Expediting K1 visa due to Ukraine crisis

[Austin&Olga 66]

Hi everyone, 

 

With the Ukraine/Russia crisis happening right now, has anyone seen any updates from the U.S. government on expediting K1 visas, or any Ukraine visas in general? I reached out to my immigration lawyer and I'm waiting to hear back. Right now I'm stuck in the NOA1 > NOA2 process. We received our NOA1 in July 2021 but are still waiting for our NOA2. Right now it appears they are wrapping up March filers and moving to April 2021 filers soon, so this means we will still have at least a few months until receiving our NOA2 which makes me nervous given the last few weeks of escalation. I appreciate any thoughts/comments you may have! 

[aaron2020 11,651]

Don't believe that the US Government will be expediting cases with the US Embassy at minimum staff.   War in 2014 was not a reason to expedite then, so probably not a reason to expedite now.  Sorry.  

[Unlockable 7,315]

This question has been popping up a lot in recent weeks. There are reports of failed expedite attempts from members from that region who have tried. Don't think they will expedite based on that, quite unfortunately. If anything, I'd wager they would expedite spousal visas and minor children visas over fiance visas. 

[Chancy 6,242]

*** Moved from K1 Process & Procedures to the RUB regional forum, to be among other threads about expedite requests on the basis of the situation in the Ukraine ***

 

19 minutes ago, Austin&Olga said:

With the Ukraine/Russia crisis happening right now, has anyone seen any updates from the U.S. government on expediting K1 visas, or any Ukraine visas in general?

 

Please see threads below related to that topic --

 

 

[gregcrs2 1,778]

Sorry to tell you this but it's just not going to happen.  You are not even in the NVC process yet but even then, it does not matter.  Even married couples are still having difficulty trying to expedite so being a K-1, unfortunately, I don't see any possibilty anytime in the near future.  Wish you luck.  

Edited February 23, 2022 by gregcrs2
typo

[Austin&Olga 66]

I appreciate the responses from everyone. I kinda figured there wasn't any way to expedite but thought it was at least worth asking. Hopefully this conflict settles down soon. Her and I have been through the COVID pandemic together and are now facing another major challenge... crazy times. 

[Austin&Olga 66]

Just saw this popped up on the U.S. embassy site about 20 minutes ago for humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. Wondering if this changes anything? 

 

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian fiancée/fiancé seeking to travel to the United States on a K1 visa:

• If you have already filed a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that was not yet approved, U.S. law prohibits U.S. embassies from accepting K visa petitions (I-129F) for local filing abroad. USCIS must first approve K visa petitions. However, you can request an expedite for USCIS processing at this link.

[hamsesh 0]

1 hour ago, Austin&Olga said:

Just saw this popped up on the U.S. embassy site about 20 minutes ago for humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. Wondering if this changes anything? 

 

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian fiancée/fiancé seeking to travel to the United States on a K1 visa:

• If you have already filed a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that was not yet approved, U.S. law prohibits U.S. embassies from accepting K visa petitions (I-129F) for local filing abroad. USCIS must first approve K visa petitions. However, you can request an expedite for USCIS processing at this link.

Could you please post the link to that post? I can't seem to find it haha

 

Found it! It's on the US embassy to Poland's website! Immediate Humanitarian Assistance for the People of Ukraine in Poland - U.S. Embassy & Consulate in Poland (usembassy.gov)

Edited February 28, 2022 by hamsesh

[Austin&Olga 66]

3 minutes ago, hamsesh said:

Could you please post the link to that post? I can't seem to find it haha

https://pl.usembassy.gov/humanitarian_assistance_ukraine_pl/

[jjp85 18]

1 hour ago, Austin&Olga said:

Just saw this popped up on the U.S. embassy site about 20 minutes ago for humanitarian assistance for the people of Ukraine. Wondering if this changes anything? 

 

If you are a U.S. citizen with a Ukrainian fiancée/fiancé seeking to travel to the United States on a K1 visa:

• If you have already filed a petition with United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) that was not yet approved, U.S. law prohibits U.S. embassies from accepting K visa petitions (I-129F) for local filing abroad. USCIS must first approve K visa petitions. However, you can request an expedite for USCIS processing at this link.

The expedite link is not useful. It just tells you to call a phone number with a recorded message that tells you to visit the website..

[Austin&Olga 66]

 

10 minutes ago, jjp85 said:

The expedite link is not useful. It just tells you to call a phone number with a recorded message that tells you to visit the website..

So update on my end. Instead of trying to go through the government website, just straight up call your representative's office. I left a message about my situation and they called me back in like five minutes. They are sending me a privacy agreement document where I will provide a description of my case, my receipt #, etc. and they are going to go from there. I'm not sure it will lead to anything, but this is the best news I have gotten to expedite our case since this whole conflict began. 

[Austin&Olga 66]

This is the form they sent mePrivacy Release - Office of Congressman Andy Levin.pdf

[millefleur 5,047]

55 minutes ago, Austin&Olga said:

I'm not sure it will lead to anything, but this is the best news I have gotten to expedite our case since this whole conflict began. 

That's great news, thanks for sharing so that others can possibly try the same path. I hope it works out.

[Cclemonds27 18]

I did the same thing as you did. I filled out the privacy forms for my Senator and Congressman. My fiancee is on a train to Poland right now and I will be going to see her in a few weeks. I will keep you informed about our case and we shall see what our state leaders can do for us.

[Cschaef25 24]

After calling USCIS (800-375-5283) 2 days ago, I requested an expedite request for I-129F. They received the request today and currently reviewing! By the way, for those looking for other options beyond Warsaw, Bucharest is accepting transfers as well.