ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresCertified documents/letters

When my fiancee writes a letter and signs it as evidence of awareness or legitimate relationship, same with a letter from her father of his approval, do these letters need to be certified/authenticated/noterized? Or will the originals just need to be saved until the interview?


I can't help but ask, is your fiancee 18 or older? I'm trying to wonder why you would need a letter of approval from her father to marry her? Am I missing something cultural? :blink:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-12 13:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & Procedurestexas service center mail pickup

hello everyone, i just spoke with the u.s.p.s. about why my i-129f was not signed for today...the uscis tcs picks up their mail once a day at 7am...my petition will be picked up en la manana!! or so i was told...


I can't help but notice the timeline written under your signature. Are those predictions? :blink:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-12 22:38:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresOphoto? Whats that?

Hey guys, we have thousands of photos to present as evidence, but they are all digital. Going through the K-1 guide it says that if you have digital photos you must have it printed at a company such as Ophoto... What does that mean? Thanks!!!


You can have your photos printed anywhere you'd like. I think that was a sales pinch for assistance if you didn't know where to go ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-13 14:48:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresKyiv Visa Interview
Congrats on your fiancee passing the interview! I'm glad to hear the good reviews about the Kiev consulate. As you see my fiancee is from UA also. Odessa to be exact. As far as travel agencies, etc. from Donetsk to San Diego. I had flown into Donetsk last year on DonBasso airlines. It's an internal flight within UA. I think it only costs about $60-80 to fly into Kiev. From there, you get to choose from commercial airlines into the US. I fly out of San Francisco and head to UA. Your fiancee may have to transfer through a few airports to get to the west coast. I would probably look at LOT Polish or Austrian Airlines and see what kind of more direct flights you can get. I'm sorry I couldn't help any more. But I do have a friend living in Odessa who I can put you in touch with. He works with a travel agent there for the American men that head over there.
I saw your photo. Are you Filipino?
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-13 21:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresSurprise! Surprise! Surprise!!!!!
Interesting post. It's great to see how people deal with situations like this. Some crawl into bed and stay there for days and weeks. Others take their own lives. Not all reactions are the same. I'm glad to see you've found some manner of dealing with your situation on your own terms. If that's what makes ya happy, more power to ya! :thumbs:
I'm not going to tell you how you SHOULD deal with anything and CONFORM to other people's opinions. Have yourself a good time in PI and best of luck to ya! :yes:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-15 13:37:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Process & ProceduresPetition I-129F , letter of intent
All U.S. Embassies worldwide are located here: http://usembassy.state.gov/. Mexico has a choice of 10 U.S. embassies to choose from. You'll have to do research and figure out which embassy you'll need to address the letter of intent. I'm glad Ukraine only had 1 U.S. Embassy there! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-16 06:59:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIs Match.com considered a 'marriage broker'?

I need to know also if I need to list the physical address of their home office as well as their website address. Peter and I met through this service prior to meeting in London. ALSO....ashamed to admit this BUT....I have THREE ex husbands and there are only TWO lines for it on the bio and the I-129F...should I squeeze them in in handwriting? or attach a separate typewritten page with the info as a supplement. I'm feeling the crunch now with all the talk of the fees going up!!!!! :help:

MATCH.COM absolutely falls under IMB act! Yes, you must list the physical address of the corporate address, website, telephone, etc. As far as listing the 3 ex-husbands, not enough room, attach another sheet of paper as the supplement.
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-05-30 06:36:00
IMBRA Special TopicsDo I tell the truth or not?
Just tell the truth. It's not a big deal. I met my fiancee through the internet. Following is the how I found out the term USCIS has defined as "International Marriage Broker". This should help for anyone in the future if they have questions regarding the same situation on their I-129F form.

What is the definition of "International Marriage Broker (IMB)"? Are there exceptions? Does this law apply to my favorite international correspondence website on the Internet?

Answer: IMB is defined very broadly in this law, as are all relevant terms in this law. (Bo Cooper, former INS General Counsel from several years ago, actually drafted this law; he sits on the board of directors of the feminist Tahirih Justice Center and intended to provide broad abuse protection to immigrant fiancées and brides.)

The definition of IMB, under Section 833(e)(4)(A), is any corporation, individual, or legal entity, whether or not existing under the laws of the U.S., who charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking or social referrals or is "otherwise faciliating communication between individuals."

There are, under Section 833(e)(4)(, TWO IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS, : 1) "The Non-Profit": a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature which offers its services on a non-profit basis under law, tyically a state-registered corporation, and 2) "The Non-Primary Business with Comparable Rates": a domestic dating service or other primary service whose principal business is NOT international dating and which charges comparable rates for comparable services to all individuals, men and women, domestic and foreign.

Your favorite international correspondence website on the Internet would in fact be subject to this law, IF the exceptions enumerated above do not apply.

Some U.S. clients and IMBs are asking if the IMB would "qualify" for an exception if they don't charge fees for the lady's personal contact. The safe answer would appear to be: only if the other qualifications of Exception No. 1 apply. An IMB's claim to an exception based in the statement that "We don't charge fees for lady's contact or any dating service", but coupled with an admission that the company generates revenue and profits, however small, from such things as advertising fees for related services such as flowers, candy and cards, Google "ad-words", or charitable donations from members, carries a risk that the "non-profit" exception does not genuinely apply.

Edited by altimixdj, 09 April 2007 - 06:39 AM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-04-09 06:36:00
IMBRA Special TopicsINTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER?
I remember going over the question of what does IMBRA actually mean and if I qualified to list it? It is fairly simple. If you had met through any website which they are for "profit" and do charge money, whether you paid for their services or not, it qualifies for IMBRA. Regardless, of where the company is based ANY WHERE IN THE WORLD. Religious based organizations are exempt. It is not a big deal whether you met through a paid site or not. How the two of you had met needs to be disclosed.

Edited by altimixdj, 22 March 2007 - 09:10 AM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-22 09:10:00
IMBRA Special TopicsINTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER?

I agree. The USCIS is loosely interpreting IMBRA. In their minds, if you paid for membership to meet people they are going to say it is an International Marriage Broker. But, what it really boils down to is this. Do you have anything in your background that might influence this lady from Ukraine about possibly marrying you? A marriage should be entered with full knowledge and complete trust.

But, what is more concerning to me is that you haven't mentioned if you two have met. Email and even telephone conversations are great, but you need proof of having met each other. Any talk of marriage before that would be premature. I hope if you haven't met her, that you have plans for a trip to Ukraine soon. The spring is a wonderful time to visit, especially in May.

Good Luck and keep us posted about your progress.


Thanks for the attention to the question I had. I was able to find the answer after some time. And I must list that we did meet through an "international marriage broker" according the change of law in 2006. You were wondering if we have ever met personally. As of this date, no I have not met her. My friends in Ukraine have personally met her. But I will be with her in 16 days for 2 weeks in Odessa. This is the last requirement I need to fulfill on my behalf to apply for the fiancee visa. I have been to Ukraine 3 other times this past year and a half. I love it over there! My fiancee and I spend anywhere from 4-10 hours a day on Yahoo IM with webcams. It was some time after communicating the way we have on a daily basis, we knew what we both wanted. Believe me, I am not wealthy at all. I've disclosed EVERYTHING from my profile even mentioning my 3 daughters living with me that would prevent any lady from thinking that I offer the "Easy life full of luxuries". Besides, my fiancee's mother hops the computer and speaks with me now. ;)

Edited by altimixdj, 26 January 2007 - 03:03 PM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-01-26 15:01:00
IMBRA Special TopicsINTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER?
I found out the term USCIS has defined as "International Marriage Broker". This should help for anyone in the future if they have questions regarding the same situation on their I-129F form.

What is the definition of "International Marriage Broker (IMB)"? Are there exceptions? Does this law apply to my favorite international correspondence website on the Internet?

Answer: IMB is defined very broadly in this law, as are all relevant terms in this law. (Bo Cooper, former INS General Counsel from several years ago, actually drafted this law; he sits on the board of directors of the feminist Tahirih Justice Center and intended to provide broad abuse protection to immigrant fiancées and brides.)

The definition of IMB, under Section 833(e)(4)(A), is any corporation, individual, or legal entity, whether or not existing under the laws of the U.S., who charges fees for providing dating, matrimonial, matchmaking or social referrals or is "otherwise faciliating communication between individuals."

There are, under Section 833(e)(4)(B), TWO IMPORTANT EXCEPTIONS, : 1) "The Non-Profit": a traditional matchmaking organization of a cultural or religious nature which offers its services on a non-profit basis under law, tyically a state-registered corporation, and 2) "The Non-Primary Business with Comparable Rates": a domestic dating service or other primary service whose principal business is NOT international dating and which charges comparable rates for comparable services to all individuals, men and women, domestic and foreign.

Your favorite international correspondence website on the Internet would in fact be subject to this law, IF the exceptions enumerated above do not apply.

Some U.S. clients and IMBs are asking if the IMB would "qualify" for an exception if they don't charge fees for the lady's personal contact. The safe answer would appear to be: only if the other qualifications of Exception No. 1 apply. An IMB's claim to an exception based in the statement that "We don't charge fees for lady's contact or any dating service", but coupled with an admission that the company generates revenue and profits, however small, from such things as advertising fees for related services such as flowers, candy and cards, Google "ad-words", or charitable donations from members, carries a risk that the "non-profit" exception does not genuinely apply.
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-01-26 14:44:00
IMBRA Special TopicsINTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER?
That is the question. The website where I met my fiancee is exactly like "Yahoo Personals". You only pay a small membership to use the site to meet other people. You do not pay for addresses or phone numbers. This is why I am caught whether the site I met my fiancee is to be considered an "International Marriage Broker" according to I-129F. :(
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-01-26 06:34:00
IMBRA Special TopicsINTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER?
I want to know how the USCIS defines as a "INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER" in I-129F? I met my fiance on a personals website, RussianEuro.com. I do not know if this site is deemed as a "International Marriage Broker" service as defined by the USCIS. I paid for a year-long membership with unlimited membership contact. They do not monitor or censor letters, instant messenging, etc. She contacted me first with a positive message through this website. We immediately moved to using Yahoo Instant Messenging because I can log our chat sessions. But I did not know this would come in handy later on as our relationship had progressed to love and the discussion of marriage.
If anyone has a detailed description from USCIS that defines an "INTERNATIONAL MARRIAGE BROKER", I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks for your time! ;-)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-01-25 21:02:00
USCIS Service CentersI'm a true pessimist

Your electronic flight itinerary would be fine. I agree I wish the pages were in numeric order. But remember this is the government. It's not supposed to make sense! :rolleyes:

hahaha :) yeah...that's what my baby says :) He says it's only the beginning of me experiencing the govmnt work :) I still need to get a driver's license when I get there...arrggghhh :))))))

I do not know where you will be getting your driver's license. But I swear I live in the "Valley of Fools" when it comes to drivers! These dummies think they're the only people on the road! They'll come to a dead stop to look at a cow! And there are a lot of cows in my area too! :rolleyes:
I'm am now teaching my 16 year old to drive. I'll be honest and tell you that she scares the sh!t of me sometimes when she's behind the wheel! :help:

Edited by altimixdj, 18 March 2007 - 08:46 PM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-18 20:45:00
USCIS Service CentersI'm a true pessimist
Your electronic flight itinerary would be fine. I agree I wish the pages were in numeric order. But remember this is the government. It's not supposed to make sense! :rolleyes:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-18 18:47:00
USCIS Service CentersI'm a true pessimist
I buried them with a ton of evidence of meeting. I preferred to give them a lot to prevent saying there was not enough. I guess it's all going to depend on who you get to handle your case. Elena, you don't have your flight itineraries?
Looking at what you did submit, you're probably going to be fine. I, on the other hand, did not pay attention to the numbered pages of both of mine and Karolina's G-325A's. I expect something is going to be said. But there's new signed G-325A's coming from her now as we speak. I got lucky that her friend's love interest is returning from Odessa with them to send to me. I'll be prepared if they asked. And yes! I did create many variations of the same G-325A's with her signature since we have a case number. I asked her to include blank ones with her signatures. We know we'll be together soon enough. We're both patient.
Still I believe you will get your visa before us because you're going through VSC! :yes:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-18 15:05:00
USCIS Service CentersCalling USCIS customer service

I knew you would wonder why I am calling instead of my fiance doing it. He is a USC. But he finds it so annoying to be inquiring about our case because he has done it many times and he thinks that people in the uscis are not very helpful. Thats why I tried to do it myself, just to help him a bit.

Regie, it is commendable that you wish to help out from such a far distance outside of the USA. Regardless of how annoying something like this can be, displaying a lazy attitude or unwillingness says a lot about a person. We are all dealing with this visa process. I will do WHATEVER it takes to succeed and complete this process. My fiancee' shares this attitude also. It is teamwork. No one person can do it alone. We are doing all we can to be together with our fiance's. I would never just sit and do nothing. Just because something is not going to go my way, I certainly will not pass it onto my fiancee' to do the work on their own. I like to find solutions to something that may be or is a problem. If I were in the same situation, I'd keep on calling no matter how annoying or unhelpful the people at USCIS appear to be. It costs nothing for your fiance' to call from here within the US. Besides, he is the petitioner. I am certainly the type of person that I will find answers to questions. I hope you do not begin to feel like you are taking on this process alone. If you do, chance of successfully completing this visa process are going to be slim. Not to mention being married afterwards and having the same type of situations placed upon you to solve problems in the home by yourself. I am sure most people will agree on here that successfully completing the K-1 visa requires a strong partnership between both the petitioner and the beneficiary. Marriage is going to require even more of partnership after getting the visa and being together.
I hope you do not mind me commenting on this. Food for thought! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-21 22:57:00
USCIS Service CentersCalling USCIS customer service
Is your fiance' petitioner here in the US? Whoever the petitioner is, should be calling. I do not know if you are familiar with IP Phones. But in most places, like internet cafes, they have phones you can use that are really inexpensive to call anywhere in the world. And the sound quality is pretty good just like a regular phone. It looks like you may have to speak to a live operator. They always ask for certain ID numbers, etc. for security purposes. Without being able to pass the phone security, the person calling for you won't get any further trying to speak with the operator.
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-21 20:51:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Brazilian illegal in US wants to wed US citizen

Hi. First, thank you for everyone who uses this site. It's great! And forgive me if I am posting this in the wrong place - this is my first time joining any kind of forum. And forgive me if anyone has asked a similar question, but I could not find anything like my situation (although I'm sure I just didn't look long enough :-)).

I have been dating my boyfriend for roughly 1 year. I am a US citizen. He is from Brazil & came to the US illegally (via Mexico) and has been here for 3 years. We want to get married and are not sure if we should try for the fiance visa or spouse visa I am worried that the government/consulate will find out that he has been in the US illegally and will bar him for 10 years. He aquired a tax id # & driver's license in the US (license has since expired). When getting his license somehow a authorization form to work in the US was filed in his name.

I assume either visa we apply for we will have to do the waiver, but does anyone have any suggestions on what is the best thing to do? I have spoken to so many lawyers & they each give me a different answer. Should we do the fiance visa? Spouse visa? If we marry, is it better to marry in the US, Brazil, another country?

Also, I read on one of the postings that someone told the truth on their forms - that they stayed in the US illegally after their visa expired - and they were approved the visa. Is it better to "lie" of tell the truth?

Sorry for the long post. I'm just so overwhelmed! Thanks in advance to all!

Nicole & Wilson

Looks like you have your cake and maybe will be able to "eat it" too.
LOTS of us had to do the process while separated for long distances and long periods of time.
To me your man is here illegally and should be deported and banned.
!

Why r people so bitter!! The girl is in love and trying to find a way that she can be with her faince.. its great that you did the long process and got what you wanted but for god sake listen to yourself!!

People are bitter about someone being here illegally? Then asking advice how to "shortcut" the system to THEIR benefit asking advice from those of us doing this legally? Absurd! :lol:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-21 09:39:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Brazilian illegal in US wants to wed US citizen
You go Beckypua! :thumbs:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-21 01:43:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)Brazilian illegal in US wants to wed US citizen
I am just amazed how someone here is illegal and ends up obtaining a SSN and Driver's License I wondered who the rightful person of the SSN feels being victimized this way? :angry:

Edited by JoeMama, 20 July 2007 - 11:33 PM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-20 23:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApartments for Interview in Moscow

My fiancee has her interview 24 April and I had read that it is cheaper to rent an apartment than stay at a hotel in Moscow. I would like her to stay there until she gets her visa then she can leave from there. We have been looking but cannot find. Can anybody give us any information about it. We would be very grateful.

Thanks
Charles


There's a ton of apartments you can rent in Moscow through the internet. An apartment is much better than a hotel. Here's one link: http://www.gotorussi...s_in_moscow.htm. But you can just Google "apartments for rent moscow russia" and there will be a ton of sights you can go to. Hope that helps ya out! :thumbs:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-03-09 21:48:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
QUOTE (bcartr @ Sep 4 2007, 06:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Glad it was a non event for both of you.
Welcome to America, now go have some fun!
Regards,
T.



Thanks T. It was certainly nothing that I heard what it was going to be. Wish they were all so easy.
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-09-05 15:40:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Quick POE review/experience. Landed at Chicago O'Hare. Got to Customs/Immigrations. An officer directed US citizens to one line, immigrants/visa holders to another line. I asked the officer about K-1 visa holders, he directed my fiancee' to a line. He told me by all means, certainly accompany my fiancee'. I was happy that I didn't have to ask. Waited to together in line for about 5 minutes. Got the next available immigration officer. Karolina gave her the sealed envelope from the embassy. Officer looked at them, asked us 3 questions:
1) How did you meet?
2) To Karolina: Do you have any children?
3) When is the wedding date?
After sorting through to make sure all the documents were there, she said "Welcome To America" and sent us on our way. 10 minutes total time. Grabbed our luggage from the carousel, ran through the scanner, out the door we went. No problems at all. Very fast, efficient, professional. good.gif
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-09-04 04:55:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
SS# will be my next step with Karolina. I'm following behind ya T ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-08-16 20:55:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Karolina passed her interview today. I spoke to her for only a few minutes. I'll have more info tomorrow when she returns home from Kiev. We're very happy we've reached this point. Next stop, Odessa on the 24th. :D

T., glad to see Anya is settling in good ;)


Outstanding and Congrats Joe! Looking forward to hearing more about it!

Eric

Thanks Eric. You're next man! :thumbs:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-08-14 07:03:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Karolina passed her interview today. I spoke to her for only a few minutes. I'll have more info tomorrow when she returns home from Kiev. We're very happy we've reached this point. Next stop, Odessa on the 24th. :D

T., glad to see Anya is settling in good ;)

Edited by JoeMama, 14 August 2007 - 05:42 AM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-08-14 05:40:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
One thing I always loved doing over there, is playing the "Who's the American?" game. You can always tell us Americans: Usually in tennis shoes, shirt not tucked into the pants, always 2 girls with 1 guy (more than likely from a romance tour), puts garbage in the trash can, etc. :lol:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-08-10 07:51:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

We arrived early for our flight from Kyiv to JFK(NY). I was explaining to Anya all about flying, and why.
It worked great as we were pretty much first in line at the check in place etc.. I would then tell Anya, now just wait about 5 to 10 min. and sure enough BOOM the line was long. She called me a very clever man. LOL.
The line was long during boarding though. I waited a bit as I got online (Wifi and had to pay this time :( )
However, YES, I cut in line, Anya asked me why I did so, I told her I was in Ukraine, and I do as Ukrainians do!.
LOL She gave me a weird look.
I told her to turn her ticket down so that nobody would see it, we entered from the left, as if we were in business class, so nobody really took notice. LOL
Don't call me a cheater, I am not that type, but yes, I have seen it all over there, and it was time to take charge!
Bonus ME!

You are right about the line-cutting and doing as Ukrainians do. You've got to stand there parked right up against the person's ####### in front of you. Or you'll end up at the back of the line pretty fast! :lol:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-08-09 20:29:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Congrats Rob. Welcome to the US Tania! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-22 20:48:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Anna asked about documents being sent back to her and they handed her the documents she was concerned with. I believe she also paid and additional 40 RPH to have the rest shipped back with her Visa.

I am leaving August 2nd to Kyiv and returning August 6th so "joemama" if you have last minute stuff you need sent let me know.
We also have the name/phone of the lady that we rented an apartment from a 3rd person. This is so that we could pay less in the future by leaving out the middle man. So if your looking you can PM me and I will get you that phone number and you can call. Anna stated it was a great place, we will most likely be in that same one during our Aug. 2 through 6th stay in Kyiv.
Good luck on your interview!
T

T, thanks for the offer about the last minute stuff and apartment referral. Yesterday, Karolina received the last of the documentation she needed from me for her interview. The company Karolina's mother works for has an apartment in Kiev they get free-of-charge. We stayed there in February. I'm glad you're going to be in Kiev during the summer months. This past winter was the coldest weather I'd ever experienced! My damn ears just about fell off. And I was wearing a cap over my ears too! :wacko:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-20 07:22:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Congrats also! Karolina's got her interview on the 14th. I'll be heading over at the end of next month. Just sent all the rest of the documentation Karolina needed from me for her interview. We'll let you know what happens. ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-16 22:08:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
T,

Thanks for posting the pics. I'm waiting on my tax transcripts and letters from the bank. Then I'm sending everything over to my lady for her interview.
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-06 22:03:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

So does anyone see a benefit for the Petitionary to go to the Embassy with the Beneficiary?
Just trying to plan if I should not arrive in Kyiv for the interview, but instead arrive 10 days later to accompany her to the USA.
Based on the current plan, her interview is on Monday July 16, I arrive on July 15. The tickets for both of us to the USA are for July 21.
So I am wondering if I should plan on going there maybe July 27 and we both leave July 29 or something like that.
I think it would be more important to accompany her to the US since she has never flown before as well as going through that travelling process.
What do you folks think based on your experiences and recommendations.
It would be great to get the Visa prior to July 21 but if it is not going to happen, I may need to change some plans.
T

I'm going there about 2 weeks after the interview date. I wanted to give a little leadway if there is a small delay. Which I'm hoping there is not. You can see what I have lined out in my signature. Best of luck to you! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-07-01 12:12:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Well, I see my fiancee, Karolina, has made her way to the Kyiv Beat! Everyone meet my lady! She's a sweetie! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-06-24 19:52:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

I did not realize that the Visa took that long from approval to on hand delivery. I was hoping to go in on Monday for the approval and fly out by Saturday. Staying in Kyiv is costing us around $70 a night just for the apartment. I spoke with Anna about the timeframe and she made a great suggestion.
After the interview on Monday we take a train back to Mariupol, gives me a chance to see Ukraine from the train. LOL But this will also save us approx. $550 USD by staying at her place while waiting for the Visa.
I will have to call Delta and see what the charges are for changing the flight once I have a good date.
Regards,
T.

I don't know if you've rode the trains in Ukraine yet. I won't give away the funny things about it. But it's something to experience! Unless you're going 1st class on the train, throw the thought of an Amtrak out the window! You'll laugh when you see how the toilets flush in coach! :lol:

Edited by JoeMama, 23 June 2007 - 10:18 AM.

JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-06-23 10:17:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

My fiancee used it today. She said it was so much easier than before. She highly recommends it. It's worth spending the $12. Unfortunately, our case hasn't been received at the consulate yet. They told her to call back next week. Thanks for giving me, and everyone else, more info about this. ;)


I used the service to purchase a PIN since my fiancee works in NW Kiev nowhere near a ProCredit bank. I would get the PIN, then Ski would then call to schedule an interview. But it would have taken her a 1/2 day off work to go to SE Kiev to go to the bank. I got the PIN by an 800-number phone call and emailed her the PIN, but she could not get it to work. Later that night, I called the service and they used the PIN to set up an appointment for July 3.

When I called the scheduling service, I knew I needed a copy of her passport to set the appointment. I made an error, and thought her national passport was what they needed. The very helpful assistant said I "MUST HAVE THE CORRECT ENGLISH SPELLING OF HER NAME FROM HER INTERNATIONAL PASSPORT." He set the appointment up, but ordered me to call back once I had a copy of her international passport in front of me. I paid another $12 for another PIN to make the call, all went well. Now we wait 2-1/2 weeks for the interview.

George

Fantastic! Best of luck to you on the interview! :thumbs:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-06-16 04:53:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......

Anyone with a fiancee from Ukraine heard about these cards you can purchase for about $12USD? It's a prepaid card of some sort that gives you exclusive contact to the consulate in Kiev to set your appointment for an interview. My fiancee told me about this today. She purchased a card and she's calling tomorrow to set her interview. I don't know much more about this prepaid-type card. I'll let you know if I find more about it. If you know more about it, I'd definitely like to hear more! ;)


Have you searched the Embassy website? While the info is a little difficult to find, it is there.

http://kiev.usembass...tition_eng.html

The $12 PIN allows you to contact the call center (loocated in Poland) to schedule an interview. The USC can do it from the states as well via an 800 number and credit card. The PIN's are purchased at a branches of ProCredit bank. This is the new procedure since the end of March.

My fiancee used it today. She said it was so much easier than before. She highly recommends it. It's worth spending the $12. Unfortunately, our case hasn't been received at the consulate yet. They told her to call back next week. Thanks for giving me, and everyone else, more info about this. ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-06-14 19:04:00
Europe & Eurasia (except the UK and Russia)The Kyiv Beat......
Anyone with a fiancee from Ukraine heard about these cards you can purchase for about $12USD? It's a prepaid card of some sort that gives you exclusive contact to the consulate in Kiev to set your appointment for an interview. My fiancee told me about this today. She purchased a card and she's calling tomorrow to set her interview. I don't know much more about this prepaid-type card. I'll let you know if I find more about it. If you know more about it, I'd definitely like to hear more! ;)
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-06-13 19:29:00
Asia: East and Pacificbudget for manila

helo vj people..interview is coming and i wonder if 700 dollars for a whole week budget would be enough for me , myself and i..pls help me.. first time and im giddy.. hey where can i find a guide for st. lukes blah blah ????

:huh:
JoeMamaMaleUkraine2007-04-04 06:05:00