ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWe have our interview date!
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Jan 11 2008, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Natasha and I have learned our interview date, and it is February 26. Now the final countdown begins! HURRAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!


I am so happy for you. The rest of us need to keep hearing this good news. I pray that we will learn our interview date next week. We had really hoped to be married on Valentines Day, but that's not going to happen. Patiently waiting, Alane & Ramzis
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-11 12:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help me----any suggestions?
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 15 2008, 08:49 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (ramzis51 @ Jan 15 2008, 08:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 14 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The embassy didnt give us any info until the put it into their system. We knew our documents were there but they still hadnt processed it yet. Probably in the mail room or something. But luckily it only took about a week to get to it. Try to keep in mind that the embassy was closed for a while for the holidays. They probably got a small backup of mail deliveries. They resumed regular business again on Jan. 8th. I'm sure you're only a few days away from hearing some news. Try to relax. And be thankful you are almost at the end. Its coming. smile.gif


Thanks, Jason. I know everybody here knows the frustration. I'm sure your right. The emails the embassy is sending says they haven't received it yet---but I'm sure that means they just haven't logged it in yet. I do appreciate your empathy. I am glad you had a great trip to Russia and that your interview is upcoming in Feb. I just get to feeling so helpless.



I know that helpless feeling. Its a killer. But have no fear. You know, if you still know your old receipt number from USCIS it will also help you track your interview date. If you go to the US Embassy in Moscow website and check their appointment schedule you'll notice that the appointments are listed with both numbers. The old receipt number AND the new case number. At least for K-1 visas they are. Here's the page ..

http://www.usembassy...ar/iv_dates.php

They have the schedule finished thru March 5th. Take a good look at these case numbers and try to find yours. Good luck, my friend good.gif Hang in there!



Believe me----I've been through the list scrupulously----we're not on their yet!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-15 11:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help me----any suggestions?
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 14 2008, 11:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The embassy didnt give us any info until the put it into their system. We knew our documents were there but they still hadnt processed it yet. Probably in the mail room or something. But luckily it only took about a week to get to it. Try to keep in mind that the embassy was closed for a while for the holidays. They probably got a small backup of mail deliveries. They resumed regular business again on Jan. 8th. I'm sure you're only a few days away from hearing some news. Try to relax. And be thankful you are almost at the end. Its coming. smile.gif


Thanks, Jason. I know everybody here knows the frustration. I'm sure your right. The emails the embassy is sending says they haven't received it yet---but I'm sure that means they just haven't logged it in yet. I do appreciate your empathy. I am glad you had a great trip to Russia and that your interview is upcoming in Feb. I just get to feeling so helpless.
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-15 08:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlease help me----any suggestions?
NVC confirms that our documents were sent to the embassy on 12/21. I have called them several times and they in fact, say the hard copies were sent on the 21st of December. The embassy (via email) is telling me they don't have them yet. I absolutely don't know what to do. I've called the DOS and they give me the run around telling me that it is probably in process.

I've done the DHL thing and there are only 3 possible packages around 12/21 including one eactly on 12/21 which says it was signed for by Volchenkova on 12/26 at 11:14 a.m. Then I know there was the NY holiday, but gee whiz........

What's the deal with the $12 phone call-----If I use a phone card is it still $12? I want to calll----and maybe I'll have to.

I am nearly berserk (the patient one you know!) because we already lost 30 precious days when our lovely CSC had our documents sitting under somebody's coffee cup for a month. I see Jason-Sasha has his interview----I'm so glad. Our NOA2 was issued nov 6. I just want to be sure they are at the embassy----any help from anybody will be appreciated, thanks, Alane & Ramzis
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-14 08:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow do you know
QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Jan 24 2008, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How have you guys found out if/when the consulate received your petition. I am sure they have mine by now (it was sent the 16th) but I dont know how to check for sure. Did you guys call the embassy or DOS? Or did you find out by some other means?

Thanks,


The best way I found out was by emailing the consulate. According the NVC & DOS (I just got an email from them yesterday) stating they haven't yet received our documents and our interview date and case number is on the Embassy appt. schedule! Good Luck
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-24 14:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview - AT LAST
QUOTE (annabob @ Jan 22 2008, 07:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Our interview is Friday morning at 8 am. All documents will be hand delivered to Ann in Moscow today from friend that traveled to Moscow from USA. I don't think I will sleep for next two days. I will let everyone know as soon as I hear. We haven't posted much here, but have read everything and followed alot of advice. thanks, and good luck to all


We are waiting to hear the good news
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-24 08:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview - AT LAST
I received this email notification this morning from the embassy in Moscow:

We've received the case and scheduled his visa interview for March 7, at 8 am.

Sincerely,

Public Liaison Unit
Consular Section
US Embassy, Moscow


kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Alane & Ramzis
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-17 08:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWe got our Interview date
QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Feb 7 2008, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We got our interview date, it will be on 4/2/08!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif Of course, USCIS screwed up Elena's address change, and so did NVC when I called them to make sure the address change took. Looks like a late night tonight to call the Consulate and have them update the address and resend the Packet 3/4.



Congratulations!!! We are all very happy for you.........soon this part of the journey will be behind you
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-02-08 08:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusReceived Visa!
QUOTE (glenn_harrison @ Feb 6 2008, 11:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Olga went to the interview on the 31st of January. She was only asked 3 questions; 1. Did you use a marriage broker? 2. What does your fiance do for a living? 3. Why do you love your fiance? As long as paperwork is done correctly and all of the requirements are met, I think the interview is smooth sailing. Olga received her visa in the mail 6 days later. Now, my Babyduck will be on her way here on the 13th. After 9 loooong months, I am about to go crazy with anticipation. kicking.gif

For anyone stressing about the interview, try not to stress. It is the last of the formalities before the visa is issued. Good luck to everyone! good.gif


We are all happy for you! congratulations
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-02-07 12:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview date set!!
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Feb 17 2008, 01:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
laughing.gif Jeff, that's really funny. I think we all can relate.

Slim, I'm a sports freak. And I watch anything with refs. And I do drink beer with friends whenever possible, but I find myself so busy lately. Haven't actually spent time with the "boys" in a very long time. If Sasha gets her approved visa on friday, it will be a glorious day with plenty of hoppy ale flowing from pitchers, in the hands of toothless women wearing orange shorts. Hmmmm, bet you can't guess where I'll be! laughing.gif laughing.gif


Thinking of you guys and a successful interview tomorrow!!!!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-02-21 11:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview date set!!
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Dec 25 2007, 02:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kazan @ Dec 24 2007, 09:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That is one terrific Christmas present! I am so happy for you both! kicking.gif


Thanks everyone. Hope you're all enjoying a wonderful Christmas!! And....love the hats Jeff! Very cool touch good.gif


Wonderful news, Jason. I keep emailing the embassy every day and they still are saying they don't have our documents yet, even though NVC has confirmed over and over with me that it was sent on the 21st. Any ideas on what I can do? I am getting super frustrated, the patient one, Alane & Ramzis
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-14 08:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview date set!!
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Dec 24 2007, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sasha'a interview date is set for Feb.22!! We're very excited. And finally...after several years we have a definite date to look forward to. The light is getting brighter! And with that......Merry Christmas everyone, and good luck!! kicking.gif


Jason: congrats!!! I learned our documents were received at the embassy on Dec. 21. I am still praying for a Feb. interview. How did you find out Feb. 22? It looks like on the interview schedule they have them listed only through the 20th? The patient one, Alane & Ramzis (I'm sure your pretty busy right now!!!) Have a great visit in Moscow.
ramzis51FemaleRussia2007-12-27 08:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Feb 26 2008, 06:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Natasha and Vika's visa was approved today, and the consul gave the usual "you'll receive the visa in 1 week" speech, but after arriving back at the apartment Natasha noticed she did not submit the I-134 document. We went back this afternoon and turned it in to the 221G area (where we were instructed to go by the guards), but we're a little nervous now. It's difficult to believe that the woman at the window that took the documents, and the consul himself, neglected to notice that this document wasn't submitted, but we remain hopeful since the consul told Natasha the visa was approved. I'll check back the next chance I get, maybe tomorrow.

Good luck to all!

Kevin



Congratulations
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-02-26 08:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJust came back from the embassy....
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Feb 22 2008, 05:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
.... and i got this freaking visa. Man, I am just so relieved now. I don't know if i will be able to write everything in details. But i'll try. So, i can't say that it was easy. I had a pretty long talk with the officer . It was a very serious woman. But she wasn't rude or unpleasant. I had to tell her in details how Jason and I met. She asked me how and when and where i met Jason's family. How come i didn't meet his dad? I told her everything about our plans in the US? She was interested in where i was going to work in the us. I also told her everything about Jason's previous marriage. She asked about 8 questions about Jason's relationship with his ex. But I think she was satisfied with my answers. I knew it all. She even asked me if it would be interesting for me to live in a small town in the USA after living in Moscow. I said that we wouldn't live there all the time. Though I absolutely love Williamsburg and i wish we would live there for a longer time. Anyway, she asked a couple of not really smart questions (in my opinion) about my relationship with Jason and in 15-20 minutes i was done. She didn't look through my evidence though i had dozens of them but she looked through the photos that she already had in the initial petition. She asked a couple of questions about people who were n the photos and seemed to be satisfied. She was impressed that Jason came to visit me four times last year. I didn't feel any pressure from her. The interview was pretty smooth, just long. I was really nervous while i was waiting but i felt ok when i was interviewed.
The most important thing is just to have all the documents in order and to be honest and polite with a consul.
Woooo, it's such a relief. I think i haven't yet realized that we made it.
And I am very grateful to all members of VJ. All your advice was really helpful. Special thanks to the members of russian forum for support, for being always positive and for always improving our mood whenever we felt stressed. Thank you very much. ( Feel like i just got an Oscar).
mox and irish, congratulations with your approvals.
Good luck to everyone. And good night
Sasha



Super congrats you guys!!! Our interview is next on the list I think?!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-02-22 13:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBuying airfare RU to USA
QUOTE (Danno @ Jan 26 2008, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not long ago, I found out how hard it is to find a reasonable airfare when your origination point is Russia instead of USA.

I searched every one of my typical search engines and the best I could come up with was $900 and that was one-way... off season. Thats almost double what I can usually find to fly to russia.

I had heard you can get a good price from the delta office in Moscow but only at the window, not via internet.

BAck in the summer time someone posted a contact number to a RW agent out of Atlanta who had gotten him good fares. I called and not only did she get a good price ( almost half what I could find) she could book the flight very quickly, usually in the USA the closer the flight is to the date of purchase the more it costs.

I would absolutely call her if you need to fly someone here and if you are flying there, you might want to give her a shot at it too.
Danny

Natasha
(813) 228-6156


Is this the person, Natasha? I will definitely call
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-28 08:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVISA APPROVED!!!
RAMZIS' VISA WAS APPROVED YESTERDAY!! I don't have many details, but he was first in line yesterday morning and it didn't take very long. Monday is international day of women (a holiday) so the embassy and everything else will be closed. Hopefully he will get his visa from DHL Tuesday or Wed. and be here on Friday next week, the ever patient, Alane & Ramzis kicking.gif kicking.gif
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-07 07:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStill Waiting To Receive The Visas
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Mar 6 2008, 02:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's Thursday, March 6th now, and although our visas were approved at the interview back on February 26, we're still waiting to receive them. So, we've extended our stay here in Moscow by another week and we now plan on flying out on March 12. Just wanted to let everyone know that we're still alive and well here in Moscow. Frustrated perhaps, but we're together and that's the important thing. Natasha and Vika have tried to convince me to just fly back to the USA and they'll return to Volgodonsk to await the visa (in an effort to conserve money), but I refuse to leave here without them!

Congrats to all the approvals since I've been away. I have a lot of reading to catch up on after we get back!



Congratulations----our interview is tomorrow! What do you think is the hold up with you getting the visas? Are you getting them at the DHL office?
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-06 08:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGOT VISA---HE'S ON HIS WAY
Ramzis got his visa, packet, etc. at the DHL office in Moscow this morning. He will be on an Air France flight in the morning and be in Michigan tomorrow afternoon!!! The patient one is extremely excited!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-13 14:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWE HAVE THE VISAS!
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Mar 13 2008, 10:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Or more properly, DHL has them and we'll leave to pick them up shortly. We had to change apartments today and our wifi doesn't work at the new apartment, so we didn't get to check the DHL website until we found this hotspot, in of all places a food court in a mall. I'll likely not get to make too many more updates, since we don't have internet at the new apartment, but we're all flying high now! It's difficult to believe, but Grumpy the guard was actually correct!

Thanks to all the good thoughts and prayers everyone has been sending our way, they sure worked!

Kevin, Natasha & Vika


CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-13 14:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHE'S HERE AND WE'RE MARRIED
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Mar 18 2008, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 18 2008, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I like Detroit too. Never had a problem. They always ask me, "When is your lady coming?" Since every time I cross over she s the reason for my trip! laughing.gif Good luck with the new wife! biggrin.gif


Isn't the OP a woman?


Yes: Ramzis (the beneficiary) is male. Alane (the patient one) is the American petitioner!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-19 07:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHE'S HERE AND WE'RE MARRIED
Ramzis' flight to Detroit was on time on Friday, POE was a breeze, just a few minutes and we were home by 5 p.m. We were married on Saturday at 5 p.m. It was short, sweet and lovely at our church with our children. We had a beautiful family dinner at an English Inn nearby immediately following. It has been a lovely reunion for us. WE ARE IN TOTAL SHOCK. We can't believe we'll be together forever. We spent all day yesterday filing the marriage license, changing his designation on his SS card and getting him on the health insurance. LIFE IS GOOD----PATIENCE IS TRULY A GIFT FROM GOD. Thanks everybody-----the patient ones, (and joyfully married), Alane & Ramzis
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-18 14:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVISA APPROVED
QUOTE (Buck and Natalia @ Mar 3 2008, 04:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just received a phone call from a very happy Natalia, exiting the Moscow Consulate, saying that the visa was approved for her and her 17-year-old son Artem. The interview took approximately 5 minutes and consisted of 3 questions. For those that are interested, here are the questions:

Q1. How did you meet? [Answer: Natalia explained how we met.]

Q2. You have a very high position here in Russia. (Natalia is the head of the legal department for a large company). It is unlikely that your work in the USA will be at such a high level. How do you feel about that and what do you plan to do for work after you arrive in America? [Answer: Natalia honestly replied that are already people wishing to interview her in the USA after she arrives given her expertise in Russian trade and tax law. Finding decent work in the USA should not present a problem for her once she is legally authorized to work here.]

Q3. Did your fiancee visit you in Russia? [Answer: I visited her in August which satisfied them.]

That was it......... 5 minutes and out. There were no questions directed to her 17-year-old son. They merely took his fingerprints.

All-in-all it was a little anti-climactic after all the waiting and worry.......... but it sure is good to have that behind us now. I am sure that the euphoria will sink in after a day or 2.

A special "thank you" to all those that have been supporting us these many many months. It was certainly a roller-coaster ride sometimes as we were probably in the bottom 10% in terms of waiting time. Hahahaha.......... Kazan Tiger (Jeffrey & Alla) intentionally postponed their interview a couple of months and they still almost beat us. Oh well..... what's a few extra months of waiting in the big scheme of things when you are talking about a life-time commitment? We are just happy that it is drawing to a close.

We wish you all the best.

Buck & Natalia


SUPER CONGRATS
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-24 13:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVISA APPROVED
QUOTE (Buck and Natalia @ Mar 3 2008, 03:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I just received a phone call from a very happy Natalia, exiting the Moscow Consulate, saying that the visa was approved for her and her 17-year-old son Artem. The interview took approximately 5 minutes and consisted of 3 questions. For those that are interested, here are the questions:

Q1. How did you meet? [Answer: Natalia explained how we met.]

Q2. You have a very high position here in Russia. (Natalia is the head of the legal department for a large company). It is unlikely that your work in the USA will be at such a high level. How do you feel about that and what do you plan to do for work after you arrive in America? [Answer: Natalia honestly replied that are already people wishing to interview her in the USA after she arrives given her expertise in Russian trade and tax law. Finding decent work in the USA should not present a problem for her once she is legally authorized to work here.]

Q3. Did your fiancee visit you in Russia? [Answer: I visited her in August which satisfied them.]

That was it......... 5 minutes and out. There were no questions directed to her 17-year-old son. They merely took his fingerprints.

All-in-all it was a little anti-climactic after all the waiting and worry.......... but it sure is good to have that behind us now. I am sure that the euphoria will sink in after a day or 2.

A special "thank you" to all those that have been supporting us these many many months. It was certainly a roller-coaster ride sometimes as we were probably in the bottom 10% in terms of waiting time. Hahahaha.......... Kazan Tiger (Jeffrey & Alla) intentionally postponed their interview a couple of months and they still almost beat us. Oh well..... what's a few extra months of waiting in the big scheme of things when you are talking about a life-time commitment? We are just happy that it is drawing to a close.

We wish you all the best.

Buck & Natalia



A big congrats-----Ramzis' interview is this Friday!
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-05 13:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa for single russian man
QUOTE (eekee @ Dec 23 2007, 04:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do any of you have experience with getting a tourist visa to US for a single Russian man? My boyfriend wants to visit me in a couple of months, and I was wondering what the best way to do this would be. Would it be better to say that he was staying with a mutual male friend of ours, rather than with me?

And I know it is easier for me to go to Russia... I am going in less than a week. And we were planning on taking a trip to a different country in the spring where neither of us would need a visa, but he would really like to see where I am from and meet all my friends.


My fiance' (male) got a b-1 with NO problems at all. You just need to prove that he has a reason to return to Russia. Really it was no big deal and it really didn't cost any more for his multiple entry visa (good for 1 year) than when I went to Russia for 1 week. the interview lasted about 1 minute.
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-01-14 08:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview done, Visa in the mail...
QUOTE (Waitlisted @ Mar 20 2008, 03:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee had her interview today and it was approved! In light of what happened to KGSodie, we are waiting until we actually have the Visa in hand before we can celebrate though. One more week of nail biting...

She told me all of the questions were about us, our relationship, how we met, etc... She was armed with all of the answers to the stupid trivial questions but, she didn't need it. She could easily answer all the questions about our relationship!



QUOTE (Waitlisted @ Mar 20 2008, 03:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee had her interview today and it was approved! In light of what happened to KGSodie, we are waiting until we actually have the Visa in hand before we can celebrate though. One more week of nail biting...

She told me all of the questions were about us, our relationship, how we met, etc... She was armed with all of the answers to the stupid trivial questions but, she didn't need it. She could easily answer all the questions about our relationship!



CONGRATULATIONS
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-31 07:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVISA APPROVED!!!!!!!!!!!
QUOTE (CARY @ Mar 27 2008, 03:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My sweetie just sent me a SMS making me aware the VISA was approved! I will give more details later on when I find them out!


SUPER CONGRATS
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-27 12:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnother Approval From Moscow
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Mar 17 2008, 03:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hi All,

I've been waiting up all night for the news, and it's in: Ira's visa is approved. There's some other strange news to go along with it, but I'll wait until the visa is in hand before posting comments on a public forum.

Anyway, I wanted you guys to be the first to know that, theoretically, Step One should finally be done in about two weeks when Ira's visa arrives in the mail. smile.gif

And on that happy note, I'm going to bed so I can try to get 2 hours of sleep before work tomorrow.

Z



Congratulations
ramzis51FemaleRussia2008-03-24 07:47:00