ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Mexico, Latin & South Americawhite American

Hello i am a white American i will be going to my wifes visa interview in Ciudad Juarez.my question is will there be other white people in juarez doing the same thing.Im scared I dont want to stand out like a sore thumb.I wont go out of the hotel room while im there.may be only to accompany my wife to the consulate.will i be safe.or will i be the only white person in town.please help?



It is not safe for ALL people regardless of race, creed or color. I am sure you have read about the crisis there and you should excercise great caution whenever you travel abroad. Check the travel advisory for Cuidad Juarez at the Official Embassy website. Good luck to youand your family!
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-02-02 09:19:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaK-1 CDJ Process

Nop I didn't need it.. I only needed the DS-156 (two copies) and the DS-156K (one copy)... btw, I was approved!



Congrats to you Lovest!! I appreciate such a wonderful post. We hope to be there in June God willing and your thorough post gives added relief! Best wishes to you and yours in getting to this part of your K1. Hope to hear more of your Journey!!

Respectfully,

E&R4EVER
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-02-24 01:28:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHi, I'm from Peru

Hi guys.
Jeff and me are going on vacation saturday 04 to celebrate Jeff's birthday. we will expend a romantic night in the niagara falls and then Canada, I have everything ready for me, passport, green card.

see ya guys :dance:






Happy birthday Jeff (L) :P :D


Have fun in Canada veroka64 !! Been a while since i've been online here. Best wishes to your husband on his birthday.

Congrats Jake on your new home. Many thanks for the card also!! Maria & I just finished submitting our i485 last saturday. Hello to Kathy!!

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-08-03 10:16:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHi, I'm from Peru

I f :thumbs: you are going to Lima don't forget to visit the new restaurants from Astrid y Gaston (Pascuale), their sandwiches are the best!!! they just open a new one in Comnadante Espinar very close to Ovalo Gutierrez... :thumbs:

Saludos
Vi



Sounds like an excellent idea. I'll have to try to fit it in. Gonna venture north Peru to Piura-Mancora 3 days, Trujillo 2 1/2 days and then back home. Want to checkout Chan Chan & the Pyramids of the Sun & Moon. Just kind of sorry not to be able to check out Huaraz :( From what I've seen it is absolutely incredible the mountain ranges there. Absolutely breathe taking! Only going to be there just under 10 days, so fitting that in will take away time with the familia.

But yes Vi, I will have to bite into one of those sandwiches!! :)

Sinceramente,

Eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-01-31 08:32:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHi, I'm from Peru
GTIGIANT Congrats!!!

Good to hear you are back in the states with MRS GTIGIANT! I'm heading back to Lima day after V-Day. I appreciate your help with getting my 129f out. I can't wait for Ms eff to become MRS EFF officially :) . Take good care and hope to keep in touch too!

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-01-30 08:41:00
Mexico, Latin & South AmericaHi, I'm from Peru
Don't know if this will help, but there is a weekend getaway fare off A/A good until friday 1-26 23:59hrs. It's their International Weekend Getaway for travel Wednesday to Wednesday 1-29 to 2-7 for $529.

Miami, FL (MIA) Lima, Peru (LIM) $529

Hope this could help someone.

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-01-24 08:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK2 - What's needed from the ex?
Jeremy,

My Fiancee's ex had a letter written stating that he grants permission that his son leave the country with his mother. We had that letter notorized and then certified ( those were the requirements for Peru). The actual letter also had his finger prints on it ( never imagined that to be, but that's the way of the world down south). I advise that you consult the US Embassy and see about any requirements they would need. Once your K1 Visa is process and approved, your Fiancee will receive her Packet 3/4 where any family members under the legal age will be traveling/entering under that K1 Visa.

Anyways, I hope this helps and I wish you a speedy K1 Visa process!!

Regards,

Eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-04-05 09:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionEmbassy in Lima

hi first good luck in your enterview :) trust all will be good ...
well about the passport with the visa when you pay the 5 dollars in dhl they will ask where city do you want to pick up the passport ..so better choose lima if you plan to travel inmediatly ... some people went to pick up passport two days after enterview and that was ready ...so its good idea you plan your trip for a week after your enterview to be sure ...take care
jacquie


Raspect,

It does not appear to be normal to me. Our NAO2 was 28 FEB and the NVC received it on 9 March. The Peru Consulate received it from the NVC on 3-14, but almost a week and a half later did the consulate acknowledge having it in their hands. The last week of March I called and was given the Interview date (4-26) prior to my Fiancee receiving Packet 3 & 4. On the 30th of March it was delivered.

I would follow up with both the NVC and the Consulate to track you application. Remember if you call the Consulate it should be between the hours of 2pm to 3pm. Their number is 011511 434-3000. Hope this helps you and best wishes on your K1 interview and Visa!!!


eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-04-10 15:31:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical Exam Peru
My Fiancee called and scheduled an appointment with Dr. Nora Lari 422-5979. She gave her one a week from Monday. Also, if you have any medical records I advise you to bring them. My Fiancee had taken some shots recently and will bring her card with her ( and her son). The doctors office said than to bring an addition $200/soles for vaccinations per person. So if you do call and schedule an appointment make sure to ask if there are to be any additional costs incurred.

Best Regards,

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-04-05 09:12:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview date april 13th!
Francesco y Sonia Congrats!!

I can say that yes official documents need to be translated as previously stated. Not too sure if the police records need to be done, but it can not hurt. I do know that the birth certificates need to go through the RENIEC and then to the Relaciones Exteriores. At the Relaciones Exteriores there is a panel of translators to translate your documents after they've been given their "official stamp."

Anyways I hope others going through the Peru Consulate may share their experiences. Please keep me posted too since our 129f has arrived to the Consulate just last week 3-14. Here's hoping for a speedy K1 approval. There's also some info posted on the Peru Embassy page here on VJ!

Very best regards,

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-03-20 07:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPackage 3 and 4 Lima Peru

I can't give you any advise since im new to this whole visa journey process - but I do wish you luck on your interview!



Hello Andrea,

My understanding is you definitely have to translate your birth certificate. It has to go to the RENIEC ( preferably in Lima ) and from there to the offices of Relaciones Exteriores. It will take one day approx. for the Relaciones Exteriores to do the thing and when you return there you could choose from a panal of translators there to translate your documents. If you have a divorce decree that too must be translated and/also if you have children's birth certificate. Other than that my understanding is that it is best to have your USC sponsor present for the interview( if possible). I plan on being at my fiancee's interview. Also I understand you must present more proof of on going relationship so that means more pictures, more airplane stubs, etc... From what I have read in this site, the day of the interview show up early and go to the guard who will direct you to the location you need to go to wait for your interview. Also sit in the back row of benches since your wait will be a bit and your back may hurt. Be honest and sincere.

I am very happy you you and your fiance. I am still in the NAO2 wait, but keeping up the faith and spirit. I will be visiting my fiancee again the day after Valentines Day ( YiPiiiiiiiiiii !! ). We wish you the very best!!

Best regards,

eff
E&R4everMaleMexico2007-01-22 12:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJuarez, Mexico

Hey there! The informaation from C_Maria was is very accurate according to the procedures last month, but I was in Juarez just yesterday finishing everything, and they just changed some procedures like the DHL, now you have two options: the first one is to register at mexico.usvisa-info.com or you can do it at the DHL counter inside the consulate (I did the later). Another thing is that you don't have to pay anything since it is already include in the K-1 $350 fee.

Hope this helps (:



Thanks again Lovest!! So the DHL could be filled out there on the spot and delivered to my Fiancee'sdomicile in Chihuahua, Chi, Mx ? Or you could have it sent to the hotel you are staying? Be safe and wooow to be at that step!

eff
:)
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-02-28 05:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJuarez, Mexico

Thank you so much. Any day, now! <3


It appears a congrats!!! Maria_C Your need addition arrived via "Stork?" Best things in life is 'Life itself'

Cool!!!
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-02-28 05:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJuarez, Mexico

Yep I was thrilled to have found the videos!
Kim



Kimchimex and C_María!

This is most excellentt!!!!! Thanks a million and will keep everyone info'd on my journey & update my timeline when Ross & I go through CD.

I have always loved this site and the wonderful people willing to help with positive feedback!! C_María wish you guys the best on your "C_María + 1!"

You're the best!

eff
:)
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-01-31 08:41:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionJuarez, Mexico

Me too, me too! Jejeje! Have you guys looked on the consolate reviews page? There's some good long interview stories there. Thing is, I don't think there have been many VJ members with K-1 Mexico visas being at that stage for these last few months (according to the timelines). There seems to be a good sized batch about ready now still waiting on their packet 3's so I'm hoping they'll share with the rest of us when the time comes (if they can tear themselves away from the loved ones for a few minutes!) How bout it guys?



C_Maria and Gus&Cole,

I am most interested too in finding out how the medical & interviews go. That part of the process does concern me due to the state of the city. Sorry, but I can't help being straight forward with the crisis that Cuidad Juarez finds itself in. I know from another K1 experience that in the Lima, Peru Embassy they interview folks and after they are approved , the K1 Visas get sent via DHL to their residences. From what I've read in the CJ Embassy review, people actually have to stay in 'Hotel Row' for aprox. 6 days waiting for the completion and deliverance of their visas. So I wish for the folks who are in line to interview soon be kind enough to fill in that experience. Good question G&C!

Best regards,

E&R4EVER
E&R4everMaleMexico2011-01-26 08:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAffidavit of support
I am glad to see this thread good.gif

I'm an Electrician and to say the least the "construction industry" is shaky at best. Have not yet filed the K1 but if you have read elsewhere, I have been asking questions about all that is needed and upon returning this September after spending all of August with my fiance, we will be filling the K1.

This topic with the economy (regardless of the small signs of improvement) is of great interest to me, especially since my 2008 income was barely over 1/2 of what I made in 2007 and with 2009 being not a good year either (with always the possibility of work ending), my nerves are a bit frazzeld thinking "File or wait, File or wait, File or wait"

even knowning that this whole K1 takes a "heck of a lot of time" and at the earliest even if we were approved in record breaking time. Olya and Igor will still not arrive until June 2010 (at the earliest), because we both do not want to disrupt Igor's live in the middle of a "school year" give hime some time (summer vacation) to adjust and adapt before he starts in with a whole new school enviroment

this thread has given me some "good food for thought" and some insight for either way we proceed "File or wait"
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-07-27 16:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWelcome new members!
Thanks to all again,

My fiance is from a city called "Kaluga" about 2-2.5 hour car ride "west & south" of Moscow.

Education and a credidation ---- we will take it slow on this Olya does want to work and wants to feel that she is contributing to the family but what is most important in the beginning for us is helping Igor (9 years old) to adjust to school and the new enviroment. Olya is 38 so it has been many years since her university days and not sure how much of this would even transfer, but you all bring up a point I have not thought of.

right now I am feeling a "little bit" overwhelmed with just trying to figure out all we will need (evidence) and worried with filling the forms out properly. But I am certain it is because this K1 biz is "new" to me and just wanting to get all of this correct. That for right now to even think about school and getting Universty acredidation and evalution is kinda setting my head spinning. This maybe be the wrong way to think (not preparing properly for the future) but thinking I need to "digest" the evidence and filing and step 1 before I jump into step 2

But I did ask for advice on any and all documents that would possible be good to get translated, So this is my own fault and not anyone else's for getting my head to start spinning

on the subject of school--- for Igor; being 9 I also did not think about school records for him. Question, not for the K1 but for school in America, these records would be of a benefit for the local (US) schools?

when we IM (instant message) we use ICQ, I do not see on ICQ anywhere it "logs" our conversations, so do not believe I can provide any evidence from this. (I know everyone will say "why are you not using Skype?), first because Olya was not even aware of Skype we when first started tp commincate and she had ICQ (I even have not loaded Skype on my computer). Now the reason is, she has no "webcam" and her computer speakers do not work (hopefully in August, I can remidy this, but if it means spending money (fixing her computer/speakers), she will absolutely refuse this and will say "WHY spend money? ICQ has been working good".

I have every email that we have ever exchanged, 4 folders full already of just her letters to me, we write daily letters (8 months worth) and I have "logs" of our "text messages" and "phone conversations". We have both sent packages to each other so I do have the "mailing slips/address labels" for these US and Russian shipments. Photos of course we have, and of course we will continue to take more. Our first meeting we have photos together but none really in front of any "landmarks". on our second meeting we do have some of these (in front of recognizeable landmarks) and this upcoming meeting we will take some more

I have the apron for the barbaque, and enjoy pie good.gif but not a gun guy (sorry)


Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-07-27 02:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWelcome new members!
Thank you Rob_Lesya, & Brad and Vika,

I posted here first then we would not differentiate between languages/countries (though I have been reading the K1 guide lines) since Olya is Russian I would prefer to get the thoughts and knowledge from those who have had the experience thru the FSU standpoint. Though I know the process is the same regardless whether it is Phillipens, China, Thailand, Columba and so on...

Yet I figured there must be some reason (camaraderie, shared experienes or sharing knowledge of particular traits of this culture) why on VisaJourney they have seperate sections for various areas of the world.

now to get to the point;

we have already "put feelers" out to her ex-husband, at this time he states he will sign the necessary documentation for Igor to leave Russia(you know this can change). He has done this is the past to allow Olya to take a couple of vacations with Igor (Egypt, Thailand)

Photos, we have a bunch but of course will be taking more in August.
I have saved my boarding passes to date
though reciepts for museums and such things as we visited, I did not. But will save whatever we do in August (I'm assuming just photo copying them and submitting them with the petition will be sufficeint?

Thanks for the "heads-up" on translating her divorce decree and also the birth cetificates for both her and her son.

I leave in a week flyout on August 3rd and will be with her for the whole month of August, so really want to get a "cram course" of knowledge before I leave so;

Brad, you said other "future" documents may need to be translated, or even apostatized/notarized can you think of any other documents of Olya's that in this process I will need to get apostatized/notarized/translated?

Edited by Robert & Olya, 26 July 2009 - 04:20 PM.

Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-07-26 16:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWelcome new members!
Hello, not sure where to begin "asking" questions? saw this thread and so thought I would introduce myself here and hope someone can direct me to the correct area.

My name is Bob, and after a few years searching/visiting Russia I have found the "one" for me. Her name is Olya (???) we will be meeting for the 3rd time in August. I leave on the 3rd and we will be enjoying the whole month of August together. I return the States on the 31st.

Looking to bring with me any and all documentation that we will need to file for the K1/K2 Visa (by the way Olya has a 9 year old son--?????). I know I need the "I-129F & G-325a" is there any other forms I will need to bring with me so that we can begin filling them out together?

also does Olya's divorce need to be "translated & Notorized"?

and any other suggestions/advice you can give me will be greatly appreciated
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-07-26 10:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting over
P.S. I would also like to add for those "joking" and not too humorously about the "trade-in/exchange policies" Irina and Tim are already living together in America, and Irina already has her "Green Card". Irina does not need Tim to stay in America and Tim did not place "multiple" orders and is just testing the candy!
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-03 08:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStarting over
I just got back in the States (from a month with Olya in Kaluga) and this is the first chance I have had to read this thread. I feel the need to "shed some light" on the "perceived" quick reversal of feelings by Tim. I may be stepping on Tim's toes and acting "out-of-line" for doing so but I think Tim will understand why I am doing this.

Tim and I have become good friends we (Tim & I) talk usually 1-2 times a week and this situation was not something that just came-up. It has been growing over time and as with most relationships it all begins and ends with "communication" or lack of communiction as sometimes happens.

they both have been going thru some "rough patches" and as an outsider and friend looking in, I could sense they had begun to forget how to communicate with each other.

Irina went on an extended trip back to her home July-Aug (Yashkar-Ola) and just prior to this trip "things came to a boil", neither knew what their futures held and neither knew even if Irina would return to the States. For many months leading up to this Tim has been doing some soul-searching, I think nothing more than anyone of us would and have done in our own lives.

I feel that their time apart (Irina in Russia) helped to shed some light on how they both truly feel for each other, it gave them a chance to step-back evaluate thier own lives and thier relationship with each other.

It was not an easy and quick decision for Tim to step up and post on VJ of thier problems and he did it with a "half-a-heart" and deep sadness, but he felt he needed to get out out in the open so he could move forward, and he has moved forward.

BUT this move is with Irina! as with any and all relationships, nothing is perfect, nothing is easy, but these events have given them both something they feel was lacking before; the knowledge and the feeling they are "committed to each other". A feeling I hope they never again feel is lost.

I am much like Tim, communicating my own feelings with the person I love is not easy, this is something both Tim and I will need to do a much better job of doing. To have the life and the love we both wish for.

Tim, I give you this advice as a friend (and it is advice I need to heed as well) we have listened to our hearts, now we both need to avoid our own personal nature's by taking the "easy road" and withdrawling into ourselves when times are difficult. We both need to continue opening our hearts and communicating our thoughts and feelings with the women we love.

Wishing you and Irina a very long, happy and loving life together


Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-03 08:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWebCam with limited Russian connection speed
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 18 2009, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We never used a webcam. We'd only talk once a week on the phone for about an hour and even that was skipped quite often. We would exchange pictures every so often but for the most part, we went on about our daily lives and dind't try to "live together" until we were actually together.

If folks are spending hours and hours on the phone or webcam while they're apart, what are they going to do once they're together? I mean, maybe you're one of those people who likes to be with your S/O all the time, but me personally, I want some me time and I wish my ol' lady would just leave me the hell alone sometimes. She's the same way so it works well for us. YMMV of course, but if there's no "surprise" when she gets here, she's going to get really bored, really quick.

The "newness" will wear off eventually and you'll be forced to live individual lives. Encourage her to have some individuality, even now.


I thought I was the only one who was not using the "webcam" glad to see there are/were others.
My lady is not with me yet. we talked about "webcaming" but she says "no" her computer is too old and she will not even discuss me buying her something new.

Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-03 09:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Banya --- In the Chicagoland area?
Looking for a little help from those who live in the Chicagoland area. Does anyone know of/where there is a Russian style Banya?

I've done Google searches and only come up with Russian Banya's in Texas (Dallas), Seattle and Colorado. Any help will be greatly appreciated
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-21 13:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrivate sauna - in the Atlanta area?
QUOTE (Steve S @ Sep 22 2009, 07:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In Cheljabinsk there is a great place where you can have 2 hours private sauna for only about 50 bucks. Not traditional Russian banja I guess (never have been, but I have read those involve beatings on the back). It had 2 levels, with stereo and pool table, cold 5-foot deep pool, whirlpool, shower and sauna. There are also 2 bedrooms, and they display beer and condoms for sale in the lobby. devil.gif


Olya "treated" me and her son Igor to the same experience in Kaluga. Private rooms, of "Dry heat sauna" 120C+, a shower and the cold bath, and also the "relaxing room" for 2 hours. It was the first time for me (and for Igor). The first time in the sauna got to me a bit, wasn't sure if I could handle it but after doing the cold shower then cold bath, relaxing for a bit. I was ready do do the sauna again.

All told did the "circuit" 4 times in this 2 hours span, which also included Olya scrubing the heck out of me (to clean the body). and when we were finished I never felt more relaxed, revitalized and clean. I LOVED IT biggrin.gif

Trying now to find one of this is the Chicagoland area, for when Olya and Igor arrive

Attached Files


Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-23 11:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmoscow embassy interview date list
QUOTE (Rob_Lesya @ Sep 11 2009, 02:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Robert & Olya @ Sep 11 2009, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just spent 1 month in Russia (Kaluga) returned on August 31st, and flew "DIRECT" from ORD to DME via American Airlines. If I understand you guys correctly American has "dropped" this flight and no longer flies directly into DME?


It has been dropped for the winter and will return next spring.

Here's the info from the AA website----

Chicago O'Hare, IL (ORD) Moscow, Russia (DME) Through 09/30/09
Resumes 04/06/10

At least that is the CURRENT plan. Of course, EVERYthing is subject to change.

#######!!!

I will be going back for New Years, this sucksssss. Well I guess I will just have to go with United ORD- to DC then to DME. but will of course check prices closer to that time. Just all my frequent flyer miles are with American and United so will want to book with them or one of their affliates where my miles will count
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-11 14:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmoscow embassy interview date list
I just spent 1 month in Russia (Kaluga) returned on August 31st, and flew "DIRECT" from ORD to DME via American Airlines. If I understand you guys correctly American has "dropped" this flight and no longer flies directly into DME?
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-11 14:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow long does your Fiance have to arrive?
Thanks all,

it is a relief to know that it is 6 months and not 4 and I did not know about being able to re-schedule the interview date so this also eases my concerns. I certainly wanted to file before I leave (just shortly over 1 week from today) and to know that at least it was in the USCIS's hands.

I certainly will see my Olya as many times as possible over the course of this year. I will at least see her 2 times during this year. I am certain one of these will be in Russia, the other Russia somewhere elses? Olya takes a vacation every year in June (this past year I met her in Thailand) so will see if vacation time schedules out good, to be able to meet her again for her June vacation.


Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-10-01 19:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow long does your Fiance have to arrive?
I have searched but did not find anything (maybe I am saking the wrong question in the search engine?)

I am wanting to find out "Once you receive approval for a K1 how long (amount of time) does your fiance have to arrive in the US?"

I read somewhere? that it was 6 months and then somewhere else (maybe on VJ?) that it was 4 months. The reason I am needing to know is not because we want to delay her arrival after the K1 is approved, but because work has been very slow (I am in the construction Industry) and because of this I signed a Civilian contract for 1 year to work on the military bases in Iraq/Afgan. So I will not be myself "home" in the states again until October or 2010.

So I am wondering if I should submit our application now before I depart, or wait a couple of months based on the time frames is see for the K1 approval process.

From what I see approval times for a K1 are around 6-7 months and if you are allowed 6 months to arrive that would put us around October/November (if we apply now) before we "time out" BUT if you are only allowed 4 months to arrive after approval, then it would be better for us to wait a couple of months before submitting

anyone know the difinitive answer to "how long you have to arrive after the K1 approval you have before this Visa?" expires?
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-10-01 08:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Visitor Visa
Baron555,

Yes, with the "TOURIST VISA" you cand stay at a PRIVATE residence. This is how I have stayed/traveled and registered my Visa with my Olya on every visit.

You do not need to get a "homestay Visa". I have used for the last 3 Russian visa's http://www.russia-visa.com/ either apply for the "tourist" single entry or if you feel you will be going there many times before Alla comes to America (or you think you will be exiting and entering Russia a second time on this visit apply for the "multiple entry".

In Olya's town (Kaluga) all we need to do is go to the "Post Office" and fill out the 3 pages of documents and pay the fee (if I remember correctly it was like 180 Rubles). The reason I do not remember the exact amount is because Olya has never allowed me to pay for it (has caused a couple of arguments ).

Have Alla check with her city/Post Office and find out the specifics for her city on what is required (where to go to register your Visa), it really is pretty simple now. Nothing to stress over.

Just apply for your VISA stamp, the site I use notifies by email that they received your passport (I still send it priority mail), notify you when it is given to the Russian consulate (in DC) and what time frame the consulates states it will take. Then they notify you when they have picked it up from the consulate and also when it is mailed back to you (put in a pre-paid USPS priority return envelope - this will save you $10-15). The whole time frame takes about 2 weeks to get the Visa stamp, so plan ahead.

Then arrive in Alla's town and the next day head over to the Post Office to register your Visa. On my last visit Olya and I went up to St. Pete for 5 days and I did NOT register my Visa again in St. Pete, as long as you keep your nose clean you will not have any problems if you visit another city during this trip

Have fun
Bob
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-10-09 07:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow Trip Report
I also just returned from a month in Russia, but Kaluga (200 kilometers east and a bit south of Moscow). My first travels to Russia in 2006 I also flew Delta via JFK (from ORD) to SVO. But now American Airlines has direct flights from O'hare (ORD) to DME so this is how I now fly, plus for me it is much more convenient for us (Olya) for me to fly into DME instead of SVO.

On this flight the medical check was done on the airplane, but no medical card was needed to be filled out as Rob stated he needed to do, in this as in many things Russia it always seems to be "how the person in charge is feeling that day".

I have only once in 6 trips had my bags checked upon entering Russia and this was not my carry-on just a random put your checked luggage thru the x-ray machine before exiting customs. Maybe I just have a "friendly looking face?"

have not had the joy of riding the Moscow metro since 2007. This trip we did (Olya's gift to me) go on a 5 day "organized Russian tour" of Saint Peterburg, 2 of these days was the 12 hour bus ride to and from Kaluga to Peter, with the standard stops along the line to find a tree (toilet) to use. and stayed in a typical Russian hotel (2 rooms to a common bathroom), we had a great time, even though the tour did not include the Hermitage.
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2009-09-03 08:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical exam & DS-3025
K1/K2 Approved!!! (well sort of)

Olya and her son had their Interview (Moscow) on July 12, and all went very good. Olya actually said the examiner only asked her 1 question "where do you plan on getting married?" She said the examiner was more interested in Igor and asking a few simple questions of Igor, such as "Do you like Robert?"

Olya was told at the end of the interview that she was "Approved" BUTthere was only 1 small minor "glitch" apparently Olya's "Police Report" only stated the town she lives in (which is the only place where she has lived her whole life- same apartment) and did not state "Russia" not quite sure if I understood correctly but Olya knew what was needed. She was told once the new Police report was submiited all would be good

so she went again to get a "Police Report" that conformed to all of their (US Embassy) requirements. She just received the new Police report and has submitted this so hopefully she and her son will have their Passports with the K1 Visa shortly.

one side note

I forgot to "sign and date" the I-134 form when we were together just prior to her medical exam. So I emailed her a "signed and dated I-134" 3 days before her Interview. But Olya forgot to include this with the packet she gave the examiner, not sure if the "unsigned I-134" was in this packet or not (I keep forgetting to ask Olya about this). But their has been no mention of this missing form by the examiner on the day of the Interview, or any "RFE" since the Interview either.
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2010-07-23 06:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical exam & DS-3025

You DO NOT deduct non-taxable income from the I-134 calculation. You simply attach additional documentation. This is the same for overseas bonus, combat pay, or even child support. Document your income NOT your taxes.


This is what I did on the "I-134" I listed my "Total Income". but they also ask for your latest "Fed Tax Return" (which deducts for this as to not having to pay tax on it). I of course included all of my paystubs for this year( which is thru the end of May, and reflects well above the poverty line already) and also "Bank statements" so they have plenty of financial info to see that I do make well over the "poverty line".

But you know how sometimes they get "laser focused" on one thing, and would hate to think that they "Lasered in" on the Fed Tax return, but even with this, it does show over the "poverty line" but certainly not as much as if this Tax-exempt earnings were not deducted
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2010-07-08 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical exam & DS-3025
Thanks everyone, being in Iraq I have not had time to even look on the internet to view these forms (and to be honest with you did not even thibnk of it). so I greatly appreciate your help/input.

By the way where would I find these "FORMS" on the Internet to look at them?

Now have the 5 nervous/worring more days until the Interview (which in our conversation yesterday was all we talked about. going over some "obscure facts" just in case they throw some "left field" type question out there.

My worry is that my work here (for the most part) is "Tax-Deductable" (frst $91,700) but even with this taken out of my last years return I still was over the "poverty line". Just hope they look more at my "recent pay-stubs" showing "Gross Earnings" which is has the true figure of what I am earning.

Edited by Robert & Olya, 07 July 2010 - 11:15 AM.

Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2010-07-07 11:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical exam & DS-3025
Olya and her 10 year old son (Igor) had their Medical examination on JULY 1 all went very well :thumbs:
At the time of the medical examination Olya also paid to have these records "translated" into Engish (which I thought was a good idea).

After the examination I asked her about DS-3025 and if the clinic/Doctor and given her this form. She said she received "TWO" forms DS-2053 & DS-2054 but NO DS-3025. Olya informed me that these were in substitue for the form DS-3025

From what I can tell from talking to her (not being there or seeing these forms)these forms include her vaccination records from this medical exam and there translation into English.

Does anyone out there have any knowledge of these forms? (DS-2053 & DS-2054) and if they are a "substitue for DS-3025?
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2010-07-06 11:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGCs are Coming
Great News!!! Really happy for you both!!! and glad to hear things are going great, enjoy the cold weather (yes for me in Iraq 90 degrees is cold :rofl: )
Robert & OlyaMaleRussia2010-07-24 00:09:00