Parent permission to leave Russia on K1

[mishab 1]

Another question, specific to Russia.

My fiancee has a minor child. As we applied for k1 visa, the child's name was entered in the i-128F form. I did some research on this site regarding the parental permission needed for the interview.

It is my understanding that the divorced parents share equal custody of the child, and some posts suggest that my fiancee will need to obtain court authorization to take the child to the US. However some sites suggest that K1 is not the immigrant visa and no permission is required. In other words, we should not expect an embassy worker to ask for the parental permission.

Also, should my fiancee obtain a sole custody order prior to the interview?

[Codeblue009 3]

Another question, specific to Russia.

My fiancee has a minor child. As we applied for k1 visa, the child's name was entered in the i-128F form. I did some research on this site regarding the parental permission needed for the interview.

It is my understanding that the divorced parents share equal custody of the child, and some posts suggest that my fiancee will need to obtain court authorization to take the child to the US. However some sites suggest that K1 is not the immigrant visa and no permission is required. In other words, we should not expect an embassy worker to ask for the parental permission.

Also, should my fiancee obtain a sole custody order prior to the interview?

I am not an expert, but I know some of my friends who had similar situation like you. They needed to get either the father's permission or have a court order to leave with the minor child. Hopefully someone with more direct experience can answer your question. I only have limited knowledge on this. Sorry.

[baron555 934]

Yes they will need a certified letter from the other parent.

Email the Embassy for definitive info.

Edited April 20, 2011 by baron555

[slim 1,525]

Your fiancee should obtain the "they can take my kid to America" letter from her babby daddy. Depending on the situation this can be as easy as a simple signature or as tough as $500 and a simple signature. It could even be something to the effect of a notarized statement saying, "he left before the kid was born, don't know where he is, can't find him."

As already posted, have her contact the embassy to get the specifics because she will need something.

[mishab 1]

Thank you. We followed your advise and called the embassy's support line in Moscow. The permission is NOT on the must to have list, but they said it might become handy. What struck me is that we are applying for the K1 visa, which is not an immigrant visa.

Regardless, we obtained the permission earlier this morning and it was quiet emotional experience for both parents.

[Neonred 3,564]

Thank you. We followed your advise and called the embassy's support line in Moscow. The permission is NOT on the must to have list, but they said it might become handy. What struck me is that we are applying for the K1 visa, which is not an immigrant visa.

Regardless, we obtained the permission earlier this morning and it was quiet emotional experience for both parents.

Good that you have the permission as you will need it at some point unless the child is 16 years old.

US embassy in Moscow lists the K-1 as an immigrant visa on it's website.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Good that you have the permission as you will need it at some point unless the child is 16 years old.

US embassy in Moscow lists the K-1 as an immigrant visa on it's website.

They treat it as an immigrant visa even though it is not. Ukraine sort of treats it as an immigrant visa. You will not get a K-2 issued in Ukraine without that letter. I have heard in Russia that you can but that you may have trouble leaving the country without it. We were told, in Ukraine, that is why they require it.

Best to have it now. Ours also said that the permission was permanent and I suggest that you have the letter state it is valid for future travel also. Our youngest just turned 16 so we don't need it anymore, but we had to show it each time we left Ukraine until now.

[dxt7339 1]

Five years ago, my then fiance came on a K-1 from Russia with her 14 year old child. There was no letter of permission from the father required. I understand in Ukraine this is different. A letter is required. This has to do with an agreement signed by the USA and Ukraine about child kidnapping, where Russia has not signed such an agreement.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Five years ago, my then fiance came on a K-1 from Russia with her 14 year old child. There was no letter of permission from the father required. I understand in Ukraine this is different. A letter is required. This has to do with an agreement signed by the USA and Ukraine about child kidnapping, where Russia has not signed such an agreement.

I have understood that there are some differences and that they were related to this agreement you refer to. I also have heard of some changes but am not aware of the details. I advise to check very carefully with the consulate and the Russian authorities to make sure you are in compliance.

[james&olya 1,121]

Five years ago, my then fiance came on a K-1 from Russia with her 14 year old child. There was no letter of permission from the father required. I understand in Ukraine this is different. A letter is required. This has to do with an agreement signed by the USA and Ukraine about child kidnapping, where Russia has not signed such an agreement.

I have heard references to potential problems with boarding airline flights if you don't have such a letter. I don't know whether this actually happens but I did ask Olya to get such a letter from the father just in case. I would think this issue would be easily clarified by the embassy but I have had no luck there. Anybody with more info on this please chime in anytime!