ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusK-1 Visa approved in Moscow on St. Valentine's Day
Congrats to you and Natalia!! That's an awesome Valentine's Day present! We just got our NOA2 on Monday, so hopefully in about 2-3 months my Katya will also have her visa. :)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-02-14 07:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved!!!!!
Congrats! :)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-02-16 18:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarushealth coverage for fiancee
I don't know, but that's a pretty good question. When my girl gets here we're just going to chance it and go with no insurance for a couple months until we get married and I can add her to my insurance from work.

Yes we're responsible, especially if you give your fiancee an affidavit of support and she gives it to the Consular at her interview.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-02-15 00:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUSCIS and Embassy moving incredibly quickly.
Congrats Percival504! That is pretty fast, and Katya and I are right behind you. Our NOA1 was 11/22/06, NOA2 02/12/07, NVC received 02/20/07, and I just got an e-mail from the NVC on 03/02/07 saying our case has "recently been forwarded to the US Embassy/Consulate General." So I'm hoping by this Friday our case will be up on the Embassy's appointment schedule! http://www.usembassy...ar/iv_dates.php

Edited by JamesT, 04 March 2007 - 08:34 AM.

JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-04 08:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 or I-864?
They want the I-134. Take a look at this and read through carefully... it actually has a lot of good information:

http://www.usembassy...cord_id=fiancee
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-04 22:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTomorrow is the day...!!
That's exciting Paul! So did you clean your house thoroughly in preparation for her arrival including vacuuming, moping, dusting, washing all the dishes, cleaning the bathroom, kitchen, etc, etc?? I know I plan to do all that on the day or two before Katya arrives!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-05 20:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Woman's Day!

So the 14th is the official is steak and BJ day? I was wondering about that. I briefly explained it on Super Bowl Sunday (the other "man's day") and Valentines day, but it didn't seem to get a very warm reaction. I'll have to send her the link, that way she can see it's real. Cause if it's on the internet, it has to be real, right?



Slim, so how'd it go on the 14th? (If you don't mind us asking! :innocent: ) Did you get either or both of the special rewards for us guys' special day? :star:
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-17 21:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Woman's Day!
From my experience it seems March 8th is the most important day for Russian women (except maybe for their birthday.) If you overlook Valentine's Day it doesn't seem to be a huge big deal, but if you forget March 8th then look out!

Anyway it's all good because us guys get our day next week on the 14th! http://www.steakandbjday.com/ :thumbs: :dance:
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-08 22:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitor's visa while K1 pending
FYI - this is the 2nd K1 filing for my fiancee too. I filed the for the first one in 11/2005, and all went well and it was approved and she got the visa in 06/2006. She came here in 07/2006, but we didn't get married and she went back to Russia after only about 2 weeks. (She had problems with her grandmother's very bad health and other family issues, and her mind just wasn't into getting married at that time.) Then after she got everything straightened out with her family, we filed for a second K1 in 11/2006. It was approved with no problems by CSC and the NVC, and now we wait for an interview date.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-15 22:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisitor's visa while K1 pending
I'm beginning to wonder if our approved paperwork has gotten lost somewhere between the NVC and Moscow! I got this e-mail from the NVC on March 2:

Dear Sir,

The visa petition you mentioned in your inquiry has recently been
forwarded to the US Embassy/Consulate General. Please allow 10-15 business
days for the Embassy/Consulate General to receive the petition

Any further inquiries should be directed to the assigned US Embassy or
Consulate General.

Case Number: MOS2007------
Beneficiary's Name: XXXXXXXXXXXX,EKATERINA
Preference Category: K1
Your Priority Date: 17Nov2006
Foreign State Chargeability: RUSSIA
U.S. Embassy/Consulate: AMERIKANSKOYE POSOL'STVO
KONSYL'SKIY OTDEL, NOVINSKIY BUL'VAR
19/23
121099 G. MOSKVA
RUSSIA

Traveling Applicants:
NAME DOB POB
XXXXXXXXXXXX,EKATERINA --Jun---- RUS

Regards,
National Visa Center
EAC


Then I got this e-mail from the Embassy this morning:

As of today, we have not received the case from NVC and suggest that you contact us in 1-2 weeks for updated info

Sincerely,

Public Liaison Unit
Consular Section
US Embassy, Moscow


I'm not panicing yet or anything like that, but it seems odd that it would take more then 2 weeks to get to Moscow. :whistle:
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-15 19:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhen does Russian Citznship expire?
My ex-wife has dual citizenship of Russia and the United States. She has both a valid Russian and American passport.

She travels back and forth from Russia, and never needs a visa either way! When she goes through passport control in Moscow, she shows them her Russian passport. When she goes through passport control in America, she shows the American passport.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-19 18:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAirfares - Moscow to Atlanta
The best site by far to get airfare to and from Russia is http://www.gotorussia.net/

They are excellent, and based right here in Atlanta. From my experiences, they always have the best deals on round-trip, one way (either way), and they offer flights on all the "major" airlines like Delta, Lufthansa, Air France, etc and the small airlines too.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-20 17:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisiting Russia
Wow, I didn't know you need medical insurance to enter Russia! I've traveled to Russia 5 different times over the past 8 years, and never once was asked if I had insurance. I really doubt the insurance I have through my employer would cover me in Russia anyway.

You know what's funny and a little bit scary? I was on one of my trips to Russia for 10 days in August, 2004, and only about 2 days after I arrived back in America I had terrible abdominal pains.... I went to the emergency room, and it turned out I had a ruptured appendix! I had an appendectomy and everything was fine, but wow - if that had happened a few days earlier when I was in Russia it would have been a disaster! From what I've heard about hospitals in Russia I'd be nervous to go in for a routine checkup, let alone go under the knife for surgery. ....but I bet it's really not that bad, and if you bring enough cash with you for bribes you can certainly get top-notched care. ;)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-10 21:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTimelines
No, there is no difference, and it would be VERY nice if Site Admin would combine the two into one consolidated nation. I originally entered my Timeline using "Russian Federation" because that is the correct name of the country, but since the majority of other timelines use "Russia", I changed mine to Russia too to be more consistent.

Anyway, the way it is now with both "Russia" and "Russian Federation", the timeline data is screwy.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-01 17:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease PM Me
One thing though CountryBoy, your friend should beware because Russian women are very addicting! :yes: Once a man dates a Russian woman, he is hooked for life and it's unlikely he will ever want to date a non-Russian woman again. B)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-10 17:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease PM Me
You could check out this forum on the RWGuide: http://www.rwguide.c...um.cfm?forum=23

Generally speaking that site has good information about which dating sites are scams and which are good.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-10 17:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow did you meet?
I met Katya through a so-called "International Marriage Broker", but I laugh everytime I hear that label because it is such a stupid name to call such agencies! :lol:

Edited by JamesT, 14 February 2007 - 07:58 AM.

JamesTMaleUkraine2007-02-14 07:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview was a success
Congrats Frank!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-03-25 08:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYeltsin Dead
I could be wrong about this, but I was under the impression that most Russians hated Yeltsin. Is that not correct? The majority of Russians that I've talked to said their lives were worse all through the 90's then it was pre-1991. The economy was horrible all through the 90's with inflation ruining many people's lives because of the devaluation of the ruble (and their life's savings.) Crime was rampant, and the Mafia controlled just about everything. People were starving, healthcare was horrendous or non-existant, and there were homeless people everywhere. The unemployment rate was out of control. People with government jobs had to wait months to get paid (and sometimes never got paid at all.) ...and I could go on and on. The point is I think a lot of Russians felt that their lives were better under the Soviet Union then after Yeltsin took over.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-23 18:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWe got our Visa
Congrats Percival, it's nice to hear good news like that!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-23 18:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusinterview
Congratulations Ronnie and Ilyana! Hopefully everything will go just as smoothly for my fiancee on Monday! :)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 05:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinally bought tickets
Galina, I was just joking! :whistle: Maybe it's innappropriate, but sometimes I like to keep a light-hearted atmosphere when talking about these types of situations. I think it's better then to be serious all the time. Anyway I don't know that much about your whole story because I wasn't around a year ago or whenever it was that russ was airing his dirty laundry.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 16:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinally bought tickets

Wondering the same darn thing..... :wacko:


If I was russ, and if any of the stuff in the other thread is even half true and she has some built up hostilities, I probably would not dare to travel to Russia with her to her home town... Over there she could get some thugs to beat him up, leave him on the side of the road somewhere for dead, and then on top of that she could return to America (if she has her green card) and pretend like she had no idea what happened to him in Russia, and than everything that was once theirs would all be hers!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 16:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinally bought tickets
This all just doesn't make any sense to me now... In the other thread that was started by Galina this morning it sounded like there is an assortment of problems with you two including violence, affairs, etc, etc... That would obviously lead us to believe you have split up and there was little hope for your marriage to continue.

Now in this thread you're talking about a trip to Russia the two of you are planning together to go visit Galina's parents... and it sounds like it's just a typical vacation trip that any normal happy couple would be taking together!

Am I missing something? I don't get it!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 11:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCheap Moscow
I'm scared to stay in a hostel after watching the movie "Hostel" a couple years ago! But I guess that was Slovakia which is a lot more dangerous then the Russian Federation. :P
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-15 18:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMail Order Brides
The interesting thing for me is my ex-wife is also Russian, and she was a wild one too! Also she tends to get very jealous, and doesn't like it when I date other women or am happy in general. Currently she has no idea that I have a new fiancee in Russia who will most likely be here in the near future... When she finds out, I'm afraid the sparks are really going to fly! :help: :lol:
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-17 18:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMail Order Brides
Very well said 1HappyGuy, on all counts.

I especially liked your line "Does anyone have a submissive Russian speaking wife? I know I don't." Ain't that the truth - my fiancee is certainly feistier then just about every AW I know! ;)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-17 18:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMail Order Brides
I don't like the term "mail-order bride." When you first find someone on the internet, then correspond with them for a period of time through e-mail and other means, then go to their country to meet them in person, and then invite them to come back to your country to get married, how does that constitute "mail-order"? In my opinion this is normal, and nothing should be considered wrong with it.

To me the term "mail-order bride" would only be accurate if you literally searched in a catalog (either online or an actual old-fashioned paper catalog), found the woman you like and "ordered" her, and she was somehow delivered to your house without you actually meeting her in advance. We all know that is completely ridiculous, and could never happen anyway because of the requirement for a K-1 visa that you meet in person within the past 2 years!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-17 06:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm in Russia
That's interesting bruc, I've always wondered how that worked! On all the many times I've been to Russia I always had my interpreter take care of registering me, and I never really asked her how it worked.

It's so silly! Why didn't all that nonsense with "registering" foreigners who come for a visit and Russian citizens needing to carry internal passports go away when the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991?

Anyway have fun bruc with your girls!
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-10 11:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

Anyone for a Vodka..... its one of the best thing to come from russia...

Kez


I agree Vodka is good, but still by far the best thing to come from Russia is the women! ;)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-21 18:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

If all women from Russia are so different, and the way you describe them is pretty but insane, then why the he!! are you with them?

Excuse my ignorance, I thought people were people all over the world. Wasn't aware Russian women had been replaced with fembots. :huh:


As a Russian woman, this really offends me. Do you think that this is just a forum for American guys with Russian fiancees/wives? There is clearly so much you don't know/understand, and I don't really want to waste my time explaining it to you.


??? What?

Alex was making a point to be supportive of Russian women.


I could be wrong, but maybe Milenka was offended because everyone seems to think all Russian~American couples are a Russian woman and American man. In actuality there are also many American woman/Russian man couples too.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-21 11:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

Springer! Springer! Oh wait sorry, I thought I was on a different web site forum for a moment :jest:


:lol: Actually the Springer Show anaolgy to this forum is quite a good one I unfortunately have to admit! That reminds me, I'd like to share a funny story about my ex-wife who also happens to be Russian, and it's very "Springer-esk"

I'll try to keep it fairly short. I met my ex-wife in Russia in 1997 with the help of a so-call "International Marriage Broker." In 1998 she came to America, and we got married. For the first almost 3 years, it was a very normal marriage, and we both genuinely loved each other very much. We have a son that we are both very proud of. She attended an I.T. technical school, graduated, and got a very good job as a computer technician that she still has today. Everything was going very well.

Then shortly after our 3rd anniversary things started to go sour. We started having many arguments over several things, almost all either directly or indirectly related to money (money issues are what always destroys marriages.) Our arguments were always verbal only; never any violence. A few months after our major arguments started, she started having an affair, and it didn't take long for me to find out about it. I was very upset, but since I love my son so much, I tried everything I could to save our marriage, and I was even willing to forgive her affair. But it was to no avail - she thought the "grass was greener on the other side," and she wanted to divorce me and continue her relationship with the loser from her affair.

So in March, 2002 we got divorced. She stayed with the loser for a few months, but some time around June or July he dumped her. Then lo and behold she realized she had made the biggest mistake of her life, and she wanted to get back together with me! I was like Uhh thanks, but no thanks. I gave her plenty of chances, but once the divorce was final there was no going back in my mind.

Then in August I started dating a new girlfriend, and my ex-wife got very upset and jealous when she found out about it. One Sunday evening I went to her apartment to drop off my son who had been visiting me for the weekend. While I was there, she proceeded to ask me about my girlfriend, and why was she better then her, and blah, blah, blah. Then I forget exactly what she said, but it was something to the effect of saying I should break-up with my girlfriend and come back to her. For added effect, she tried to lay a guilt trip on me and said for our son's sake, it would be better if we got back together. Anyway I told her she was crazy, and started to leave. That's when she snapped, and for the first time since I met her she became violent, and came at me with her arms swinging wildly! She managed to land a nice jab on my cheek, and then I grabbed her by the wrists and held her until she calmed down.

She was still upset, and we continued to talk about this problem. Then she got this brilliant idea that she would call the police and tell them I had hit her! I actually chuckled and said why would you want to do that? But by that time she was already on the phone talking to the police department. They said they'd send an officer over to check out the situation. I rolled my eyes, and looked at my watch and noticed it was 6:30PM. I remember this because later that night at 8:00PM was my fantasy football draft, and I wanted to get home in time for the first round! Anyway, I knew I was fine and hadn't done anything wrong, but I had to stick around and wait for the cop to be sure and set the story straight. She did have small bruises on her wrists, but that was just from me holding her back. The only potential problem would be if she decided to hurt herself while we were waiting for the cop, and then tell him I did it. (but she didn't attempt that.)

Well, it took nearly an hour for the cops to show up, but they finally did a little before 7:30. They asked my ex-wife what had happened, and she said "we were arguing and he hit me!" It was a rather tense moment, but for the life of me I couldn't help but laughing. The cop turned to me and in a serious tone said "is this true sir, did you hit her?" And I said "no, and actually she is the one who hit me! All I was doing was trying to hold her back" and they noticed the light brusies on her wrists. So then they told me to step outside for a moment, and asked me where she had hit me. I pointed to my cheek, and they pulled out a flashlight and examined my cheek, and sure enough there was a nice red spot (obvious evidence that she hit me.)

Then we went back inside, and the cop lectured us about how we need to behave and try to maintain a civil relationship for the child's sake. He mentioned that fighting in front of a child is illegal, and it could result in the child being taken away and put in a foster home. And that was about it, and the cops left, and I left behind them. (and made it back home in time for the start of the fantasy football draft! :dance: )

Well, so much for me keeping that short, but anyway this gives you an idea of the fun adventures to look forward to with a Russian (or Ukrainian, or "FSU") wife! :o
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-20 22:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

The Russia forum is one of my Favorites, although I will say that it is clearly dominated by you guys with Russian Wives/Fiancees. That's ok. I enjoy reading, less so much of the Jerry Springer show, but nonetheless it is good reading.

Culturally, My Ukrainian Fiancee is about as close to being Russian as any out there. I think that many of us who are involved with Ukrainian Fiancee/Fiance's would certainly MUCH rather be grouped into this forum under a new guise of "FSU" as they (as well as other FSU countries) still have ties to "Mother Russia" and there are issues that arise where Russia is going to be involved in the topic : Police Certificates for example. I looked at the numbers of filers out there, and granted the number of Russians do out number the others country for country, the rest of us do add up to a number close to the Russians.

I guess what I am getting at is rather than feeling like an "interloper" why not open this up some...you know share the love.

Ok....I'm ready for lashes.


Don't worry Etripke, you're one of us! Ukrainians definitely belong in the same VJ subforum with Russians, as do Georgians and Belarussians. Those 4 (Russia, Belarus, Georgia, and Ukraine) should be together as one subforum.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-20 21:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

AKDiver is correct; the VJ Russian forum is primarily for discussing the visa process as it goes specifically for Russian~American couples, and that includes all related discussions about relationships, etc.

People who don't want to discuss Russian specific topics should use the general forums in VJ such as K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures General Discussion, K-3 Spouse Visa General Discussion, The Foreign Embassy and Consulate General Discussion, National Visa Center (Dept of State), etc.

I mean I certainly would not post in the "Asia: South", "Canada", or "United Kingdom" forums because I don't know anything about how the Embassies work in those areas, and I don't know anything about the personality of South Asian, Canadian, or English people or about relationships with people from those countries.


???

Do you really think Galina's story is ONLY Russia-specific and nothing that she posted could POSSIBLY be understood by other VJ members and it's IMPOSSIBLE that other VJ members might have comments or words of wisdom to offer?

Wow.

Again, this forum is open to the world. If you don't like the comments you get from other VJ members, open your own secret, private, Russia-only forum.


Nah, obviously it's fine if anyone and everyone wants to post in the Russian forum, but the point I was trying to make is someone who has experience with a Russian/American relationship would be much more knowledgeable about situations involving such relationships. Remember - not everyone in the world has the same personality type or cultural background.

The Galina story is a perfect example. 95% of the posters in VJ would read that, and immediately come to the conclusion that "Russ is this horrible, woman-beating, baby-killing excuse for a man", and never stop to think that maybe Galina's post is largely incorrect and grossly embellished.... But somebody who knows the personality and tendancies of some RW, and knows the history and bad (but true) stories about RW using AM only to get a green card would question the Galina post and not immediately take it for the gospel truth.

Well, I've probably said way too much, and gotten in way over my head, but anyway that's just my two sense. (Now I'll sit back and take my bashing like a man :blush: )
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-20 18:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...
AKDiver is correct; the VJ Russian forum is primarily for discussing the visa process as it goes specifically for Russian~American couples, and that includes all related discussions about relationships, etc.

People who don't want to discuss Russian specific topics should use the general forums in VJ such as K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedures General Discussion, K-3 Spouse Visa General Discussion, The Foreign Embassy and Consulate General Discussion, National Visa Center (Dept of State), etc.

I mean I certainly would not post in the "Asia: South", "Canada", or "United Kingdom" forums because I don't know anything about how the Embassies work in those areas, and I don't know anything about the personality of South Asian, Canadian, or English people or about relationships with people from those countries.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-20 18:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

He also omitted a couple of important details about that night when things went seriously south, like how he punched me in the belly so hard that I bled for a couple of hours (and yes, it was a miscarriage, and it was his child...) or how he threw me out on the street knowing perfectly well that I was hurt badly and had no place to go (I didn't sleep for two days, just walking around the city, being too scared to join the bums)?


Galina, don't get upset with me for doubting you, but I've having a little trouble believing this is completely true. That's criminal behavior, and if it was true wouldn't he be in jail?
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 18:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

Russ and Galina,

Exactly WHY do you think it's helpful for you to be airing your dirty laundry in a public forum?

I will never understand why private matters have to become so public.

Jen



Jen - actually this part I do understand.... sometimes (in fact almost always) it feels good to get something like this aired out in public rather then keep it all bottled up inside. In other words it's often a relief if you can get something like this off your chest. (Bottled up emotions can tear a person apart!)
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 12:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...
Well all I can say from this post is my jaw dropped when I was reading it. I admit I don't follow this forum that closely, at least not enough to remember all the individual people that well (with the exception of Slim who is easy to remember :D ), but I always thought russ is a good guy?? At least that's the impression I got. I'm sorry to hear about all your troubles Galina, my prayers are certainly with you.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-18 06:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusToday's interview: neither YES nor NO

Russia can be different. Too bad the embassy doesn't allow petitioners to accompany beneficiaries to interviews, like the US allows in many western countries.


Actually they did up until around 4, 5, or 6 years ago (I forget exactly when it was changed.) Some men used to get so angry almost to the point of being violent when their fiancee's visas were denied, so they made the rule that petitioners are no longer allowed to accompany the beneficiaries in the interview area.
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-05-22 08:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusToday's interview: neither YES nor NO

Just an update, for completeness:

My fiancee and her daughter received package with visas in their passports, and sealed packets by DHL yesterday!!!


Congrats! So what happened anyway? Was there any further communication between you or your fiancee and the Embassy? Or did they just all of a sudden decide to approve it and send them their visas?
JamesTMaleUkraine2007-04-18 17:04:00