Forum	Title	Content	Member	Sex	Country	Date/Time
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Any I-751 VSC filers not approved from Jan 09 and before?	I keep seeing Feb, Mar, and Apr 09 filers who have been approved. We have received no e-mails and no updates on the USCIS site. No RFE either. I was under the impression they worked these cases in order. We are beyond the 6 month processing time for VSC. I saw another case approved from Sep 08. I know our turn will arrive one day, but when? When they are ready!!!! Good luck to all who have not been approved who have filed last year and earlier this year and have not been approved. Just wondering how many others are waiting outside the 6 month processing time.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-08-25 12:23:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	April approval no interview!!	Great news. Congratulations. We have our interview next Tuesday.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-09-10 10:31:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Biometric Appointment in different state	As far as I know, they want the original Biometrics letter. I would call the 800# and ask your questions. You may be able to have it done in PA because you are there temporarily on an internship. Good luck. Let us know how this develops.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-09-11 15:58:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Daughter getting married tomorrow	Any comments or suggestons? Thanks.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-07-25 23:28:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Daughter getting married tomorrow	My wife's and her daughter's application is pending and her daughter is getting married tomorrow. I was going to have her write USCIS referencing her A# and enclose a copy of her NOA and a copy of her marriage license. She should send it to VSC. What am I missing? Call the 800# also? And??? I am trying to get her name changed at USCIS before they produce the 10 yr GC. Hopefully, we will make it in time and save money trying to change it later.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-07-23 18:39:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Interview today. GC????	We had our interview this morning. After waiting about 30 minutes after our appointment time, we were called in. The lady swore us in and then we sat down. She asked us for a picture ID and we both gave her our DL. The lady made a statement about she thought the case was complete with sufficient documentation. She then asked my wife her SSN and date of marriage. Then she asked her if she had two children. My wife responded, yes. The lady then asked what we had. I opened my briefcase and took out three photo items. I told her she could look at those for a minute while I got the papers out. I got my large stack of folders and started opening them one by one and giving her copies of documents. On some, she said she already had a copy. I was impressed that she had looked at our file, about three inches thick, before we had the interview. I kept giving he copies of documents. She said she had enough. I said wait a minute, I made copies and I want you to have them. I was laughing when I said it. I told her she could keep them or throw them away as I gave her more copies. She never asked to see the original of any document. Then she asked how we met. I told her our story. I asked her if she wanted to meet my wife's mother who was in the waiting area. It ended up that she did not have time. :-( My wife's mother has been visiting us for the past five months. They are both going back home this Friday, my wife for a month and her mother until she gets another visa to return to the US. I asked the lady for a stamp in my wife's passport. She said she didn't need one because the One Year Extension Letter was still good for another 7 months. I asked her if she needed anything else. She said "no", she had more than enough. I told her if she thought she may need something else, I could look back through our papers and find other things. She just smiled. I asked her about if my wife and step-daughter were approved. She said everything would have to go forward for a final decision. (I forgot to ask her how long that may take.) She stated that we should have more than enough documentation and everything looked good. She said it did appear that we were living together. I think she must have been a trainee without the authorization to approve our case and it will have to go to her supervisor. She said my wife's daughter will follow the decision of my wife's petition. If my wife is approved, then her daughter will be approved. Now, we will sit back and wait on the mail. I hope there will not be any problems. If there are any problems, I don't know what they may be. I take it we were just one of the random picks for an interview. I don't wish anyone the expense of an interview. It was a three hour drive and breakfast and lunch and gas. Not much money in the large scheme of things in this journey. Good luck to everyone in this process. We would like to thank everyone on VJ for their help in the journey.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-09-15 20:38:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	question about I90 change name	I would believe the letter. It is in writing from USCIS. Online status in not accurate a lot of the time. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-09-18 17:22:00
Removing Conditions on Residency General Discussion	Hello Guys, I got my application of I751 Removing Conditions Approved	Congratulations.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-09-19 07:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Russian Electronic Dictionary	My fiancee and daughter are now here at last. My fiancee has started ESL classes yesterday and now says that she needs an electronic dictionary. She said all the students have them and they only cost around $100. I researched this a few years ago and it didn't seem that they were all that great. I think a regular Russian/English dictionary on paper would be better with more definitions. Also, I remember that the electronic ones that had a number of words in them were very expensive, around $300 or so. My questions are: What do you recommend? Brand, model, and approximate cost. Where is the best place to get one? How many words does it contain? Thanks for your help and have a great weekend. John	John24689	Male	Russia	2006-09-30 22:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Got Visa!	Congratulations. It is a great feeling to finally receive your visa. Good luck to the both of you in your new life together.	John24689	Male	Russia	2006-08-27 19:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Evaluation of University Transcripts from Russia	How and where does a Russian in the US have her University Transcripts transferred and credit given for courses completed. My wife has a Chemical Engineering degree from a University in Russia. Where can she have her courses and work experience evaluated to see how much is transferable to the US? Thanks for any information. Have a great day. John	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-03-11 22:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Travel to Russia with GC	I sent my wife's passport to the Russian Embassy in Houston along with $20 to have her married name added to her passport. It was there on Monday and I had it back on Tuesday. Very fast. I used FedEx Express 2-3 day. All they did was handwrite on a page in the passport: "Matrimonial Name of the Bearer is: Last name, First name Someone's Signature and then a Russian Seal Stamp" I have the tickets in my wife's maiden name. She will her passport, our Marriage License in English and the Russian translated copy. Both documents have the Secretary of State's Apostille. She will also take her Green Card. I did not pay the additional $30 for the Russian Translation of our Marriage License to be a true translation. I do hope this will be sufficient and there will not be any problems. I do want my wife back home from her trip. She is leaving 27 August and returning 26 September. Thank every one for their help. I will report back after the trip is complete. Have a great day. John and Ludmila	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-07-25 10:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Travel to Russia with GC	I have finally gotten my wife an airline ticket to return to Russia. I got it in her maiden name which is on her Russian Passport. I have an Apostille from the State's Secretary of State on both our Certified Marriage License and the Russian Translation of our Marriage License. I am going to send my wife's Russian Passport to the Russian Embassy and pay them $20 to add my wife's married name to her Passport. They will certify that the Russian Translation of our Marriage License is a true translation for and additional $30. Do I need to have the the Russian Embassy certify the Russian Translation of our Marriage License is a true translation? I presume they will stamp it with something. Thanks for everyone's help. Have a great day. John PS: The Russian Embassy in Houston said they can issue a new passport to my wife when her passport expires next year. It will be in her maiden name. I will have to pay another $20 to have her married name added to the new passport. They only way to get my wife a Russian passport in her married name is for her to do it in Russia. I don't really understand this. That can take a few months.	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-07-12 17:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Travel to Russia with GC	Thanks for all the good information. I presume that she will need to get her airline ticket in her maiden name which will match her International Passport. When she leaves the US, she would have to show only her International Passport for identification. On her return, her International Passport will match her ticket and she would be able to leave Russia. Upon entering the US, she would have to show her International Passport, her Marriage License, and her Green Card. I would think this should get her to Russia and back home again withou a problem. I will take our Marriage License to the Secretary of State's office and have the correct stamps put on it (apostile).	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-06-03 15:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Travel to Russia with GC	What documentation does my Russian spouse use to return to Russia and return to the US? Her SS card has her maiden name. Her Driver's License has her married name. Her International Passport has her maiden name. Her GC has her married name. Her Internal Russian Passport has her maiden name. I guess I am confused about which documents she needs to leave the US and then get into Russia. Then, leave Russia and then get into the US. Thanks for any help. I thought I had read in the past there was a problem with the two different last names on the documents. Have a great day. John	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-04-20 10:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Russians in Louisville?	Hello Natalia, We do not live in Louisville, but in Jackson, Mississippi. I wish you luck. We are also looking for other Russians in our area. I know there must be some, but we cannot find them. We did meet one lady at the Orthodox Church, but that is all. I wish there was a website out there for this purpose. I wish you good luck. Have a great day. John and Ludmila	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-08-07 11:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	sad weekend	Skinsfan, I am very sorry about your situation. Life ain't over and you can move forward. I have a few suggestions. 1. Get an Attorney NOW. 2. You can also check online with USCIS to see if the GC has been approved/issued. (Or call USCIS as suggested.) 3. Find witnesses who will testify about your good marriage - non-abusive. These can be family, neighbors, and others who know about your marriage and have been to your home or you both to thier home. 4. Start a Log about everything you can remember about what you have done for her and the children - new car, clothes, jewelry, money, flowers, dining out, etc. (Get receipts together for all you have done to include the trips for her to go home.) 5. Report her moving out to the police and show your concern because you have done nothing to cause her to move out. 6. Maybe, with advice from your attorney, report this to USCIS. 7. Do not even think about being with another woman even to just talk. 8. Do not get into a verbal argument with her. Bite you tongue. If you did shout or argue with her, it could be used against you as verbal and/or mental abuse. - Try and talk with her, if you can, with a witness or two. 9. Get witnesses for how good you treated the children while your wife was gone home. List all the things you did for them and what you did together. I am sure there may be more, but this is all I can think of now. You will need all the information and witnesses you can get. Find out about the GC tomorrow and get an attorney tomorrow. Good luck and I am keeping you in my prayers. John	John24689	Male	Russia	2007-06-03 10:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Restrictions on travel with Russian Passport?	Good question. I may learn something. I have heard from a number of people that you need to complete your travels on US Passport within 6 months of its explanation. I have found this so far. Maybe someone can help. http://travel.state...._1741.html#gen9 "If possible, you should renew your passport approximately nine (9) months before it expires. Some countries require that your passport be valid at least six (6) months beyond the dates of your trip. Some airlines will not allow you to board if this requirement is not met." I can't find which countries require the passport be valid for at least 6 months. Help..	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-06 10:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Restrictions on travel with Russian Passport?	Using a US Passport, you have to be back in the US 6 months before the US Passport expires. Is there any time limit for a Russian passport? If you travel out of the country on a Russian passport, can you come back the day it expires or the day before? The reason I ask, is my wife's Russian passport expires October 20, 2009. She is going to Russia in September and coming back around October 14, 2009. Will there be a problem? Thanks.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-06 10:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	ticket sites	When searching for tickets, always check the main carrier (Delta, AA, etc) I have sometimes found them to be cheaper than all the other searches for discount and cheap tickets, expedia, travelocity, etc.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-11 18:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Renewing a passport in Russia -- how long?	My wife wrote a friend of hers in Russia. They wrote back and said she could get her International Passport renewed in one month for $50 or two weeks for $100. That was in her hometown. Different cities may have different times and dollars. We have decided to get it renewed at the Houston Embassy for $150 and that takes 3 months. I don't want the hassle if she wouldn't get it in two weeks in Russia and have to change or buy a new ticket home. We have been trying for two weeks to get in touch with the Russian Embassy in Houston. They did not take our call. My wife wrote an e-mail about two weeks ago and never got a reply. I finally was able to talk to someone when I called and pressed the number for a Visa. They told me the extension to call for Passports. And they don't answer the phone until 2 pm. Many hours of frustration, but things are beginning to work out. I called today, after 2pm, and asked about the Passport Photo size. The Washington, DC, Embassy says 2"x2". The Houston Embassy says 35mm x 45mm. That is what they want in Houston, so I will try to find a photographer to take my wife's picture using their specifications.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-12 19:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Russian International Passport Photo Specifications	After e-mailing the Russian Houston Embassy and not receiving any response, I was finally able to get through on the phone. I asked them about the passport photo. He said it needed to be the 35mm x 45 mm size because the head shot is smaller on the Russian passport. I told him that he Washington, DC Russian Embassy says 2"x2". He said they wanted the smaller picture. Now to find a place to take her photo. Thanks for the info. I guess each Russian Embassy is different in what they want for the same Passport.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-13 14:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Russian International Passport Photo Specifications	Could someone please share information about the requirements of the photo for a Russian International Passport? Maybe a link? I can't find what I am looking for when I search. I know it is different that the requirements for a US Passport. Thanks. We are going to attempt the get my wife's passport renewed in the US.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-11 18:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Are there any Russians in Mississippi	I have been searching for Russians in or around Jackson, MS. We have only met a couple and do not socialize with them. It would be great if there were some in this area. It is hard since there is not a Russian community here. Anyone out there? Thanks.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-13 18:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Help with Russian police report	I don't know the answer to your question, but here is the site for the US Embassy, Moscow and the requirements: http://moscow.usemba...ov/fiancee.html Police certificates in all names as well as all dates of birth ever used. Police certificate must contain references to each place (subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation) in which the applicant lives or has lived for more than six months since attaining the age of 16. This includes localities where applicants have lived during university studies. If the applicant was on military service, he/she should bring the certificate from the local draft board. If an applicant has lived abroad for more than one year, a police certificate must also be submitted from the country in which he/she lived. Police certificate validity is one year since the date of issuance. This tells me that the report should only include places she lived that were subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation since she was 16. Maybe someone else can give a better answer. I think you will just have to wait and see. If Russia does not have jurisdiction, I don't see where it is a problem.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-14 16:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Flowers	I ordered flowers with them taking a digital photo for me of her receiving the flowers. It was through a company in Russia and it was not too expensive. You will have to spend a lot of time researching it, but it could be well worth it, especially the pictue. Good luck. I would not use a florist in the US.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-15 00:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Requesting Advice for Purchasing Flight	I agree, don't buy the tickets until she has the visa in hand. I understand your wanting to get the tickets now, but things happen. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-01 11:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	How hard was it for your spouse to learn English? How did you help?	I suggest that you speak English with him at least one hour a day. Then increase the time. Have him read from English books. He will definitely need to learn English to be able to work and communicate in America. It will be a long, slow process, but you both will see the rewards in time. Make sure he pronounces the words correctly. They say that total immersion is the best way to learn a foreign language. Just make sure he understands it is for his good that he learn English and not get mad at you for trying to teach him. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-01 11:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Lifting Conditions	Already submitted lease and marriage-related I would resend everything that you have to support you are still together. There is no guarantee they will look through the rest of your file. I think all they look at is the I-751 and supporting information that you enclose. Just my opinion. I would and did send in some of the same things. Of course, some of it was more recent... checking account and saving account statements, bills, etc. I sent everything just like it was the first time. I did not want to get an RFE, nor get disapproved.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-27 17:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Cost for Visa	Don't forget to add in the fee for 2 physicals. They used to be $100 each. I am sure they are more now. Also, the $ for prepaid DHL delivery of the visas. Transportation to Moscow, hotel, food, subway and/or taxi fees. It is or can be an expensive outing. Good luck on your journey.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-11 20:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Calling card to Russia	Try this site: http://www.enjoyprep...anselection.jsp I use the Emerald plan with no surcharge or weekly fee. They have several plans to choose from. You can chat on-line with them or call them. They may have a special: put in $40 and they will give you $50 worth of time. I just have them take money from my credit card when my account gets down to $10, they will automatically put in more time so I don't have to worry about being cut-off when I run out of money and then have to go in and recharge my account. They do it all for me. I have been using this plan for about 5 years and it works for me. Good luck with your decision.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-02-12 18:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	about ready to send initial i29f paperwork off	First go the My Assistant above and fill in your Timeline. Then read the Guides above. It will answer a ton of questions. Read on the K-1 forum of what others have submitted. To assemble your package, refer to this USCIS posting: http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD If you then have questions, please post them on the K-1 forum. Welcome and good luck on your journey.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-19 15:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Guys - what did you do to celebrate women's day for your SO or wife?	I sent my wife 2 online greeting cards. I just had surgery Wednesday, so she was so good to go to the store awhile ago and buy some flowers. She gave them to me and then I told her to close her eyes and hold our her hands. I gave her the flowers and she was just as thrilled as if I had gotten them for her. I think I am not in hot water, but I really don't feel like getting out just yet. Happy International Woman's Day to all of you wonderful brides. John and Ludmila	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-08 16:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Good bye friends	John, congratulations on finishing this journey. Best wishes to you and your family. Don't forget VJ.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-23 22:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Russian tourist visa for single female	We sent an invitation letter to my wife's best friend last year. She was turned down. She may try again later this year. I am not aware of any form that we should have sent. The form was done by my wife's friend. She had to send a lot of information with it to show her ties to Russian and that she would return after her visit. As a separate note, I am not sure it would be good for you to send an invitation. The US Embassy may look at it and say she is wanting to go to America to meet a man. I think she can just apply for a Visitor's Visa without an invitation. I am not telling you to circumvent anything. It would be better for you to go see her again in Russia, in my opinion. Or, since you have already met, you could continue to communicate and then ask her to get married. This is just my opinion. Maybe others can share their thoughts. Good luck on this possible journey.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-23 22:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Removal of Conditions Approved	Great news. Congratulations. Glad to see VSC actually moving.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-04-11 09:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Visa for my son	I don't know how long you intend to stay in Russia, but a Visitor Visa is only good for 30 days. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-03-25 15:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Passport renewal	Just received my wife's passport renewal yesterday from the Houston Embassy. The directions there are in Russian. Wife also called a couple of times. We did it by mail (FedEx). They said three months and that is what it was. The only thing I can suggest is looking on their web site in Russian. Call them until you get someone to answer. We called around 2pm and go someone in the passport office. They seem to only work there in the afternoon after their long lunch break. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-06-06 11:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Dental Care--Who is better, the USA or Russia?	I would say that Russia is less expensive, but for a partial plate, they need adjusting over time. They usually fit you with a temporary for up to a year to let the gums heal, then fit you for a permanent plate. That is if she has to have any teeth removed. If it is just a replacement, I would think she would still have to have it adjusted after she got it. Just my opinion. Good luck.	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-06-30 14:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus	Help. Don't know what to do.	My wife's and her daughter's application for Removal of Conditions, I-751, is pending and her daughter got married July 24. I was going to have her write USCIS referencing her A# and her mother's A# and enclose a copy of her NOA and a copy of her marriage certificate and send it to VSC. I am trying to get her name changed at USCIS before they produce her 10 yr GC. Hopefully, we will make it in time and save money trying to change it later by filing an I-90 and paying $370. If she does send this information, do you think it will mess up the ROC and they will want her to file a separate I-751? I don't know what to do. I posted this on the ROC forum, but did not get an answer. I have searched everywhere I know and cannot find an answer. Please help. What am I missing? Call the 800# also? And???	John24689	Male	Russia	2009-07-28 13:41:00