Good morning,
So, this is my first post on VJ. I have had my account since November 2021 after filing my K1, since then I have just lurked in the shadows of VJ and never posted until now. I filed my K1 with an NOA1 date of 11/11/2021 and an NOA2 approval date of 02/08/2023. My situation is kind of unique, but I'm sure most of you have similar headaches. Basically, my fiancée is a Russian citizen who has been living in Mexico since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. As of now NVC has not received our documents from USCIS. I know they wait time is 30-60 days so I will wait at least until April 8th before I get really impatient. I need to transfer my case to a different embassy because Poland is a no go and (given the history between Poland and Russia it is understandable). However, it still baffles me that the DOS designated Poland in the first place because Kazakstan, Turkey, Armenia, and numerous other countries would be way more suitable than Poland. I digress, I have reached out to Kazakstan and practically every single Central/South American embassy/consulate and received a no regarding the case transfer. I am waiting from a reply from Israel and will try Turkey and other Latin American countries after receiving the NVC welcome letter. What countries would y'all suggest? I am active-duty army is there any way I could swing that to my advantage? I know military service doesn't really come into play or have significant impact until the AOS. Also, how would I go about updating my fiancée's address as she no longer lives in Russia? As stated previously she has been residing in Mexico for about a year now, but it should be noted that she is not a resident. She just came on a visitor visa and has been there ever since. We went to Mexican immigration, and they told her that because of the war Russians and Ukrainians can stay in Mexico for long as needed (makes sense, why would they kick them out when they are bringing surmountable wealth and contributing to the GDP). That said, will I need to provide police/criminal records for her from Mexico? All the information I found only pertained to residents and given she is not a resident this will be very difficult. Any input would be helpful. Also, when we eventually do get the NVC welcome letter will it come by mail or email? Also, will I or my fiancée receive it? All in all, f*** the American immigration system this s*** broken as hell. Its honestly why I am going to law school when I leave the Army. Considering America is a country of immigrants this system should not be the way it is. I get we can't let everyone in, but c'mon man there got to be a better way... I literally work for the American government, and I thought the Army was bad when it comes to bureaucracy, but hell no immigration takes the cake for sure. Overall, I'm just really stressed out as I'm sure most of you can relate to. This summer will mark four years since I met my fiancée when I studied abroad in Russia back in 2019 when I was enrolled in university. Then in 2020 I enlisted in the Army and that hasn't done any favors for us in terms of immigration (which is stupid because there are supposed programs to help with immigration for service members). So, I really applaud the strength, dedication, and resolve of my fiancée for staying true throughout this whole endeavor. She literally sacrificed her whole way of life and seeing her family in the hopes of starting a better on in America knowing full well she may never return to Russia (given the current situation) or at least not be able to go back for a LONG time. I know people on this forum have similar experiences with their fiancés, fiancées, or spouses. So, I would like to applaud them and you all for being persistent for love in a situation that doesn't foster or cater to growth or love in a relationship. However, I will say that this whole process has made mine and my fiancée relationship stronger and we have both grown together and as individuals as a result. Going from long distance for a long time and seeing each other once or twice a year to a semi-long-distance relationship but with the ability to see each other practically every other month has really put things in perspective. While this situation sucks, I'm grateful and thankful for the lessons it has taught me (especially patience), and I think in the long run people like us will have longer lasting and more meaningful relationships in marriage. Thats my TED talk thanks for stopping by! Any help or info would be greatly appreciated.