K-1 Visa for Crimea

[tennis_josh 0]

Hello all, I am new here but I have read a number of posts and find the information very helpful. However I can't find the answer to this question.

I am from the USA and my girlfriend I have been with and visited for 2 years lives in Crimea. We are considering a k-1 visa because we have had some problems recently with her coming to often to USA to visit me. They actually told her to withdraw her visa and reapply for her b1/b2 but I think it may be better to just apply for a k-1 visa. My question is with her living in Crimea will she be eligible for "Expedited Criteria" located here since Russia has sent military to Crimea and the travel.state.gov warns about traveling to this area because it is unsafe as it is "unlawfully occupied by Russia" I think USA still sees Crimea as part of Ukraine

I honestly just want her to be here as soon as she can. If we apply for this k-1 what is the current timeframe for Ukrainians or Crimeans? Can we use the Expedited service? Thank you in advance!!

[Boiler 45,670]

Never heard of an expedite for Crimea, Ukraine yes.

[Dave-n-Oksana 49]

Hello all, I am new here but I have read a number of posts and find the information very helpful. However I can't find the answer to this question.

I am from the USA and my girlfriend I have been with and visited for 2 years lives in Crimea. We are considering a k-1 visa because we have had some problems recently with her coming to often to USA to visit me. They actually told her to withdraw her visa and reapply for her b1/b2 but I think it may be better to just apply for a k-1 visa. My question is with her living in Crimea will she be eligible for "Expedited Criteria" located here since Russia has sent military to Crimea and the travel.state.gov warns about traveling to this area because it is unsafe as it is "unlawfully occupied by Russia" I think USA still sees Crimea as part of Ukraine

I honestly just want her to be here as soon as she can. If we apply for this k-1 what is the current timeframe for Ukrainians or Crimeans? Can we use the Expedited service? Thank you in advance!!

There are a few problems you will experience with both re-newing her B1 and applying for the K1 and that is because she resides in the Crimea.

Since the US does not recognize the annexation of the Crimea by Russia, it is still considered to be Ukraine. The chances of an expidition is pretty slim.

Also she will need to travel to Kiev for her interview, which is not possible directly from the Crimea and will require her to get through a more round-about method. Which I am hearing is also an issue as Russia is requiring a permit to exit the region (I may be wrong about this). But even if she is able to get to Kiev, it will show that she is able to reach a safe area and therefor an expidite would not be granted.

You will need to show that her safety is at risk to satisfy the requirements for an expidition. The warning for US Citizens is because the Anti-West rhetoric that Russia has been spewing has caused it not to be a safe area for Westerners.

Good luck in your future

Edited April 7, 2015 by Dave-n-Oksana

[1HappyGuy 45]

Contact the U.S. embassy in Kiev and ask them directly. That is your best source for a reliable answer.