Russian K-1, Jerusalem/Israel Embassy, 221g AP [merged threads]

[rikko 93]

Immediately after our interview in July we were refused on 221g grounds, and they asked us for additional military records (proof of no service) and CV (curriculum vitae)

 

We mailed those, they received them, and they updated our 221g refusal but did not list any categories. (Basically we received a new refusal paper but no categories of information listed.)

 

Now I know a refusal isn't a denial, but...

 

I was browsing visajourney and some people from other countries say it's a way to deny you softly as your k-1 and medical will expire, and our medical will expire in November. 

 

Can anyone tell us if it's bleak or hopeless because I am feeling the stress...

[JeanneAdil 6,581]

did the CO/embassy retain the passport?

soft denial is everyone as we all go thru AP either for extended security or just the time to print the visa (about a week

 

if medical expires and all documents are approved,  embassy will require new medical -not an issue 

its not hopeless but we do not know the details of the case or interview

 

Never give up hope

[Boiler 45,733]

I can see military and Russia causing issues

 

Probably just a delay

[rikko 93]

16 hours ago, JeanneAdil said:

did the CO/embassy retain the passport?

No they didn't, they told us to mail the required documents and told us it would take about a month - the interviewing officer seemed to approve of my fiance and our relationship at the end of the interview.

 

Thank you for the words of encouragement!

 

15 hours ago, Boiler said:

I can see military and Russia causing issues

 

Probably just a delay

It's not just the country of origin 😂, my fiance also studied a "sensitive" major (chemistry), previously worked at a battery company (apparently this is sensitive too) and currently works as a computer programmer (yikes!). I think he hit every alarm they had!

 

I do hope it's just a delay but I'm so eager to return home to the US with my fiance 🥲 

[rikko 93]

Update!

 

My fiance says they did ASK for his passport at the end of the interview, and insisted on this, but after seeing his hesitation and him explaining he needs to leave the country to collect documents, they told him about the option to mail additional information to them.

[Emmaa 3]

On 8/22/2023 at 9:17 AM, rikko said:

Update!

 

My fiance says they did ASK for his passport at the end of the interview, and insisted on this, but after seeing his hesitation and him explaining he needs to leave the country to collect documents, they told him about the option to mail additional information to them.

Nothing to worry about I go through the same process all you need to do is to submit the request document as soon as you can… and if you were asked to send back your passport with the documents requested that a good sign your visa will be on your passport once the process is completed but it can take up to 3 months tops 6 months…. My own case took 3months  before it approved.

[rikko 93]

Is there anyone else here with a Russian fiance who interviewed outside of Poland (i.e. Israel, Kazakhstan, etc) and was placed in 221g administrative processing here???

I was dreaming this summer I'd be home with my fiance before my birthday in the fall, able to celebrate Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas in America...

I'm worried our 221g will take longer because it will be harder for Israel to access/check Russian records... I was browsing other 221g posts on visajourney and most people are put in 221g in their own country (feeling bad for those from pakistan and the middle east though! they have it rough!) 

I wish you all well, and reading your stories and posts helps me remember I am not alone in this process. 

[millefleur 5,047]

On 9/19/2023 at 7:52 AM, rikko said:

Is there anyone else here with a Russian fiance who interviewed outside of Poland (i.e. Israel, Kazakhstan, etc) and was placed in 221g administrative processing here???

This was a long time ago but if there was another poster here whose Russian husband was placed in a very long AP, due to his professional background. I believe it was @CM&KV and it took months to clear. That was before the war.

 

AP is unfortunately a black hole and no one can predict how long it takes. Did they ask for any specific documents? Have you had any updates at all?

[rikko 93]

On 9/22/2023 at 7:13 AM, millefleur said:

This was a long time ago but if there was another poster here whose Russian husband was placed in a very long AP, due to his professional background. I believe it was @CM&KV and it took months to clear. That was before the war.

 

AP is unfortunately a black hole and no one can predict how long it takes. Did they ask for any specific documents? Have you had any updates at all?

They asked for more proof of no military service, CV (work, education, publications). It was a white slip. The officer doing the interview told us we should hear back in 30 days and seemed positive and approving. My Russian fiance has a chemistry degree, previously worked with battery production and is now a computer programmer.

 

They wanted to keep his passport but when we explained we needed to leave to get paperwork, they explained the procedure to mail documents to them.

 

Our 221g/AP was updated when they received our documents - it now lists no documents needed, but still refused.

 

Israel recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah so I'm sure the workers are busy with family festivities. I hope it won't take too long...

 

Thanks for the info by the way, millefleur! I will be reading that couples' experiences. Always so helpful 🥰

[TBoneTX 45,596]

9 hours ago, rikko said:

Israel recently celebrated Rosh Hashanah so I'm sure the workers are busy with family festivities.

Not festive, but busy.   

Yom Kippur is sundown Sunday through sundown Monday, so nothing will happen then, either.

[rikko 93]

Hi everyone,

My fiance is a Russian national and we interviewed in Jerusalem over the summer. The interview went well, but they asked for my fiance's CV and proof of no military service on a white slip. They also asked to keep his passport, but after we explained we need to leave to get the documents, they explained the process to mail them required docs. Docs were mailed, received, and our 221g refusal with 2 required docs was changed to a 221g refusal with no required docs. They told us it'll be about 1 month until we hear back. 

He has a chemistry degree, formerly worked in battery production, and now works in computer programming. I hope STEM backgrounds/careers do not lead to excessive 221g processing.

I understand we have a unique case, but does anyone have thoughts or advice to share? It's been 2 months. Feeling down.

[SalishSea 17,970]

4 hours ago, rikko said:

Hi everyone,

My fiance is a Russian national and we interviewed in Jerusalem over the summer. The interview went well, but they asked for my fiance's CV and proof of no military service on a white slip. They also asked to keep his passport, but after we explained we need to leave to get the documents, they explained the process to mail them required docs. Docs were mailed, received, and our 221g refusal with 2 required docs was changed to a 221g refusal with no required docs. They told us it'll be about 1 month until we hear back. 

He has a chemistry degree, formerly worked in battery production, and now works in computer programming. I hope STEM backgrounds/careers do not lead to excessive 221g processing.

I understand we have a unique case, but does anyone have thoughts or advice to share? It's been 2 months. Feeling down.

That type of educational/occupational background (plus being Russian) has likely led to the AP/background checks/ vetting.   You may receive a form DS- 5535.  There is nothing to be done but wait it out.

[Chancy 6,242]

*** Merged related threads.  Please post your questions/updates related to this topic in this thread to keep the discussion in one place. ***

[Cire32 14]

 

On 8/21/2023 at 3:51 PM, rikko said:

Immediately after our interview in July we were refused on 221g grounds, and they asked us for additional military records (proof of no service) and CV (curriculum vitae)

 

 

What did you submit to show there was no military service? My fiance says there is nothing like this, you only get papers if you did serve. Is there actually something?

[rikko 93]

2 hours ago, Cire32 said:

 

 

What did you submit to show there was no military service? My fiance says there is nothing like this, you only get papers if you did serve. Is there actually something?

that piece of paper Военный билет that shows which category you are (not eligible to serve in peacetime, not eligible to serve ever, etc) which also shows military service (my fiance has none)