ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLOC approved
We received the approval letter in the mail today, dated February 1. No interview required apparently. GC scheduled within 60 days.

It feels like the end of a very long trip, and the start of another. More on that later, but we still are doing our best to navigate the various bumps we find in the road. The next thing is to get my MIL a visa to come visit. MIL finds out today if she and her SIL will get Schengen visas. They are taking a trip to Prague in March or April, and then we start the US visa process for MIL.

I have enjoyed getting to know the people on this forum over the past few years, and do plan to stick around awhile. VJ has been a great resource for me as I waded through the paperwork and my wife and I tried to plan our future together.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-07 10:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa load
Thanks for doing a timeline. It seems to be conventional wisdom around here that a lawyer isn't really necessary if you follow the guides on VJ. We did all the paperwork ourselves and had no problems. The K-1 applicant only has to prove that 1) You met the beneficiary face-to-face during the past two years, and 2) you intend to marry withing 90 days of the beneficiary arriving in the US. The number of forms and list of documents make it seem tougher than it is. Good luck!

Edited by Brad and Vika, 24 February 2012 - 04:10 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-24 13:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa load
I went to the interview, and the CO was fine with it. He did the entire three minute interview in English, and spoke to me at least as much as Vika. Big points with the wife for going too :D
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-22 20:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus5th anniversary
Congrats on both the 5th and the baby! No unusually hot flame wars to speak of, just the regular posters at the regular level of snarkiness. One big happy family :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-18 10:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation

Her Schengen visa will be much more helpful than any bank statement :thumbs:


That is what we keep hearing. If the Schengen visa is used and return was on time, it holds serious weight with USCIS.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-24 12:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation

Your tax situation has nothing to do with it. Your income has nothing to do with it. Your MIL's income might be helpful, since a decent stable income proves strong ties to Ukraine (and there are questions about occupation and income on DS-160).
All that your MIL has to do is to prove strong ties to Ukraine, that's why most of the additional papers should be about her.

Thought so. The information on the online application seems to be pivotal, but I can't see it without starting one myself. The agency helping her has this long list of documents they think are helpful, but some of it doesn't make much sense. For example, they suggest that MIL have a bank account with a decent balance in it (required for the Schengen visa she just got), but there is no such requirement that I could find for a B2. Every one in Ukraine seems to know that you can put money in, get an account document, then take the money out before you leave. I am sure the consular officers know that too, so how does it help?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-23 13:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation
Thanks again folks. I guess I hadn't thought about emailing the consular section. It also seems to be about MIL's records rather than anything we send. Good to know, and Vika was asking me to do an employemnt letter, bank letter, send tax returns, etc. I couldn't figure out what my tax situation last year might have to do with anything.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-23 10:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation

My SO got one, but from the Moscow embassy... I've heard Kiev is a bit more difficult.
1. Bank statements. Obviously if you're broke do not include this.
2. Letter from my fam stating he was going to stay with us.
3. Letter from his employer, stating when he began to work, his salary, and how much vacation time he would use.
4. Visas from when he went to countries in the EU.
5. Letter from myself stating that he will not stay in the US since I live in Moscow as well.

They didn't even look at the docs. I think the only thing that mattered is that he had travelled around the EU before.


Amy - This was helpful, thanks. My MIL is visiting Prague soon, so she will have one recent EU visa. She was notified that her visa is approved. We keep hearing that EU travel + return is a big plus. My wife has the idea that I need to send all kinds of stuff - my pay stubs, SSN, employment letter, etc. From what I can gather, the Embassy doesn't want or need any of that.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-20 17:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation

Brad/Vika,

Long time don't talk, hope you guys are doing great....

To answer your question, we were able to get a B2 visa for my MIL, it took 3 attempts after they finally issued her a visa.

I did provide my MIL with an Affidavit of Support plus a letter of invitation (none of those were considered nor looked at during the interviews).

She brought to the interviews with her:
1) Proof of employment/income.
2) Proof of her retirement (yes, she is retired but still works).
3) Passport.

Like I said, it took 3 attempts until she finally got it and a couple of emails from me to the Embassy after the 2nd attempt was denied.

I'll ask Nadiya tonight if there any other documents.

Good luck.

Joe


Thanks Joe, we hope you are well also. I keep hearing about the invitation letter being included, but not required. It is the other stuff that I keep hearing is helpful, but cannot find evidence of, that I am worried about. The agency that is helping MIL with the visa wants her to have a sizeable (for Ukraine) bank account, for example. That seems to be better than any statement from me.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 20 February 2012 - 05:10 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-20 17:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 Visa documentation
Hello all - we are starting the application process for my MIL. It looks like the application (DS 160) is all done online now, and there is an agency in Ukraine (Kherson) that will help MIL through the application, attach a picture to it, etc.

My question is, for those who have SUCCESSFULLY brought a relative here on a B-2, what documentation did they (the USC or Resident relative) provide. Is it helpful to have an employment letter or bank letter from me, invitation/statement of support, etc. What do consular officers in Kiev like to see?

Thanks
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-20 13:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy Russian Fighter's Day!
Locked for review. Based on what I am reading, probably locked permanently - with several posts containing personal attacks and baiting removed.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-27 20:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspassports

I'm perfectly happy in Russia because I'm young and my language skills make it more advantageous for me, economically, to be here rather than in the US with the current job market. I have a lot more fun than my friends back in the States. But if I were older, I'd think long and hard about moving to a place like this. Having a strong social network is far more crucial in the FSU than in the US, where, in my opinion, people are more isolated and kind of tend to stick to their own families. I have found the fact that I have a very strong network of close Russian friends essential to my survival and happiness here. Even with a wife who grew up in the town, as an older American man who, I am assuming, doesn't speak the local language, I can foresee it being difficult to be happy there. And you're going to be a married dude, not a business guy able to live a playboy lifestyle in Ukraine that I am sure is quite fun.

:thumbs:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-27 07:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspassports

She must be a US citizen for a passport Brad. She can apply for citizenship after 3 years of marriage and three years as a US resident (3 years after her first green card is issued)


Right. Wouldn't that be at some point after having conditions removed? Just thinking about the timing. First green card at marraige, then two years later conditions removed.

Don't you have to be a citizen to apply for a passport anywhere? Maybe not, just asking :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-26 19:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspassports
She can apply for an American passport at some point after she has residency conditions removed and gets her ten year Green Card. I think you asked about you (USC) getting a Ukrainian passport too. You can get Ukrainian residency I think after you are married. That would be the equivalent of a Ukrainian Green Card. I believe that the Ukrainian Government won't recognize dual citizenship though, so to get a Ukrainian passport (as opposed to residency) you might have to give up your American citizenship.

You can live in her village, and buy an apartment in her village in her name. So long as the property is owned by a resident citizen, you are good. If you buy it in the name of a foreign citizen or non-resident, there can be pretty severe tax problems. Insofar as your living in the house, I think you can stay in Ukraine 90 days out of any 120 day period, or something like that. I am not sure about how long you have to leave, etc. in between.

Never fear, there will be LOADS of more specific advice to follow.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 25 February 2012 - 09:51 AM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-25 09:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusapostille

They can't notarize a translation of a documnet like a marriage license until it's been apostilled by the state. So you'd get the document itself notarized, then apostilled, then translated--and you'd need the apostille and the notarization stuff translated too!--and then the translation notarized. An unapostilled official document can't be notarized. At least that's what Russian translation agencies have told me.

Basically, when dealing with RUB, get as many official stamps as you can get for your document :D


:lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-01 15:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusapostille

My wife from Ukraine wishes to change her maiden name on her passport to her new married name.She was told by her mother in Ukraine that she needs to Have an Apostille. Can someone enlighten me on this .....What it is and where to get it. Thanks in advance.


Maybe a remedial question, but what is the document she needs an apostile affixed to? Is it a Ukrainian document, or American? is it a translation, or something that needs a notary to sign here?

If you got married here, she probably needs a certified copy of your marraige license, maybe translated into Russian/Ukrainian. If the passport will be handled in America, I wonder if a notary can handle it.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-01 15:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Medical Exam

Yes. It would be very convenient if something like this is possible. I had planned to visit the first week in April, and we will be in Kiev for the duration of my stay. She could complete the medical during my visit, and then at least it's an additional requirement out of the way. It would be great if somehow I received NOA2 in March..but I know that's a long shot...Does anyone know if the KEV# is an absolute requirement? The medical exam letter from the website does reference the KEV # under a section that says "Each applicant must present the following documentation."


Vika says that she doesn't think you need the KEV# for medical. She suggests your SO call the clinic though, just in case.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-15 18:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Medical Exam

We called this morning and got her interview date and turned around and called medical. They asked her when she wanted to come in for appointment. She said the day before the interview, which was good with them. They asked if she had a KEV number and asked her to bring in the paper that shows the number. They told her she has to go to one building and pay for the medical exam and then go to the building where they do the exam. It was 1000 UAH for her and 880 UAH for her son. So we had no problems whatsoever in making the appointment.


Good news. Good luck on the interview. Are you going?
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-13 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Medical Exam
You can't schedule the interview until you have your KEV number from NVC (National Visa Center). Your file will be sent to NVC by USCIS if I recall, and a few days later (usually) NVC assigns a number and forwards the file to the Embassy in Kiev. You can actually call NVC and get your KEV number. With the KEV number, you (or she) can call the Embassy and schedule an appointment.

I have read about people making exam appointments and interviews close together, but I am not sure about same day. My wife did them a week apart from Kherson. The problem usually seems to be getting all the test results on the same day. I think the clinic says they are available the same day after a certain time, but if anything goes wrong she won't have all the information required before the interview. Again, my memory is a bit fuzzy, but I think you can do it all in a day or two.

Edited to say that my wife just told me that one day is really not possible, but two days will work. She says the test results are not back until too late to make it same day.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 12 February 2012 - 09:07 PM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-12 21:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel concerns... Again
We had the same issue in London, and the marraige license solved it. They did take a copy of the license.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-01 15:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

Maybe you can post a link to the movie you're talking about?


Sorry, I don't even know if I got the title right :blush:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-03 12:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

i think that one is from the 1930s, right?


90s I think. The MOB eventually winds up as a street performer in Central Park if I recall. Really sad story.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-02 23:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond
There is a movie called "Russian Bride" I think. It is a story about a MOB online relationship set mostly in NY. It ends badly for the woman. Not sure I have the title right, as I watched only part of it years ago.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-02 11:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

Yeah, it's kinda schlocky, but Emily Mortimer makes just about everything she's in worth watching. David Arquette puts in a good performance as well. I'm honestly surprised Emily Mortimer's not a bigger star.

Another flick she's great in is Lars and the Real Girl. And another Mortimer Russian-themed movie to check out is Transsiberian.


Seen 'em. I think I read somewhere that Mortimer does one project to make money, and the next because it seems interesting. I like actors that stretch into different kind of roles.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-21 20:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

Speaking of RUB-related television, has anyone seen "Two Brothers and a Bride?" Not that good, but definitely relative to RUB!


Yep. We both got a few laughs. Emily Mortimer is a big fav though.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-20 22:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

chucks are hard to get and pricy over there. kids at my then fiance's university were having him bring back 'fashionable' shoes such as those when he went to Warsaw for the interview. your converse might just be what won your lady over ;)


Vika told me once that women in Ukraine do sometimes look at the shoes a guy is wearing. I don't remember what the shoes indicated - maybe cheap shoes, cheap guy. I keep shoes for years, and never buy anything stylish. Seriously, Allen Edmonds wingtips with the suit. Apparently she gave me a pass on the footwear :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-16 21:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond
I watched it over the weekend, but Vika tuned out after about five minutes. Her comments about the Hollywood Americans, their arrogance, ethnicity, etc. would violate TOS if I repeated them directly :lol: I found the film mildly amusing, but thought the American writer was the funny character. After listening to FSU immigrants say "this is so stupid, not like back home" for years, I found it pretty funny to see an American do the same in Russia. The Russians by and large seemed to be doing their jobs, and reminding the Raymond team that they weren't in America, and things are done differently here. Sound familiar?

Edited by Brad and Vika, 13 February 2012 - 08:49 AM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-13 08:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond

Well, I hope you won't let your personal bias get in the way of good judgment.

:P
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-12 10:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusExporting Raymond
Baiting and personal attacks are TOS violations. If it continues, administrative action will follow.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-11 23:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Parliamentary Elections, 2012

Wow, one precinct had a record 107% turnout! Thats amazing lol. Oh and apparently the chechens have forgiven him completely, because they supported him in great numbers.

Were they even bothering to try and cover this stuff up?


I heard some hilarious stuff on late night tv last night. Putin won by an amazing 300% landslide. Don't worry if you don't like him though, the new Russian Constitutional Amendments limit his term, to another hundred years :lol:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-06 19:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe's Gone? Really? Already?
Let's be careful here. I don't think there is enough information to make any informed judgement, although the RUB posters and some others seem to be providing some well grounded advice. If there was no financial support, and the relationship is true, I don't suppose it matters how they met. There are all different sorts of stories about first meeting that work out. There could be a bunch of reasons for cold feet too. Sometimes parents/grandparents weigh in negatively, with "You plan to take my child/grandchild WHERE?" The input from relatives and friends can be really important. Also, the OP having six kids might give any SO pause.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-02 11:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI cant believe...
Nice work and great timing. I like the part about getting on the plane so soon after visa was issued.

Congratulations on the upcoming event. Seriously, don't forget Women's Day.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-06 22:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSergey goes for Rice University!
Great job Sergey (and honorable mention to mom and step dad) :dance:
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-23 13:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdvice on Ukraine Tourist Visa
Duplicate post removed
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-03-07 23:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEnglish
Any Consular Officer doing a visa interview with a beneficiary from Belarus will speak Russian or English.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-12 21:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSupporting Fiancee'
I agree with many of the comments above. If you try this route again, spend a visit with the woman in her hometown. Evaluate how much she is really opening up her life to you, and how much she is showing you to the people she loves. A good woman won't introduce you around unless she cares. If she doesn't, you will see the lack of feeling quick.

And don't volunteer to send money. Best of luck.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-07-26 20:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSupporting Fiancee'
I have read all the conflicting advice with some amusement. IMO - the pictures are not a problem, nor is an age difference. Vika is considerably younger than I am, and checks her email compulsively. I think it is an age thing, wanting to stay connected. She also puts pictures of us together on Odnoklasniki, and her status is married. She has her maiden name in perens after her married name so all her friends can find her.

Again, the money is a big problem, as is not being introduced to and vetted by all the closest people in her life.
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-07-16 10:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSupporting Fiancee'

Wow, I started this discussion a couple of weeks ago and the replies back were certainly of interest. After reading and thinking things over, I began to become very skeptical of my fiance. We just completed a trip together for a week in Mexico, and I will say, it was a disaster. I think I went in with this in the back of my mind: am I being used or does she really love me. She's led me to believe that she's really not the type of woman to show lots of emotion, such as the typical feelings you have at the beginning of a relationship (can't get enough of each other, wanting to kiss and screw all the time, smiling at each other, your heart skipping a beat when you see each other, etc). Even though I thought her behavior was odd, I accepted it and wanted to be open minded.
Anyway, the week was filled with fighting. It would start with her making me feel like I was always annoying her. I would eventually get pissed, because, #######, we're here together, no one should feel like that. All I was trying to do was know her better, and create a stronger bond or whatever. I've been married before, and have many relationships over my 46 years, so I can say with certainty, this was the strangest way to ever be treated. She's very good at turning the situation around to make me feel like I'm over reacting, or as she puts it "drama". I've learned she's pretty good at this.

Anyway, all week long she's checking her email and facebook page from my laptop. Not just once a day, but 5 or more times. That really isn't so unordinary I guess, but I still thought it was something that made me uncomfortable. At the end we parted, made up for the fights, got laid (although I've never seen a woman run so fast to shower after sex in my life, does sperm eat through Ukrainain skin or something? anyways...) When I got home, I opened up my laptop and her facebook page was still open and online! Holy #######, I said, this is not right to look and besides it's in Russian which I know not how to speak, but I was still curious. I opened up her photos and man she has maybe over 1000 pictures of HERSELF in there. There must be at least 6-8 different places, Thailand, Jamaica, Kiev, DR, and some I can only guess. I saw our 2 trips, not one photo of the two of us anywhere. I know she's a camera fiend (everywhere we go - take picture!) All I could think of was how much I hated taking those 400 pictures on our March trip and under protest, she only got about 150 on this trip. AND, those other poor bastards that took all those other photos! And the money they spend taking her on trips, although thank god none were during our time since meeting, so that made me feel good. lol. Next thing I did was discover that these wonderful computers can interpret russian facebook conversations! And my worst fears were answered, she's communicating with many men in Russia, some of the conversations are not a big deal, but there were at least three that I saw (I can't spend forever there) with talking of meeting these guys, all within the last month or so. So I apparently have my answer: Yes this girl is scamming me, and no she probably doesn't love you. A real kick in the balls but better to know now.

I know she still wants to get to the US, and get her greencard, but I know she'd never be true to me. OK, now is there anywhere here that wants to show me another point of view, something I'm not thinking of, like, no #######, it's very possible she loves you and wants to spend her life with you, she's just using facebook to fill the void when you're not there....anyone?


Forst K&S, thanks for putting this out there. A fair number of USCs just vanish from the forum when this stuff happens.

Kind in reverse order - no, she is not using facebook to fill a void, it is likely other men filling the void. There are gals (usually lookers) that make a fine living from foreign men by stringing several along until they bail.

The picture thing is cultural I think. We visited Alaska a month or so ago, and took about 500 pics. A significant percentage of them are just Vika, and I also get way tired of snapping pics for her friends group on Odnoklasniki. If I am not in the mood - she has no trouble stopping strangers to do it. Sometimes I feel like it is Vika's Adventure, and I am a player-but she definitely does not have a co-star :lol:

There are enough cultural differences that there will definitely be some disagreements early on during courtship. The trouble is that most Ukrainian women tend to bite their tounges early on, and may play some games but are unlikely to really show you nastiness until you are committed (unless of course GFs think she is being mistreated in some way and tell her to).

Lack of affection of any kind should not be a problem at all. If she really wants to marry you, for a variety of reasons she will let you know physically. It may not always be reflected publicly, but privately you should have no doubt. If you aren't being vetted by family and girlfriends there is a huge problem imo depending on her age.

My two cents
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-07-04 08:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSupporting Fiancee'

FWIW my wife REFUSED VEHEMENTLY to accept any money from me until we had the NOA2 and then only because we did a budget using BOTH our incomes and both our expenses and all the upcoming expenses of moving THREE people to the USA and I sent her money accordingly and not a penny more. She would not have it any other way. After all, what you don't send now will be here for her when she arrives! Alla mentioned that herself many times..."Don't send more, save it for when we arrive"

THAT is the ultimate sign of sincerity. :lol:


My wife refused to take or really even discuss money before she got here. If I sent any, it was usually for something pretty specific (i.e. buy train tickets to Lvov, a vaca to Kemer, or whatever). Not that she is disinterested in our finances at all, she just didn't think my support was necessary that early on. I think that each couple has to reach their own solution to issues like this, and I hope the OP doesn't take offense to the warnings. We have seen loads of situations that didn't work out - all laid out in this forum. Most involved very little time together and regular cash transfers. Just saying
Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2011-06-22 22:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUkraine - extended stay
Vika and I talked about this yesterday. She asks (like one of the earlier posters here) why you don't just cross the border into Romania, Moldova, or any other country, then cross back. That would get you 90 more days, wouldn't it? Well Romania anyway, or any EU country, because you won't need a visa with a US passport either direction.

Edited by Brad and Vika, 05 February 2012 - 11:42 AM.

Brad and VikaMaleUkraine2012-02-05 11:40:00