US Embassy in Moscow - Still Closed

[Chauncey 138]

I also have that same hope, but it's somewhat fading. I filed last July and so far nothing has changed with the embassy and application approval times have gotten longer. 

[Caboose29 172]

10 minutes ago, Chauncey said:

Do you mean your I-129F application? Those are taking about 7.5-9.5 months to be approved and after that you still have to interview IF the embassy is open. So I would say you'll be lucky if she gets the visa before next year

🤦‍♂️So I AM being naïve!!  Well it is what it is.  And yes, I was referring to my 129F.  Guess I know what I want for Christmas 2021.  

[Chauncey 138]

Just now, Caboose29 said:

🤦‍♂️So I AM being naïve!!  Well it is what it is.  And yes, I was referring to my 129F.  Guess I know what I want for Christmas 2021.  

Right, me too. You can message me if you have any questions. 

[Caboose29 172]

2 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Make sure to fill in your timeline once you apply so we can get better data here on our users on the VJ side. And yes, "front loading" your application is a great idea, it will at least make the Embassy part easier and could help result in an easier interview.

 

Since you are in for a long wait, consider meeting up in a 3rd country to make things more tolerable. Another VJ member did this @Strawberrymermaid and she had a good time. So far it looks like everyone applying to the Moscow Embassy is in for a looonggg wait with no clear end in sight. 😕

We just met in Istanbul for the the first time during the first 2 weeks of December last month.  We've been corresponding since 11/19.  I had originally gotten my Russian 3 year visa last March, intending to visit her at her home last June.  Covid squashed those plans.  Guess we'll be planning another international rendezvous before the K1 process is over.  I can't wait another year to see her.

[Caboose29 172]

3 minutes ago, Chauncey said:

Right, me too. You can message me if you have any questions. 

You may come to regret that offer.  I hope to get most if not all my answers by reading.  I don't like being  burden to others.

[Chauncey 138]

Just now, Caboose29 said:

We just met in Istanbul for the the first time during the first 2 weeks of December last month.  We've been corresponding since 11/19.  I had originally gotten my Russian 3 year visa last March, intending to visit her at her home last June.  Covid squashed those plans.  Guess we'll be planning another international rendezvous before the K1 process is over.  I can't wait another year to see her.

I also have a three year tourist visa for Russia, they are great and totally worth it when Russia opens again for US tourists. It's almost been a year now since I've seen my fiance but I'm planning to meet him around the one year mark in Serbia if Russia still isn't open

Just now, Caboose29 said:

You may come to regret that offer.  I hope to get most if not all my answers by reading.  I don't like being  burden to others.

It's okay! I did a lot of reading too when I applied but still ended up having to reach out to people to make sure I did everything correctly

[millefleur 5,035]

7 minutes ago, Chauncey said:

I also have a three year tourist visa for Russia, they are great and totally worth it when Russia opens again for US tourists. It's almost been a year now since I've seen my fiance but I'm planning to meet him around the one year mark in Serbia if Russia still isn't open

My 3 year private visa to Russia expired so even though my spouse is Russian, I have no idea if I can get another 3 year visa at this time. Does not seem worth it to me to apply for a single entry "emergency" visit visa (if they would even grant that).

 

Given that Russia has a vaccine and we have a vaccine now, maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Really hoping the vaccines speed up opening up countries again.

[Caboose29 172]

19 minutes ago, Chauncey said:

I also have that same hope, but it's somewhat fading. I filed last July and so far nothing has changed with the embassy and application approval times have gotten longer. 

So your application has already made it to the embassy?

[Chauncey 138]

Just now, millefleur said:

My 3 year private visa to Russia expired so even though my spouse is Russian, I have no idea if I can get another 3 year visa at this time. Does not seem worth it to me to apply for a single entry "emergency" visit visa (if they would even grant that).

 

Given that Russia has a vaccine and we have a vaccine now, maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Really hoping the vaccines speed up opening up countries again.

Your positivity lifts my spirits, thank you

[Caboose29 172]

 

6 minutes ago, millefleur said:

My 3 year private visa to Russia expired so even though my spouse is Russian, I have no idea if I can get another 3 year visa at this time. Does not seem worth it to me to apply for a single entry "emergency" visit visa (if they would even grant that).

 

Given that Russia has a vaccine and we have a vaccine now, maybe there is light at the end of the tunnel. Really hoping the vaccines speed up opening up countries again.

Russians don't need a visa to visit Turkey.  Turkish e-visa for USC is 5 minutes and $50.  Both she and I could fly to Turkey to meet.  It was SSSOOOOOO worth it!!

 

My fiance and I both are optimistic about things improving soon with the vaccines coming available.  I'm really hoping to make it to her hometown this summer (fingers crossed).

Edited January 4, 2021 by Caboose29

[Chauncey 138]

25 minutes ago, Caboose29 said:

So your application has already made it to the embassy?

Nope. Still waiting for approval. It's taking 7.5-9.5 months now, so they are just now working on people who filed in May. I filed in July 

[Chauncey 138]

44 minutes ago, Caboose29 said:

 I'm really hoping to make it to her hometown this summer (fingers crossed).

You and me both. I bought extra vacation through my work to be able to visit him longer in his town of Novosibirsk. The first time I went I stayed for a month and it was great!

[Chauncey 138]

@Giodude is one of the only other K1 I know that's been waiting for an appointment for a long time.

[Giodude 40]

Hey guys, I'm also waiting. I just come here to check for any new updates. I can't believe it's already been a year and nothing. I got our NVC case number through the mail around Sept 2. Now, I think I might have misplaced this document, but all I can do now is continue waiting right? Wait to hear from NVC or something?

[Giodude 40]

4 minutes ago, Chauncey said:

@Giodude is one of the only other K1 I know that's been waiting for an appointment for a long time.

Yup, I forget sometimes I even applied for the K-1 visa lol. It's been so long! I checked CEAC and it just says my case is at NVC. That's all. I tried calling their office but the answering machine says they are full and to call back later. Then just hangs up.