ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
USCIS Service CentersThe CSC/TSC List!

CSC/TSC Unite List!


CSC/TSC Unite List! 
NAME    SC  Visa type  NOA1 date RFE sent back   NOA2 date --------------------------------------------------------------------- michsu     CSC I-130/CR1  11/18/2003   10/17/2005  MGD     CSC I-130   06/21/2005 ohyeah     CSC K1   11/28/2005 norcalpaulie  CSC K1   12/07/2005   02/27/2006  snz1802    CSC K1   01/23/2006 Audrey&Romy   CSC K1   01/24/2006 calidreamer80 CSC K1   01/26/2006 karakmitchell CSC K1   02/02/2006 Rebster    CSC K3   02/13/2006 girl 37    TSC I-130   02/17/2006       05/09/2006 juliekins  CSC K1   02/17/2006 squidge    CSC K1   03/03/2006       05/10/2006 ivona   CSC K1   03/07/2006       05/12/2006 tmma    TSC K1   03/10/2006 Austin_Volgograd TSC I-130   03/27/2006 jpine   TSC K1   04/21/2006
Added mine :thumbs:

Thanks for starting and maintaining the list!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-05-20 11:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEmbassy Phone Charges

Looks like Austin doesn't understand about calling the embassy.

You're right! I'm new to this game. Thanks much for the clarification!

I'll keep that in mind when it's my turn to call. :)
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-25 00:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEmbassy Phone Charges

I guess I'll wait to see about the phone charges. I'm hoping they drop the price down in a couple of days. If it's not cleared up by next week, I'll check with the bank and see what they can do about it.

When you talk to the bank about the charges, they can tell you if it's a HOLD or a CHARGE. They are very specific about those things. Many merchants will place a hold for their "minimum" charge. When they get final authorization, they should remove the hold and the actual charge should go through - generally a couple of days, but it's all up to the merchant. Most of the time I've talked to the bank, they will only tell me about charges, not holds, unless I ask specifically.

If you think you might call them again (or anywhere else in Russia), I suggest you get a calling card. There's lots of them out there that charge only 4 or 5 cents a minute. The quality is okay (not the best, but not really bad). You can usually get one for $10 (good for about 4+ hours of talking to Russia) and other denominations ($20, $50, and $100). I use one from cardshop.pushline.com -- They've been pretty decent, and I've used them for several months now. My phone bill to my wife is about $200 a month. Yep. We talk A LOT! :D

Best wishes!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-19 23:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTickets for the ol' lady

You should be able to purchase the ticket for her via telephone. Aeroflot's New York City # 212-944-2300; and Moscow # 495-753-5555. The rep's can provide what information you'll need for her to check in. Aeroflot doesn't fly to many cities in the USA, so you'll have to use another airline too. It seems I read that Delta now has a partnership with Aeroflot, and so you might call Delta at 800-221-1212 and ask if they can book it for you, or at least help you. And it might be that you'll simply decide for her to fly on Delta from Moscow.

Never, ever, buy your Delta tickets through Aeroflot. Expedia.com did that to me and I had BIG problems getting my tickets changed the last time I went to Russia (Volgograd via Moscow)!! :angry: Aeroflot said it was Delta's problem. Delta said it was Aeroflot's problem.

Next time, I'm booking them separately! Much less hassle for me. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary)
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-25 00:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusother Russian food

I may be way off base here, but my RW is quite vigilant about bacteria and "microbes". Our shoes are off as soon as we enter from outside and our hands are always scrubbed, else we get an earful. Our puppy is forbidden to go upstairs or to sit on the couch.

And , I like it this way! I guess this indicates that all women are different, even from the FSU.

I had the opportunity to visit a clinic in Volgograd, during my visit in February. I had to laugh at the cleanliness. Everyone going in had to buy blue slip-on shoe covers. Of course, putting these on in the dirty hallway, walking in the mud and snow from everyone else, seemed to defeat the purpose of the slip-ons. :whistle:

The "blanket" over the medical insruments was also entertaining. At least they use disposable needles for injections! :thumbs:
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-05-05 20:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview CANCELLED!

Wasn't the whole purpose of this act to regulate those who used an International Marriage Broker? And so that women who went through an international agency wouldn't be "placed" with men who were violent or abusive? If I remember correctly, this whole clusterf#@k was snuck in as part of the DOJ bill for the protection of women's rights.

Two quick questions, and maybe you guys can add them to your senator send-offs;

1. Who among us that's getting screwed over by IMBRA actually used an IMB?

2. Where are these women that are being "protected?" Because the women on here seem more than willing to forego their "protection" under IMBRA to be with their men in a timely fashion.

I was lucky enough to not get screwed-over by IMBRA, but I can't help feeling, like everything else the government does for our "protection," that it's going to end up screwing me even harder down the line.

And who's protecting all the American women from marrying American men?!?!?!?!? So... The U. S. of A. is more worried about foreign nationals than it's own citizens!?!?!?!?!?

And what about all the illegal aliens they want to give amnesty to? What about all of us doing everything correctly, legally, and by the book?!!?!?!? :crying: :help: :wacko: :angry: :( :dead: :bonk: :cry:

ARGH!!!!!!!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-06-16 18:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusConfused

I checked with the US Embassy in Moscow to see if they had received our petition and what the status was. They responded with an interview date. Is there not a packet 3 and/or 4 they will send to my Fiancee? The interview date is not even posted on their site yet, but it is way out in time for 11 August.

Is it possible to request an earlier interview date?

Thanks and have a great day.
John

I'm sorry I don't have any info about the packets. I'm sure others here will have info. I think I remember something about only receiving one packet, not two.

I seriously doubt they'll allow an earlier interview date. If they would, can you imagine how most everyone would want to have an earlier interview date?! I'm simply hoping for an approval and our documents going to the Embassy for further processing! :crying:

I see from your timeline, that it took right at 3 months for approval. I'm keeping my fingers crossed that we'll be approved soon! We've been waiting since the end of March.

Best wishes for the interview.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-06-16 17:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRe-visiting Russia

Okay, MONTHS might not have been exactly right, but it can certainly take longer than four days.

Months might be closer than you think! Austin got off easy in my opinion.

Yes, I know I got off easy. Four days is extremely fast!

I only spent about $3000 in expenses trying to get out (hotel, additional airfare, cost for new visa, etc). And my boss (and his boss) was very understanding. Most other places I know would tell you to get lost after missing only one or two days of work.

Maybe they gave me a break because I tried to get the visa extension the last day of my then-current visa. I should have stayed in the "transit" area of the airport. It would have made things a LOT easier. But I was stupid then. :P I'm a LOT more seasoned now! Now I get a visa for 30 days, even if I'm only going to be there for 1 or 2 weeks. Sage advice for anyone traveling to Russia!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-27 01:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRe-visiting Russia

NEVER OVERSTAY A VISA. The penalty for this is serious. They won't let you leave Russia. For months.

I can vouch for this! I missed my flight on the last day of my visa. It took me 4 days, and help from both American Embassy and Russian Embassy before they would give me an extension to leave. :blink: My tourist visa sponsor was in Volgograd, and they were not at all helpful - 'cause I was in Moscow when my visa expired. But at least I got out of there in one piece, and rather quickly at that! The visa extention cost me an extra $110, hotel for 4 days, and lots of worrying. The only good thing was that my fiance stayed with me the whole time! :dance:

Now I have to answer 'Yes' to that question about overstaying a visa. And I had to go in person to the Russian Consulate office in Houston to get my last 2 visas! What a pain in the ... neck! Hopefully in the future, I can just mail in the visa application without the "interview" for my tourist visa.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-25 00:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview passed

Olga passed her interview today :D I am very happy and relieved. I will get more details later.

Congratulations!!! :dance:

My wife has her interview (K-3) near the end of next month. I'll be going over to be with her during this time, and to help her bring her daughter and belongings back. I can't wait!!!

I'm betting the CO doesn't ask my wife the same questions since it's K-3. I'll post the results of the interview in November, after we return.

Again, congrats and best wishes!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-12 23:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPurchasing plane ticket

I can't imagine any circumstances that would convince me to move to Phoenix. Say what you want about Alaska - but you know, if it is cold, you can always put more clothes on. But when it's hot, you can only take off so much before people call the police on you. (:

:lol: :lol: :lol:

Living in Central Texas, I know exactly what you mean! I went to see my wife in Volgograd, in February, and LOVED it. -25 Celsius and I LOVED it! :dance: It was a bit of a shock for me, but it was still wonderfully different from the 100+F temperatures that I'm used to in the summer. We're *lucky* if we get freezing temperatures in the coldest part of winter! :crying:

My wife claims that she loves hot weather. I don't believe her 100%, :no: but we'll see...

Edited by Austin_Volgograd, 13 September 2006 - 12:27 AM.

Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-13 00:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarried one year

I'm home sick from work today, and bored - so here I am just for some general chit chat. (:

I hope you're feeling better. I hate being sick! But that's one heckuva post! Wow! Congrats on all the progress! And thanks for the info. It gives me a lot of things to think about.

EDUCATIONAL
She has accumulated the following educational accomplishments during this year:

  • Received (Russian-language) transcripts from both her universities
  • Translated original transcripts and had them evaluated by U.S. evaluation service

Can you tell me a little about the U.S. evaluation service? I've got my wife's transcripts (with translations) and was wondering how to get them evaluated. I haven't done a search on the 'net yet. I appreciate any info you can toss my way.

Thanks!

:Michael
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-13 00:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMOSCOW HOTELS

Trying to get the private visa involved so many documents that it was not practical to get.

This is the problem with Russia. All the regions come up with their own rules.

Now you understand why we have so much trouble with this stuff! :hehe:
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-18 10:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMOSCOW HOTELS

Am I inviting trouble if I don't let the renting agency do the whole visa process?

I have no idea why you guys have so much trouble with this. I had my fiancee do my invitation and registration for under $15 total. She sent me the invitation and then she took me down to the OVIR. The problem is that you guys don't plan to far enough ahead and thus suffer by worrying if the agency will take care of you. You are at the whim of the inviting agency when it comes to registration, hence I always had my wife do it for me. Thus to end your worries pay them what they ask and stop worrying about it. Unless you want to try to go to the OVIR yourself and try to register. You'll encounter two basic problems:
1. Wrong visa, OVIR usually registers private visas. I'm not sure if they do business visas as well.
2. Wrong sponsor. They want the party that invited to sign off.
These people that rent hotels:
1. Should have the authority to register you as if they were a hotel; or
2. Should do a private or business visa invitation for you if they don't.
For a Russian to pay less than $1 to the central bank and to take you by bus to the OVIR to register you, a process that can take less than 30 minutes if you follow correct procedure, is a steal if they charge you $50! I wish I could open something similar in America.
By the way the cost of those invitations is less than $15 for Russians. Again a handsome profit. Regardless of who orders them hotel, private person, or a business.

You ask why we have so much trouble? I don't know about everyone else, but I'll share my story.

1. On my first visit, the hotel put the registration stamp on my migration card, but they put the wrong date. I did not notice this until I was at the airport, leaving the country. I know... *MY* fault. I'm much more diligent about checking all this.

2. My trip will be to 2 cities, Volgograd and Moscow. Doing the private visa will only complicate and confuse the Ministry of Internal Affairs (formerly OVIR) in Volgograd. A colleague of mine was doing the private visa through his wife's mother in Volgograd, and they had a LOT of problems with that office!! It's rediculous how Volgograd officials handled this. I don't want my wife to go through these headaches, and stress. Hell... I'm 100% sure I would spend $50 in phone calls with my wife explaining everything to her, and calming her down, etc. etc. etc.. It's much better for me if I pay someone $50 to take care of it all.

3. This trip is a little more complicated than usual. Yes, if I was going to stay with my wife, in 1 city, I'd probably ask her to do the guest (private/homestay) visa. If my wife lived in Moscow, it would be a lot easier also. But that's not my situation. Maybe I'm complicating things a little more than is possible, but I'm doing these things to help my wife's comfort level. She's already scared to death of the interview because a friend of hers told her one (1) woman didn't get her visa one time. Very stupid, I know. The friend couldn't say why the woman didn't get her visa. It was probably one of those "Bring the rest of your documents and you're approved!" kind of things. But my wife is scared to death now because of this. She also has a 2-year-old daughter that keeps her busy. Anything, within reason, that I can do to help keep her calm for the interview next month is worth it.

Regarding the "wrong sponsor" comment... They (Russian passport/custom control, police/militia at the airport, etc.) didn't care the last 3 times I've been in Russia. They only wanted to see a registration stamp from the hotel I stayed in, for the period of time I actually stayed in Russia. They didn't call the hotel to see if I was actually a guest there.

Can a guest visa even be used in my situation - 2 cities where I'll be staying more than 3 days each? I understood that a guest visa is only used for the city in which it is issued.

Is it worth $50? To me... Hell, YES!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-17 20:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMOSCOW HOTELS

So... What do you guys do about the registration stamp on your Russian migration card?

I always come over on a private visa and thus am entitled to 90 day registration at the OVIR. Cost is less than a $1 paid to the Central bank and receipt returned to the OVIR. For those that travel on tourist visas, your hotel or inviting organization should do it for you. Ideally it should be free because you chose them over someone else. Same goes for business visa.

I know the hotel does the registration stamp. I was wondering about when someone gets an apartment. I saw that Rick (enjoymoscow.com) does this for $50. But do other apartments provide similar services? :unsure:

I looked at a couple of places that rent apartments in Moscow. They help with: (1) basic visa support - the invitation/voucher, or (2) the whole visa process. But they didn't offer registration if you order only the basic visa support. How much trouble is it to get that registration stamp if you get an invitation (from a service) and apply for the visa yourself? Am I inviting trouble if I don't let the renting agency do the whole visa process? :help:

I'm extremely cautious about this stuff because I've had several problems when I've travelled to Russia (Volgograd/Moscow). But that's a whole other thread. :)

thanks!

P.S. Is anyone else going to Moscow between 23-October and 1-November?
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-17 13:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMOSCOW HOTELS
So... What do you guys do about the registration stamp on your Russian migration card?

I've never stayed in an apartment in Russia, only hotels, and never needed to worry about that.

Thanks in advance!

:Mike
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-17 02:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMOSCOW HOTELS

Lucky SOB!

And I'm going next month... for my wife's K-3 interview! :dance: Sorry to rub it in, there, slim! :P

I'll be looking for accommodations *really quick*, and I appreciate all the info and comments I've seen here.

Thanks to all for the info!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-13 01:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusQuestion

New $20's won't work?

I took only $20s (about $500 cash), and my ATM and credit cards. This worked best for me, going to Volgograd and Moscow. I don't like flashing $100s, even if it is only at the exchange office.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-19 18:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

One of the first phrases I learned to say in Russian was simply:

"Excuse me please, I don't speak Russian. Only a little bit".

I won't try to type it here, but it has come in handy more than once, like when the militisei approach you, because you've been gawking like a tourist as you walk around Red Square...

;)

-- Dan

For quick and dirty... Go to this translation site, type in the phrase, choose English-Russian, and Transliterate. Click Translate, and voila! Read it as it is displayed. Be careful though. Use simple English to get the best translation. I just tried "Excuse me please" and it gave me "Izvinite men'a pozhalujsta" instead of the normal "Izvinite pozhalujsta." And "Excuse please" gave me something totally different. Russians would probably understand you, and chuckle a bit. :yes:

I think a basic understanding of pronunciation goes a long way. Izvinite is pronounced more like eez-vee-nee'-tye, and pozhalujsta sound more like pah-zhal-oos'-ta. Not perfect, but close enough. :unsure:
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-30 11:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

I did not understand why do you need to go to the city and why your trip from SVO2 to 1 can take an hour??

Why? Because I was bored! On that trip I had LOTS of time to kill, and I just wanted to ride the bus and watch the scenery. Plus, the snow was about a foot deep and there was a nice, cold wind to chill my bones. The bus was, at least, out of the wind, and I could take pictures out the window of the beautiful "winter wonderland." :)

Most of buses actually go city-SVO2-SVO1-SVO2-city. When yiou are at SVO 2 you just come to the bus and ask driver if it is on it's way to SVO1 or city. All what you need to say is "To Sheremetyevo 1 now?" that's all, especially you write that you even can say some words in Russian. But they will understand you anyway. Trip from SVO 2 to 1 is only about 10-15 minutes. Not an hour.

Even if there is just one bus, which goes city-SVO1-SVO2-city, just don't take it. Again, ask the driver "To SVO1 now?" If no take another bus. That's easy isn't it? But if you want to stay and stay looking for a certain bus well, your choice. I just tried to suggest how to make it faster.

When I was there in February, it seemed as though most (if not all) of the buses (mini and large) went from city-SVO1-SVO2-city. I did ask the bus driver (and the occupants) "Sheremetyevo adyin seeches" and it was a resounding "Nyet!" and they named the metro station in the city. But enough of me justifying my scenic trip on the bus. I'm sure I'll find the right bus with no problem this time. :yes:

Have a good trip and I wish you both good luck with interview!

Thanks!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-26 22:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

As I said before, there is no need to look only for Aeroflot bus or any special numbers. ANY buses there go between Sheremetyevo1,2 (mini, big, huge - plenty of them). They are all well marked (I hope you can understand letters 1 and 2, that's all you need). I had a very nice bus (BIG) for 15 rubles from Sherem. 2 to 1.

Yes, I know the buses go between SVO-1 and SVO-2. But like you said in an earlier post, some of the buses go to town, and I don't want to spend an hour or so just to get back to Sheremetyevo-1. It's a little more than just understanding 1 and 2, because some of them go to SVO-1 first, then SVO-2, and then to town, and then back to SVO-1. Fortunately, I can speak Russian enough to find out which is which. :thumbs:

I took the (big) bus once when I had plenty of time, and it took about an hour. :blink: Yes, 15 rubles was the price, but I don't really care to ride a bus that long this time. I remember that at least one of the buses (or mini-buses) goes directly to SVO-1 first, then to town, not the other way around.

I know I've got enough time to make my connecting flight (arrive Moscow 10:30am, depart at 17:00 to Volgograd). I just don't feel like sitting on a bus for an hour, with my baggage, just to go 8 kilometers or so, to SVO-1. :P I'd rather find something to eat and relax a bit. And with Delta's history, the flight to Moscow has never been on time for me. It's always been at least an hour late.

Thanks, all!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-24 21:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

I think it is 49, but why not take the FREE bus? Picks up the same place as the mini bus, and is easier to get on with your luggage. It's the new, clean bus with Aeroflot written on the front. The first time I tried it I stuck my head in and in terrible Russian said "Sheremetyevo adiene?" Bus driver understood me and nodded. Was very easy.

Yeah, I know about the free bus, but I seem to *just* miss it every time. Plus I gotta go to the Aeroflot office to pick up my ticket to Volgograd, and I'm sure that's gonna take some time. I want to have my options ready in case I can't make it to the free bus.

Thanks for the info.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-24 21:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here
Hi everyone!

I'm heading back to Volgograd, Russia on October 18th to bring my honey back (after her K-3 interview on the 26th - YEA!).

Does anyone know or remember which mini-bus goes from Sheremetyevo-2 (int'l) to Sheremetyevo-1 (domestic) airport? I wanna say 48 or 49, but it's been a few months. I don't want to take an expensive taxi!

If ya don't know/remember, that's okay. I can read the signs on the bus. It's just easier looking for the number because it's sometimes hectic and the mini-buses have usually filled up pretty quick when I've been there.

Thanks!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-21 21:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

I've been to Russia 4 times in the past year, and I'm going back at the end of next month for my wife's K-3 interview! WOOHOO!!! :dance: She's coming back with me!!!! YEA!!!!! And I'll be using my phrasebook a little more! :)

So you were able to do a K-3 with her in Russia... this is helpful for me because if I do a K-1 next time I'm at the mercy of an IMBRA waiver request... which I'm thinking about already...

When/If it comes time to do this, I'll definitely keep that in mind!

Thanks for the info!

-- Dan

A little more detail about us...

We started the K-1 visa, and I took a stupid pill and hired one of those (stinkin' and expensive) immigration lawyers. Well, he delayed filing our I129F for THREE MONTHS, due to various "reasons" (lost our documents, his secretary had a death in the family, he moved offices, etc. etc.), and we became impatient and got married in January.

By the time we got our K-3 filed, IMBRA had already kicked in. We cancelled the K-1 (After they'd already scheduled the K-1 interview) and haven't had any issues with the K-3.

Why would you need an IMBRA waiver? Isn't that only if you had two or more previous petitions approved?
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-17 04:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm outta here

I'll check out the phase book, but I think most Russians would get bored waiting for me to sound out a sentence.

And as far as sounding out phrases from your book.... don't worry about it. You can point and grunt, because Russians can read! The little book is awesome because you can carry it around, and you'll never be without a two-way dictionary or something else to help you. I used mine several times with girls that spoke very little English, and was able to get on quite well with the help of this little guide.... becuase it's so small but packed with so much that you WILL use. Just a good thing to have.

I gotta agree with slim. Get a phrasebook! You'll be glad you did! I've got the previous (3rd) edition of Lonely Planet, and I love it! The last time I was in Moscow (only for a couple of days, in transit to another country with my Russian wife) I wished I had remembered to take mine! I've been learning Russian, off and on, for a while now. The more you learn now, the better. I've gotten to the point in reading Russian, that my wife is calling me a "spy"! :P I can actually get around the metro in Moscow better than her!! :devil:

And don't worry about sounding it out. The phrasebook has the transliterated version of the words and phrases so it's pretty easy to sound it out fairly quickly. When I first met my wife last year, I was able to wander the streets of Volgograd to buy her flowers, without any help from an interpreter. I was so proud of myself. And I didn't get ripped off either! The lady selling the flowers was very helpful and patient and I think she really appreciated that I tried to speak Russian.

I also study with Pimsleur's Russian 1 audio, usually while I drive to/from work. It's a set of 30 lessons, intended for 1 each day, so you can finish the whole set in a month. I found myself listening to 1 lesson, then repeating it the next day before I went on the the next lesson. That's worked for me. YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary).

I also have a PDA with an electronic dictionary, and I used it a little to translate more complex, uncommon words that weren't in the phrasebook. But, by far, the phrasebook has been the BEST investment!

I've been to Russia 4 times in the past year, and I'm going back at the end of next month for my wife's K-3 interview! WOOHOO!!! :dance: She's coming back with me!!!! YEA!!!!! And I'll be using my phrasebook a little more! :)
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-12 23:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow processing times

John and Anna, does it mean NVC never told you anything positive by the phone? And Embassy didn't tell your date of interview in almost a month after leaving NVC? Please clarify this matter. We're still waiting to know our date too after 4 months of stucking in CSC! THANKS!

My wife and I are in progress with a K-3 petition. They approved the petition on 8-AUG and just today my wife received her packet from the Moscow Embassy, with her interview letter.

I had called the NVC about 2 weeks ago, after I received the letter from them stating that they received my stuff. They told me that the Embassy would receive our documents within a week (after the day I called) via DHL. They were correct, in my case. Total time it took from NVC to Embassy - about 3 weeks. And 1 more week for Embassy to send the interview letter.

I had actually found the interview date on their web site last Monday (the 4th) and gave my wife a nice surprise call that night to tell her about the interview date. She was a little shocked, but wonderfully happy!

Hang in there! It's gotta be coming soon!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-09-13 00:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?

Congratulations to Austin_Volgograd :dance: My fiancee got here a week ago and it feels like we are newlyweds. I wish the best of luck to you. I know you were cutting it close with getting the visa before your travel date.

Thanks!

Yeah... We should've pushed the flights to a later date :blush: , but I was out of vacation time at work, and I wanted at least a few days at home with the family, to help ease them into their new lives, before I run off to work.

I think I can get the boss to approve some 4-hour work days next week as well. Maybe work only afternoons so I can be with the family in the mornings and evenings, and work during rush hour traffic times. :yes:

:Michael
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-11-03 10:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?

Michael and Natalia, hope you had a smooth flight! Hope the little angel got some rest on the plane! =)

Jim

Thanks, Jim!

From Moscow to New York was pretty good. The little angel was quite fidgety, but we did okay. :lol:

The Delta flight from JFK to Austin (DL6475) was horrible. The flight attendants were rude and abrasive and spilled juice on Natalia. :angry: I filed a verbal complaint with the captain and a company rep at the airport, and they gave me addresses and phone numbers to further file my complaint. They've already received other complaints about one of the attendants. I know it probably won't do much good, but I had to let them know what I thought.

But back to nice thoughts... We're home! :dance:

:Michael


Welcome home, Michael and Natalia.

Thanks! It's great to be home with the family. Natalia said she loves Austin so far. We still have a lot more to see, and I'm sure she's going to love it even more. :yes:

:Michael
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-11-03 10:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?
Phew! I called the embassy on the 30th and made an inquiry. They told me to call back the next day to get my answer.

I called back and they said final approval was confirmed and that the visa would be sent to DHL for delivery. My wife called DHL and we picked it up at their office at 6:30pm on the 31st. We caught our flight out on the 1st and we're home in Texas today! :dance:

Thanks to all for your support and good wishes.

:Michael
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-11-02 06:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?
Argh! This is frustrating... waiting for the Embassy to print and send the visa via DHL! :angry:

I see quite a variety of wait times to receive the visa. I'm in Moscow with my wife and we're going nuts because DHL doesn't have any tracking info, and the Embassy only said to please call next day.

Argh!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-10-30 10:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?
A big APPROVAL here, too. :dance: October 26th was a good day for approvals. My wife said one person didn't get approval due to insufficient financial document, but everyone else seemed to do okay.

Questions were pretty much the same as Tanja's (of Jim_Tanja), who my wife and I met on Monday the 23rd at the Medicina (sp.) clinic. I recognized Tanja from Jim's posted photo. :D

My wife had the male officer, who she said seemed to be the nicest of the three (2 others were women, one more stern than the other and the only officer to deny).

The interviewing officer didn't want to see any supporting evidence (photos, email, phone records). My wife had to almost force our photos on him! And after he looked at the photos (which included my wife, her daughter, and me), he asked if I had met her daughter! :lol: Really on top of things, eh?! In any case, the questions were simple.

My wife had her interview in English, and she said the officer asked her, "Do you speak English?" When she said yes, he responeded, "Wonderful!" Apparently he's more comfortable doing interviews in English.

One VERY stressful point was while waiting in line at the Embassy, they looked at my wife's invitation letter and said she was NOT on the list for the day! WOW! Talk about stress! I thought my wife was going to kill me! But after about 5 or 10 minutes, they let her in and she waited about 20 minutes until they cleared up the mistake.

Overall, the whole thing took about 2 hours for her. They opened the door at about 8:30am (after about 1 hour of steady, medium rain) and she came out about 10:30 or 10:45. I was too excited to look at my watch for the exact time.

Oh, and they accepted ONLY the DS-156 electronic version. The officer did NOT ask for the Russian language version like he did for Tanja the day before. Interesting that they told me (when I called the Embassy) that they would NOT accepted the Russian language version *beginning* October 25th. Well, I guess they just didn't have their act together 100% and they stopped taking the Russian language version on the 26th instead.

That's it for now. More later if I can think of something.

Final thoughts: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance: :dance:
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-10-27 16:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny recent interviews in Moscow ?

Wish you and Galina a quick and easy interview time! Tanja will be in Moscow the week after I believe. Our interview is the 25th.

Best wishes and good luck to Tanja and you! My Natalia's interview is on the 26th! She is soooo nervous :unsure: about the interview. Maybe we'll bump into each other. :) We'll be in Moscow from 22-OCT until we catch our Delta flight on 01-Nov. :thumbs:

Hopefully more people will post some more positive interviews that I can relay to Natalia.

Congratulations to Anna and Anna!
and
Congratulations to Olga and Marc!


Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-10-08 17:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Dec 26 2007, 02:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wow, your story should be used as a precaution to anyone looking to bring a wife to America. Although most end up happily married, unfortunately it is not that uncommon of a story. I brought a woman from Ukraine to America, but luckily for me she wasn't smart enough to hide her true self. It was quite apparent from the early days that she had only planned to get here for herself and her son. I was lucky and really dodged a bullet on that one. Because we never married she did return without any green card. I see she is back on the foreign wives circuit looking better than when she arrive to me. I feel sorry for the next guy she suckers.

At least I was lucky to discover the truth and not go through with the marriage. I am now very happily married to a wonderful woman from Kyiv, Ukraine. Next time maybe you will try Ukraine just as a different way to go. At least you don't need to jump through the visa hoops for Ukraine.

Best of luck with the settling of your divorce. The best advice is to distance yourself from her and keep it that way. Then give yourself time to heal before searching again. There are some very nice women in Russia and Ukraine that are just looking for a nice, loyal and hardworking husband. These women will keep you happy the rest of your life. Hang in there, you will get through this.
I will get though this. I've got great family and great friends. Thanks!

As for trying Ukraine, I'd do it for the sake of visiting another country, not because of the visa hoops for Russia. I've gotten VERY good at handling all that stuff! wink.gif I'd still love to go back to Russia and visit. I actually MISS the place quite a bit. I've spent at total of about 10 or 11 weeks there, and enjoyed it quite a bit... even in -25deg snow and ice. good.gif
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2007-12-27 02:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
QUOTE (Satellite @ Dec 26 2007, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Austin_Volgograd @ Dec 24 2007, 02:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
5. Are you a lawyer in Texas? Fortunately, the divorce will be final quite quickly after the bankruptcy. No more spousal support! Division of property debt? Only the house if I am forced to let them foreclose. There is no other.
No I am not a lawyer from Texas, the information below is just my common knowledge and lay person opinion.
The bankruptcy code is designed to function the same in every jurisdiction.
Therefore pursuant to 11 U.S.C. 523 (a)(5) and 523 (a)(18)):
Alimony and child support payments (court-ordered) are not dischargeable; Divorce and property settlements are not dischargeable unless the other party agrees to it.
But your house should be fine, because the bankruptcy code allows you to use their or your states exemptions. Texas and Florida provided you meet certain requirements will allow you to exempt the value of your homestead instead of the measly $18,000 something the rest of the country gets which is a joke if your equity is huge like in a California home.
Ah... I understand. Not dischargeable. But it is counted toward financial obligations. As for the house, I still worry because her name's on the title. Did that to help with the AOS interview. Only chance of me keeping it is to get her to sign it back to me. Otherwise, $2000 in equity doesn't save the house. sad.gif
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2007-12-27 02:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
QUOTE (Satellite @ Dec 24 2007, 12:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Austin_Volgograd @ Dec 24 2007, 02:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife came to the USofA November 1, 2006. I filed for divorce November 15, 2006 after she hit me (yes, domestic abuse). I should have filed charges! Stupid me. wacko.gif We reconciled a short time - long enough for her to get her 2-year green card, at which time her attitude totally changed. She was setting me up for a fall! Well, it's Christmas eve, and she's in Russia - vacationing - to return sometime in January to try and milk me for more money. She still doesn't understand that Texas is NOT an alimony state, and I'm not offering to just give her tons of money after she bankrupt me. Yes, bankrupt! She hid money from me here and in Russia. mad.gif She even propositioned me to delay the divorce so she could get her conditions removed from her green card!!! Talk about nightmares! Well, I'm hoping to get all this over next month and try and salvage my life. It doesn't look good. sad.gif
Sorry to hear about your predicament but here are some general issues you should keep in mind.
1. She has a valid CR1 visa good for two years which she can use to enter the US at any time regardless of your marriage status.
2. Because you guys married in good faith, she can divorce and marry another American and still remove her conditions. Disproving good faith is difficult.
3. Texas is a community property state like California.
4. She can get an attorney and his bills can be used to put a lien on your property.
5. Bankruptcy does not relieve you of any spousal support / divorce division of property debt.
6. You are not alone in the VJ Russian forum to be taken for a ride.
7. I hope you didn't buy any property in Russia which is under her name! If so this lady is really good.
8. Happy Holidays and good luck in the future.
1. I know that. Thanks for reminding me. crying.gif
2. I married in good faith. She married for green card and money. She doesn't even have to marry another American. She can file a waiver to remove her conditions. Just harder.
3. Fortunately, there's not much community property. A child's bedroom furniture set and what little retirement I've accrued while married. Fortunately, not much!
4. She has an attorney, and she's already paid him with cash that she hid from me during our marriage. I know I'll be forced to "repay" her for this. I HATE paying lawyers TWICE! mad.gif
5. Are you a lawyer in Texas? Fortunately, the divorce will be final quite quickly after the bankruptcy. No more spousal support! Division of property debt? Only the house if I am forced to let them foreclose. There is no other.
6. I know I'm not alone. And I know I'm not the last one. I wish I was... but I'm sure other nice folks will get screwed, too.
7. No. She wanted to, but I just don't (never did and never will) have that kind of "spare cash" just laying around! She TRIED... REALLY HARD to buy property. It was the topic of debate nearly every time I talked to her.
8. Thanks! You, too!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2007-12-24 17:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Dec 24 2007, 05:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Dude,

I am SO sorry this happened to you. I don't know what, but if I can be of any help to you in any way, please let me know. Other than that, I really don't know what to say. sad.gif I wish you all the best, and I know you'll get through this scarred and wiser, but hopefully no less faithful. The right one is out there for you!

Z
Thanks!

I can only hope that SHE gets through this a little wiser. I'm her 3rd husband (1st USC husband) and it seems she doesn't understand love and compassion. I gave her everything I had! My heart, my home, my life... And all she did was toss it in the toilet.

I hate that I fell for her manipulative ways. I am glad I got to be a positive influence in her daughter's life. I love that child more than life itself. Hell, she's the only reason I reconciled with the wife in December last year!

Scarred? Yes. Wiser? Hell yes! Faithful? I always have been 100% faithful and always will be. That's what's in my heart. I just wish she had been half as faithful as I've been. And honest, too. She pretty much lied to me and set me up from the day I met her. It's amazing what clarity I have in hindsight!

I'd still love to go back to Russia again. Dunno if I'd be interested in going through this visa stuff again... But maybe just to visit the few friends I have there now.

:sigh:
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2007-12-24 06:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?
QUOTE (Austin_Volgograd @ May 6 2006, 10:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My limit is about 250,000 rouble cash. sad.gif Signature loans just aren't possible for me to buy foreign real estate.
Update!

My wife came to the USofA November 1, 2006. I filed for divorce November 15, 2006 after she hit me (yes, domestic abuse). I should have filed charges! Stupid me. wacko.gif We reconciled a short time - long enough for her to get her 2-year green card, at which time her attitude totally changed. She was setting me up for a fall! Well, it's Christmas eve, and she's in Russia - vacationing - to return sometime in January to try and milk me for more money. She still doesn't understand that Texas is NOT an alimony state, and I'm not offering to just give her tons of money after she bankrupt me. Yes, bankrupt! She hid money from me here and in Russia. mad.gif She even propositioned me to delay the divorce so she could get her conditions removed from her green card!!! Talk about nightmares! Well, I'm hoping to get all this over next month and try and salvage my life. It doesn't look good. sad.gif

Good luck to all of you Visa Journeyers!
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2007-12-24 05:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?

I don't know if it helps. And I am not familiar with geography of Volgograd :)
Just looked in the internet how much an apartment in Volgograd may cost. I found a one-room apartment starting at 690,000 rubles OBO, 2 room apartment starting at 880,000 rub OBO.
http://www.cn-avega.ru/prod-kv2.shtml

Thank you very much for the info. I wish I had the cash to buy something like this. My limit is about 250,000 rouble cash. :( Signature loans just aren't possible for me to buy foreign real estate.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-05-06 10:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?

Austin_Volgograd, why don't you consider buying a flat/appartment as an investment?
My own appartment in Tver' costs about 50 percent more now than it costed 3 years ago. Meanwhile, you and your wife can live there, avoiding problems with her relatives.

Still, be aware that it could be difficult to bring money back to US when you sell that property. (It would be easier for your wife than for you to do that, I guess)

I am curious how much a modest flat/apartment might cost in Volgograd? I'm not rich (or comfortable) by any stretch of the imagination. :P

My wife said her parents paid about 1-million roubles for their apartment. (They had an apartment that her grandparents left them. They sold that and purchased their current one. And apparently, apartments cost more now. Maybe 20 to 30 percent more (or maybe about 45 to 50-thousand US dollars). :o There's absolutely no way I could gather that much cash. And I'm sure no bank in the US would lend me money to buy property in another country, especially when I have a big mortgage here!

I doubt buying a flat/apartment is an option for us. But thanks for the suggestion.

Edited by Austin_Volgograd, 05 May 2006 - 08:07 PM.

Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-05-05 20:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVolgograd, Russia - real estate?

In my opinion - better rent a flat for your wife to live now and save the money for your life together in US.

I agree. Only she's convinced that we're wasting money, throwing it away, if we rent. Because she thinks we can always sell and make a profit later.

Sorry if I was a bit harsh in my post earlier. My wife read it though, and agreed with my opinion.

US or Russia, in the end, having money is not the same as being happy.

Harsh? No. Honest? Yes.

I agree about being happy. I've never been rich, but I've been poor and happy!! :dance:

Everyone... Thanks for all the info & comments. I'm sure we'll end up only renting since I can't afford to buy anything now anyways. :) I think was only curious if it would be slightly realistic to even think about buying.
Austin_VolgogradMaleRussia2006-04-30 10:34:00