Ukraine Consolate Info on VJ incorrect?

[robert404 0]

I was reading the consulate info for Kiev, Ukraine and I don't think the dual biological parents info is correct. I can't find any mention of this in the official instructions for the information packet. I'm specifically referring to item 1) below:

"18. IMPORTANT! TO OBTAIN A VISA FOR A CHILD UNDER 16 ONE OF THESE IS REQUIRED:

1) Physical presence of both biological parents;

2) Court decree giving one parent sole legal custody of the child;

3) Death certificates, in case one of the parents is deceased."

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Ukraine&cty=Kiev

Thanks,

Robert

Edited August 30, 2012 by robert404

[mobob 0]

If you're asking what's needed for a child under 16 from Ukraine to get a visa, the child has to have a 'TRAVEL DOCUMENT OF A CHILD' that's issued by OVIR, and all the other stuff that's required, application, birth certificate, photo, etc, or the child CAN be included in the passport of the custodial parent, two visas/one passport. However, when traveling internationally, the child would always have to travel with that parent. Personally, I think it's a better idea to have separate travel documents. To get the child out of the country, the afore mentioned travel document with visa, and a notarized letter from the noncustodial parent and a copy of the data page of that person's internal passport, is required. Good idea to have those for the interview, too. Incidentally, at least in my experience, the TRAVEL DOCUMENT OF A CHILD is only good for one year. You'll want to time everything just right - when to apply for the travel document, so it doesn't expire too soon. The visa requires a passport, and I presume also the TRAVEL DOCUMENT, to be valid for eight months past the arrival date. Oh, also a good idea to have the letter from the non custodial parent translated and notarized. Actually, it's a good idea to have everything translated and notarized. The State Department instructions don't say that, again, just my experience. Good luck.

[robert404 0]

Thanks. I have the travel document and agree one should have all docs translated because there is a possibility they will ask.

I'm specifically asking why VJ data says that both biological parents must be present, when the official instructions say that this is not the case. I'm ignoring VJ data and going with the instructions. It would be a pain to have the other parent show up to an interview because they may simply not show.

1) Physical presence of both biological parents;

[mobob 0]

No problem. Actually, I didn't even know about that page until you mentioned it. All I did was follow the VJ guidelines, then the official instructions. VJ is great, but some info may be out of date or now incorrect. That's no fault of the VJ folks or members, it just happens, especially with so many governments and so many people that work for them.

[Moomin 292]

When looking under embassy info, there's also a link to update this information("update/add information"). I'd suggest one that have already gone through that embassy would contribute to adding the correct info.

[spectec 12]

This what you will need for the child:

TO OBTAIN A VISA FOR A CHILD UNDER 16 ONE OF THESE IS REQUIRED:

- Court decree granting sole custody to the parent applying for a U.S. visa; OR

- Notarized consent letter from the left-behind parent permitting the permanent residency of the child in the

U.S. WITH a photocopy of left-behind parent's passport ID page (to confirm identity and signature of the person

granting permission); OR

- Death certificate, if the other parent is deceased; OR

- The left-behind parent may appear in person to sign the consent statement.

Personal appearance of the non-immigrating parent is, however, an option for those families who wish to choose it.

If the left-behind parent is not in Ukraine, s/he should have his/her consent letter notarized at the nearest Ukrainian or

U.S. Embassy/consulate in the country where s/he is located, and then submit that notarized statement with a photocopy of his/her passport ID page. The parent should send the documents to the visa applicant.

If the immigrating parent cannot locate the other parent (e.g., if they have been estranged for many years), then s/he

should obtain a Ukrainian court decree establishing that s/he has custody/control of the child or a court decree

pronouncing the other parent missing.

Documents in English, Ukrainian or Russian do not need to be translated. Translation is required only if the original

document is done in a language other than English, Ukrainian or Russian. The consular officer may request a certified

translation of any document into English. I recommend getting them translated anyway.

Here is the link to the Kiev requirements http://photos.state....nstructions.pdf The presence of the other parent at the interview is an option to obtaining the consent letter.

Edited August 30, 2012 by spectec

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I was reading the consulate info for Kiev, Ukraine and I don't think the dual biological parents info is correct. I can't find any mention of this in the official instructions for the information packet. I'm specifically referring to item 1) below:

"18. IMPORTANT! TO OBTAIN A VISA FOR A CHILD UNDER 16 ONE OF THESE IS REQUIRED:

1) Physical presence of both biological parents;

2) Court decree giving one parent sole legal custody of the child;

3) Death certificates, in case one of the parents is deceased."

http://www.visajourney.com/consulates/index.php?ctry=Ukraine&cty=Kiev

Thanks,

Robert

You need ONE of those things, not ALL of those things. The list also includes a notarized letter from the absent parent giving permission for the child to be relocated permanently to the USA and a copy of that parents passport photo and signature page. THAT is the option to use as you will need his "permission" each time the children leave Ukraine until age 16. A letter is the way to go. That is what we used and used it multiple times for our youngest son to exit Ukraine during visits

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Get consulate info from the consulate. All consulates have different rules and VJ simply cannot keep up with all of them, the advice posted above is excellent. VJ is an excellent source and the people running this site are doing a great job, but it is not and can not be the only source you use. Always refer to the official websites for whatever department you are currnetly working with (USCIS, NVC, consulates, etc.) in addition to the great info here.

If you're asking what's needed for a child under 16 from Ukraine to get a visa, the child has to have a 'TRAVEL DOCUMENT OF A CHILD' that's issued by OVIR, and all the other stuff that's required, application, birth certificate, photo, etc, or the child CAN be included in the passport of the custodial parent, two visas/one passport. However, when traveling internationally, the child would always have to travel with that parent. Personally, I think it's a better idea to have separate travel documents. To get the child out of the country, the afore mentioned travel document with visa, and a notarized letter from the noncustodial parent and a copy of the data page of that person's internal passport, is required. Good idea to have those for the interview, too. Incidentally, at least in my experience, the TRAVEL DOCUMENT OF A CHILD is only good for one year. You'll want to time everything just right - when to apply for the travel document, so it doesn't expire too soon. The visa requires a passport, and I presume also the TRAVEL DOCUMENT, to be valid for eight months past the arrival date. Oh, also a good idea to have the letter from the non custodial parent translated and notarized. Actually, it's a good idea to have everything translated and notarized. The State Department instructions don't say that, again, just my experience. Good luck.

Very young children are put in their parents passports and that works fine until they are old enough to travel themselves.