biggish data

Satellite and AK...

Your comments are received and considered.

It is nice to have other's perspective.

I'm more worried about my NOA2 than how much money she needs once she gets here. But she will need something and I am prepared to deal with it.

My point being that I made initially is that the original poster of this thread did not appear to be financially prepared.

Either that or he is controlling and does not want his wife to have freedoms. She is a freak for cutting herself of course but the whole story seems odd.

Again... Why was there a 4 month delay between her visa and her POE?

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-05-10 11:24:00

Well, If I recall correctly from a few years ago yours brought enough to give you an allowance but mine will not have that situation. Mine usually travels with $ 400-500 on her. Still I don't want her spending her money.

AK, There are cash people and plastic people and I am a cash people. I have not used an ATM machine in 15 years and the only ATM card I have is in Russia. I have a wallet full of credit cards but use them as little as possible except for business. I don't go out for a quart of milk without what a lot of people would consider a lot of money on me.

I guess the money in the drawer thing would work fine. That is what I used to do with my ex long ago. My fiancee asked about an allowance so she did not have to ask me for money. If she is more comfortable with a couple of thousand sitting in a drawer that she can access whenever she needs that is fine with me. In fact I already have that so all I would have to do is tell her what drawers. She is a very conservative gal so I don't worry about her blowing it because it is there.

T/G... I think we're on the same wavelength.

Not that we're right... but at least I can suggest that we're not necessarily wrong.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-05-09 21:34:00

Well AK, from the time she arrives until she can work she is about as dependent on you as a child would be, is she not?
Well, if she doesn't show up with any money I guess, sure.

What if she is hot and want a soda and can't find a soda machine that will take plastic.
Don't you guys have a convenience store on practically every corner? If not, maybe we can send some your way.

Only cash I usually carry is quarters for parking meters, and even so, that's a stash that is sitting in the car somewhere.

If you feel cash is the only way to get by, then leave a big pile of cash in the house and tell her to use some when she needs some. Makes cash available, without an allowance, and without having to ask for it. An ATM card will also serve this purpose. No need to resort to an allowance system.

The problem with an allowance system is that it tends to create a desire to spend money. The thought process goes like this, "I get $X per whatever to spend on anything I want. This is MY money. Therefore, I will spend $X per whatever on anything I want." There TENDS to be less thought given to what one really needs to spend, or should spend. Same thing happens in government. "Well, property taxes brought in $x this year. We need to find a way to spend that money." God forbid it spends only what is necessary and gives the rest back to the tax payers. Hell no, it will spend every last dime, and usually then some.

Cheers!
AKDiver

Very good points about government and well taken.

I'm not sure exactly what we will do. I was thinking to give her a reasonable weekly cash amount to freely spend or save. This is difficult to put a number on because we (On this board) are obviously all in different financial situations.

I do agree with you with the credit card deal. I mean... she will have credit cards of course. I was commenting only on the cash available without her needing to ask or me seeing the statements. Freedom in spending.

I think we're going slightly off topic and this could be a thread all by itself.

In any case... I was thinking of ways to ensure she feels free and comfortable. Giving her about the same money per month/week she makes working back home until she can work here seemed like a logical start. This would allow her to live with the same financial freedoms she did back home. Am I terribly wrong in this thought?

I honestly would like some russian women input on this question.

I spent a few weeks in Russia and I cannot imagine being there without cash. Why on earth would I expect my wife to be without cash? Again... am i wrong?

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-05-09 20:29:00

As for another poster's comment - $200-$300/week spending money? Christ, I don't even get that kind of spening money, and I make a shitload. I don't think most people are in that kind of situation, where they can absorb blowing that kind of cash. I don't think "not being financially ready" is a valid argument. People live like they live, and I don't know ANYONE running up those kind of phone and text messaging bills, no matter how much they make. There is something called trust and responsibility and understanding. In this case, the topic was discussed, an understanding was made, and actions did not follow. That's a problem.

AKDiver

AK... What do you consider a shitload of money? Ah... nevermind. I think $200 a week is fine. After all I plan on charging her rent, food, and of course she will need to pay me for sex. This will cut into her allowance but will keep her fed until she can get her green card and get a job to support me and my son.

(That was a joke)

But seriously... I don't think it unreasonable for a household to set aside some spending money for a new wife coming from overseas. And... maybe it would only be $100.00 a month in some households but it MUST be something.

With my income the $200 weekly feels ok for me. For others it might be less or more.

When I first started communicating to russia I ran up some large phone bills. So what. Pay them and move on.

People place way too much importance on money I think.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-05-09 12:55:00

Too bad you didn't learn about internetcalls.com Three months of unlimited calling to Russia (land lines) for about $13 total. My wife is calling to her daughter and friends almost every day.

But I guess there is much more to your relationship problems than phone bills....

I use skype for outgoing calls and sms to russia. It is much more affordable than phone company.

you can see at skype.com

I agree with T/G... It is just not right in my opinion to stop someone from the freedom of communication. Especially after bringing her to this country.

Having said that... I would like to comment a bit more. This relationship seems strange.

Like T/G said... if you're worried about $75.00 a month... or even a few hundred... then you are probably under capitalized on the whole international marriage deal. I mean when your woman comes to this country she has no source of income. You should at least have a reasonable amount of spending money to give her. If she is like many women from Russia she will need that money to help her support family and at a minimum be able to buy herself things needed.

I plan on giving my woman about $200.00 -$300.00 a week spending money. More if she needs it or wants a major item. Probably a couple thousand extra during the first few weeks so she can purchase items to help in her transition.

BUT... In line with what Slim stated... regardless of whether this is a RW or AW you have a huge problem if she is really cutting herself. First I would be concerned about hers and yours safety. This is unacceptable. Second you are on the verge of facing serious charges if she is taken seriously by police and hospital. Unfortunately for you if she is really cutting herself, she WILL be taken seriously.

I think you need to make a quick decision to not be around this woman without an escort at all if this is the case. I would even go so far as ask the police be present while you get your things and find a hotel room until she can leave the country.

I looked at your timeline and noticed something odd:

Visa Received : 2006-10-17
US Entry : 2007-02-12

Why did it take 4 months before she came to you here? This smells like something is not kosher. I know once my Fiancee gets her visa she will want to fly within a few days to her new home.

Was it her that delayed her entry for some reason?

Or was it because of your financial situation and you needed to wait for an airline ticket?

This whole story sounds odd.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-05-09 10:36:00

Most NVC A/R delays I notice are for beneficiaries that have entered and left the USA in the past

Hmmm, I hope that's not true, my girl has been here twice on tourist visas and to be honest that doesnt make sense to me. From what I understand they run background/security checks before they will even give a tourist visa, I would think the exact opposite would be true, if they have already checked someone out a few times and they came here and did nothing wrong what else is there to look for?

Steven...

Congrats on the NOA2! I know it we were both waiting.

Now... I am not saying that all people who's fiancees have been here end up in A/R black hole.

I am saying that the people that are stuck in A/R review - many of them so it seems - have had their fiancees here on a K-1 or K-3 visa in the past, then they returned to home country - then on the next K-1 or K-3 visa is when it seems they have a higher chance of getting stuck.

I'm uncertain of the effect of a previous tourist visa but like you suggest I would guess it is not a big deal. A second K-1 or K-3 seems to be a bigger flag.

There was even one gentleman who had his fiancee here one time on a K-1, for some reason they did not marry in 90 days. They were still engaged and she came over a second time on a new K-1 - same people - and they got stuck in A/R for a few months.

Then there are cases like Turbo - his fiancee's second K-1 but with a different man. They have been in A/R for 4 months. There are MANY cases like his.

Women here in the USA who are bringing their male fiances to the USA seem to have a higher chance of getting some A/R delays also. While I don't agree with the delay - it does seem natural to me that a man entering the USA would get examined and checked a little closer than a woman.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-13 09:13:00

I just talked in detail with my lawyer about extended Administrative Review at the NVC level. My attorney is Holmes and Lolly and they do hundreds of K-1's.

First... They told me just like NVC told me - ALL cases go through SOME admistrative review. They told me it is usually very quick.

They also shed some light on who's background check they are checking. They told me that the petitioner gets complete extensive checks at the USCIS level. At NVC the beneficiary goes through security checks. I asked twice and made my question clear. They said my fiancee gets the checks at NVC and not me.

NO - I do not think that everything that every lawyer tells me is true. But it seems to jive with the research I had done over the weekend.

Most NVC A/R delays I notice are for beneficiaries that have entered and left the USA in the past, or are from an unfriendly country. I think it's possible if the security checks are done for the petitioner at the USCIS and that takes a while occasionally, that the same would hold true for the beneficiary if NO background checks are done on him/her until the NVC level.

We will see when Elena clears the NVC. She has no problems ever from what she has told me.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-12 16:23:00

A woman at NVC told me this morning that we're still in Administrative Processing.

When I asked if there was anything special about our case that flagged this, she said "no, it is due to the aftermath of 9/11 and there is no timeframe for completion of these security checks."

She also asked me to call back as often as I wanted.

I called also. I kind of interrogated the lady a little and she seemed knowledgeable and ameanable to my questions.

Me: I was told on Friday my case was in Administrative Review.

NVC operator: Your case is in Administrative Processing.

Me: You are using the term Administrative Processing but I was told on Friday I am in Administrative Review. What is the difference?

NVC Operator: There is NO difference. It depends on which operator tells you this. They are the same thing, security checks.

Me: Wait a second. On Friday I was told my file was flagged and was sent to Washington DC for Administrative Review.

NVC Operator: I don't see the word flag in that conversation.

Me: I am using the term flag. I assumed from that conversation that somehow my case was special and had been sent to Washington DC. This is what he told me on Friday.

NVC Operator: No. Your case is HERE. We sent a cable to Washington DC for security checks. This is standard for ALL cases due to post 9/11 procedures.

Me: So when cleared by Washington they send a cable back and everything will be OK?

NVC Operator: Yes. Your case is being processed normally. Nothing special.

Me: Thank you so much for the information.

SO... There you go. I waited and panicked all weekend for no reason. BUT... there are still some people stuck in A/R at NVC level. So there is still a remote chance for a file to get stuck at this point.

From my research this weekend and the phone call this morning, I would say A/R is not only common - but that 100% of all petitions go through this.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-11 07:53:00

OK -- so there are a few of us in Administrative Processing at NVC at this moment. Maybe part of the issue is that we are in a cohort watching things particularly closely -- so we and post about details of the process that might have gone unnoticed by others.

Let's let each other know as we clear NVC and go onto Moscow.

I'll be calling NVC tomorrow, probably very early in the morning.

OK -- so there are a few of us in Administrative Processing at NVC at this moment. Maybe part of the issue is that we are in a cohort watching things particularly closely -- so we and post about details of the process that might have gone unnoticed by others.

Let's let each other know as we clear NVC and go onto Moscow.

I'll be calling NVC tomorrow, probably very early in the morning.

I will call tomorrow also to try and get clarification of what they mean by A/R.

Also I think it is KEY that we both inquire as to whether this is normal for all cases - or if this is a special case and we have been "Flagged" by something in our file.

If I get an answer that my case is "Flagged" I will do my best to try and find out what the trigger is.

- David

PS I just got back from my bike ride from yesterday today at 2:00 in the afternoon!

Awesome riding. I went up to Americade in Lake George, NY and hung out with 30,000 other riders last night. It was a nice escape from the worries of the visa process.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-10 14:21:00

Having only known a few things about the term "Administrative Review" before hearing my case was in it... I freaked out. It was like saying: You're screwed! Hehe

I hope this is normal for all cases. I will call Monday if I have time until I have an answer on this. If someone else knows for sure then please chime in.

I've been stressing all night and morning. I'm going for a bike ride and get some wind in my face. And it's not a damn bicycle! Hehe

- David

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-09 10:13:00

When I called the NVC, the customer service rep told me that all cases are considered in "Administrative review" until they are approved. Your timeline shows they just received your case on May 29. If you look at the Immigration timelines of VJ members with petitions for Russian citizens, you will see that usually it takes between 2 to 5 days before they are sent to the embassy. Mine took 7 days (yes I was scared). Thus, I would not start to worry until after at least 7 days.

OK... This MIGHT be hope for me. I called the NVC after they had my case in their system for only one day. They told me I am in "Administrative Review" and sent to Washington DC. SO... Are ALL cases considered in A/R technically? Or has my case been flagged as soon as they received it since they told me it is going to DC?

I mean... maybe I am jumping the gun and everything is going normally and I just do not know the terminology?

Anyone know? Wil?

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-09 05:39:00

Smooth as Silk

Hey there!

I have been wondering how things went. I logged on just to check on you.

Congratulations!

My Elena has her interview Aug 21st, so I hope things go just as well.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-07-10 08:28:00

packet 4 from moscow embassy

I had called DOS and they told me that moscow embassy had sent the packet 4 on July 20th.
It has not yet reached yet. I am trying to find out how does embassy send this packet - DHL or
pony express or the russian postal department?

They use regular post. It will be a manilla color full size 8 1/2 by 11 envelope. My Elena calls it the "Yellow packet" just like she refers to my tan boots "yellow shoes."

She received her packet about 1 1/2 weeks after it was mailed.

Oh... and here's a picture of mailboxes in typical russian flats. They are ALL like this - on every floor.

Attached Files

mailboxes.JPG 603.69KB 16 downloads

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-07-28 19:19:00

sad weekend

SKINSFAN...

I have a few questions.

How long did you date her before she actually flew to USA to marry you?

How many times did you visit her before bringing her to the USA?

How much total time with her did you spend in Russia before her coming to you?

Did you have an affectionate relationship before/after being married?

Did you live with her - in her flat or home - in her home town - for any of your visits?

Just curious.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-08-07 11:21:00

sad weekend

This is certainly sad to hear and makes you wonder sometimes what's going on in our mate's mind.
Time usually heals our wounds....then we can gather it all back together again and move on in life.

bruc
Well I am sorry to hear that but believe me I have heard worse stories. I will strongly urge you to do something. If you don't it could be a big mistake. There is a guy named Maxx who has been through the same and can give you some advice that may make a big difference. He is a really great guy and he works with men all over the country going through what you have just started with. Actually it would have been better sooner but better now than later.

The easist way I can tell you to reach him is to go to www.ruadventures.com and register and pm him. Do it as soon as you can. Maxx is the guy. You may see a Maxxim there, that is not the right guy. Take my word for it and do it.
thanks turbo guy...i will try to find him....i had no clue that this was going to happen.....it was a total surprise and shock....one day i am at the mall buying them clothes and cosmetics, the next day they leave....now i understand it clearly now...i don't feel anything other than being the fool......

Yes - Maxx is his screen name. Not me.

I have the same alias there also.

- David

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-05 12:51:00

I was told scary things by NVC operators, that our file was placed under an administrative review, due to 9/11, blah-blah, they can't predict how long it might take etc. I was so depressed. But!!! I asked if ALL or SOME files are placed under AR, and they said yes, ALL files. Then I called again and another operator didn't mention any 9/11 and had a different wording of the same thing.
They just have standard answers for everybody who calls or emails, because operators there don't really know what is happening to your file. They can just look in their computer system and give standard answers.
Out file cleared NVC in 7 days!!! Despite all things told to me about being placed under AR etc.

I called this morning. I kind of interrogated the lady a little and she seemed knowledgeable and ameanable to my questions.

Me: I was told on Friday my case was in Administrative Review.

NVC operator: Your case is in Administrative Processing.

Me: You are using the term Administrative Processing but I was told on Friday I am in Administrative Review. What is the difference?

NVC Operator: There is NO difference. It depends on which operator tells you this. They are the same thing, security checks.

Me: Wait a second. On Friday I was told my file was flagged and was sent to Washington DC for Administrative Review.

NVC Operator: I don't see the word flag in that conversation.

Me: I am using the term flag. I assumed from that conversation that somehow my case was special and had been sent to Washington DC. This is what he told me on Friday.

NVC Operator: No. Your case is HERE. We sent a cable to Washington DC for security checks. This is standard for ALL cases due to post 9/11 procedures.

Me: So when cleared by Washington they send a cable back and everything will be OK?

NVC Operator: Yes. Your case is being processed normally. Nothing special.

Me: Thank you so much for the information.

SO... There you go. I waited and panicked all weekend for no reason. BUT... there are still some people stuck in A/R at NVC level. So there is still a remote chance for a file to get stuck at this point.

From my research this weekend and the phone call this morning, I would say A/R is not only common - but that 100% of all petitions go through this.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-11 08:25:00

Another question...

Are there any instances of NVC A/R that end up in a denial? Or do you simply go into some deep black hole if they don't let you past the A/R.

In other words... Anyone been sent to A/R and told their case is terminated due to ________???

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-09 08:46:00

Sorry to hear about your A/R situation. It is the pits. Usually A/R at the embassy level seems to go a little faster than A/R at NVC level but that is not an absolute thing. I do wish you a speedy journey through it. There are 138,000 people in A/R according to the USCIS website and 68% go longer than 3 months with 35% going longer than one year. I could say it is frustrating but that is not strong enough. Good luck.

T/G

Do you have a link to where you read this?

- Dave

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-09 08:12:00

We all wish you good luck Randy. The good news is that it seems like some of the Manila A/R's have been processed quickly. I saw a couple that lasted only 30 days. Yours may be only days away.

I agree, everyone stay in touch. The more we know the better.

Hi. My name's Dave, and I'm in Administrative Review!

((Hi, Dave!))

#######... Just like other groups that use a similar introduction... I hate to admit, but I am here in A/R at NVC.

I think it may have something to do with my criminal history. I had a few things from MANY years ago. - All minor misdemeanors. I supplied dispositions for every single incident in my life save for one that was not available because it was in 1992 and the records don't exist. And I'm not even 100% sure this caused the flag for review because they did not tell me, and the USCIS approved my petition even with this information.

This is my first K-1 petition and approval. This is my fiancee's first K-1 application also. She is from Russia. She has a clean record. I am 39 years old and she will be 31 soon - so no major age gap.

I got my NOA2 approval on June 4, 2007. Four days later I call the NVC just for shits and giggles to see if I can get my NVC case number. I was pleasantly surprised that they already had my file. Then they give me my MOS case number and tell me my file has been sent to washington for "Administrative Review". I have been reading about T/G's troubles with this process so I am aware this is a VERY bad thing. They cannot tell me why other than it is a post 9/11 policy that some get sent to washington for review. Not sure if he mentioned the FBI or not but I think so. I should have recorded the conversation or taken notes.

Either way this totally sucks.

Are there any experiences of short time in A/R? A few weeks? Two months?

What are the shortest A/R times we know of?

What is the average time in A/R we know of?

Is there anything my lawyer can do?

In some ways I feel like my dream of bringing my soulmate to live with me is shattered. Is it only dented and not shattered?

OMG... I'm freaking out!

True to form when I told my Elena about this she calmed me down a bit. She tells me she will wait and she is not worried she knows she wants to wait - no matter how long it takes. She stated that she just wants to be with me and she is not interested in stopping the process. I am so lucky to have this woman in my life. All we want is to be together and share our life.

MaxxumUSA

Male

Russia

2007-06-09 03:24:00