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[cyclingguy 1]

First, thanks to everyone on the forums who have posted. I'm new and the processes and stories outlined have been very helpful and encouraging.

A little background. A bit over a year ago while traveling I met a woman from Sevastopol, Ukraine (Crimea). We've kept in touch and want to take things to the next level, so I'm filling out the I-129F. A couple of questions.

1. With the ongoing dispute, should I indicate her country of residence as Ukraine, or Russia. I suspect Ukraine because the US does not recognize Crimea as Russia. Further, is there any reason to believe the situation in Crimea will slow things down or create problems?

2. Part 2 of the application appears to allow us to select a city town and country for where a Visa will be applied through. I assume this ultimately will determine where the interview will take place. I plan on being at the interview with her to support her through the process. Is this section only really applicable for the interview? If so, can we indicate any US embassy or consulate? Since we're living apart I wonder if it's reasonable to choose somewhere and fit in a vacation together, to help take away some of the stress. If we'd have to return to the center though to pickup the visa, etc. than we'll probably keep it simple. In any case, given the situation in Ukraine we'd likely have to travel anyway to either Kiev or Moscow (preferably Moscow).

3. Presently she has two passports, Ukraine and Russia. Is it okay to write both nationalities down, indicating dual citizenship?

4. County or Birth - since she was born in Ukraine should I indicate USSR? I've also heard FSR used.

5. Is it necessary to include her name written in her native alphabet if I've included the roman version? I indicated it the best I could, but the same question is asked for address. If this field is compulsory, is address in native alphabet also mandatory?

Thank You!

[sweetswinks 400]

Hi there and welcome!

1. With the ongoing dispute, should I indicate her country of residence as Ukraine, or Russia. I suspect Ukraine because the US does not recognize Crimea as Russia. Further, is there any reason to believe the situation in Crimea will slow things down or create problems?

Write Crimea; it will most likely be approved expedite due to the crisis, I don't think it's automatic expedite, but you will be able to apply yourself.

2. Part 2 of the application appears to allow us to select a city town and country for where a Visa will be applied through. I assume this ultimately will determine where the interview will take place. I plan on being at the interview with her to support her through the process. Is this section only really applicable for the interview? If so, can we indicate any US embassy or consulate? Since we're living apart I wonder if it's reasonable to choose somewhere and fit in a vacation together, to help take away some of the stress. If we'd have to return to the center though to pickup the visa, etc. than we'll probably keep it simple. In any case, given the situation in Ukraine we'd likely have to travel anyway to either Kiev or Moscow (preferably Moscow).

Kiev or Moscow should be fine, however you should do a search on VJ to see what others applying for Ukraine/Crimia beneficiary's have been doing since January.

3. Presently she has two passports, Ukraine and Russia. Is it okay to write both nationalities down, indicating dual citizenship?

There is room for this on the I-129f, should be fine

4. County or Birth - since she was born in Ukraine should I indicate USSR? I've also heard FSR used.

What is on her Birth Certificate and Passport? Write it as that.

5. Is it necessary to include her name written in her native alphabet if I've included the roman version? I indicated it the best I could, but the same question is asked for address. If this field is compulsory, is address in native alphabet also mandatory?

Only write in her native alphabet in the fields that ask you to do so, otherwise errors could occur