moscow embassy

[jj]

my fiancees interview still has not been scheduled, and June 27 will be the 4 month time limit on approved visa.  they are now booking interviews in Moscow for June 13 and many that were approved after us are being scheduled.  Does anyone know what is involved at the embassy level and what goes on during the "administrative processing" they do before the interview?   I have called and got the response that it was in processing and to call back in 2 weeks.   -jj

[Wayne]

The administrative processing can take several months or longer.  The embassy won't tell you much about it or why they are doing it.  Actually, they could be doing an FBI crime check on you, your Fiancee, or anyone related to you.  Sometimes there is a problem with different spellings of names or when names are transliterated.  All you can do is wait and keep checking the interview schedule.

You can get your US Senator or Representive to contact the embassy on your behalf.

[jj]

Wayne-  thanks for info.  I am in contact with senator and reps staff, and trying to keep them checking for me.  We check on line every day of course.  I thought the NVC did the FBI  checks etc.   If the embassy does all that  then I can see why it can take the time.  I have sent embassy two emails but , as expected , they are to busy to answer anything.  You are right, they will not hint or give out any info.  Just
 the "need to know"  nothing except the interview date when they are ready 

[Wayne]

I live in Michigan.  I had both Senators and my Representive in the House involved. 

Yes, the NVC does the crime checks--but sometimes they miss something and the embassy finds it.  Personally, I think the US Embassy in Moscow is so far behind in their cases that they look for any little reason to push someone back.  In my experience, the US Embassy in Warsaw and Kyiv are much easier to deal with. 

Also, in Moscow they will not let the American even into the building for the visa interview.  I believe both Warsaw and Kyiv have a waiting room where the American can sit and get out of the cold/heat. 

Are you planning to be in Moscow for the interview?

[jj]

I would like to be in Moscow when she has interview. But not knowing whether it will weeks or years in playing games with our lives.  She is naturally disappointed as am I .  This is my first K1 and her second (not her fault).  Thought about doing a K3 now but they wouldnt issue any visa as long as there is adminstrative review still present. Oh well, maybe this is a minor issue , but there is nothing we can think of that raise any red flags.   They just said that hope to resolve it in "the near future" and we will be notified when we receive clearances.  does this sound familiar to anyone?   Would K3 be better route?  Congress people just get non specific answers. -jj

[dwfunk]

Wayne-  thanks for info.  I am in contact with senator and reps staff, and trying to keep them checking for me.  We check on line every day of course.  I thought the NVC did the FBI  checks etc.   If the embassy does all that  then I can see why it can take the time.  I have sent embassy two emails but , as expected , they are to busy to answer anything.  You are right, they will not hint or give out any info.  Just
 the "need to know"  nothing except the interview date when they are ready 

The US Embassy in Moscow answered every email I sent them, the longest response time 6 days.  Keep asking. 

#1)  I was told the package hadn't arrived  yet.
#2)  I was told the FBI check was not finished yet.
#3)  I was told the FBI check was not finished yet.
#4)  I was told they were done processing and would be very happy to see Ms "G" on December 27.
also the morning I received the answer to #4, her appointment was on the website schedule.


There are several FBI checks in the process and each of them is for a different reason.

Keep asking.  and be polite.



------
David & Natalia
Republic of Texas / Moscow, Russia
УЛ. КОНЕНКОВА
16th World Spacemodeling Championships

[jj]

Dwfunk-

Thanks for info. and encouragement.  Did you have administrative review and for how long?    Did they tell you FBI checks or just use the word "finish clearances".  That was all that they said.  I did get a reponse finally saying they were waiting for a response from Washington.  I thought we would be a routine case.  At least we are at the embassy level and hope we can be together soon.  This is my first K1 and Marina's 2nd K1.  They should already have much info on both of us.  The not knowing how long is killing us and we read about all the delays but will perservere and keep calling and e-mailing politely but often.  I have had both Senators and Rep calling when they will.  They do not get a whole lot more info than me, but at least Embassy knows they will be supporting our visa approval.  -jj   (go Cougars- class of 74-U of H College of Optometry