Belarus/Warsaw Interview Warning

[skylarkfvr 0]

I'm sorry things are not working out smoothly for you right now, but you will be together, for sure, just believe it!!!

My fiance and I have received our NOA2 (we are filing for K-1) on July 16th, that's just about as far as we got by now. But I'm already researching on this Polish visa issue... Seems like a huge mess... Just a few questions I'm still not sure about:

1. Does Warsaw schedule the interview, or you can pick a date? If so, would it be better to pick the latest date possible?

2. What would you recommend (kind of a step-by-step guide) to get the Polish visa?

My fiance and I were planning to spend a week there, he would book the hotel over the internet. I would just have my train or airplane tickets on hand + letter from Warsaw embassy if they actually send me the hard copy..

Also we are using a lawyer in the US, maybe there is some sort of paper I could ask her to send me as a confirmation of purpose of stay in Warsaw?

Thank you!

[Used to be broken 147]

"I'm sorry things are not working out smoothly for you right now, but you will be together, for sure, just believe it!!!"

thanks for the kind words our circumstances are a bit different than the typical CR1 process we expect to be denied for the VISA at the interview and have to file for a waiver which could take another 6-8 months or more.

My fiance and I have received our NOA2 (we are filing for K-1) on July 16th, that's just about as far as we got by now. But I'm already researching on this Polish visa issue... Seems like a huge mess... Just a few questions I'm still not sure about:

Q. Does Warsaw schedule the interview, or you can pick a date? If so, would it be better to pick the latest date possible?

A. NVC schedules the interview and emails an appointment letter to the applicant and spouse if they have your email on file. This letter is not accepted from the folks in Polish Consulate in Minsk. They want to see a copy from the US Embassy in Warsaw which includes the envelope it came in apparently. *there might be a way to get it if you adjust your method of the NVC contacting your spouse/you in Belarus. I think somewhere there was an option of selecting agent maybe which is me here in US which is why he never got physical letter. I think this could cause other slow downs so someone might chime in on it. POSSIBLY might be a strategy when the email with appointment arrives call Warsaw (email takes up to 8 days) and ask for new date telling them you cannot make that date and ask for one two months in the future because it will require that based on how long they are taking to mail those letters from the Embassy. OR... like you mentioned try the Tourist VISA. My husband spent I think 3 days standing in line trying to get a VISA and said they hassle lots of folks on tourist visa too so have your papers in order.

Q. What would you recommend (kind of a step-by-step guide) to get the Polish visa?

A. It might be worth the extra $50 to have a travel agency book your trip and then you don't even have to stand in line to apply for the VISA just go pick it up. I know if you live in Belarus $50 sounds like a lot of money. But.. now is the time to start thinking like an American you get what you pay for. If I was booking a tourist VISA I would not even mention the trip to the Embassy that way they cannot hassle you about it.

You have to go online at Polish Consulate Website and request an appointment for a day you are allowed to go stand in line at the Polish Consulate to be hassled by their employees. It can be anywhere from 3-10 days from the day you request it. On the day you show up to apply for the VISA have your application with barcode from their website your passport and all related travel vouchers. It takes 10 working days for them to call you back with your visa completed. If I remember correctly they tell you what day to come back and pick it up. I don't know if the pick up is a "fast pass" window or you have to stand in line all day to pick up visa as well.

GOOD LUCK

[skylarkfvr 0]

Thank you for your reply.

I'll use the tour agent, then. Just called the first agency that came up on the internet and the cost seems reasonable for no hassle and standing in line for Polish embassy. They also said it would take 2 weeks at most from the date i bring my papers till i get the visa.