K-1 Process Started can she get a B-2 Tourist Visa while we wait

[kmin]

Well all in all,

We thought the chance was strong that we would get the B2 visa;

1) we had a letter from the actual embassy she was applying for the B2 from saying they do authorize B2 visas while the K-1 is being processed.

2) we understood that the B2 could get denied, because basically the CO can just deny it for no reason.

The worst part of this whole thing is that we actually were going to live up to the obligations under the B2 and K-1 visa, yet now I feel like they have treated us like we were going to do something wrong and it makes us feel like crap.

I wish they would have just said "your chance of getting a B2 visa is like winning the lottery, don't waste your money, don't waste your time, we will deny you."  Then we could have just saved the time and money to use for something else.  It almost seems like a money making scheme to the state dept.  "Yes we can do the visa come apply, pay your money we run through 40 of these an hour and make good money at taking your hard earned money for nothing." 

After 9 years in the military and her previously traveling to other countries (I mean seriously if she was trying to get out of Russia to another western country she would have just stayed in one of the European countries she already traveled to)  I feel like my country has just kicked me hard in the ball and said "you are a POS and so is your fiance, we think you are lying and won't live up to your obligations."

The only thing we can do now is just wait for the K-1 to process and hope there are no problems with that. 

Thanks Gator for the word of encouragement, I hope the K-1 goes without any problems.

[ML]

I am not sure about Russia; but if you read the website for US Embassy in Kyiv, they make it pretty clear (if you read between the lines) that mention of American male friend will doom an application for tourist visa for the Gal.

However, I think the workers at the Embassy are cautioned by the 'higher ups' to not state this fact clearly either in writing or when talking.

I was at consulate office in Kyiv and overheard an AM with his UW girlfriend talking to the workers at the window.  They were told the procedures and given forms to apply  for tourist visa for her.   Everyone was smiley and friendly.

After this couple came away  from the window, I advised them clearly that any mention of the AM in her application would doom her chances.  But I am sure they thought I was crazy because they had just finished talking to a very friendly worker.

It seems this message refuses to get out for some reason or another.

[LAman]

I am not sure about Russia; but if you read the website for US Embassy in Kyiv, they make it pretty clear (if you read between the lines) that mention of American male friend will doom an application for tourist visa for the Gal.

However, I think the workers at the Embassy are cautioned by the 'higher ups' to not state this fact clearly either in writing or when talking.

I was at consulate office in Kyiv and overheard an AM with his UW girlfriend talking to the workers at the window.  They were told the procedures and given forms to apply  for tourist visa for her.   Everyone was smiley and friendly.

After this couple came away  from the window, I advised them clearly that any mention of the AM in her application would doom her chances.  But I am sure they thought I was crazy because they had just finished talking to a very friendly worker.

It seems this message refuses to get out for some reason or another.

I don't know about that ML, the gal from moldova that stayed with me last year got a 10 year multiple entry B-2 visa.....I was used as person she knew in US and who she would be staying with and I sent her a support letter used in her obtaining visa.......in fact, the official that stamped her I-29(?) for 6 months...teased her about coming over to visit her boyfriend.....

[kmin]

YES, great news, just received the NOA2 and now need to get documents together for interview.  Embassy will be calling in about 2 weeks or so to set up an appointment.

In the mean time we know that we will need the police certificate from the local police department.  If anyone has information as to where to go in Krasnoyarsk please send it along.

Also we need to find out where we can go in Moscow to have “official” translations done for documents the embassy requires a translation to English.  Please post information if you have it.

[tfcrew]

Just find a certified translator [can be anywhere]

[tfcrew]

kmin...

http://local.yahoo.com/info-51270935-russian-language-services-minneapolis

[Turboguy]

I went through the K-1 process a few times.  The last time I had the translation done by someone who was a member here but who I have not seen posting in a long time.  The translations she did for me were far more professional, quick and priced better than the other agency I used and if she is still doing them I would recommend her highly.   You should be able to send her an email if you do a member search for Anastasia Ash.

[kmin]

I was hoping to find one in Moscow as we will be there for the interview.  The Embassy says it must be "certified", both of us do not know of a place in Moscow that the embassy considers "certified". 

If anyone can help please let me know.

[AshlandCity]

2 Questions

1. Does applying for a B-2 VISA put the K2 at risk?

2 If your Fiancée enters the US legally can’t you just get married then she can stay? Last I looked as long as they come in legally they can get married and stay. LOL that was 10 years ago at the time a K-1 took 3 months.

[Faux Pas]

2 Questions

1. Does applying for a B-2 VISA put the K2 at risk?

No. But, it is visible to a USCIS that might be processing a K-2. It's not illegal but it might hint at fraud causing them to look deeper

2 If your Fiancée enters the US legally can’t you just get married then she can stay? Last I looked as long as they come in legally they can get married and stay. LOL that was 10 years ago at the time a K-1 took 3 months.

It depends on the visa. If on a tourist visa, there could be big problems. They can be overcame with more expense and delay. Sometimes not

[Jersey Guy]

I have a slight variation on the above question:

If the RW is already in possession of a B-2 visa does it hurt the chances of obtaining a K-1 if a K-1 is applied for?

Would applying for a K-3 make any difference if a K-1 would be more difficult if she has a B-2?

[Faux Pas]

No it wouldn't have any effect on a K-1.

[Daveman]

I have a slight variation on the above question:

If the RW is already in possession of a B-2 visa does it hurt the chances of obtaining a K-1 if a K-1 is applied for?

Would applying for a K-3 make any difference if a K-1 would be more difficult if she has a B-2?

Just to clarify... K-3 is no more - for now anyway.  Currently the only filing for a spouse is the CR-1/relative.  But the answer to your question can be found here... 

No it wouldn't have any effect on a K-1.

[Jersey Guy]

Thanks for the info guys. We are not at that point but it is better to approach situations with as much advance information as reasonable.