Where can Russian citizens do their K1 visa interview?

[StephanieG 0]

Hello, I've almost completed the K1 I-129F petition for my Russian fiancé to come to the United States, however I'm unsure as to where he'll be able to go for his K1 interview when it gets to that point. The embassies in Russia are currently suspended/not working on non-immigration visas, so I'm not sure what US embassy location (in what country) he can apply through/have the interview at. I've been doing some reading, and it seems like Warsaw may be an option, but they also seem to be overloaded. Does anyone have a similar situation or any suggestions? Is Kazakhstan an option? Any advice or information would be much appreciated, thank you

[millefleur 5,043]

Warsaw is the designated US Embassy for Russians.

 

If you want to go through another embassy, you have to get permission from them. They may have specific requirements. You will have to reach out to each one individually and ask.

[C@m 23]

17 minutes ago, StephanieG said:

Hello, I've almost completed the K1 I-129F petition for my Russian fiancé to come to the United States, however I'm unsure as to where he'll be able to go for his K1 interview when it gets to that point. The embassies in Russia are currently suspended/not working on non-immigration visas, so I'm not sure what US embassy location (in what country) he can apply through/have the interview at. I've been doing some reading, and it seems like Warsaw may be an option, but they also seem to be overloaded. Does anyone have a similar situation or any suggestions? Is Kazakhstan an option? Any advice or information would be much appreciated, thank you

As @millefleur said, the current designated US Embassy for Russian K1 interviews is Warsaw. You don't get to chose, the NVC forwards it to the US Embassy designated for processing the K1s at the time your 129F petition is approved and reaches NVC. Given that you're just now filing the petition, things may be different ~12 months from now when your petition is approved, so you should check back around that time, but again -- the NVC will automatically decide which embassy the approved petition will get routed to. 

 

You can contact any other US Embassy and see if they're accept a transfer from the NVC-designated US Embassy (currently Warsaw) to their embassy. People have tried on this forum and have had varied success. I don't believe anyone has had success transferring a K1 case from Warsaw to Kazakhstan.

[millefleur 5,043]

1 minute ago, C@m said:

People have tried on this forum and have had varied success. I don't believe anyone has had success transferring a K1 case from Warsaw to Kazakhstan.

There was one case that @powerpuff mentioned but I forgot who it was. However, I don't know the whole story, this person may have had ties to Kazakhstan.

[powerpuff 6,491]

23 minutes ago, millefleur said:

There was one case that @powerpuff mentioned but I forgot who it was. However, I don't know the whole story, this person may have had ties to Kazakhstan.

I think it was this thread? I'm not sure. 

 

There is another one I found but it's for F2A.

https://www.visajourney.com/timeline/profile.php?id=343357

 

Both were for spouses though. I think that may have played a part. As far as I've seen, Kazakhstan is generally unwilling to accept transfers and now that Warsaw is officially the designated consulate for Russian citizens, I think the chances are even slimmer. 

 

[StephanieG 0]

Thank you @millefleur  and @C@m  for your responses and help! I didn't know that Warsaw was the designated US Embassy for Russian K1 visa, so I really appreciate you guys letting me know! Just one more quick question, on the K1 I-129F form it asks: "Your beneficiary will apply for a visa abroad at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate at:" and then you must provided the city and country. Should I put Moscow, Russia here, and it'll automatically get forwarded? Or should I go ahead and put down Warsaw, Poland? Thank you again! 

[SalishSea 17,561]

14 minutes ago, StephanieG said:

Thank you @millefleur  and @C@m  for your responses and help! I didn't know that Warsaw was the designated US Embassy for Russian K1 visa, so I really appreciate you guys letting me know! Just one more quick question, on the K1 I-129F form it asks: "Your beneficiary will apply for a visa abroad at the U.S. Embassy or U.S. Consulate at:" and then you must provided the city and country. Should I put Moscow, Russia here, and it'll automatically get forwarded? Or should I go ahead and put down Warsaw, Poland? Thank you again! 

Doesn't matter.  Either is fine, as it will default to the consulate serving Russian citizens.   The Moscow consulate has been closed for some time now, and likely will still be so in ~ 2 years when your fiance gets an interview appointment.