Administrative Processing after interview and verbal approval at Moscow embassy

[bubba1 0]

A few days ago my fiancee was interviewed at the Moscow embassy for her K1 visa. Everything during the interview appeared to go smoothly - all of the paperwork was in order, the interviewer seemed satisfied, and at the end kept my fiancee's passport and told her she was approved and the visa would arrive in a week.

Two days later, we received a phone call from the embassy saying not to expect the visa any time soon, and that additional processing of two weeks to two months would be required.

The Department of State in Washington confirmed the file is in "administrative processing" but could not explain why, nor what type of processing would be completed, nor where the work would be done.

Has anyone had experience with the Moscow embassy basically "un-approving" a verbal approval given at the interview? Any suggestions where to go from here?

Based on the verbal approval from the consular officer, we already purchased plane tickets, so this screwup is going to cost me.

Thanks in advance.

[MaryandMian 1]

AP can last for anywhere from days to months or longer. I think once her name or prints were cabled back to DOS in the states she had some type of hit. It does not mean she is bad person but they have to get all her background checks completed. You can not expediate the case and no one will be able to help you until it completes.

Many men are told 2 weeks to 6 weeks. I am now over 90 days and still on AP so I will say stay strong, pray for patience and understanding and hopefully your AP will finish soon. Sorry about the loss on the plane ticket, too.

Mary

[bubba1 0]

Thanks for the feedback... was he told at the time of the interview it would go to Administrative Processing, or did they tell him he was approved, and then notify you a few days later that it was going to Administrative Processing?

[MaryandMian 1]

At the interview the CO told him the case was fine and needed more processing. They gave him a 221 g form and said that it could be few weeks and not to contact the embassy until after 45 business days barring holidays and weekends. We have contacted DOS and the embassy and they are telling us we are still in processing. Embassy says fine just to wait out the processing. They are very tight lipped on the AR/AP and will not tell what checks are being done.

Once they submit the fingerprints and names if they have any hits they cannot release the visa. They have to hold it until all checks are finalized and agreed upon.

Mary

[bubba1 0]

Once they submit the fingerprints and names if they have any hits they cannot release the visa. They have to hold it until all checks are finalized and agreed upon.

I called State and they looked at the file... told me that all the background checks were in and cleared, and nothing new has been ordered from DC. They couldn't say exactly what is going on in Moscow. My Senator got an email response from the consulate today, I am supposed to wait an "indefinite" period of time. I'm not sure what else to do here. Anybody have suggestions?

[arrowhead 0]

Obviously, you can only wait. It may take some time, but there is nothing else that you can do.

By the way, the State Department recommends that nobody purchase a plane ticket to the USA until the visa is in hand.

[bubba1 0]

By the way, the State Department recommends that nobody purchase a plane ticket to the USA until the visa is in hand.

Yeah, I knew that up front, and deliberately waited until after the interview to aviod getting nailed for canceling a flight. The consular officer said the case was approved and the visa would be delivered in one week. I suppose taking their word at face value was a mistake. Very disappointing, given the total lack of explanation from the consulate.

[MaryandMian 1]

Sorry but all you can do it wait the process out.

[stasd 0]

Hi bubba1,

Do you have any updates on visa status for you fiancée?

My fiancée has a similar situation in Moscow. It’s almost four month she is waiting for Administrative processing complete.

[iceyspots 0]

Well... I'm sure what Moscow wanted to say was "You have a bona fide realationship and your fiancé passed the interview however additional security checks need to be put in place" ... Interview approval doesn't neccesarily mean you'll have the visa in hand... but a lot of these checks can go very quickly so you will have to wait it out

[Larry and Maria 0]

Another place you could go to find out what the experiences recently have been is the Yahoo RussianWomenList.

I remember seeing a couple that just had this in Moscow in March I believe it was.

Same situation and I think it took them about a month.

One of the respondees to his query had the same thing happen.

Not much consolation -- just a suggestion of another place to check.

Seems to be the proverbial "black hole" and go figure.

So Sorry to hear it.

I hope it gets resolved quickly.