Ukrainian visa expedite due to conflict there?

[xen0blue 0]

I am going through the k1 visa process with my fiance, and i was wondering if ukranian visas are being expedited due to the conflict and if not, how much of a success would we have in requesting one? She lives in southern ukraine (nikolaev), part of which Putin recognized as part of novo rossya (new russia) which might be subject to his apparent push for russian 'liebenstraum'.

We are going thru the notoriously slow TSC.

[Boiler 45,525]

Definitely worth a go, certainly seen one.

[abella 13]

A few people have been expedited due to the conflict, especially with what's been going on with the recent invasion coverage on the news.

[xen0blue 0]

Are they doing auto-expedite for ukranian visas now? Does anyone think it will happen?

[kehills 217]

Why wait for a possible auto? Make the expedite request first thing Tuesday AM.

[Travelman64 2]

There is no auto expedite current for Ukraine, as I filed my K1 in April, I was just transferred from the TSC to the CSC so I'm hoping to be processed within the next 30 days, I was considering asking for expedited processing before the transfer.

My fiancée and her daughter also lives in Nikolaev !

Edited August 31, 2014 by Travelman64

[rorysspeed 7]

My fiance is in Kyiv. I called about 2 weeks ago requesting for them to expedite our visa. About 5 days later I received the dreaded denial email. I feel she has to have a limb missing or worse for her to be expedited. I mean come Ukraine is the size of Texas and Louisiana!!!

I'm so sick of the United States. If I didn't have my kids here I would be out of here in a heart beat!

[kehills 217]

No guarantees this will work, but to expedite, make sure you also involve your congresscritters. It's likely only going to work for people who are in areas that are either currently controlled by pro-Russian rebels, or in the fluctuating areas (see attached map). You need to be sure that you are stating that it's an extreme emergent situation/humanitarian crisis.

You should first call USCIS (or wherever your application is at the time) and request an expedite for fiancé(e) because he or she lives in an area of the Ukraine currently being attacked by Russia/pro-Russian forces. Emphasize the danger, especially if there have been actual soldier activity in the area your partner lives, destroyed buildings, etc. You may also want to discuss how easy it will or will not be for your partner to get to Kyiv for the interview, due to road blocks and other access issues, and whether or not anti-American/Western sentiments are being directed at your partner or otherwise targeting them for violence.

When you get off the phone, immediately turn around and call your local congresscritter. They'll have someone in office who handles immigration issues. You're going to repeat the same information, making sure that you emphasize the emergent and dangerous situation there. Ask for help getting an expedite; they should direct you to a form that you will have to fill out giving them permission to intervene for you.

THIS IS IMPORTANT: when you fill out the form, you must include a cover letter that provides your full name and social security number, your fiancé(e)'s full name and alien number, your petition case number, who has the case file at this moment (service center, NVC, Consulate), and contact information for both of you. You will need to include a full, detailed statement as to why it's necessary to expedite the petition at this time.

I don't think it would be out of bounds to also mention how the Kyiv embassy has been locked down, they're limiting travel, how the Peace Corps have left, etc. You can use information from the Kyiv website to talk about travel delays and risks, etc. You want the language to be language that they understand as "dangerous."

Kyiv website travel information: http://ukraine.usembassy.gov/events/travel-08012014.html

Expedite criteria: http://www.uscis.gov/forms/expedite-criteria (Again, be sure you use phrases like extreme emergent situation and emerging humanitarian crisis; reference economic sanctions, etc.)

Map of affected areas where expedites seem more likely:

Good luck. I can't even imagine how nerve-wracking this must be.

[rorysspeed 7]

Has anyone heard anything further? Or have been approved for an expedite? It's sad that the government knows what is going on in Ukraine and no special attentions is given for our loved ones.

[abella 13]

Has anyone heard anything further? Or have been approved for an expedite? It's sad that the government knows what is going on in Ukraine and no special attentions is given for our loved ones.

They auto-expedited some regions in the Philippines due to the typhoon, they should expedite Ukraine IMHO.

[cyclingguy 1]

I am in a similiar situation and had my congressman (senator) request an expedite with information I assembled. She resides in Crimea. Unfortunately the expedite request was denied. Has anyone had success getting an expedite request approved in ukraine did to the ongoing conflict?

[abella 13]

I am in a similiar situation and had my congressman (senator) request an expedite with information I assembled. She resides in Crimea. Unfortunately the expedite request was denied. Has anyone had success getting an expedite request approved in ukraine did to the ongoing conflict?

When my expedite got denied I called the ombudsman.

[Tnic 5]

Just sent our expedite request to the NVC AND contacting my Senator.

60 DAYS to process an approved CR-1 petition?

And can someone esplain me WHY is the NVC (National VISA Center) processing a petition? Shouldn't it go from USCIS to the Consulate?

WE WANTS OUTTA HERE!!!

"We", because I'm staying with her and flying home with my wife. Retirement has its benefits.

[Boiler 45,525]

I am in a similiar situation and had my congressman (senator) request an expedite with information I assembled. She resides in Crimea. Unfortunately the expedite request was denied. Has anyone had success getting an expedite request approved in ukraine did to the ongoing conflict?

Interesting, what is happening in Crimea?

[kehills 217]

Just sent our expedite request to the NVC AND contacting my Senator.

60 DAYS to process an approved CR-1 petition?

And can someone esplain me WHY is the NVC (National VISA Center) processing a petition? Shouldn't it go from USCIS to the Consulate?

WE WANTS OUTTA HERE!!!

"We", because I'm staying with her and flying home with my wife. Retirement has its benefits.

Immigrant VISAs go through a different processing procedure.

Interesting, what is happening in Crimea?

...the Crimea is part of the dispute between Russia and Ukraine.