Denied K1

[NuZayetsPogodi 117]

Wow OP, I'm sorry to read all this. I want to add some info because I'm actually in Russia right now and I can't tell you much about the marriage process here, but I can tell you about the visa. I've read a lot of incorrect information here.

Visitor visa: You apply for a 3 year, multi-entry visa. You can stay for up to 6 months at a time. Then you can be out of the country for a while and then come back in.

Work visa: If you want to teach English, you can get a work visa this way. I looked into this option, and decided it wasn't for me, but that's because I own my own business in the USA, have substantial income, and my time is better spent working on my business than working in an English school. The pay is not good, no matter how you spin it, and you will definitely work more than you expect to.

If you just want to bide time with your fiance while you're waiting for your CR-1 to go through, I really think the visitor visa is your best bet. You will be locked into a contract if you teach English. You don't necessarily have to get married in Russia, by the way. You and your fiance could go to a country that he doesn't need a visa to (google "countries that Russians don't need visas to visit" This list includes many South American countries, Carribean islands, etc.) and get married there, just check into the marriage requirements very carefully.

[Lowens8 10]

I would be very surprised if you would get a reason from anyone.

The CO should have issued a 221g letter with the reason clearly stated but since they have discretionary powers to do what they want to

he did not receive that. I hope the senator can get another appointment to at least pick it up.

You can

1. File a FOIA to find out the reason,which takes a long time.

2. Marry, file a CR1, wait for RFE or NOID/NOIR and respond with rebuttal.

3. Hire a lawyer which will be wasted money and still may not get you an answer.

My option would be 1. and 2. both at the same time and see if the FOIA or NOID/NOIR (if any) will come first.

The FOIA would be requested to DHS right? (I don't see USCIS as an option)

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

By DOS for the CO's notes and also for USCIS once they have the case file back.
You both need to sign a privacy release, not just you or else they won't release his info.

Sometimes they are still vague and won't release all information.

[Lowens8 10]

NVC and USCIS still do not have the case. I asked USCIS what the expiration date on our petition is and the lady told me there is no expiration. I'm so confused lol...I have a couple months window that I can go to Russia so we can get married but if there's a chance we can still get the K1 overturned then we don't want to jump the gun with the marriage.

We have a 30 day waiting period to get married in Russia once there. We decided I would come a few months at a time during the CR-1 process so the plan is to go in October but I'd need to be back by December.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

[Georgia16 2,858]

NVC and USCIS still do not have the case. I asked USCIS what the expiration date on our petition is and the lady told me there is no expiration. I'm so confused lol...I have a couple months window that I can go to Russia so we can get married but if there's a chance we can still get the K1 overturned then we don't want to jump the gun with the marriage.

We have a 30 day waiting period to get married in Russia once there. We decided I would come a few months at a time during the CR-1 process so the plan is to go in October but I'd need to be back by December.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

I think you should wait getting married until you for sure know the reason for the denial so you won't end up with a denied CR-1 too.

[Lowens8 10]

I think you should wait getting married until you for sure know the reason for the denial so you won't end up with a denied CR-1 too.

Thank you Georgia! Either way we'll get married lol, just a matter of when I guess.

[Georgia16 2,858]

Thank you Georgia! Either way we'll get married lol, just a matter of when I guess.

I know I'm just saying it might be something there needs to be looked at before the marriage. Like would you move permanently to Russia if he has a ban to come to US? ... Not something you should answer just think about

I do hope it all resolve for you guys soon so you can be together.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

NVC and USCIS still do not have the case. I asked USCIS what the expiration date on our petition is and the lady told me there is no expiration. I'm so confused lol...I have a couple months window that I can go to Russia so we can get married but if there's a chance we can still get the K1 overturned then we don't want to jump the gun with the marriage.

We have a 30 day waiting period to get married in Russia once there. We decided I would come a few months at a time during the CR-1 process so the plan is to go in October but I'd need to be back by December.

Any input is greatly appreciated!

It doesn't matter what the expiration date on your petition is. Most people you talk on the phone to

have no idea what happens to the petition. No matter what the expiration date is, USCIS will allow the case to expire

so that it will be administratively closed as K1's are never ever reviewed anymore due to a law suit years ago.

All you need is the pouch number it was returned in to be sure it was returned. That's it. If you aren't granted a second

interview then stop chasing the K1 and move forward.

The decision to grant a 2. interview will be made at the embassy (if requested by a senator) not NVC and not

USCIS. I know it is hard to let go of "what i'fs" on the K1 but it is dead on arrival.

Take a deep breath, let it go and have fun planning your wedding.

[Lowens8 10]

It doesn't matter what the expiration date on your petition is. Most people you talk on the phone to

have no idea what happens to the petition. No matter what the expiration date is, USCIS will allow the case to expire

so that it will be administratively closed as K1's are never ever reviewed anymore due to a law suit years ago.

All you need is the pouch number it was returned in to be sure it was returned. That's it. If you aren't granted a second

interview then stop chasing the K1 and move forward.

The decision to grant a 2. interview will be made at the embassy (if requested by a senator) not NVC and not

USCIS. I know it is hard to let go of "what i'fs" on the K1 but it is dead on arrival.

Take a deep breath, let it go and have fun planning your wedding.

Yes the what-ifs are stressing me out haha! I really appreciate all the help

The wedding will be a whole nother level of stress, Russian law is to wait 32 days for an appointment to get married and tourist visas only last 30 days so I'll have to try and get a business visa. Also, do you have any advice on what type of evidence/proof we'll need for the marriage (besides the marriage license obviously). It would be only me and him so there's not going to be a huge party or anything (I hate being center of attention). I plan to add him to my life insurance policy but I'm not sure how openning a bank account and having him on utilities would work since he's not in the US. I guess while we're there I could open a Russian bank account.

[Ebunoluwa 6,136]

Yes the what-ifs are stressing me out haha! I really appreciate all the help

The wedding will be a whole nother level of stress, Russian law is to wait 32 days for an appointment to get married and tourist visas only last 30 days so I'll have to try and get a business visa. Also, do you have any advice on what type of evidence/proof we'll need for the marriage (besides the marriage license obviously). It would be only me and him so there's not going to be a huge party or anything (I hate being center of attention). I plan to add him to my life insurance policy but I'm not sure how openning a bank account and having him on utilities would work since he's not in the US. I guess while we're there I could open a Russian bank account.

When our K1 was refused we planned to marry but that fell through and we had to do another K1.

It was a crazy chase of paperwork all over the place for 2 weeks trying to get married even though we researched

and followed up with calls. It all changed when we met with insane bureaucracy. I was one heck of a Bridezilla for a while

and then having to leave him again unmarried with my flower bouquet and dress in tow and all. Man....bad memories.

Try to get an insurance policy you can add him as beneficiary, they have inexpensive smaller policies for about $25 a month.

Have him add you to his account and open a joint savings account there, use it off and on.

Power of attorney, wills. If he owns land or property he can add you on the document or lease.

Maybe a joint credit card in his country.

[Neonred 3,562]

Yes the what-ifs are stressing me out haha! I really appreciate all the help

The wedding will be a whole nother level of stress, Russian law is to wait 32 days for an appointment to get married and tourist visas only last 30 days so I'll have to try and get a business visa. Also, do you have any advice on what type of evidence/proof we'll need for the marriage (besides the marriage license obviously). It would be only me and him so there's not going to be a huge party or anything (I hate being center of attention). I plan to add him to my life insurance policy but I'm not sure how openning a bank account and having him on utilities would work since he's not in the US. I guess while we're there I could open a Russian bank account.

Of course you know that you CAN get married in less than 30 days in Russia, right?

Several here have managed it. It can be done just like anything else in Russia.

[Dirty harry 25]

Of course you know that you CAN get married in less than 30 days in Russia, right?

Several here have managed it. It can be done just like anything else in Russia.

This.

Almost anything can be "circumvented" in Russia. it just isn't like it is in the U.S. Talk to your fiancee he will know the particulars of how things work there.

Harry

[Hollyday 122]

The wedding will be a whole nother level of stress, Russian law is to wait 32 days for an appointment to get married and tourist visas only last 30 days so I'll have to try and get a business visa.

Why don't you get a private homestay visa? It's already been mentioned in this thread, i believe. You can stay in the country for more than 30 days on it.

On what grounds would you get a business visa?

[CM&KV 72]

Have you heard any updates on why you were denied?

[TBoneTX 45,273]

Several off-topic posts have been removed. Let's await the OP's return with an update.