millefleur

So this is becoming more and more common with Russians. They're getting subjected to extended AP, which is a type of background check carried out for national security reasons. We just had a whole conversation about this in another thread, you're welcome to have a look: 1. I actually have no idea. Seems like you might need to contact the embassy and find out. 2. Good question. Tagging experts @milimelo and @jan22 for advice. 3. I do not believe AP has anything to do with USCIS. It is Department of State. More info can be found here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Security_Advisory_Opinion 4. No, it does not mean you are screwed. Every single applicant gets AP, some are just subject to extended AP that takes longer. It is actually very likely you'll eventually get approved and get the visa. The downside is nobody can say how long it will take. Can be days, weeks, months or even years. And there is a small chance that the visa will be rejected after review. It depends on if they find anything deemed to be a true security threat or not.

Yep, I'm thinking of making a stickied post/thread basically letting people know if you're Russian and you have a STEM education/background/experience or anything remotely related to government or military or even handling firearms/weapons, you should prepare a CV and/or explanation letter in advance to hand over at the interview. Since the invasion it does seem like they're going harder on AP for certain Russians, which is understandable. It never hurts to come over-prepared and anything that can speed up the process is a net benefit. When I get a chance, maybe you can help me draft something for the post @rikko?

That's true of the entire process though. Extended AP only applies to certain applicants, I've only seen a handful of Russian male applicants here on VJ get subjected to it. It's a profiling process for anyone who might be a threat to national security.

Anyone who does that would risk getting a permanent ban for misrepresentation.

How would letting people know to bring documents if it applies allow them to circumvent AP?

@rikko found a comment about WOM, seems like it's not really any help with AP so I wouldn't bother wasting your money:

Right but why not include this page on all embassies (especially ones that get those certain nationalities)? The staff at Jerusalem just seem more on the ball about it. I haven't seen this page on any other consulates that have Russian speaking staff, unless it's buried somewhere....could be. Maybe we should make a pinned thread here letting people know, same for other relevant regional forums. I feel bad that @rikko was not aware prior and maybe it could save others some time.

I know it feels like it's just the world against you but so many people are in the exact same boat right now. It's also not just India, many specific nationalities get hit with lengthier AP especially if they have specific professional backgrounds. Just keep waiting and hopefully they'll reach a decision soon.

It's a good idea, especially if your nationality is from one of the countries AP gives greater scrutiny to. It's odd that Jerusalem has decided to put up this page on their embassy site, whereas I don't recall seeing it on others. My understanding is the writ of mandamus is a double edged sword because it forces them to make a decision. That decision might just be an outright rejection where they say "Sorry we are rejecting because we were unable to complete AP" which just means you'll go back to square one. I believe @Crazy Cat knows more about it, but I don't think regarding AP it's a good idea. In your case @rikko I think the fact that his case is being handled by Jerusalem is causing delays for sure. Had this been Moscow if the embassy there was functional, probably would be going a lot faster.

It's both as the overstay implies the intent in this case. I know it seems odd but the US government just takes a draconian approach based on so many people in the past who abused visas. OK that's the same thing I was familiar with, just wasn't aware of the details. Thanks for clarifying. You're right that this is a burden of going the whole immigrant visa route and then relinquishing the green card. Everyone here just suggested it as we don't see any other way to overcome the immigrant intent (i.e. that she will just continue to overstay) if given a new visitor visa.

Do not contact USCIS for a copy of N-662 Petition for Name Change!! USCIS does not issue this document, the local district court does. Contact your local district court to obtain copies. _________________________ Has anyone ever gotten an Apostille on the name change document the court issues at naturalization? I found some info on it here, looks like it has to go through Washington, D.C. https://www.nationalapostille.com/2018/04/01/petition-for-name-change-apostille/ Just curious if anyone has experience or recommendations for the best way to go about it.

The U.S. State Department has provided guidance to U.S. citizens who are eligible to locally file Form I-130 petitions for Afghan, Ethiopian and Ukrainian immediate relatives. Key Points: U.S. citizens who are physically present overseas with their Afghan, Ethiopian or Ukrainian immediate family members and have not filed an immigrant visa petition with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) can request to file a Form I-130 petition locally at the closest U.S. embassy or consulate that is currently processing immigrant visas. Read more here: https://www.bal.com/bal-news/united-states-state-department-provides-guidance-to-u-s-citizens-locally-filing-form-i-130-petitions-for-certain-immediate-relatives/