US Immigration from Russia

I m going to do a multi-part post here documenting the journey it s been for my wife and I to get her CR-1 visa. Long story short the process was actually relatively painless and straightforward, taking just under 11 months from first application to her entry into the US. You can see on my timeline the various dates, so I won t repost everything, but please feel free to direct message/reply to this post if you have any questions about it.

So, the couple parts of the journey I ll discuss are:

• Application to USCIS
• NVC review and interview scheduling
• Medical
• Interview attendance in Almaty
• Passport Pickup
• Entry to the US

Hello!

I am a US citizen filing for my father, who is Russian citizen located in Russia.

One of the questions:

At which U.S. Embassy or Consulate location will the beneficiary apply for an immigrant visa?

I know that US Embassy is closed for public and does not process visitor and immigrant visas, so as far as know all cases are being redirected to Warsaw Embassy, Poland. However, the system would let me put Russia, Moscow as my Embassy of choice. Do I put Moscow or Warsaw?

Thanks a lot!

Several months ago, I added my foreign fianc e as an authorized user on one of my credit cards.

The intent was for her to have access to money during the interview process as well as to prove to airlines that she does indeed have a card that tickets are bought with.

Fast-forward to now...

The bank reported to a credit agency that someone else "lives" with me.

That agency reported to my car insurance company that there is an "extra" driver.

The car insurance:

- served me with a bill, as my fianc e is now showing as residing with me despite living 8,000 miles away

- served me with a non-renewal notice, as I had exposed them to unnecessary risks

Yes, it is that archaic for companies not to realize in 2023 that:

- not every family is limited to one set of four walls

- not every adult will drive

But, as Russians say, translated, that's how it is.

Be safe, and be careful folks...

Hello all,

I am finishing up the packet for the K-1 visa I-129F petition for my fiancee who is Russian and lives in Russia. I understand that the chances of her receiving a Schengen visa to conduct the interview in Warsaw are very low and from what I've been reading on this forum Almaty, KZ looks like it could end up being the best option for the interview. Yerevan would be more convenient for us but I've read that they are refusing transfers (can anyone verify?) and it seems like a potential conflict is brewing there with Azerbaijan.

My question is for the initial location request on the initial application is it possible and advisable to immediately put down Almaty? It is question 62 on page 8 of the form. The exact wording is

"Your beneficiary will apply for a visa abroad at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate at:

62.a City or Town _______

62.b. Country _______".

The form instructions appear to allow for it since they say:

"Item Numbers 62.a. - 62.b. U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate Requested.

Provide the city or town and country of the
U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate where your beneficiary will apply for his or her visa.
NOTE: Designation of a U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate outside the country in which your beneficiary resides does not
guarantee acceptance for processing by that foreign post. Acceptance is at the discretion of the designated U.S. Embassy
or U.S. Consulate."

So it seems like you can put an alternate location. I'm wondering if anyone has had success in immediately putting down a location besides Moscow and also if Almaty is still the best option. She does not have residency in any other country.

Thank you in advance for any advice and thank you to the community here for providing such a wealth of knowledge.

On 3/30/2023 at 12:54 AM, CyberKnight13 said:

If someone were to withdraw their petition to immigrate, even after their interview but before a decision was made on their visa, would there be negative consequences when they reapply? Could it be held against them? Could they be denied in the future based on this?

Hello,

Sorry to comment on your post. My wife and I recently got married in Cyprus, she lives in Moscow she's a Russian national, I'm just applying for the I-130. My question is are they processing this Visa's in country? I read somewhere that they get sent to Poland but then it's hard to get a Visa to go to Poland. I'm curious of your experience. Thank you!