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Music and Art at the Ukrainian Institute of America
Posted by Natalia on August 28, 2001 at 22:46:06:
In Reply to: Re: travelling with I-20 posted by Roman on August 27, 2001 at 21:17:49:
: Natalia, I am also an F-1 student.
: I've already extended my F-1 visa twice: in Kiev and in Toronto.
: I had no problems with my visa extension in Kiev: there is a drop-in box for those who already have an American visa in their passport, so i dropped my documents (I-20, $45, financial statement, foto, application), two days later I got my visa without even entering the Embassy, no interview at all.
: In Toronto it was very tough. It is easier to get visa in Ukraine then in Canada or Mexico. First of all you should NEVER tell Embassy officials that you came to Canada just to get the visa; try
: to make up a story that your main purpose for coming to Canada was to visit relatives and that's why you got the opportunity to get a visa stamp too. Unlike in Ukraine, where the officials reguest only I-20 and finantial statement, in Canada they want to see your transcripts from the college you attend, bank statement is helpful, proof of having residence in the US, and ask ENORMOUS amount of questions. Several of my friends were denied visa extension, they were told to go to Ukraine and extend their visas.
: so my advice is: if you have never been out of status in the USA, do not be afraid to go to Ukraine and extend your visa. American officials in Kiev are pretty friendly to students.
: The only preference getting visa in Canada has is that in case of visa denial you can come back to the USA. But if you do not have any problems with INS in the USA, I am sure that you will get visa stamp in Kiev without any problems.
: Good luck, Natalia. nadius u tebe vse vyide dobre.
Roman, thanks for such an extensive info, I still have some questions, though...
So did you actually open your visa in Ukraine initially, or you had I-94 processed for you here?
Have you ever heard about students having I-94 and then being denied visa in the Embassy in Ukraine?
You said "for those who already have an American visa in their pasport". Does it have to be this particular, current F-1 or any kind of visa, let's say prior to F-1?
And what do you mean by the financial statement? Does it have to be the proof from my bank account, or maybe my sponsor's account?
I'd relly appreciate you answering. Thanks.
Natalia