Planning Visa and Timeline

[Hangernaid 1]

I would welcome advice from the many knowledgeable VJ couples out there.

I have a pretty specific timeline on when to bring Mila to the US. I work a seasonal job, I'm a on a US Forest Service Fire crew from June to November, and I don't want to bring my soon to be wife over only to have her sit at home while I'm away for months at a time. At the end of next Fire Season, I want to bring Mila and her 9 year old daughter to America from Ukraine. I think we will do it on a K-1 Visa, and whatever Visa is required for her daughter.

I am now in the US (just returned from a splendid week with Mila in Antalya, Turkey), and I doubt I will make it back to Ukraine until after this Fire Season.

So I will return and live in Ukraine from late Dec 2011-mid Feb 2012. During that time I will need to do everything needed to bring Mila to the US in November 2012.

What do I need to do? Required paperwork from the US on me, my divorce, etc... I've read that she needs a physical. Paperwork to bring her daughter???

Is there an expiration timeline? As soon as we park the equipment at the end of Fire Season, I want to be on a plane with 2 empty suitcases flying to Ukraine to bring Mila and Liza back to America. I want everything ready so the only delays are based on Mila trying to decide what to pack and not on some government person wanting form XX2968315 in triplicate with the official seal of the President and a $500 processing fee.

[baron555 934]

Use the timelines as a guide and then remember that she can wait up to six months after issuance of the visa to actually use it.....and in special cases an email to the Embassy can have it extended beyond that. Sounds like you have good reasons, my limited experience us the Embassy is fairly accommodating and fair.

[Captain Hammer 113]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have 90 days to use the visa after it's issued. That should give you a lot of flexibility on her arrival date.

[slim 1,523]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have 90 days to use the visa after it's issued. That should give you a lot of flexibility on her arrival date.

I thought you had six months?

Unless they've changed it, visas are issued for single-entry within six months after visa issue date. That means if she gets the visa while you're on your fire detail (or just before, for instance) she can wait at home until after you get back to civilization, then she can come here.

She doesn't have to come here right after the visa is issued. She can wait until it's convenient for both of you. I'd say file now so you can get it approved and then just adjust her arrival date accordingly.

[ONA 133]

They didn't change it, it's still 6 months.

[Captain Hammer 113]

Ahh, 6 months then. Even better for the OP.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I would welcome advice from the many knowledgeable VJ couples out there.

I have a pretty specific timeline on when to bring Mila to the US. I work a seasonal job, I'm a on a US Forest Service Fire crew from June to November, and I don't want to bring my soon to be wife over only to have her sit at home while I'm away for months at a time. At the end of next Fire Season, I want to bring Mila and her 9 year old daughter to America from Ukraine. I think we will do it on a K-1 Visa, and whatever Visa is required for her daughter.

I am now in the US (just returned from a splendid week with Mila in Antalya, Turkey), and I doubt I will make it back to Ukraine until after this Fire Season.

So I will return and live in Ukraine from late Dec 2011-mid Feb 2012. During that time I will need to do everything needed to bring Mila to the US in November 2012.

What do I need to do? Required paperwork from the US on me, my divorce, etc... I've read that she needs a physical. Paperwork to bring her daughter???

Is there an expiration timeline? As soon as we park the equipment at the end of Fire Season, I want to be on a plane with 2 empty suitcases flying to Ukraine to bring Mila and Liza back to America. I want everything ready so the only delays are based on Mila trying to decide what to pack and not on some government person wanting form XX2968315 in triplicate with the official seal of the President and a $500 processing fee.

The good news is that the visa itself has a 6 month "life" and can be used for up to 6 months after issuance. You want her here in November 2012. So that means her visa needs to be issued between May and November 2012. Pretty big window to work with. Also, the approved petition can be extended by the consulate (at your request) in 4 month increments. Given the current timelines, which can change (probably to get shorter, not longer) I would say to file the petition about the time you go off to Ukraine but make sure you have someone here to check your mail for any RFEs etc. AND a way to gather information and send it back if needed. It will take 6-9 months to get to the interview and you have 6 months after that to use the visa, so giving yourself a 1 year advance start should work out well. Even if the petition gets approved super-fast, the approved petition is good for 4 months, so you have 10 months to "play with" just in the allowed time frame.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Somebody correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe you have 90 days to use the visa after it's issued. That should give you a lot of flexibility on her arrival date.

You are wrong.

90 days is the period BEFORE your conditional green expires that you can file for removal of conditions. So many timelines...it is confusing. You probably got confused and sent your I-751 6 months early then? It happens. The assistance of a good attorney could help avoid such confusion.

[Hangernaid 1]

I will be in Ukraine in Jan and Feb, if we start the paperwork in Feb, and if it takes 4 to 6 months to get the Visa,and that is just guessing, then it would be issued about July, maybe August. Then if she can travel on Nov 10th, we have 90 days from the date of her entry to get married, if I understand the time limit. I think that here in the US we will still have to do the usual getting blood test and going to the courthouse and getting a Marriage License.

I was thinking about taking her on a couple week tour of the US, and possibly getting married in Las Vegas.

Then there is more paperwork to do to change her K-1 Visa to something more permanent?

But back to the top, what steps do I need to take to start the process? Is the paperwork filed in the US or in Ukraine?

[baron555 934]

Read the Guides for both the K1 and AOS

[Codeblue009 3]

I will be in Ukraine in Jan and Feb, if we start the paperwork in Feb, and if it takes 4 to 6 months to get the Visa,and that is just guessing, then it would be issued about July, maybe August. Then if she can travel on Nov 10th, we have 90 days from the date of her entry to get married, if I understand the time limit. I think that here in the US we will still have to do the usual getting blood test and going to the courthouse and getting a Marriage License.

I was thinking about taking her on a couple week tour of the US, and possibly getting married in Las Vegas.

Then there is more paperwork to do to change her K-1 Visa to something more permanent?

But back to the top, what steps do I need to take to start the process? Is the paperwork filed in the US or in Ukraine?

Baron555 and Gary have given you good information. You actually have some options to consider. Either marry her there and file the I-130 or do what a lot of us have done, K 1 visa I-129F. Go to USCIS website and download the forms and check within the forums for guidance on how to file. There are many people here who will help you, since we have been through this before. Just take a look at the process and ask questions when you have them. Good luck to you and I know you will love the Ukraine! I know I did!

[Captain Hammer 113]

You are wrong.

90 days is the period BEFORE your conditional green expires that you can file for removal of conditions. So many timelines...it is confusing. You probably got confused and sent your I-751 6 months early then? It happens. The assistance of a good attorney could help avoid such confusion.

Feel better now?

[etripke 0]

Do what Baron says and read the guides. It is not that difficult, just do not set things to your expectations......it is not an overnight process. Have you been to Ukraine yet to visit her place? You might want to consider that before pulling the trigger unless you have known her for some time....just say'n.

I will be in Ukraine in Jan and Feb, if we start the paperwork in Feb, and if it takes 4 to 6 months to get the Visa,and that is just guessing, then it would be issued about July, maybe August. Then if she can travel on Nov 10th, we have 90 days from the date of her entry to get married, if I understand the time limit. I think that here in the US we will still have to do the usual getting blood test and going to the courthouse and getting a Marriage License.

I was thinking about taking her on a couple week tour of the US, and possibly getting married in Las Vegas.

Then there is more paperwork to do to change her K-1 Visa to something more permanent?

But back to the top, what steps do I need to take to start the process? Is the paperwork filed in the US or in Ukraine?

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Feel better now?

Having been through the process with a woman and children from Ukraine, I try to pass on my experience and knowledge for the benefit of others doing the same thing. I try to pass on correct information, information that will be of assistance to others, specifically that about Ukraine and its consulate. While I understand that the k-1 is for all countries and is valid for 6 months regardless of the country your fiancee is from and that anyone who ever had one would know that... Yes, I feel better.

[Captain Hammer 113]

Having been through the process with a woman and children from Ukraine, I try to pass on my experience and knowledge for the benefit of others doing the same thing. I try to pass on correct information, information that will be of assistance to others, specifically that about Ukraine and its consulate. While I understand that the k-1 is for all countries and is valid for 6 months regardless of the country your fiancee is from and that anyone who ever had one would know that... Yes, I feel better.

Ok good, I'm glad. My Ukrainian wife and I also went through this process, and I too try to pass on my experiences and knowledge for the benefit of others. I too try to pass on correct information, but I'm humble enough to realize that I might not always be right. So when I'm not 100% sure of something, I make sure to indicate that.