ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhy do they live in different communities?
Thank you Kip, I really learned something about this. Lena lives in Kharkov, close enough to the Russian border. Everyone (well, not everyone) seemed to speak only Russian but all signage was in Ukrainian. My dad was born in Chernivtsi (Southwestern Ukraine). He spoke Ukrainian but also spoke fluent Russian. My American Ukrainian friends never go to the Russian market on the other side of town. We will! And the Russian orthodox church too. And I will continue to buy varenyky at the Ukrainian catholic church.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-26 17:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhy do they live in different communities?
I'm wondering if this phenomenom occurs in other US cities; in Detroit, people who emmigrate here from East Ukraine live, work and play in one community and those that come from West Ukraine live, work and play in another area of the city. I understand that many from East Ukraine speak Russian as their language of choice and those from the West speak only Ukrainian by choice. My SO chooses to speak only Russian and when she teaches she must prepare official documents, reports using the Ukraine language. Most of the folks from West Ukraine are of the Byzantine Catholic faith and the those from Eastern Ukraine are predominantly Russian Orthodox. The two communities in Detroit do not mingle with each other from what I can gather. Why?
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-26 13:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA 2 next stop Kev
Congratulations!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-05 17:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDivorce Certificates

You just answered your own question. :)

Your question is a logical question, but this is not a logical process. Don't over-think it. If she's required to bring it, then she's required to bring it. There is a very good chance that they would just use the divorce certificate you supplied in your I-129f packet, but why take that chance? Re-scheduling an interview or waiting for them to receive it after the interview is inconvenient at best. Play it safe and send the divorce decree with her to the interview.



I did the same, since then, I ordered new divorce and previous marriage certificates (certified). A small cost but worth it because originals are required for the US Embassy interview.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-12 15:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRoC approved
Congratulations! We are a bit selfish to want you to stay on as our advisor. We are learning a lot from your no nonsense responses. Thank you!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-29 09:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusG325 - what if the name of the town doesn't fit?
Kinda off topic but it still makes me merry...last trip to Kharkov, I was re-routed through Istanbul to Dnipropetrovsk. Lena and her son drove the 230 km to pick me up on ###### (highway) roads. I tried many times to pronounce it correctly with major difficulty. I think I've got now. Kharkov is much easier for me. :ot:
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-20 13:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing to Kiev in 7 days, any tips?
There's gotta be a Subway (sandwich shop) nearby :-) If not, there should be and they should serve kulbasa subs on wheat with lite mayonazz!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-29 16:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing to Kiev in 7 days, any tips?

In Kiev now, my girl is coming over in a bit and we're going to go shop for groceries so she can cook dinner tonight.

Flights..well they are what they are.,,,ZERO problems at KBP. They don't even have you fill out any forms. I was through customs in 5 minutes, bags took a while but still no problems. Apartment, I guess as good as it gets for Kiev. I'm right across from Kiev Theater and next to a McDs on Kreshatyck (sp?). Seems to be a popular spot. I walked around today, was snowing pretty heavy and still girls are hopping around on high heels.. :dance:

My girl is nothing short of awesome! She's an extremely beautiful woman even more so in person! She loves to read literature and for the life of me I couldn't remember one American author to suggest to her last night. She has an accounting degree but works as Customer Service rep for Viola cable. Long hours for little pay. Apparently that's the only job she could find and sounds like her boss is an A-hole. So far I think we are doing good, I told the agency to forget about the other meetings. We had a pretty spendy dinner last night at some Arabic restaurant but we were there for 4 hours and put down a few alcoholic beverages...and ohhhh the belly dancers kept coming to the table and it was the hardest thing I've ever done to not stare at the hot dancer doing her thing inches away from me with my girl sitting next to me. It was like a Ukraine Torture Test. My girl and the interpreter had their eyes glued to the dancer like they were in a trance. Not sure what it is but seems RUB girls really get into watching belly dancers. My girl asked why I keep looking at her and not at the belly dancer when she comes to the table ... :help: I said, coz I only have eyes for you my dear ...

The biggest hang up we have so far is a communication problem. Her English is basic (we usually chat with Skype and Google translate) and my Russian is even worse. The few phone calls we had were short and I noticed that her English was not very good. We manage but she will start taking English classes soon. The beat up rose carried all the way from New Orleans was a huge hit. Thanks Barron! She was almost in tears when I told her how I carried it by hand all the way 18hrs from USA just for her.

Kiev is alright. Old buildings everywhere, seems a bit run down in areas but seems like a good place. I've been to much worse places in Southeast Asia. Well...my girl is on her way, I think she's cooking her favorite Borscht recipe tonight. Yum Yum.... Later guys


Johnny, are you getting used to "shoes off" and "slippers on" when entering the apartment? How about street clothes off and put on "clothes for the home"? Best of luck in Kyiv!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-27 14:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing to Kiev in 7 days, any tips?

Good answer. They DO know there are lots of other beautiful women, do not try to tell them otherwise. But she is "special" They are pretty blunt and honest so BS just doesn't cut it. A 4 hour skype session indicates she is pretty serious, at least leaning that way. Remember also that her life is not as easy as a comparable woman's life here, things take longer to do, she doesn't have a car, probably doesn't have a dryer for her clothes and has to iron everything, she may even wash her clothes by hand in the tub. Hot water is not always available so boiling water on the stove for a bath...etc. 4 hours is a big amount of time for her to carve from her day. Alla and I used to spend 1-2 hours per day on the phone in 3-4 calls. (we didn't use skype because she was always moving around in her job and so was I, we talked when we could wherever we were) She probably works 6 days per week and probably long hours for a paltry amount of money.

Good luck


It's true, mine works 6 days a week. Phys Ed teacher during the week, a second privat aerobics job 4 evenings and Saturday. No water period for two days when I was with her over New Years. No dryer and yes she hangs clothes on her small balcone. I know she will be relieved to have ample hot water and other conveniences when she gets here. Oh and the power outages happen frequently too.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-03-19 20:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThings you will not see (or hear) in the USA
Well, I'm a bit sentimental and even though my gardening skills are much to be desired, I will plant many sunflower seeds around the fence line of my corner lot. If timelines are good estimates, the sunflowers should begin to bloom when Lena arrives (hopefully by July or August).

Edited by Lena and Igor, 05 April 2011 - 06:24 AM.

Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-05 06:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA-2 Today!
Lol. Shoes are off, slippers on. Bought 2 shoe racks last week. Even my two teenage boys are being compliant with this. 1000 t.c. sheets in the bedroom, not getting rid of my spagetti pot though. It'll work well for borsht too. Walkin on air.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-23 04:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA-2 Today!

Congratulations!!!



Thanks so much! Now the real work begins! (L)
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-18 16:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA-2 Today!
:D Like those before me, we are both very happy, grateful and overjoyed that today I received our NOA-2 via email, text and hardcopy. I realize the Journey has really just begun for us. Thanks to my RUB friends who have encouraged me to have patience. It has been exactly 122 days since receipt of our I-129F Petition. Incredible! :dance: :star: :thumbs: :wow:
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-18 12:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday
Yea, we have the KEV number. It was given to me when I called NVC last week. I'll download the forms in English and I will fill-out the forms while on Skype with her then email them to her so she can print them. Everything else is in order based on the requirements of the KEV-1. Because of the long holiday (till 9, May), this will hold-up our call to the Embassy in Kiev for an appointment date and time.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-24 08:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday
You senior members have been so helpful as this journey continues, spasiba bolshoye!

If I may ask, Alla, specifically, what tests are performed during the medical exam?

Igor, for Lena
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-24 06:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday

Fill them out for her and email them. She can print them and sign them. Alla never filled out a form of any sort at any time for any reason. I did them all and said "sign here" All the forms you need are available online, you do not have to wait for anything to be mailed. We still have the flat in Donetsk and the forms never were mailed to us. We are still waiting for them 3 years later. (NOT!!!!!!!)



Thanks again. She is going for her medical early. No interview date yet, approved petition was sent to Kiev on Friday. She prefers to get the medical done instead of waiting until a day or two before the interview date. Interesting about the forms. I will take your advice and download the forms here, complete them and email them and ask her to sign them. Was it the DS-156K or DS-156 that she signs at the interview? I know you have posted the clarification on a past thread.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-23 18:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday

She may never get the package from the Embassy; download the forms from the Embassy website and bring the email from the Embassy as a substitute fir the invitation letter. Remember that the Ds156k firm is in Russian and can only be had from the Embassy wrbsite.

Also ensure she asks for a copy of the 3025 vaccination summary form; you'll need that for AOS.

Alla says only need yo disrobe top half but the report is that the current facility is all body.



Phil, I looked at the forms on the Embassy website. When I opened the DS-156K it was in English. For Lena, it would be perfect if she could access it easily in the Russian Language. I think I am reading you right and understand that the Embassy will email Lena (beneficiary) and it would be acceptable to bring a copy with her once she confirms her interview date by telephone? But hopefully, she will receive packet 4 by Ukrainia snail mail before too long - then above is moot. Thanks, I just wanna get it right.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-23 10:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday
Follow-up: when Lena called the Clinic for Oil-Rifining Industry of Ukraine for her appointment for next Tuesday, she was instructed to produce her KEV number, 3 5X5 photos and her passport. Question: She does not have her interview appointment package yet. Can she have the medical examination without it? It's a five hour car ride from Kharkov to Kiev. Thanks.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-23 07:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's has questions about her medical next Tuesday
Lena is asking what to expect in regards to the Kyiv medical exam. Will she be examined from head-to-toe? Besides a blood test, urinalysis and chest xray, will she be required to disrobe completely? Perhaps someone who has experienced the procedure first-hand will comment so I can reassure Lena. Thanks.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-23 07:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending a laptop to my Fiancee in Ukraine
When I was in Ukraine last time, we went to a local popular computer retailer and bought a netbook with a webcam. It cost the equivalent of 320 USD. This is a better solution in my opinion.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-28 15:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian stores in America
We have a large Russian community in Detroit. Two well-stocked markets and a couple of great Russian restaurants. I know Lena will enjoy them every couple of weeks. Found a nice Russian Orthodox church within 30 minutes from home. I attend regularly. Made friends. The paster is from Eastern Ukraine. He will marry us when she arrives. We'll have a small family/close friends dinner reception at the Fiddler Restaurant afterwards.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-28 18:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMONEY TRANSFER FROM UKRAINE TO USA
I will start using Moneygram. It cost me 50 USD to send 500 USD a few days ago via W.U. vs. 31 USD for the same amount if I were using Moneygram. Thanks.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-04 13:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMONEY TRANSFER FROM UKRAINE TO USA
Maybe not the BEST method but I chose to send USDs by Western Union. It is a bit expensive but I like the fact that printed documentation of each the transfer benefits us in the way of supplemental evidence of our relationship.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-03 09:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
Yes I am very thankful!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-07 09:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
Lena passed her medical exam today! Packet 4 received! Next step: call for interview!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-06 06:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
I will mention this to her tonight and mapquest the botanical gardens. She's a bit afraid to go anywhere but the clinic and back to her hotel room. Maybe to watch XFactor and cinema on TV and McDonalds to Skype with me. Thanks Gary.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-01 12:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
Lena will travel to Kiev by train on Monday nite to be at her further medical testing for three mornings. It's all mapped-out for her and the hotel chosen is a 15 min walk to the clinic. Wish us luck and a medical approval. Thanks!

Edited by Lena and Igor, 01 May 2011 - 08:40 AM.

Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-01 08:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
Thank you both very much. We shall find out next week. Now it's more clear. I'll post the results.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-29 03:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine specific medical exam question re: sputum smear
RE: positive chest x-ray (haziness) during the medical exam in Kiev, and as recommended by Gary, I've read most of the PI threads regarding this matter and it concerns me that if the sputum smear requirement is the same in Kiev as in the Manila, PI, Lena must wait 2 months before she can acquire the sputum smear results, whether negative or positive. Obviously, the clinic is trying to rule-out TB. She has had consecutive yearly chest x-rays as a school teacher and all have been negative.

I would appreciate any insight from those that have had to come back to Kiev to have this procedure performed? It is a 3-day procedure. If negative, were you able to go on with your interview date without delay? If positive, was medication ordered and did this delay your interview and subsequent POE? By how long? Thank you. :help:

Edited by Lena and Igor, 28 April 2011 - 01:57 PM.

Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-04-28 13:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPassport + Visa delivery time
We like toast especially with topped with beluga.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-12 11:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPassport + Visa delivery time
Let us know when you have the passports in hand. Hopefully you now have them?
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-12 04:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPayment at Embassy
May dates are filled completely. I will call every couple of days to see if there's a cancellation. We are looking at (God willing) a flight itinerary of Kharkov - Kiev - Paris - Detroit. @ $1475. Keep in touch and congrats!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-12 11:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPayment at Embassy
Thank you Mehmet! When is Elena's POE? Let's keep in touch. Still, the journey continues.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-12 04:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPayment at Embassy
Rather than paying a portion of the K-1 fee at PrivatBank and the rest in USD at the Embassy, can Lena pay the entire amount on the day of her interview the Kiev Embassy in USD? Thanks.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-09 16:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus'Russian' dollars for consulate fees!
Congrats! Clean the house! Shoe rack by the door! Clean pyjama on the bed!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-13 12:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOne more RUB member added!
Congratulations!
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-05 18:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSo excited!!!
GOOD LUCK! Lena's 2nd medical was a success. May interview dates are filled. I'll call in a week or two for a June date.

Edited by Lena and Igor, 10 May 2011 - 06:50 PM.

Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-10 18:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev US Embassy interview average process time?
Thanks all for your insight and experiences.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-19 07:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev US Embassy interview average process time?
I waited about 10 days then I began calling the Embassy. I did not wait for Packet 4. The first time I called Roman told me that the dates for May were closed and said I should call on 16 May, which I did. First available interview is 17 June so now Lena is scheduled. Thank you and I hope you will soon have your interview date.
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-16 17:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKiev US Embassy interview average process time?

Hi Igor!

Elena said it last approximately 3 hours. She and Anton were there approximately at 0830 and were out the door around 1130. I think there were two other couples there. It all depends on how busy they are. I wish you good luck but I know all will be perfect.



Thanks Mehmet!

[img]http://http://en.loadtr.com/animated_train-425102.htm[/img]
Lena and IgorMaleUkraine2011-05-16 15:50:00