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Ukraine | Review on September 12, 2008: | BlakeandOlha
Rating: | Review Topic: K1 Visa
Everything about the interview was exactly as I've read described here before. We arrived about 10 minutes before the scheduled time and were directed to the the visa appointment line (far right). After checking that our names were on the list we were immediately let into the consulate and were asked if we had any cell phones, etc. Of course from reading entries here already we knew not to bring anything in but our documents and identification so we sailed right in and were let in to the waiting area. The waiting area is small and only seats 13 people. You will find people there for both K-1, K-3 visas and for adoptions. There are two windows in the room and for our visit, three different people who spoke through the glass: a Ukrainian woman, a Ukrainian Man and the Consular Officer who stepped in from time to time to keep things moving.
Once in the waiting room we went straight to the window to let them know we were there (didn't really have to) and then sat waiting to be called. We were called quickly and presented the documents as they were requested to the Ukrainian woman working behind the glass. My advice on documents - do not staple or attach them in any way as they are asked for individually, and have them organized in the order of the document request list in the information packet. Everything was straight forward and quite business like. Thanks to all the contributors on this site we were exceptionally well prepared. We gave phone bills, a few e-mails, cards and a couple of letters as proof of a continuing relationship (I think my presence and the ring on Olga's finger proved that point as well). Once the documents were submitted and accepted, Olga had to go get her fingerprints scanned and we went back and waited until we were called once again for the interview.
Here you go just past the edge of the sitting area to another plexiglass window where the Consular Officer stands. Ours simply said "I have no questions for you." Olga then swore to the accuracy of her documents and signed the D-156. She was then given the sought after Pink piece of paper to arrange for the express mail shipment of her passport with visa stamped in it.
It was a bit confusing as to where the express mail window was, but we were helped out of the door and pointed accross a small courtyard to a tented area where people waiting for student/tourist etc. visas wait. Then that was it. Everyone was efficient and helpful and there were absolutely no problems at all. The key I think is having your documents in order - I think they love that in Kiev, so follow the guides to the T and you should not have any problem. Good luck to all who follow
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