Similar to what we saw in the event of the Taliban takeover of Afghanistan, the State Department has announced that immigrant visa applicants as well as non-immigrant visa applicants should take necessary steps to transfer their visa application to another U.S. consulate in a neighboring country. The Ukraine crisis has already prompted the U.S. embassy in Kyiv, and all of its staff, to move due to basic safety concerns amid the ongoing conflict. The State Department has issued two notices so far explaining how those seeking U.S. immigration benefits can proceed with their applications amid the war in Ukraine.
Case Transfers
First off, Ukrainian citizens who have a pending visa application with a consular office should note that the Consulate General in Frankfurt, Germany has begun accepting immigrant visa applications (IV). In addition, the consulate in Frankfurt, Germany will also process fiancé visas for Ukrainian seeking to come to the United States to marry a U.S. citizen. If you are seeking a diplomatic visa (A or G), then you should direct your attention and application to the U.S. embassy in Warsaw, Poland.
It should be noted that entry requirements have been dropped for Ukrainian citizens who are attempting to cross the border into Germany, Poland, Romania, or another neighboring state. Additionally, those Ukrainian citizens seeking an immigration benefit with the U.S. don’t have to worry about obtaining a Schengen visa to get to a neighboring state.
Non-Immigrant Visas
If you are seeking a non-immigrant visa to come to the United States, it does not matter where you are seeking a case transfer—so long as the respective consulate is processing NIVs at this time. The appropriate first step for those who were seeking a non-immigrant visa in Kyiv is to contact the respective U.S. embassy or consulate they wish to engage. Every U.S. consulate has different steps or procedures, so be sure to locate their website via the following link: https://www.usembassy.gov/. Click on the country you will be seeking a case transfer in, and use the contact information to get in touch with a representative.
Visa Appointments
Ukrainian immigrant visa (IV) applicants who are due for an appointment should also note that the State Department will automatically schedule their visa appointment at the Frankfurt consulate. Logistically, it might be difficult for some visa applicants to make it to Frankfurt for their IV interview. If this is the case, applicants need to process their own case transfer for an interview at another U.S. consulate. Their transfer will be contingent upon the alternate post’s acceptance of their request.
