Hello! I’m a longtime visitor of this website but I’ve finally got up the courage to post. I hope I can get some advice from the wonderful people here with experience.
In March 2022 I filed for a K1 Visa with my fiancé who lives in Moscow (I live in California). It was approved by USCIS in July 2023 and our application was forwarded to the NVC. In September 2023 we received an Appointment Eligibility Letter from the Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. My fiancé doesn’t have a Schengen visa and was told that European countries don’t currently issue Schengen visas and that an interview in Poland wouldn’t be possible. Therefore, we would need to request an embassy change.
My immigration lawyer sent requests for an interview to various embassies around the world but hasn’t heard back anything useful. During that time, our four-month window on our application expired, but my lawyer said that’s common, and nearly all applications expire due to the slow processing times. As long as we’re actively working with the government for an interview then it will be “revalidated” by the consulate officer at the time of the interview he told me. Has anybody had this happen? I just want the peace of mind in knowing that is indeed the case.
My questions are:
Is there any way to get into Poland from Russia for an interview? I’ve heard of people trying through Italy, Greece, France, etc. but I’m not sure how successful they’ve been conducting an interview in Poland or if they already had a Schengen visa prior to the Ukraine situation. Any tips or recommended countries would be most appreciated.
Also, does anyone have a great lawyer they would recommend who’s been successful bringing a Russian to the U.S.? Please let me know. My lawyer had good reviews and was expensive, but truthfully, he’s been slow and vague. I’m open to suggestions and the money is worth it if someone can get it done. I don’t mind switching if I have to. I realize the situation is difficult right now regarding Russia, but an attorney with extensive experience in that area is appealing to me.
I don’t want to start all over with a new application, but I also don’t want to waste time waiting on a “frozen” application. Me and my fiancé are both in our 40’s with no criminal records and no financial problems. I’m hopeful that if we can just get an interview, then we have a good chance. Obviously, the situation in Ukraine is a giant issue, but I’m wondering if anyone has been able to navigate a successful application.
This has been such a long and stressful journey, and I’d love to hear from anyone who has made it through this and can give us hope. Thank you all so very much.
