No appointments available - Tips & Suggestions

[Cherridee 10]

35 minutes ago, DaveAndAnastasia said:

We were very lucky in terms of when Moscow decided to open up the calendar for Anastasia; she was able to schedule her interview right away. They had a few iterations of opening up January and February dates in late December/early January that were all snapped up really quickly, but by the time Anastasia could schedule a date, the backlog had been temporarily cleared enough that some dates that opened earlier that day were still open for her.

 

But really your best bet is probably to find one of the WhatsApp or other chat groups of Russian fiancees monitoring the web and calling. They're not useful for much else (scary stories and inaccurate information tends to get passed around among them), but it's the best way to follow openings in Moscow.

Yes, I joined both groups and even though I dont speak russian, they did offer their help. Luckily I joined the monitoring chat for interview availability. Thank you for that information. 

[Cherridee 10]

32 minutes ago, millefleur said:

Yikes...can someone post a link to VJ in the WhatsApp group so we can help curb the disinfo a little bit...? They can post here in Russian. I speak Russian, will be happy to answer any q's and a bunch of our other regulars here on VJ speak Russian too.

 

The amount of disinfo floating around inside Russia about US visas is off the charts...

Thanks for the Kazakhstan tip, my fiance has traveled to Kaza so as far as I know it’s open borders with Russia. I also thought about Georgia as I know several people went there. However, my biggest concern would be where he would receive his passport. 

 

If I had to do this process (after NOA2) again I would definitely suggest several things. 

 

1) Don’t stress while waiting for a change from NOA2 to NVC stage, because most likely nothing will happen before four weeks and constantly calling to NVC will only cause super stress. 

 

2) Don’t try to skip steps after NVC number is assigned. I mean, don’t pay for visa ahead of time and don’t complete DS160. 

 

I completed DS160 as soon as I got the MOS number because I wanted to send my fiance the printed confirmation page along with the affidavit of support, turns out I did it again because I had this uneasy feeling I had done something wrong because I was rushing. 

 

So after I got the email from embassy in which it confirmed that our case was ready for interview scheduling, I did the following: 

 

- Opened Ustraveldocs Account

- Completed new DS160

- paid visa fee 

- submitted visa fee receipt number to get calendar opened

 

After five days my calendar option was opened. If one tries to pay for visa fee ahead of schedule the calendar request will take longer, as I recently found out. 

 

I was also going to schedule an early medical exam before the interview and my fiance was suggested by the embassy not to do it, because even though they say the exam is good for six months, it can be rejected after four. 

 

Sorry for long reply I just wanted to share my experience and maybe this will help someone who needs guidance and support. It’s such a difficult process to go through when one feels alone. 

[Helena_Siberia 26]

Hello there,

 

Russians can transfer K-1 cases only to Kiev, Ukraine. I'm not sure about Mongolia, but I know that girls sent inquiry to Georgia and Armenia, but the US Embassies replied that they won't be able to accommodate their request.

 

I know it's super frustrating, but the group chat helps a lot. I was waiting for the interview spot to open up for almost a month, since March 1st and then was finally able to grab one for April 23rd, all thanks to the girls in the chat. Some girls were waiting for the spot since February 12th.

 

Transferring the case to Ukraine will take a month, so my reco is to stick with Moscow and monitor the dates with the WhatsApp chat.

 

Elena

Edited April 5, 2019 by Helena_Siberia

[TBoneTX 45,649]

In all my time on VJ, I don't recall visas having been issued in Belarus.

I do know that Mongolia has a small, sleepy U.S. consulate where a K-1 or CR-1 would be a treat to process.

They were quite responsive in the most recent Russian transfer incidence that I recall.

The beneficiary got her visa, but sadly the petitioner didn't post an embassy review.

[millefleur 5,047]

13 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

In all my time on VJ, I don't recall visas having been issued in Belarus.

I think I found the answer for that. From the US Embassy in Belarus website:

 

All immigrant visas processing for residents of Belarus is done at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. For further information, contact Embassy Warsaw.

 

14 minutes ago, TBoneTX said:

I do know that Mongolia has a small, sleepy U.S. consulate where a K-1 or CR-1 would be a treat to process. 

They were quite responsive in the most recent Russian transfer incidence that I recall.

The beneficiary got her visa, but sadly the petitioner didn't post an embassy review.

Too bad this VJ'er isn't too active here, would've been interesting to hear more input about the Mongolian IV experience for Russians.

[TBoneTX 45,649]

39 minutes ago, millefleur said:

All immigrant visas processing for residents of Belarus is done at the U.S. Embassy in Warsaw, Poland. For further information, contact Embassy Warsaw.

I figured that it was something like this.

39 minutes ago, millefleur said:

would've been interesting to hear more input about the Mongolian IV experience for Russians.

It apparently went great -- good treatment, nothing untoward.

[Cherridee 10]

18 hours ago, Helena_Siberia said:

Hello there,

 

Russians can transfer K-1 cases only to Kiev, Ukraine. I'm not sure about Mongolia, but I know that girls sent inquiry to Georgia and Armenia, but the US Embassies replied that they won't be able to accommodate their request.

 

I know it's super frustrating, but the group chat helps a lot. I was waiting for the interview spot to open up for almost a month, since March 1st and then was finally able to grab one for April 23rd, all thanks to the girls in the chat. Some girls were waiting for the spot since February 12th.

 

Transferring the case to Ukraine will take a month, so my reco is to stick with Moscow and monitor the dates with the WhatsApp chat.

 

Elena

Absolutely, I think it’s the best choice after weighing in all options. Im afraid to try to transfer and repay fee, then wait a month for the transition only to find that moscow has available dates. Your words just reassured me of my decision and yes, Im monitoring on the chat and I will patiently wait. 

 

Thanks

[Mekulisch 97]

I will add my two cents.

 

if you are very persistent and have access to the WhatsApp group that monitors dates your time will come.  I admit to being extremely discouraged by various roadblocks that occurred during our time hoping for an interview slot.

kind, concerned, fellow-sufferers helped keep us informed and our spirits resolute.

ask questions and make connections with others here on VJ. and never give up.

[Cherridee 10]

4 minutes ago, Mekulisch said:

I will add my two cents.

 

if you are very persistent and have access to the WhatsApp group that monitors dates your time will come.  I admit to being extremely discouraged by various roadblocks that occurred during our time hoping for an interview slot.

kind, concerned, fellow-sufferers helped keep us informed and our spirits resolute.

ask questions and make connections with others here on VJ. and never give up.

Thank you so much for your reassurance as well. Im taking full coverage when it comes to monitoring. Im talking WhatsApp, website monitoring and even my fiancé is calling the embassy quite frequently. I know it is discouraging at times especially when I know there are a lot of people waiting on an available slot and some are waiting far more than I have. 

 

Im just here praying and taking action and hoping everything turns out well, not just for me, but for everyone who’s in the same boat as I am. 

 

Thank you for your help. 

[Cherridee 10]

Update for anyone that needs future guidance:

 

I stayed in Russia and it was the best decision. My fiance snatched a date this morning and girls on whatsapp group alerted me at the same time he was booking an appointment. Team work is definitely a great help when it comes to K1s in Russia. 

[TBoneTX 45,649]

What great news!

[Cherridee 10]

11 hours ago, TBoneTX said:

What great news!

Thank you, I feel very happy. 

[Ksenia282 7]

On 4/6/2019 at 7:52 AM, Mekulisch said:

I will add my two cents.

 

if you are very persistent and have access to the WhatsApp group that monitors dates your time will come.  I admit to being extremely discouraged by various roadblocks that occurred during our time hoping for an interview slot.

kind, concerned, fellow-sufferers helped keep us informed and our spirits resolute.

ask questions and make connections with others here on VJ. and never give up.

I would appreciate a lot if somebody told me how I could join that WhatsApp chat

[Mekulisch 97]

8 hours ago, Ksenia282 said:

I would appreciate a lot if somebody told me how I could join that WhatsApp chat

Check with @Lars & Sasha they were kind enough to help us get on the WhatsApp group

[Cherridee 10]

5 hours ago, Mekulisch said:

Check with @Lars & Sasha they were kind enough to help us get on the WhatsApp group

She was able to join the group, thanks for the help. 👍🏻