ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHelp. 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???
John24689MaleRussia2009-07-28 13:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMail service
I mailed a number of pictures last year to a friend of my wife's in Russia. She never received them. :-( Now I just give the pictures to hand carry them when she goes to Russia. Now her friend gets them.
John24689MaleRussia2009-08-05 17:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAfter Interview
Nothing in this process is "for sure". I suggest waiting until you get the visa in your hand. Then, purchase the ticket. They may ask for more information, DHL may be late in delivery, etc. Just go back home and visit family and friends. Have a party and pack and wait. Another few weeks will not make any be difference in the long run. This way you will not be on pins and needles waiting for the visa and wondering if you are going to make your flight.

Good luck in your decision and the best of luck in your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-08-13 09:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmoscow embassy interview date list
I agree with e-mailing the US Embassy. They should answer you within a few days. They were always helpful to me a few years ago. You will find out your date a lot faster that way. If it was only shipped two weeks ago, I might wait another week before e-mailing.

Good luck in this journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-08-28 11:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel Problems
I am wondering if the problem may be that she did not have a Visa to enter Russia. When I go to Russia, I have to have an invitation letter and a Visa put in my passport before I can leave.

If she had used her Russian Passport and taken her Marriage Certification, then she would more than likely not have had any problems.
John24689MaleRussia2009-09-23 09:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBringing money to US from selling Russian Apartment
Thanks again. My wife could not leave the money in Russia for her two children. They are here in the US. Yes, she may go on a shopping spree, but not before she gets home. She does have a checking and saving account and will not have any problem depositing the money. Time is passing until she returns to me. I don't think she met anyone else, but...... You'll take care and have a great day.

John24689MaleRussia2009-10-21 14:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBringing money to US from selling Russian Apartment
I want to thank everyone for the information. I talked to my wife earlier and she decided to bring $10,000 cash and an American Express check. She will claim it on the customs form. She said this is what her sister did about four years ago and did not have any problems. I regret I did not find out about the sale until the last minute. She sold it Monday afternoon.

The apartment had been vacant for about 5 months with no prospects of renting it or selling it. She was there for 3 1/2 weeks before she sold it. I think her bing there had something to do with it.

Now to pray that there will not be any problems. I out tomorrow night around 11:30 PM when her plane is scheduled to arrive.

Thanks again and have a great evening.

John24689MaleRussia2009-10-20 18:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBringing money to US from selling Russian Apartment
I talked to her earlier and she was going to get an American Express Traveler's Check and declare it on the custom's form. I checked PayPal, but they did not list Rubles. Thanks for the suggestion. I hope she will not have any problems. I was just scared that there may be some kind of "penalty" for either leaving Russia or entering the US.

I will keep my fingers crossed that there will not be any problems. I can't wait until she returns. She will be back Wednesday night around midnight and she will have been gone 33 days. It seems like an eternity without her.

Chris_?????, send my your address and you can be assured the check will be in the mail. rolleyes.gif
John24689MaleRussia2009-10-19 22:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBringing money to US from selling Russian Apartment
My wife is selling her apartment in Russia. How does she get the money back to the US? If you bring it on the plane, you have to fill out the customs form since it is over $10,000. If she does, what happens? Taxed, fee assessed ??
Only 1/3 of it is hers. 2/3's is her son's and daughter's.

Can she wire it to the US through a bank?

Please help. Thanks.
John24689MaleRussia2009-10-19 19:20:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Flying with maiden/married names
What we did was get our Marriage License translated and certified into my wife's home language. Then we went to the Secretary of State and had them add an Apostille. Then we sent the Marriage License, International Passport, and a Check to the Russian Embassy in Houston. They added a statement to one of the pages in her passport (which has her maiden name). The statement said my wife was also known by her married name.

When she travels, she takes the original Marriage License with Apostille, and the translated copy with her. No one has ever asked for it, but I don't want her to remain in Russia after she returns for a visit. I want my wife back.. yes.gif

I hope this helps.
John24689MaleRussia2009-02-12 23:03:00
ChinaSchool Transcripts
I would have the transcripts translated to English and certified.

http://www.uscis.gov...be3d4bdc361e207

You may also have them notarized when the translator signs them. Notary fee should not be that much. USCIS does not require a translated document to be notarized. If they will later be used for her son to attend school, you may want to check with a school in your area to see what they require. Some may want transcripts mailed directly from the school in China and then you will have to pay in the US to have them translated and certified.

Good luck on your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-15 12:24:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about assets Please some advice !!!!
I don't know the answer, but I do have some suggestions. You could call USCIS. The USCIS customer service number is: 800 375 5283.

You may be able to get your sister to be your co-sponsor if you have no one else. Hopefully, someone on here may be able to give you a better answer.

Good luck in your search.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-06-17 18:05:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 quick questions
Send a copy of your pay stub along with the original letter from your employer. Good luck in your venture.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-06-18 11:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice Certificate
Luis&Laura, Maybe I am not understanding, but what I am reading, you DO NOT have a police certificate for the place(s) you have lived since you were 16. I understand that is a requirement for you to take with you to the interview. The police certificate would have at least one place lived, if not more on it. If you can't get it at the right office before you leave, then I would guess, if you pass the interview, they would hold your visa until you do furnish them the police certificate. I thought the police certificate was obtained from your city police and not the state. It is free, but some have paid to have it issued in a very fast manner. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-06-22 14:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionI-134 Question
I don't know what your instructions are, but I sent two originals of everything they wanted originals for to my fiancee to take to the interview. Of course there were two copies of things like tax records, etc. that were not originals. I also included an updated original of my intent to marry and copies of more recent correspondence. I did not have to send it to the embassy but only sent it to my fiancee.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-06-25 10:23:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionInterview Questions
I just talked to my fiance and she told me her interview was around 10:00 am this morning. She said the man asked her about my past marriage. When was I divorced? How many children I had? How many times has she been to the US? (Twice last year to visit her sister. I met her on her second trip.) He looked at her engagement ring. He looked at additional pictures of us together in the US and our engagement party in Russia. The interview was both in Russian and in English. It lasted about 5 to 7 minutes. She got her visa approval. They did not ask her daughter any questions. She is 20. That is all she told me over the phone. I will try to get additional details. I hope this may help someone. Have a great day.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-08-11 14:52:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionVisa APPROVED
My fiance and her daughter had their visas approved at the US Embassy in Moscow this morning. They said it would be one or two weeks before they received their visa. I hope it will be only a few days. I am tired of waiting. I am relieved that we have made it this far without any problems. Now for her to get her visa, give two weeks notice at work, and find airline tickets that don't cost an arm and a leg. Good luck to all of you who are still in the queue. Have a great day.
John
John24689MaleRussia2006-08-11 09:19:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1 Packet 3
you can furnish pictures of your engagement, the ring receipt, copies of e-mails where you are talking about the engagement and your love for each other, receipts from an engagement party, pictures of gifts received, cards of congratulations, and ......

Good luck. I am sure someone else can think of something else.

John24689MaleRussia2009-02-01 11:26:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionMedical in Kiev (Ukraine)
I am not sure about the letter. E-mail the Embassy and see if they have an appointment date and time. You can get that information faster than the letter.

You need to have your medical exam one or two days before the interview. At least my wife did. They do not give you the results that day. I think she had to go back and get the brown envelope which you do not open.

Someone else should be able to tell you about the letter.

Good luck on your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-19 22:13:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpreparing for embassy stage
Welcome to VJ

Read the guides above. http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide

There are other things you may want to send. Copies of e-mails, letters, cards,pictures of when you met, etc. Read on here what others have sent.

Good luck.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-19 21:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionHow to get certified copy of US passport?
I agree with listing your state. You can go to Google and search for document certification. You could also search for document certification STATE.

You could also look for information on it at the Secretary of State's Office. I think they do it along with doing an Apostille.

Good luck.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-23 13:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionCertificado Judicial
It usually takes about a month depending on the country to get the report. You may want to check the US Embassy website for Columbia and see what they say.

Good luck on your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-23 13:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpreparing interview documents for k1??
Check the Guides above. It will help you to get ready.

http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-26 11:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPassport for medical exam??
When you go for your interview, they will keep your passport until they put your visa inside it. Some Embassies require you to prepay for DHL or similar delivery service, and then the Embassy will take the prepaid receipt, then ship your passport back to you with the visa inside.

I hope this helps. You can check on your Embassy's website and see about the prepaid shipping. If they require it, you will need to do it before you go to the interview and give them the prepaid receipt.

Good luck on your medical and interview.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-26 14:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionDS-156/DS-156K/DS-230 Part I
QUOTE (Badgerella @ Mar 21 2009, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My K-1 interview is getting closer and I've been looking into the forms I need to fill in.

In Croatia, the Embassy sends you your Packet 3 and Packet 4 together and it includes the forms that need to be brought to the interview. I received a DS-156, DS-156K and a DS-230 Part I. I've read online (both on the USEM website and here) that one needs to make sure they're filling and then turning in a valid form. The forms, also, must be in English (at least in some countries, there are 'help' forms, translated to various languages that help the applicants do the right thing). All of the forms have 'Previous editions obsolete' printed at the bottom of every page. However, the DS-156 I received is in Croatian and it expired on August 31st 2004 (information found in the upper right corner). DS-156K is full of stains, but othervise - usable and non expired (exp date: 09/30/2010). DS-230 Part I is also valid and a little bit stained (both have the weird 'mark' at the top of the sheet, that could be from either the printer or some sort of a paperclip). I only have one page of the latter, but the form itself says 'Page 1 of 4'. Is this enough, just the first page (I would assume that Part I means exactly this, just one page, but I guess one can never be sure).

I called the Embassy to ask about the expired/Croatian form and the lady said it didn't really matter much - according to her, I could either bring whatever they sent me, or print my own copies. I'd still like to do it the best possible way. So far I have learned that what I see on their website, or even hear from them, can never be 100% accurate. She said that the K-1 visas are not processed electronically and that I can't fill them in online the way I would do them prior to a B2 interview (I've applied for four visitor visas to the US in the past and I've always done my DS-156 online. After that, one is supposed to print it out and a bring a copy to the interview.)

The questions I have are the following:
1. Should I print out the forms that can be acquired online, at least the expired DS-156? That way I'd have a copy that's both in English and not expired. The size of the paper will differ from what they sent me (they use the American standards at the Embassy and I only have European printing paper).
I would get the new forms. Paper size should not make a difference.
2. Should I fill in the forms by hand, or on the computer? Does it even matter?
It does not matter. Computer would be better.


I also have a number of questions regarding the information I need to provide.

DS-156:
* Question #22: When do you intend to arrive in the U.S.?
On the day of my interview, I won't be able to provide an answer to this question. We plan to have me there sometime in the summer, but it could really be any date, during the validity of my K-1 visa.
After my Visa is approved and received, I will fly to the US.
* Question #26: How long do you intend to stay in the U.S.?
What does one say here? 'Forever'?
For the rest of my life.
* Question #27: What is the purpose of your trip?
Here, as well?
To get married to my fiancee.
* Question #32: Do you intend to work in the U.S.?
This one is unclear as well - yes, I do, but of course after I've been issued a permit. During my non-immigrant days (prior to the marriage and AP/AOS, of course I do not).
Yes, after I receive my work authorization.
* Question #33: Do you intend to study in the U.S.?
Again, no, that is not the purpose of my trip and I would not, before I have adjusted my status, etc. But whether or not I ever will - I do not know. Simply - I might.
I may one day in the future.
* Question #34: Names and relationships of persons traveling with you
Nobody is intending to immigrate, but I might have someone traveling with me. We plan to have my mother come to the US with me, but on the interview day, I won't know for sure. If she'll be there, it'll be a B2 trip. However, I won't know much about this a few months prior to the actual trip. If it's not my mother, it could be, basically, anyone (my fiance, perhaps, my sister..) who will decide or be able to travel with me, whenever I do.
No. I think they are talking about your child or children for a K-2 visa.
* Question #36: Has anyone ever filed an immigrant visa petition on your behalf?
No one ever has. I've only applied for B2 visas and this is my one and only K-1, ever. Considering the fact that K-1 is a nonimmigrant visa, I would assume I answer 'No' to this one.
No.

DS-156K:
* Question #4: Marital status; d) if presently married, how will you marry your U.S. citizen fiance(e)? Explain* (*NOTE - If presently married to anyone, you are not eligible for a fiance(e) visa.
What is the purpose of this option? It does not apply to me, but.. I am curious.
I don't know about this one. I would probably answer "Not Married."

One of the documents that must be attached in order to apply for a fiance(e) nonimmigrant visa is 'Evidence of Engagement to your fiance(e). What, exactly, is that? Another signed 'Intent to marry' letter? I can't think of any other evidence I could provide, that would be acceptable in form of a document. I do have a Croatian official document stating that I am single and planning to marry my fiance (both our names are listed on it) and that our marriage will be recognized by the Croatian law whenever I come here, but I assume this is not what the form wants me to provide.

Check the Guides above. http://www.visajourn...mp;page=k1guide
There are many things you need to get together and your fiancee needs to send you a lot of documents before the interview: pictures, e-mails, letters, original documents.

I might be overcomplicating here, but I can't help it. When I see a form I need to fill in, I go - nuts. wink.gif

Thank you for your patience, as well as any and all help! star_smile.gif


John24689MaleRussia2009-03-21 17:16:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionno original birth certificate
HappyOne,
I found an e-mail address online. It says it is for Emergencies only, but this sounds like one to me. Try this one and see what happens. I bet you get an answer. Good Luck. John
Frankfurt
Fax: (069) 7535-2277
Email: FrankfurtSpecialNIV@state.gov
http://www.usembassy...visa/index.html
John24689MaleRussia2006-08-20 18:16:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionCan somebody do the math for me?
I thought it was three years after the date on your GC when it was issued minus 90 days. Look at your GC issue date, add three years, then subtract 90 days.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-16 23:21:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDocuments to bring with you on the day of Interview
It would help if you completed your timeline so someone might give you a good answer. If you filled 3 or more months ago, I would personally take all the original documents submitted. I would also take updated information from checking/savings accounts, pictures, bills, etc. I would be prepared for anything. It has been a long journey and I would not want to have a problem at this stage. We took everything to our interview to get the 2 year GC. They only wanted a copy of a checking account. I gave them the original and he kept it. You never know what they might want, so I would take everything I could get my hands on.

Good luck.

John24689MaleRussia2009-03-15 23:17:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionFinally I'm a USC!
Congratulations. Another US Citizen. Welcome. kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-12 18:46:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath ceremony in Raleigh, NC
Congratulations. A new Citizen. kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-15 20:05:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionExactly 3 years after AOS to file?
Download the N-400 form and instructions from USCIS. Also, download A Guide to Naturalization, M-476.
Good luck on your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-17 15:37:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionAll done!!!
Great news. Always good to see someone complete one of the steps in this process. Welcome, another citizen.
kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif kicking.gif good.gif
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-17 15:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath Ceremony at Monticello (Charlottesville, VA)
You can only take the oath after the N-400 is approved. Then they schedule you to take the oath. Once the N-400 is approved, you could request the oath to be given there on that date. You may be approved before July, you may not. Good luck.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-17 12:22:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400: Moving and What to do?
AntandD,
I don't understand when you said: (and also the sponsor change of address form). What do you mean? The Permanent Resident files the AR-11. The N-400 is filed by the Permanent Resident. There is no sponsor, only the Permanent Resident.
Please explain. Have I missed something?
Thanks.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-25 20:07:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionN-400: Moving and What to do?
When you move and fill out the AR-11, submit a copy with your N-400. The N-400 will have your new address and the AR-11 will show that you did file to change your address. To me, it is better to be safe than sorry. They will have your new address on both the N-400 and the AR-11.

Good luck on this last step in your journey.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-25 19:40:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionYellow Paper
USCIS does require as an option the birth certificate of the spouse. They are in the checklist on the Guide to Naturalization, M 476

If you are applying for naturalization on the basis of marriage to a U.S. citizen, send the following four items:
1. Evidence that your spouse has been a U.S. citizen for the last three years:
• Birth certificate (if your spouse never lost citizenship since birth), or
• Naturalization certificate, or
• Certificate of Citizenship, or
• The inside of the front cover and signature page of your spouse’s current U.S. passport, or
• Form FS-240, “Report of Birth Abroad of a Citizen of the United States of America,” and
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-16 23:15:00
US Citizenship General Discussionrejected n400
Sorry for your situation. Be sure to read the N-400 Instructions: http://www.uscis.gov...rm/N-400ins.pdf

Check the Guide To Naturalization, M-476. In the back of it is M-477, Document Checklist. http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD

You may have not submitted all the documents. The M-477 lists more than what is on the N-400 instructions.

Good luck and let us know what you have found out about your re-submission.
John24689MaleRussia2009-03-29 11:04:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionDoes the USCIS know their own guidelines?
Call the 800#.
Get an INFOPASS.
Possible contact your Congressman.

Good luck.
John24689MaleRussia2009-04-01 17:35:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionWhat office is the interview scheduled?
At what office is the interview scheduled? Is it at the Field Office? Can it be at a Satellite Office? The reason I ask is that our Field Office is in New Orleans, LA. The Satellite Office is in Jackson, MS where we live. I can't find the answer anywhere.

In looking at the processing times at the USCIS site under Field Offices it lists New Orleans, but not Jackson. Any help would be appreciated. Thanks.

John24689MaleRussia2009-06-17 09:56:00
US Citizenship General DiscussionOath ceromony
From what I have read, it can take several hours depending on the number to take the oath. I would just plan on at least 3 hours and be happy with less. It is a one time event, so don't miss it. Good luck. I think they take applications for passports, but I remember from some reason it is better to wait.
John24689MaleRussia2009-07-12 16:09:00