The Kyiv Beat......

[bcartr 0]

ZADAN, THANK YOU!!!!!!!!!

Another question. Those who received DS-230 from the NVC - did your DS-230 form have a bar code like DS-3032? or can DS-230 be downloaded from a website and be ok?

And where from can I download DS-230 to fill it out and send it to my hubby just for him to have it and send back to NVC?

Here is a link that contains forms that you can download straight from the Kiev Embassy.

http://kiev.usembassy.gov/visa_iv_forms_eng.html

[Mariya 0]

Bcartr, thanks for the reference.. I just opened it but in the right top corner it says : Expires 07/31/2007... I am not sure if i can use it for NVC..

[Mariya 0]

VJ surfers,

Those who file for CR-1 - does NVC require the following documents or their copies from the Agent:

Birth certificate

Police certificate

Marriage certificate

Or those documents are required in the embassy for the interview only??

[LvivLovers 39]

Agent means the person who will be receiving my correspondence (forms and stuff) from NVC?

Guys, is it a normal situation that our petition was approved August, 7th and we haven't received a hard copy of it (NOA2)from USCIS yet. Hubby called USCIS they said "file i-824 for a duplicate if you want ".. but i-824 is $ 340

maybe we should just wait longer?

Mariya, our I-129F and I-130 were both approved on August 8, 2007 and we still haven't received either of our hard copy NOA2 forms either. USCIS tells me their computer says they mailed them (we know the computer can't be wrong, right? haha). Also as proof that they mailed them, the operator pointed out that they never came back as undeliverable...I tried to explain that to me this seemed like further proof they were probably never sent. In any case, they also told me I can file an I-824 form. Either they are just wanting extra money or are just really really bad.

Anyway, I'm curious...did you ever received your NOA2?

When I got my NOA2, it was about 1-month after the date the NOA2 said it was actually approved. The same goes for my NOA1 too. Go figure. Also, I never received notice from the NVC and the USCIS website says our case is "pending". This despite the fact they did approve it, sent it to the embassy in Kiev, and her interview was scheduled just fine (it's next week, Sep 27th). I've talked to a few folks who had this happen and sailed through just fine and are married now, so I just chalked it up to government incompetence.

I wouldn't bother paying $340 for that I-840 and just be sure to get the info from USCIS and move on. If they say you were approved, you can call the NVC too and get info from them as well (KEV#).

I definately don't want to pay $340 because I'm convinced they didn't even mail it in the first place. Unfortunately though I have to have this for my wife to Adjust Status here in the USA. I tried to call USCIS a few times and get them to send it again, but they still claim they sent it and said it must be my post office's fault. I don't know why they can't use certified mail or something.

[payxibka 10,045]

Bcartr, thanks for the reference.. I just opened it but in the right top corner it says : Expires 07/31/2007... I am not sure if i can use it for NVC..

A DS form is a DS form is a DS form.... The expiration date may not be significant. If it is the latest revision you can use it no problems

Edited September 24, 2007 by fwaguy

[Mariya 0]

Bcartr, thanks for the reference.. I just opened it but in the right top corner it says : Expires 07/31/2007... I am not sure if i can use it for NVC..

A DS form is a DS form is a DS form.... The expiration date may not be significant. If it is the latest revision you can use it no problems

Great!!

Does NVC require both parts of DS-230? copies of birth, marriage,police certificates and passport copy from Ukrainian applicants? or just DS-230 part I and a passport copy (bio page)?

Edited September 24, 2007 by Mariya

[Zadan 1]

Bcartr, thanks for the reference.. I just opened it but in the right top corner it says : Expires 07/31/2007... I am not sure if i can use it for NVC..

If you look here:

http://www.state.gov/m/a/dir/forms/

They have links to all the 'official' forms right from the state department, which you would think are authoritative, but:

http://www.state.gov/documents/organization/81807.pdf

Also has an expiration date of 7/31/2007, so the Kiev website has the same file, and it should be fine to use.

As to your DS-230 question, maybe these threads will be helpful for you:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=28708

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=1988

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=41201

Sounds to me like part II is for the interview, at the bottom it says: "DO NOT SIGN this form until instructed to do so by the consular officer".

If still in doubt, call or email the embassy at KyivIV@state.gov and ask. Hope that helps.

[Mariya 0]

ZADAN!!!!

Looks like that there are different requirements as for DS-230 Part I and/or II and documents that one should send to NVC for certain countries.

[natashenika 0]

Can anyone tell me, please, how can i find out if kiev got my case from NVC?

and when does it happen?

thanks

Natasha

[Deron 0]

Can anyone tell me, please, how can i find out if kiev got my case from NVC?

and when does it happen?

thanks

Natasha

It took about two weeks for me from the time I got my case # from NVC until the embassy received it. I found out by emailing them at kyivIV@state.gov. They did end up sending me an unsolicited email a couple days later saying the same thing with all the documents attached. They usually respond within a day to email.

Another tactic is to just call the call center, buy your pin, and try to make an appointment. The pin is good for 8 minutes which will let you call about 4 times if they don't have your case yet. It took me three pins but I know I got the best possible appointment as a result, and for that I have no regrets. Good luck!

FYI...they are running about 40 days out right now for appointments.

Edited September 25, 2007 by Deron

[TONY and TANYA 0]

Well another approved K-1 visa interview for you guys! They didnt even ask her any questions and the "interview" took less than a whole minute. The officer just asked "hows your fiance" thats it. He said that he looked at everything and he didnt have any questions. It was super easy.

When we got to Kiev on Friday we had to go for the medical exam which was uneventful, however we did not show up until 11am and we were done about an hour later. You go in and there is just a hall with seats on one side and doors on another. First you have to go into a USA Regristration room and then they give you all the documents and other room numbers you have to go into before you are done. Its first come first serve for each room and the people waiting have a order made of who goes first. It seems like there were more people getting other visas than K-1 or K-3. We decided to wait until 3pm for the results and they even have a nice little cafe in the medical center to sit and wait. The medical center is nice for Ukrainian standards.

As for the interview it again was uneventful. We arrived at the embassy at 8:45am and there was a line to enter. The line consisted of all boys and men though, no women. So i took Tanya and walked right to the front of the line and just walked into the security area, ya know since im a US citizen i can do that. Then we went to the immigration area and there was about 3-4 women sitting already. It kinda reminded me of a DMV but with glass windows. There was a man being trained in that took our documents and organized them into a little folder. It was not rushed and we all took our time. He called both of us up to the window to hand in our documents. Then we had to go and pay and come back with the receipt. Then we waited about an hour, in that time a few other k-1 and k-3 visa applicants came with their men. Tanya was called basically first and like i said she was done about 1 minute later!

We submitted in a VERY organized little 3 ring binder; (2) DS-156K, (1) DS-156, pregnancy letter that was signed and UN-notarized, My I-134 signed and UN-notarized, My 2006 1040's and schedules, My 2006 and 2007 bank statements, My warranty deed and evaluation of my home, My fathers I-134 and his 2006 1040's that were both scanned and emailed(NOT ORIGINALS) and notarized, Proof of our relationships, my passport, color copy of my registration to stay in the Ukraine and passport control stamps, plane tickets to the Ukraine, proof of both of our travels to Egypt, over 100 photos of us and my emails and phone records. From the pregnancy letter i stated i was living with her since Jan 5th 2007 and they can verify that by my passport stamps and Ukraine Regristration. I could tell that all was fine when the officer called her name and had a big smile, im sure our case was over documented and very easy for them. We were kinda nervous because we didnt have my fathers original I-134 or a notarization for my I-134 or the pregnancy letter. But since i was there i can verify the signatures. Plus we included her birth certificate and criminal record and her medical exam, plus translations and copys which are a must of course.

At the embassy there was a ton of men and boys that were Ukrainian that were there for something, it was weird. They were not in the immigration area though. Oh the officer told Tanya that they would issue her visa either today (same day as interview) or tomorrow and she should receive it in a week. Just for the record i would not have had to use a co-sponsor but as i stated above i have been living in Sevastopol with Tanya since Jan 5th 2007 and its September 25th right now!! So just to be safe since i obviously cannot work in the US when im not there, however i do have assets and am self employed so i can do that. Plus we are expecting a child in Jan. 2008.

My personal recommendations are to not show up for the medical exam until 10:30 or 11am as there are tons of people at earlier time i hear, and we started her exam within 5 min. They will get to everyone for the medical exam so dont worry. Plus there is a cafe in the medical center to wait for your results. At the embassy do not wait in line, go right to the front and walk in the security door. All US citizens and K visa applicant get in first. The security at the US Embassy will treat the US citizens like gods, just so you know! Do the DS-156 AND DS-156K online and DO NOT sign them until instructed by the officer. We filled ours online and it saved about 30 min. at the embassy. Some people had to go up to the window 2 or 3 times because of mistakes on their 156 applications. Be very organized in your documents, it does help. Be calm and take your time, nobody at the embassy rushes you in any way. If you can, attend the interview with your fiance(e). It is easy if you are prepared! My finace says that for all the girls DO NOT worry about the interview at all, it is easier than you are expecting!!!!!! For us waiting was the hardest thing, we mean waiting from the time the petition was filed to the visa interview. If anybody reading this wants to know more we will help in any way. My fiance can speak perfect english and is a translator. We can help anybody find apartments or help you get around in Kiev. DONT use a lawyer unless it is a unusual case! We can help and im sure many others like us on this site can and are willing to help for free. You can email us at tsloula@gmail.com. We would like everyones experience to be like ours, no questions asked at the interview right???

[LvivLovers 39]

Well another approved K-1 visa interview for you guys! They didnt even ask her any questions and the "interview" took less than a whole minute. The officer just asked "hows your fiance" thats it. He said that he looked at everything and he didnt have any questions. It was super easy.

When we got to Kiev on Friday we had to go for the medical exam which was uneventful, however we did not show up until 11am and we were done about an hour later. You go in and there is just a hall with seats on one side and doors on another. First you have to go into a USA Regristration room and then they give you all the documents and other room numbers you have to go into before you are done. Its first come first serve for each room and the people waiting have a order made of who goes first. It seems like there were more people getting other visas than K-1 or K-3. We decided to wait until 3pm for the results and they even have a nice little cafe in the medical center to sit and wait. The medical center is nice for Ukrainian standards.

As for the interview it again was uneventful. We arrived at the embassy at 8:45am and there was a line to enter. The line consisted of all boys and men though, no women. So i took Tanya and walked right to the front of the line and just walked into the security area, ya know since im a US citizen i can do that. Then we went to the immigration area and there was about 3-4 women sitting already. It kinda reminded me of a DMV but with glass windows. There was a man being trained in that took our documents and organized them into a little folder. It was not rushed and we all took our time. He called both of us up to the window to hand in our documents. Then we had to go and pay and come back with the receipt. Then we waited about an hour, in that time a few other k-1 and k-3 visa applicants came with their men. Tanya was called basically first and like i said she was done about 1 minute later!

We submitted in a VERY organized little 3 ring binder; (2) DS-156K, (1) DS-156, pregnancy letter that was signed and UN-notarized, My I-134 signed and UN-notarized, My 2006 1040's and schedules, My 2006 and 2007 bank statements, My warranty deed and evaluation of my home, My fathers I-134 and his 2006 1040's that were both scanned and emailed(NOT ORIGINALS) and notarized, Proof of our relationships, my passport, color copy of my registration to stay in the Ukraine and passport control stamps, plane tickets to the Ukraine, proof of both of our travels to Egypt, over 100 photos of us and my emails and phone records. From the pregnancy letter i stated i was living with her since Jan 5th 2007 and they can verify that by my passport stamps and Ukraine Regristration. I could tell that all was fine when the officer called her name and had a big smile, im sure our case was over documented and very easy for them. We were kinda nervous because we didnt have my fathers original I-134 or a notarization for my I-134 or the pregnancy letter. But since i was there i can verify the signatures. Plus we included her birth certificate and criminal record and her medical exam, plus translations and copys which are a must of course.

At the embassy there was a ton of men and boys that were Ukrainian that were there for something, it was weird. They were not in the immigration area though. Oh the officer told Tanya that they would issue her visa either today (same day as interview) or tomorrow and she should receive it in a week. Just for the record i would not have had to use a co-sponsor but as i stated above i have been living in Sevastopol with Tanya since Jan 5th 2007 and its September 25th right now!! So just to be safe since i obviously cannot work in the US when im not there, however i do have assets and am self employed so i can do that. Plus we are expecting a child in Jan. 2008.

My personal recommendations are to not show up for the medical exam until 10:30 or 11am as there are tons of people at earlier time i hear, and we started her exam within 5 min. They will get to everyone for the medical exam so dont worry. Plus there is a cafe in the medical center to wait for your results. At the embassy do not wait in line, go right to the front and walk in the security door. All US citizens and K visa applicant get in first. The security at the US Embassy will treat the US citizens like gods, just so you know! Do the DS-156 AND DS-156K online and DO NOT sign them until instructed by the officer. We filled ours online and it saved about 30 min. at the embassy. Some people had to go up to the window 2 or 3 times because of mistakes on their 156 applications. Be very organized in your documents, it does help. Be calm and take your time, nobody at the embassy rushes you in any way. If you can, attend the interview with your fiance(e). It is easy if you are prepared! My finace says that for all the girls DO NOT worry about the interview at all, it is easier than you are expecting!!!!!! For us waiting was the hardest thing, we mean waiting from the time the petition was filed to the visa interview. If anybody reading this wants to know more we will help in any way. My fiance can speak perfect english and is a translator. We can help anybody find apartments or help you get around in Kiev. DONT use a lawyer unless it is a unusual case! We can help and im sure many others like us on this site can and are willing to help for free. You can email us at tsloula@gmail.com. We would like everyones experience to be like ours, no questions asked at the interview right???

Thank's for the great write up, Tony! And congratulations to you and Tanya!!!

[Deron 0]

Well another approved K-1 visa interview for you guys! They didnt even ask her any questions and the "interview" took less than a whole minute. The officer just asked "hows your fiance" thats it. He said that he looked at everything and he didnt have any questions. It was super easy.

When we got to Kiev on Friday we had to go for the medical exam which was uneventful, however we did not show up until 11am and we were done about an hour later. You go in and there is just a hall with seats on one side and doors on another. First you have to go into a USA Regristration room and then they give you all the documents and other room numbers you have to go into before you are done. Its first come first serve for each room and the people waiting have a order made of who goes first. It seems like there were more people getting other visas than K-1 or K-3. We decided to wait until 3pm for the results and they even have a nice little cafe in the medical center to sit and wait. The medical center is nice for Ukrainian standards.

As for the interview it again was uneventful. We arrived at the embassy at 8:45am and there was a line to enter. The line consisted of all boys and men though, no women. So i took Tanya and walked right to the front of the line and just walked into the security area, ya know since im a US citizen i can do that. Then we went to the immigration area and there was about 3-4 women sitting already. It kinda reminded me of a DMV but with glass windows. There was a man being trained in that took our documents and organized them into a little folder. It was not rushed and we all took our time. He called both of us up to the window to hand in our documents. Then we had to go and pay and come back with the receipt. Then we waited about an hour, in that time a few other k-1 and k-3 visa applicants came with their men. Tanya was called basically first and like i said she was done about 1 minute later!

We submitted in a VERY organized little 3 ring binder; (2) DS-156K, (1) DS-156, pregnancy letter that was signed and UN-notarized, My I-134 signed and UN-notarized, My 2006 1040's and schedules, My 2006 and 2007 bank statements, My warranty deed and evaluation of my home, My fathers I-134 and his 2006 1040's that were both scanned and emailed(NOT ORIGINALS) and notarized, Proof of our relationships, my passport, color copy of my registration to stay in the Ukraine and passport control stamps, plane tickets to the Ukraine, proof of both of our travels to Egypt, over 100 photos of us and my emails and phone records. From the pregnancy letter i stated i was living with her since Jan 5th 2007 and they can verify that by my passport stamps and Ukraine Regristration. I could tell that all was fine when the officer called her name and had a big smile, im sure our case was over documented and very easy for them. We were kinda nervous because we didnt have my fathers original I-134 or a notarization for my I-134 or the pregnancy letter. But since i was there i can verify the signatures. Plus we included her birth certificate and criminal record and her medical exam, plus translations and copys which are a must of course.

At the embassy there was a ton of men and boys that were Ukrainian that were there for something, it was weird. They were not in the immigration area though. Oh the officer told Tanya that they would issue her visa either today (same day as interview) or tomorrow and she should receive it in a week. Just for the record i would not have had to use a co-sponsor but as i stated above i have been living in Sevastopol with Tanya since Jan 5th 2007 and its September 25th right now!! So just to be safe since i obviously cannot work in the US when im not there, however i do have assets and am self employed so i can do that. Plus we are expecting a child in Jan. 2008.

My personal recommendations are to not show up for the medical exam until 10:30 or 11am as there are tons of people at earlier time i hear, and we started her exam within 5 min. They will get to everyone for the medical exam so dont worry. Plus there is a cafe in the medical center to wait for your results. At the embassy do not wait in line, go right to the front and walk in the security door. All US citizens and K visa applicant get in first. The security at the US Embassy will treat the US citizens like gods, just so you know! Do the DS-156 AND DS-156K online and DO NOT sign them until instructed by the officer. We filled ours online and it saved about 30 min. at the embassy. Some people had to go up to the window 2 or 3 times because of mistakes on their 156 applications. Be very organized in your documents, it does help. Be calm and take your time, nobody at the embassy rushes you in any way. If you can, attend the interview with your fiance(e). It is easy if you are prepared! My finace says that for all the girls DO NOT worry about the interview at all, it is easier than you are expecting!!!!!! For us waiting was the hardest thing, we mean waiting from the time the petition was filed to the visa interview. If anybody reading this wants to know more we will help in any way. My fiance can speak perfect english and is a translator. We can help anybody find apartments or help you get around in Kiev. DONT use a lawyer unless it is a unusual case! We can help and im sure many others like us on this site can and are willing to help for free. You can email us at tsloula@gmail.com. We would like everyones experience to be like ours, no questions asked at the interview right???

Congratulations!

[natashenika 0]

[it took about two weeks for me from the time I got my case # from NVC until the embassy received it. I found out by emailing them at kyivIV@state.gov. They did end up sending me an unsolicited email a couple days later saying the same thing with all the documents attached. They usually respond within a day to email.

Another tactic is to just call the call center, buy your pin, and try to make an appointment. The pin is good for 8 minutes which will let you call about 4 times if they don't have your case yet. It took me three pins but I know I got the best possible appointment as a result, and for that I have no regrets. Good luck!

FYI...they are running about 40 days out right now for appointments.

Thanks for your reply!!!

and i'd like to ask you if you know can i make an apointment for interview before my case is completed in NVC?

can you also give me the phone numbers for pin and appointment

Thanks

Natasha

Edited September 26, 2007 by natashenika

[payxibka 10,045]

Thanks for your reply!!!

and i'd like to ask you if you know can i make an apointment for interview before my case is completed in NVC?

can you also give me the phone numbers for pin and appointment

Thanks

Natasha

I think for CR1 that NVC schedules the appointment for you....

http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/in...nfo_3734.html#K