ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionW2 missing
Call up the IRS and have a transcript faxed to you. This is proof of what you sent to the IRS
damulagNot TellingPhilippines2010-08-24 12:45:00
US Citizenship General Discussionwhat is the best option?
Just a little FYI about the consulate in Chicago,

There is a Wallgreens/CVS,I do not remember which one, next to the consulate the has the ability to take the passport picture with the blue background, you will need 4 pictures if you are also reporting your marriage plus 2 of your husband.

One block away there is an office supply store with photo copiers to make copies after you affix your pictures, they also have a glue stick available for you to stick the pictures on the applications.

We just answered "ignorace of the requirement" on the delayed report of marriage for the question asking why we did not report it within 1 year, which you will need to fill out if your did not report your marriage within 1 year.

Make sure you bring a pre-paid express mail envelope with you, addressed to yourself, so they can mail the passport and report of marriage to you after they receive it back from the Philippines.

My wife received hers back about six weeks later.

Below is a link to the consulate forms, the one "report of marriage" also has the afidavit of delayed marriage attached to it. They will send you a stamped copy of the report of marriage with your passport and also send back your old passport.

Forms
damulagNot TellingPhilippines2010-09-20 06:46:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & Procedureshelppp plz about k3
Hello,

I am not sure what you mean but, I think you mean your visa application has a request for evidence (RFE). If this is the case, you must find out what they are requesting and then either correct the mistake or provide the proof. Once it is correct, it will move you forward to the next step.

Here is a link about what this RFE may be about:
http://www.visajourn...st_for_Evidence

You can also search for RFE in the forums and alot of advice will let you know how to fix it. Hopefully it is something simple and you will be on track again :thumbs:

Good luck
Silverberry1331FemaleMorocco2011-08-25 21:00:00
K-3 Spouse Visa Process & ProceduresI am so worried never seen this coming..

Hi everyone- My husband had his interview Oct. 31 2011 the interviewer asked for skype records and pictures, the only thing missing from our packet was a marriage paper my husband ran and got it back to them within 2 hrs from his interview. The interviewer said that he had everything he needed and for my husband to come back that Thursday. When he came back they acted like they didn't know why he was there, in the end they told him he would be contacted by email. My husband received nothing from them so he emailed them asking about his case. He got a reply saying there was no record of his passport number or application. I called the embassy to ask about this and he say no we have everything. Your husband's case is on the consular's desk and is in administrative review. When I called the dept of state the lady told me don't worry your husband is approved is just a matter of time. I called the embassy and they told me they need to be sure of our relationship, I understand this but we gave them many document's proving our relationship. Now every time I call I get the he's in administrative review. My dad called and the man told him we put Atef's case on the top of the list he will get a call in the next few day's. It has been three day's and I call and I get the same bs of he is in administrative review #######. I ask how long will this take his interview was Oct. 31 the man told me this could take 4 week's up to a yr. and they will let us know by email when they make their decision. I don't know what kind of ####### they are doing to us! We had everything and did everything they told us. I sent them lot's of email's and call almost everyday and I get no real answer's. I don't understand what is going on, and I feel so sad. It would be ok for me to go to Tunisia and make our life there but I have 4 children here and this is the only reason we have to make our life in America. If anyone has a similar case or any advise please feel free to share with me, I am so heart broken and never seen this coming. I don't know what to tell my kid's they thought their step dad would be here by now and they don't understand the immigration stuff or even why we can only talk to their step dad on the internet. Everything we have done is for our children, I can't fail them and we need my husband here with us!


Hi! I know that this is frustrating but I can't emphasize ENOUGH not to lose your temper or continously bother them. Give it a little time. AP takes a little bit. Try to stay calm (I know it is hard) but, I fear you are going to keep pushing and cause them to "hold" up the case. They have done such things before so try to relax. It will happen. They have his passport? Then he's got it.
Silverberry1331FemaleMorocco2011-12-10 02:28:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionK-1's from Ecuador?
I just did a search for any information on applying for a K-1 visa for an Ecuadorian, and this is the only topic I see. I am about to send the I-129F petition off on Monday for my fiancé, and I'm wondering if anyone has any words of advice on interviewing in Ecuador - can it be done at the embassy in Quito or only the consulate in Guayaquil? I'm having trouble determining this from their websites.

Thanks for any and all advice you have!
Sarah
comandaFemaleEcuador2007-06-02 18:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about affidavit of support
Does anyone have any ideas?
Thanks.
Sarah
comandaFemaleEcuador2008-01-15 14:09:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion about affidavit of support
Hello all,

My fiancé has an interview scheduled on February 12th at the consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador for his K1 visa. I have had documentation prepared for the affidavit of support for quite a while now. My question is what if I haven't filed for income taxes for 2007 by that point? I do have transcripts from 2004, 2005, and 2006 for as evidence for the affidavit.

Also, come to think of it, I had my form notarized in November - will that be too old in February? My letter from my employer stating my salary was also from November.

I'm grateful for any opinions you all may provide me.

Thanks!
Sarah
comandaFemaleEcuador2008-01-15 00:03:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionUS Consulate in Guayaquil, Ecuador
I want to post a review of our interview that took place Feb 12, but when I try to do it through the embassy reviews, the page tells me I need to register. As far as I know I AM registered, so I will just post this here, since I know there are a few people with upcoming interviews in Guayaquil.

Our interview was scheduled for 8:30am on Tues Feb 12. We both arrived in Guayaquil on Sun Feb 10 (I by plane, Johnny by bus). Monday we stopped by the clinic where he had his medical exam done a couple of weeks ago in order to pick up the sealed envelope with his results and his x-ray. We also had to go to the police department to pick up his police record (don´t even get me started as to why this wasn´t done before!!! Let´s just say that the laid-back nature of Ecuadorians translates over to getting their papers ready for their US visa interview... at least for my fiance it does!). We are staying in a hotel called ´hotel velez´a couple of blocks away from the consulate. There are tons of hotels in the area, but this one fit nicely in our budget ($11 a night).

Tuesday morning we woke up early, assuming we needed to be in line at the consulate early (not sure why except that i got this impression from reading about other people´s interviews - not necessarily specifically about the consulate in Guayaquil). Johnny´s interview appt was 8:30am, and we probably got in line around 6:30am. There was absolutely no reason to do this. They started checking people in around 7am, but told us we were too early for our interview time and to come back around 8:20. We went down the street to the cafeteria at the Hotel Oro Verde and had some breakfast before going back to the line around 8:10, at which point they let us check in. They took Johnny´s folder with all his required documents and passport, pics, receipt for paying, etc, and then we had to wait until 8:30 to actually go in. They searched my purse and took my gum and my water and threw them away. We went back to a waiting room and waited to be called.

The first time we were called to a window was by a younger woman, very nice, who was looking through his papers, and told us we had to leave and fill out his DS-156 on a computer, print it out, and attach one of his passport photos to it. He was never told this previously. She gave us a yellow sheet that would let us back into the consulate Luckily, there´s a cybercafe across from the consulate, where we got that done quickly and came back to the consulate. At this point it´s around 9:30am. We waited to get called up by the woman again (although we were confused about how she would know we were back, but she did), and she took the document we had printed. Then we sat down, waited more, got called up for finger prints, sat down and waited more... By the time the IO called us up I think it was close to noon.

He called us up, had us both raise our right hands and swear, and told me he would ask Johnny questions in Spanish and me in English, but that if I didn´t understand anything to let him know. He was very nice. He first asked Johnny to describe how we met. He asked me some specific questions about the circumstances that I was studying in Ecuador, but nothing difficult at all. He asked me a little about my financial documents, but nothing hard. He asked Johnny where he would be living in the USA (Madison WI) and advised him that it would be very cold. ASked us both if we had been previously married or had any children. Asked JOhnny if he had been to the US before. Asked Johnny his profession here in Ecuador. Asked if we had pictures. We pulled out about 15 pictures to show him. Asked me how many times I had been back to visit since the summer we met (2 not including this time). And I believe that´s all the questions he asked. He gave us back a bunch of documents from our I-129 petition and from what I had submitted with the affidavit of support (didn´t keep any of my pay stubs, but I had also submitted tax transcripts from 2004, 2005, 2006, letter from employer, W2 from 2007, and a copy of my taxes I submitted this year.) He then said he was going to approve the visa, and he started explaining where DHL was to go pay to have it delivered. I interrupted him, said I was leaving to go back to the US on Saturday, and would there be any way for us to come back to the consulate to pick up the visa instead of sending it so that we could fly back together. He said that would be no problem, and we are to go back at 3pm today to pick it up (he apologized that we couldn´t pick it up the same day but they have to do some sort of checks overnight in Washington). So that´s in about an hour here - hopefully there are no issues picking it up.

I had brought lots more evidence of our relationship with us to the interview, but they never asked to look at anything except the pictures. I had emails, phone logs, plane tickets, passport stamps, etc etc. Better to be overprepared than underprepared though I imagine.

Anyway, I hope this proves useful for someone. And I hope that it´s not too long for those who probably don´t need to know these details!

Good luck to everyone in the visa process... we´ve been waiting since the beginning of June last year - and I can´t believe we are finally to this point and that everything went smoothly for the most part. You will all be in our shoes soon...
comandaFemaleEcuador2008-02-13 13:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCrazy new Russia?!

After reading all of this, I am SO Happy to be marrying a Ukrainian. Fly when you want, walk through passport control, get stamp, meet fiancee, head for her place.


That would be very nice indeed. Truth be told, it's really not that difficult to get into/out of Russia... just a little more of a headache, and a little extra cash.

Ukraine is trying to be European and increasingly Westernized, while Russia wants all the benefits that come with it, but still wants to maintain it's independent nature and the "Russian-style" of the U.S.S.R. and Eastern Bloc.


Ukraine is still feeling it's growing pains like all of the FSU. The political circus that has been going on there since early April has been something to read about, and according to my fiancee something to watch. Cool heads have prevailed thankfully, otherwise it could easily evolve into another Balkans mess.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-06-01 22:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCrazy new Russia?!
After reading all of this, I am SO Happy to be marrying a Ukrainian. Fly when you want, walk through passport control, get stamp, meet fiancee, head for her place.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-05-31 18:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

Me 49 - She 25, but she is the mature one in this marriage, our friends will agree with this statement in a big way... :D


Man I would almost kill for your timeline.....


Wow, no kidding - visa in only 60 days from mailing the I129-F!


The only thing that I can say is that the guides here are amazing, read them and build a complete package. Put it in a divided folder that is tabbed at the bottom...In other words, do everything to make their job easy and it seems to move it along. Once you think that your package is complete go through it again, at least 2 more times, and check it against the checklists... Ok, so I am a little ####### about this, but hey, how important is it? We have our AOS interview tomorrow morning and I can only hope that it goes as well.




I did exactly as you said. Unfortunately, I couldn't file in Vermont. Now the USCIS is showing NO I-129F processing times at CSC/VSC/TSC and only at NSC. Go figure...I'm 68 days into the process and now they are re-organizing the centers? I don't believe this.


That sucks! They start to get somethings working better only to mess up other things that were working.... They need to just focus on the parts that are broken and leave the rest alone. I'm really sorry for you man, is there anyway to get updates now?


They're still databasing the K-1's in the forum, and everyone knows that we get more accurate information based on those than from USCIS, but we're all wondering now what is going on at CSC that they are no longer listing the I-129F for the K-1 through K-4 Visa types. It just seems odd that 3 of the 4 Service Centers no longer list them and the only one that does is NSC when they are not supposed to be processing them at all. Right now I am hoping and praying the Immigration bill sits for a couple of years so we can get through this without getting caught up in the storm of illegals sending in petitions. Lou Dobbs on CNN said they WILL be put ahead of everyone else.

Edited by etripke, 17 June 2007 - 04:11 PM.

etripkeMaleUkraine2007-06-17 16:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

Me 49 - She 25, but she is the mature one in this marriage, our friends will agree with this statement in a big way... :D


Man I would almost kill for your timeline.....


Wow, no kidding - visa in only 60 days from mailing the I129-F!


The only thing that I can say is that the guides here are amazing, read them and build a complete package. Put it in a divided folder that is tabbed at the bottom...In other words, do everything to make their job easy and it seems to move it along. Once you think that your package is complete go through it again, at least 2 more times, and check it against the checklists... Ok, so I am a little ####### about this, but hey, how important is it? We have our AOS interview tomorrow morning and I can only hope that it goes as well.


I did exactly as you said. Unfortunately, I couldn't file in Vermont. Now the USCIS is showing NO I-129F processing times at CSC/VSC/TSC and only at NSC. Go figure...I'm 68 days into the process and now they are re-organizing the centers? I don't believe this.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-06-17 11:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

Me 49 - She 25, but she is the mature one in this marriage, our friends will agree with this statement in a big way... :D


Man I would almost kill for your timeline.....
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-06-16 19:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey
I just turned 48, she turned 37 3 days before me. We're gonna have some great birthday celebrations together.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-05-30 11:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKharkov
Search for Kharkov_Natalie she's doing the I-130 thing just like you.

QUOTE (SqdnGuns @ Sep 3 2007, 08:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Russia: http://www.visajourn...?showuser=30594


Russia?

Edited by etripke, 04 September 2007 - 11:46 AM.

etripkeMaleUkraine2007-09-04 11:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Application
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Oct 13 2007, 05:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Your situation probably isn't a problem.

http://travel.state....ities_1364.html


That link is for Visa's not for AOS. You need to check with Homeland Security. Normally minor traffic offenses will not impact the process. If he has been convicted of "Traffic Crimes" or declared a "Habitual Traffic Offender" then you might have some issues. Just make certain he obeys the law (like make certain he is not driving when he shouldn't be on a suspended or revoked license). Driving offenses like that can lead to bigger trouble down the road.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-10-13 10:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAleksandr has arrived
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Sep 2 2007, 01:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just wanted everyone to know that my son arrived wed august 29th at 4:34 pm. 7lbs 7 1/2 oz(3.4kg) 19 inches(48cm). Mother and son are healthy and happy and currently sleeping. My family is very happy and we are very happy to have him home healthy along with Elena. Hopefully things will calm down soon(yeah right)


Congrats! The first child for both of you?
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-09-03 10:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Question
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 27 2007, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sounds like you've already made your decision.


Yep!

Actually I was wanting to know what verbage others had used. We'll keep it short and to the point.

Edited by etripke, 27 November 2007 - 06:30 PM.

etripkeMaleUkraine2007-11-27 18:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Question
QUOTE (obender @ Nov 26 2007, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
it's total lunacy to even mention Komsomol fact. it's the same as being asked "did you take deep breaths of soviet air while you were young?" lets find anybody there who didn't...
if you put this absolutely meaningless fact into your biography why not to mention "octyabryata" (former communist kid organization -100% population inclusive) and "pioneeres" (former communist teens organization also - 100% population inclusive). formally they are both communist party affiliated organizations. to get to Komsomol one needed to be a part of both...

the question can be related only to the decisions the person could actually made. like say, join the Coomunist Party itself would be one.
do not burden USCIS with meaningless information... it burdens itself enough...


obender


I agree with you whole heartedly but the "The Man is the Man" and if he is asking for information on groups you have been a member of since age 16, I feel that I'll take the secure route and not withhold facts. It is meaningless like you say, but it is also a requirement to give factual information. It would be our luck that we'd get an adjudicator with an axe to grind, having a bad day, or want's to ruin our day.
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-11-27 08:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Question
We are preparing our AOS paperwork and the I-485 is asking about membership in any organization or communist party/affiliated membership since the age of 16. My wife is 37, was a Komsomol member until it (Komsomol) ceased to exist in the late 80's early 90's just before the FSU broke up. Back then it was difficult to get ahead in life, get into the University (as is her case) etc, without being involved in it.

I am curious of what sort of statement anyone else offered the USCIS during the application process when disclosing this information. I was thinking just a short sentance or two indicating the membership as part of getting into the University, and then it ceasing to exist which is truthful, and is historically correct.

Thanks
etripkeMaleUkraine2007-11-25 21:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusReport on Vonage service
I'm still waiting for Ukraine (Kyiv) to be added to their free calls. We're still paying $.13 @ minute.
etripkeMaleUkraine2009-12-23 14:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGuns and Pie
Hey Guys. I have been lurking in this thread now for over a week and decided I would chime in a bit on the lead poisoning issue. I am a LEO and have been for 31 years (counting my 8 years active duty Army Military Police). When I was first hired by my agency in 1986 we had an indoor range facility in the basement of our shared City/County/Municipal bldg. The building was constructed in the early 50's and since it housed both the Sheriff's office and city P.D. they put in a range located in the basement. They had upgraded the ventilation system prior to my hire, but apparently that was not enough to keep the lead content down in the environment. In 1993 one of the county range officers became concerned about health issues and they tested him for lead in his blood. I do not remember the exact amount found, but suffice it to say it was alarming enough to shut down the range permanently and contract with some environmental clean up company to clean things up as best they could. The range is now sealed and locked up.

There are many articles out there written by the LEO community about the dangers of shooting in a poorly ventilated area. I myself try to shoot outdoors as much as possible and I am very cautious of washing my hands after shooting and after cleaning my weapons. I never use my baseball cap to police up brass and never shoot anything that is not jacketed.

As far as the debate(s) in the thread about different firearms, concealed carry and self defense, I think I'll stay out of them, only to say I do believe in the 2nd amendment but with a common sense standpoint.

Always think safety first, on the range and in the home.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-03-13 09:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusU.S. denying all tourist visas

I have heard this also, that if the MIL is retired and of retirement age, so to speak, it helps. I cannot confirm that.

So far my MIL has not expressed desire to come for even a visit. I guess we go there enough to satisfy her for the time being. Her health is not so wonderful and she doesn't want to travel so far. I may never find out first hand.



My Mil is retired, has been for about 7 years. Collects a pension (whopping $150 a month), owns a house (not a flat), helps take care of an 84 year old mother, has a son and daughter in-law (I was told at the consulate that a son does not carry as much weight has a daughter because "in our studies sons can "pack up and move".

It is frustrating, I can feel my B.P. go up just typing this.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-05-15 06:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusU.S. denying all tourist visas

Your sarcasm is misplaced. For one, as the mother of a US citizen she would not be available for an immediate visa number, which means after the petition is apporved you will wait a period measured in years for a visa. Apply for and receiving an immigrant visa is not the same as overstaying a non-immigrant visa. For whatever reason she was not able to satisfy them she was not a risk.


Yeah I know she apparently didn't satisfy the C.O. but as an immediate family member of a USC the wait is not that terrible. Look at the timelines/processing times it should be less than a year. The other thing is that she is approved for the GC at the consulate and receives one after entry. Denials on family reunification are slim to none unless the applicant's background prohibits it.

We have friends here inMadison that have had family visit. The situations are very similar including age, income, family back home etc. But obviously there is something else they don't like. The point I was trying to make Gary is this paradox of not allowing her into the country because of their idea her staying here (which they do not want and are denying her a visa) but yet they recommend she come here to live permanently by via immigration.

Nah, mothers of USC are considered to be immediate relatives and thus do not have to wait for a visa number to become available. It's category IR-5 and it's the same amount of waiting time as a CR-1/IR-1.


Thank You. I should have read further before I corrected Gary.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-05-15 06:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusU.S. denying all tourist visas
My MIL was denied once again back in March. It is her 4th denial. a previous Schengen visa, home ownership, family members, et.al. did not make a difference. I accompanied her to the consulate but of course could not "sit in" on the interview. It was short...the C.O. just plainly told her should wouldn't get a visa. I spoke to a supervisor, nice guy, but I was told that the MIL is a "Borderline Case" and that "in cases like these the tie goes to the house" meaning the Government.

Our letter to the US Consul General was never answered. But get this: Even though she is denied a visitor visa she can still come over here by applying for a green card! Get the paradox here? They won't let her visit because they are afraid she'll stay....but she can come to live here permanently if we file a petition once the wife gets her citizenship next year! Can you hear the sarcasm in my words?

So, I'm guessing we'll be doing just that sometime in 2011.

Also: The supervisor told me that with each denial given it gets harder for the applicant to overcome the denials.

Good luck for anyone trying.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-05-13 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMIL visa application

We're trying to get my MIL over here to help with my wife's baby due in July. After getting an RFE while trying to get my wife's greencard restrictions lifted we're really sending a ton of documents to accompany her mom on the interview. Even though they say they "only" need the DS-160 confirmation and proof that she'll be returning, we are sending the following...

-affidavit of support
-joint checking and savings account proof
-ultrasounds, OB records, and other baby related documents
-both our passports copied
-tax returns
-wife's birth certificate, greencard, and social security card

I tried to explain to my wife that the embassy isn't looking for proof of relationship, they're looking for proof that she'll go back to Ukraine. But i guess it can't hurt to have too much info rather than too little. My wife was refused 2 tourist visas before she was finally allowed to come on a fiancee visa. So i totally agree the embassy just wants money and it's just hit and miss if you get a good officer.


Been there, done that. They didn't even look at ANYTHING other than the letter of invitation I sent her. Have her try to bring more supporting documents of why she will return. That should be her priority.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-03-13 08:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMIL visa application
We have been through this circus 3 times already with denials each time. We are heading back on the 24th for 3 weeks and the MIL will interview again while we are there. I scheduled the appointment and mentioned that I would like to attend the interview as well but was told it is not possible even if I am a USC and inviting the MIL for a visit.

We have tried using our State Senators, and Congressman as well.....to no avail.

The MIL is retired, owns a house (not just a flat), helps care for her 84 year old mother, has her son & his wife, brother and others there to return to. She has traveled abroad before (Schengen Visa) and returned home.

We just do not know what the hell they are expecting. It is a very unfair system that relies on the subjective opinion of one person to approve/deny the request.

It is sad that any corrupt Oligarch with blood on his hands can come here at will. Hell, we even have friends here who have somehow managed to have their parent(s) visit even though they themselves are here on work or student visas and not LPR's.

Good luck. I hope she gets one. In the mean time we will keep trying until they are sick of seeing her at the consulate.
etripkeMaleUkraine2010-03-07 07:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning Visa and Timeline
Do what Baron says and read the guides. It is not that difficult, just do not set things to your expectations......it is not an overnight process. Have you been to Ukraine yet to visit her place? You might want to consider that before pulling the trigger unless you have known her for some time....just say'n.




I will be in Ukraine in Jan and Feb, if we start the paperwork in Feb, and if it takes 4 to 6 months to get the Visa,and that is just guessing, then it would be issued about July, maybe August. Then if she can travel on Nov 10th, we have 90 days from the date of her entry to get married, if I understand the time limit. I think that here in the US we will still have to do the usual getting blood test and going to the courthouse and getting a Marriage License.

I was thinking about taking her on a couple week tour of the US, and possibly getting married in Las Vegas.

Then there is more paperwork to do to change her K-1 Visa to something more permanent?

But back to the top, what steps do I need to take to start the process? Is the paperwork filed in the US or in Ukraine?




etripkeMaleUkraine2011-04-27 14:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYulia Tymoshenko Jailed
For Gods sake man....she has "Cankles" like Hillary. Much prettier though...........Gotta love the "Gas Queen".




Yulia is HOT. Can we trade Hillary for her? I am not speaking of politrics here, but if you have to have a woman in authority she may as well be HOT




(I am known to be biased toward RUB women, but it isn't true) :P




etripkeMaleUkraine2011-08-09 18:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMIL just passed her interview!

Congrats LL!! We are a loooong way from letting MIL move in permanently, but she did get a five year visitor visa.


After 5 B-1 Visa denials by the consulate, we had had no alternative but to go for an IR-5 on my MIL. They are so arbitrary in they're approvals it makes me sick. So....we are at NVC now, should be Mid-August or a bit later...she'll be here.........

Edited by etripke, 31 May 2012 - 08:33 AM.

etripkeMaleUkraine2012-05-31 08:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian T.V. in the USA
I have had DirecTV for years. I bought the International Programming for my wife and she has had it since her arrival. We had Ukrainian programming at first, but later switched the Channel 1 Russia. I don't mind watching it, some of the programs are interesting and entertaining and I get some glimpse of what is making news over there. Overall it is worth the cost to us.

I know some may not want their wives/husbands to have this. That's your choice, but it ultimately offers them some choice and "control" over the household and within the marriage.

Edited by etripke, 23 December 2009 - 10:05 AM.

etripkeMaleUkraine2009-12-23 10:03:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Return Travel to Ukraine with Children
QUOTE (etripke @ Jul 31 2008, 03:16 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jul 31 2008, 10:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My stepson was over 18, so parental okay was never an issue. How old is your stepdaughter? I thought the issue changes at age 16.


She is 11 and according to the consulate she will need to be 18 before this issue becomes a no issue.


Ok, I stand corrected. According to the manual "Of the Embassy of Ukraine in the USA" published in 2007 which we obtained while at the Chicago Consulate, my daughter can obtain her own passport at age 16. She can can however remain in my wife's passport until age 18.

We have found more conflicting information from the manual when compared to what we were told at the consulate and on the phone with them.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-07-31 15:38:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Return Travel to Ukraine with Children
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Jul 31 2008, 10:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My stepson was over 18, so parental okay was never an issue. How old is your stepdaughter? I thought the issue changes at age 16.


She is 11 and according to the consulate she will need to be 18 before this issue becomes a no issue.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-07-31 15:16:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Return Travel to Ukraine with Children
The Ukrainian Consulate in Chicago said "No". They will not issue a new travel document, and all travel documents for those under the age of 18 MUST be renewed back in Ukraine. As far as registering her as a permanent resident here in the states, I can't entrirely answer to that. One thing for certain is that she is going to have to head back to Ukraine for the travel document to be renewed, thus the additional permission etc.

As far as here Green Card status, we have no problems with the US Government and her getting into the states after a trip. Our concerns are on the other side of "the pond" when she tries to leave Ukraine without the proper documentation i.e. parental permission, if that is the case.

So, getting back to the issue at hand, have either of you made trips back and had issues in removing the child from the country? Were you asked about the absent parent's permission? Did you give the original permission that was obtained initially?
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-07-31 10:13:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)Return Travel to Ukraine with Children
My wife and Step Daughter are planning a trip home. My Step Daughter must head back to renew her travel document (it expires in March and according to the consulate in Chicago she MUST get it renewed in Ukraine). Although they are not leaving anytime soon, we are making plans and trying to be certain that we have everything in order.

The issue that is coming to a head now is one that would involve the father of my step-daughter. Obviously he gave his written permission for her to leave for the states. We are now reading that she would need yet another permission letter from him if she returns to Ukraine for a couple weeks and departs, regardless of her status here in the states or the previous permission letter. Let me clarify this by saying that we are concerned about Ukrainian Authorities allowing her out of the country. She has her green card so no issues getting back into the USA.

Her father is a difficult man, and we had problems with the first permission. We realize that she will have to have his permission for renewal of the travel document as well.

Have any of you returned to Ukraine with children and had to get the additional permission of the absent parent? If so, is this the case for each and every trip home that the child makes?

If anyone can share their experience(s) about this I would really appreciate it.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-07-28 19:29:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (Muddy @ Jul 29 2008, 01:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Ana&D @ Jul 28 2008, 10:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Muddy @ Jul 28 2008, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
When people leave Ukraine do they need to get exit stamp on their ukrainian passport?
What happens if they dont and later travel back to ukraine ?


Hm... I believe there is no avoiding the stamp... In all the times I've traveled out of the country, they always stamped my passport on the very last page. It's done on the second level at Boryspil airport. You go through the line and they usually ask you where you are going and what for and than stamp the passport and wish you a safe trip smile.gif. The stamp itself is nothing major - just barely readable pale square.

Sorry, I meant exit visa. I read Ukranians must sent their international passport to a goverment office and get the exit visa, it could take 3 months for them to do it and return it and most dont do it because 3 months is too long and they worry the passport(with the foreign visa) would be lost


We have discussed some of the infamous Exit Visa issues here before. My wife never received this, but there seems to be other issues that will arise later on if you don't. One of those is property rights (she owns her own Apt. in Kyiv) and the transfer of the property. Like most issues in Ukraine it is filled with government requirements. At the time of her departure my wife could not just register her brother as living there because she needed to be a permanent resident over here, which is not given until later. She is now, but even still, the requirements are more than just stopping in at one ministry office and having it taken care off. There seem to be surprise requirements that pop up as you go along.

Getting into the USA may be a huge undertaking and dealing with what seems like a restrictive and messy process, but in looking at the process to transfer property, get your children out of the country, etc over there, it at least has some consistancy to it.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-07-29 07:56:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (BlakeandOlha @ May 15 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Mariya @ May 15 2008, 11:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I need your urgent advice. I entered US on Immigrant visa, however my baby is American Citizen that was born in Ukraine (the country I come from). I am planning to go back to Ukraine with my baby but without my US hubby/

DO I need any kind of paper saying that he allows me to take the baby out of US?? Do they require papers like that in US?

I am asking because in Ukraine they rerquire the notary approved letter sayig that the othe parent allows to take a baby abroad/


I've never had to do that when I've traveled with my children outside the country by myself, but other's may have some additional insight.


The question I have is about the exit from the Ukraine for my fiancee and her 6 year old son. The father was not a Ukraine citizen and cannot be located, they were not married (as the creep fled the country to avoid responsibility). She has a court decree granting sole custody to her, but the father's name is on the birth certificate and in the child's passport. I'm not worried about the k-2 being issued for her son by the US embassy, my concern is with the Ukrainian border control in Kiev. Is there any additional documentation she should get or is the court order sufficient?


If she has an official declaration from the Ukrainian Courts which terminated the fathers rights or giver her exclusive control, then she should be fine. Your best bet may be to email the US Embassy IV unit and ask what document she will need to present. They are VERY restrictive now in Ukraine with terminating rights, and she had better have that in order to get a Visa for him.

One question for her is if she had ever been before a Child Custody Commitee to have his rights terminated. It is a complicated and enduring process. Best to get on it now and make certain it is all good.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-05-15 15:47:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (John and Luda @ Mar 4 2008, 12:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (etripke @ Mar 3 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John and Luda @ Mar 3 2008, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Luda had her interview today and was approved. Needless to say, we are both extremely happy and looking forward to being together. I have asked Luda to summarize her interview experience to share with other Ukrainian VJ members. I will place it in the embassy review section as soon as possible. Good luck to all other VJers no matter what visa type or stage you're in.


Congrats John.

Best of luck to both of you! Did they give a timeline on receiving the passport back? March 9th is only 6 days away, and unless she has the passport in hand today you'll be tough pressed to make that date.

My wife interviewed on a Monday also, I think we were very lucky to get the passports back on Thursday of the same week. Not trying to scare you or your fiancee, but 6 days from the Interview is VERY tight.

Good luck.

Thanks for the congrats. Yea, it's a gamble we are both aware of. If it requires a change in plans we will cross that bridge when we get there. The airline doesn't charge a fee to change the ticketing, but it wouldn't bother me that much if it did. The goal is to get Luda here this Sunday, but if it slips because her visa/passport hasn't arrived then it will just add to the already b.s. length of time this process takes. However, if she gets it as anticipated then we will finally be together on Sunday. A gamble worth taking IMO.


Cross your fingers, it might make it.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-03-04 17:54:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (John and Luda @ Mar 3 2008, 10:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Luda had her interview today and was approved. Needless to say, we are both extremely happy and looking forward to being together. I have asked Luda to summarize her interview experience to share with other Ukrainian VJ members. I will place it in the embassy review section as soon as possible. Good luck to all other VJers no matter what visa type or stage you're in.


Congrats John.

Best of luck to both of you! Did they give a timeline on receiving the passport back? March 9th is only 6 days away, and unless she has the passport in hand today you'll be tough pressed to make that date.

My wife interviewed on a Monday also, I think we were very lucky to get the passports back on Thursday of the same week. Not trying to scare you or your fiancee, but 6 days from the Interview is VERY tight.

Good luck.
etripkeMaleUkraine2008-03-03 11:22:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (natashenika @ Jan 15 2008, 11:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How can Iget there? the nearest subway station is LUK"YANOVSKAYA how far is the embassy form the sabway station? cn I walk or it's better to get a cab?


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etripkeMaleUkraine2008-01-16 13:50:00