and came to the US for 30 days. As such, she is eligible to apply under the "Simplified Application Process" which means she doesn't need to actually schedule an interview, she can come to the US consulate, show her passport and the old used visa, and simply drop the DS-156 application packet in a dropbox. (I copied and pasted the full requirements below).

My guess is that this process would have a higher approval rate because all the applicants have already been to the US legally and have abided by their visa terms and returned to Ukraine. I was wondering though, because she has to check the box on the DS-156 that says "Fiance" is in the US, would that be a red flag and maybe we would be better off setting an interview appointment anyway just so she can address any potential questions in person?

Has anyone had any experience with this dropbox service?

Thanks!

Here is the full list of requirements:

# An applicant is a permanent resident of Ukraine

# An applicant has been issued a visa by the Consular Section in Kyiv, which is still valid or expired no more than 12 months prior to the drop box application date

# An applicant must present the passport with previously issued visa to the U.S., and the passport is intact

# An applicant has used the visa at least once (NOTE: This is not required for C1D applicants)

# An applicant has not violated the laws of the United States and has not extended his/her stay in the United States beyond the initial period authorized at the Port of Entry to the United States

# An applicant has a valid purpose of travel to the United States

# An applicant is applying for the same type of visa as the one that has expired, in the following visa categories:

* Business and Pleasure (B1/B2)

* Crew Member (C1/D)

* Member of the Media (I)

* Student visas ( F ) - only if continuing to attend the same school

* Exchange visitor visas (J) - only if continuing to participate in the same program (participants in short-term Summer Work and Travel, Au Pair and Camp Counselors are NOT eligible to use the drop-box)

* Certain petition-based work visas (H, L) - only if continuing to work for the same employer

[Brad and Vika 129]

Just have a care that the embassy does not become aware of the K-1 before the B-2 is approved (maybe even used, I don't know). Although I see what you are trying to do, a CO might think you are engaging in fraud, or at least make you wait for the K-1. The trouble is that some people do a faster visa than a K, then marry once their SO arraives in the US. If your intent was to marry before, and you didn't file a K visa, it is a problem.