ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to russia
Oh...I'll be using them again when I apply for my August trip. I'm just waiting now for my invitation from Luba. If anyone is considering using them send me a PM and I'll send you the referral code for the $15 off which you can use. Never expires. I'll have another coupon sometime in July for someone then.

You can also save some money by sending a return mailer with your address by UPS Ground or FedEx Ground when you send the application in. Your passport will be returned in this. They send you an email when it is received and when they intend to ship back to you. I sent my application and passport by UPS ground because it only takes 2 days from where I live. Your mileage distance from them will increase or decrease the time. Just call UPS or FedEx or search their sites for guaranteed ground shipment times from your location to where you're sending something. Or you can pay their higher fees to have it shipped to you.
bobbMaleRussia2009-05-14 23:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to russia
QUOTE (eekee @ May 14 2009, 05:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
189$ including visa fees, or would you also have to pay the consulate fees?


$189 covers everything but postage both ways. My last trip was $179 with my $10 off coupon. They are located in SF and are operated by former Russians. I've talked with them on the phone to answer any questions I had about how to fill out the application. I would recommend them highly.

bobbMaleRussia2009-05-14 23:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarustravel to russia
I've used Travel Visa Pro twice and had good results. You mention St Petersburg.

A suggestion: Look for an apartment - cheaper and more flexible than hotel if you plan on staying in Petersburg the entire time. The company I rented from was Oksanas - Oksanas.net. Just do a web search and you'll find it. They will register your visa for $35 if I remember correctly. The site also has great links on history of Petersburg and what to see and do around the city. They will meet you at airport or train station and take you directly to apartment - for a cheaper rate than you could find on your own.

When I sent my visa app to Travel Visa Pro I just indicated where I was going as they, for purposes of obtaining the visa, took care of the invitation part. Once in St Petersburg I had Oksanas register my passport. Simple and fast.

Travel Visa Pro cost $189 and they send you a $10 off coupon if you use them again and a $15 off coupon for someone you refer to them, when they send you your passport back with the visa.

Edited by bobb, 14 May 2009 - 02:26 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-05-14 14:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMed. exam done!
Thank you so much. Luba's exam is June 22 at IOM. I'm going to copy and paste your description into an email to her.
bobbMaleRussia2009-05-27 23:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAverage time NOA2 to interview date?
See my timeline below for our time. About 2.5 months.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-08 22:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUSPS - Aargh!!
Luba sent me the private invitation for my visa last week by Global Express Mail. It took 6 days to arrive. It was about 3 weeks from the time Luba went to OVIR to fill out the paperwork for my private invitation until she received it.

After she finally saw everything I sent her she is now calm about her upcoming interview. She now knows she has everything she needs for the interview.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-16 11:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUSPS - Aargh!!
UPS arrived today - on-time. Nothing yet from the USPS shipment. Sorry Slim, but your scenario is not possible unless UPS gives their packages to the local post office, which I doubt. I did a check at FedEx - same shipment would cost $2 more and they say it would arrive in 3 days with Fedex Int'l Economy, but they also note the destination is outside their primary pickup/delivery area. So it could take a week also. The FedEx site wouldn't let me use the 'letter' packaging, where UPS did. Don't know if that added to FedEx estimate or not.

I can see where using UPS to only Moscow is efficient. My UPS package was in Moscow two days after I sent it.

Now we have a Skype session for tomorrow evening after she has reviewed all I've sent. I'm sure there will be questions. It's hard to answer the questions before she has the information in front of her. Her good friend and English teacher will also be in the Skype conversation.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-15 16:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUSPS - Aargh!!
I had sent three previous flat rate Priority Mail packages to Luba and each time they took from 2 weeks to 3 tops to arrive. In mid-May I sent her all the applications (completed and only needing her signature, except DS-156k), affidavit of support, documentation of a relationship, etc.

Her interview is June 23rd and she had not received the package shipped USPS by June 8 - a little over 3 weeks after I sent package. I could not take the chance the package would not arrive in time. I obtained a new notary on a duplicate I-134F and re-sent everything from my copy I had originally made. I also had to make a new copy for me. No DHL available from where I live so had to send UPS - $121. It is supposed to arrive June 15th. She has still not received the USPS package and it is now 4+ weeks.

The only difference in the most recent USPS shipment was to not use the Flat Rate envelope (around $13). I used the slightly larger glossy paper envelope ($27), with the more detailed customs form. The package was only 1 lbs 2 oz. Maybe I should have sent it Express instead of Priority by USPS.

Not a big deal - $121 extra + notary is an insignificant amount in the entire process from first meeting to this point.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-14 20:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWestern Union receipt - big mistake?
I sent a WU receipt with my I-129F and had no problems. I sent another with my documentation of ongoing relationship which is part of the required info she will give them next week at her interview.

Slim made the best statement - Stay away from the K-1 forum. Sometimes, when bored, I go look at the inane answers to questions on that forum. It is not worth the effort to try and correct the numerous incorrect replies - it would be a full-time job.

Edited by bobb, 18 June 2009 - 11:17 AM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-06-18 11:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnother interview passed at USEM
Just finished talking with Luba and her friend and English teacher, Luba, 1/2 half hour after she completed her interview. I was told by her friend that Luba told her everyone was nice and polite at the embassy. At the end they wished her luck and a good life in America. They even complimented her on the organization of all the required paperwork. I have asked Luba to write down many questions they asked on her train trip back to Izhevsk, which I will post when I receive her email.

The medical at IOM went good on Monday. It went quickly and again I was told the people were nice and polite. Their train leaves for Izhevsk in about 5 hours and it takes a little over 16 hours to Izhevsk. They arrived Friday and it was rainy and cloudy until Monday.

Next - I leave 13 August and WE return 23 August and marry within two weeks.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-23 02:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusA few questions about obtaining police records and other stuff
Be prepared for her to tell you she needs some documents with an apostle. At the ministry of justice they told her this was required for America. I just told her they wanted to take more of 'our' money. It's not worth arguing about. I asked her to ask them at the embassy if that was true or not. A subtle attempt to prove I am right. I'm just wondering if she will even remember my request when she has her interview tomorrow, or I should say today as it is only 7+ hours away.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-22 14:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSimple qustion on G-325A and field length
QUOTE (mox @ Jun 26 2009, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Budget cuts due to the recession. The Spelling Police have been eliminated, and their case load has been transferred to the Grammar Police. It's a sad, sad time to be in Linguistics Enforcement.

You can notice this in software today! Just look at Word - when you do a Spell Check it is combined with a Grammer check!

bobbMaleRussia2009-06-27 19:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSimple qustion on G-325A and field length
I typed the info in word in a small font. Used scotch tape, copied them before signing. Maybe overkill but my small printing is not very good, or hers.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-25 21:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview passed (Moscow)
I was waiting for a post like this so I could add Luba's info from her interview on June 25. No sense in starting another thread.

1. How did you get acquainted with your fiance?
2. When did you met him?
3. How many times have you met with him?
4. What is the name of your fiance?
5. How many times has he been to Russia?
6. What is your fiance's occupation?
7. Where does he work?
8. Why did you decide to get married?
9. When do you go to the U.S.A.? (August 23rd)
10. When will your wedding be? (September 5th)

She added he did not even look at the documentation of a relationship, which was a half inch thick. Luba's interview was in Russian and she said everyone was very nice. From the moment she went in the building at 8:00 until she exited was 2 and 1/2 hours.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-29 19:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHotels in Moscow
Luba and her friend just stayed at a 'reasonable' and nice (their description) hotel in Moscow for 4 nights for a little over $400 (3 nights @85; 1 @95 plus 18% VAT). That was for business twin during the high season. A regular twin room through August is running 67 or 61 per night plus VAT tax. In September, when you will most likely have the interview they are running 74 or 82 per night. Fri-Sun lower rate. I paid for it ahead of time with my credit card and they didn't charge the card until three days before arrival. Before that you can cancel with no charge, or even make changes if needed. Initially I began an email correspondence where all my questions were answered.

http://www.moscow-ho...mma-delta-hotel

It's in the NW part of Moscow four stops from Kazinski rail station. Maybe 7 or 8 stops to the embassy area. Luba used IOM, closest to embassy and was pleased with the staff. It is also one day service.

If you want PM me and I can email you some great maps and photos showing the metro system and how to get from the hotel to the embassy area.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-27 14:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Russia
I remember a flight from Kiev to Donetsk, in January 2005. There was an actual center area in the plane that had a table! And I was sitting at it. No joke - it was like we were in our own cabin area with another couple.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-02 23:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Russia
You most likely will find round trip tickets originating in Russia will cost more than a round trip ticket originating the U.S. for the same flight dates. I paid $200 more for my Fiancee's ticket from Moscow to SFO for this August as I paid for my flight from the U.S. when I go visit and then bring her here.

For me an extra $100 or $200 is worth it if there are fewer stops and good times between connections. If you want to save some money sometimes be careful not to have 'short' layovers. You just never know when a delay will occur. All in all an extra $100 or $200 is peanuts in the overall total cost of this endeavor.

American has a direct flight from Chicago and United just began a direct flight from Dulles recently. If you have air miles with either of these companies you might check their flights out.
bobbMaleRussia2009-06-29 23:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtaining Private Visa
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 8 2009, 05:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Vika and I keep kicking around a possible trip to SP next year, and I will of course be the only one with a problem getting in unsure.gif


GO!!! St Petersburg is a magical city and you should visit there sometime in your life. The sooner the better. It is very easy to walk and take public transit anywhere you need to go. You can find reasonable, nice, comfortable apartments at a good price. Oksana's is one source to check for apartments. They provided us with excellent service, will pick you up at airport at a price you won't find from driver's at airport, and provide your registration for a reasonable fee. Ten days there eating half our meals, at least, at the apartment and we didn't spend $400 for the both of us on food.

You won't have any problem getting in.

Brad, PM me and I'll send you a link to a webiste with many, many photos of St Petersburg from last October.

bobbMaleRussia2009-07-08 23:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtaining Private Visa
QUOTE (Neonred @ Jul 5 2009, 06:28 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Please note the red area I highlighted above, as OVIR does not issue the visa, just an invitation that you send to the embassy here to get the visa.

Ah yes, I meant to write invitation and wrote visa in error.

It may well work for you where you visit as you say. But, in Izhevsk as I pointed out, they were very strict and would not let it happen again without a fine. Everyone's situation is different. I was just trying to provide my experience in obtaining a Private (Homestay) visa.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-05 10:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtaining Private Visa
QUOTE (peejay @ Jul 4 2009, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It takes several weeks for him to even get the invitation and time for the original to be mailed here to the USA. Not very convenient if you want to travel on short notice.

Of course. But if you are not rushed it is very easy and convenient for the private visa. If we are ever in a situation where we need to travel very soon I will do the tourist visa and contact a travel agent in Izhevsk to register it once I have arrived.

If you take the application to the consulate the fee is $131 for 4-20 business days proceesing; $250 3 business days processing. If you are a citizen of any country in the EU other than Denmark, Ireland, or Great Britain it is $50 for 6-10 business days service and $100 for 1-3 business days. The day of drop-off is not a day.

Wonder what Denmark, Ireland, and GB did to piss Russia off.

Edited by bobb, 04 July 2009 - 09:30 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-07-04 21:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtaining Private Visa
QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Jul 4 2009, 04:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Interesting reading.gif I assume this is a kind of "friends and family" visa.

If you are going for a visit and plan to stay at a person's residence you are 'supposed' to obtain a Private visa. It can be done the way peejay says. But, Luba did not have the knowledge on how to do this nor did I think to mention this to her. Whenever I return with her to visit I will have to have one of her brothers, or her son obtain go to OVIR. She will not let it be done any other way because she knows we are supposed to do it this way.

I understand for many it is a hassle and inconvenience. Every situation is different and it will be no hassle or inconvenience for us in the future.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-04 10:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtaining Private Visa
If anyone is ever interested in how to obtain a Private Visa this is how I obtained mine. I would assume it is the same for anywhere in Russia. I obtained a Private Visa because I stay with Luba. In January 2009 on my visit I had a tourist visa. Not really knowing the full details, and not realizing I should have registered it differently headbonk.gif , we went to OVIR and were chastised for me having the wrong type of visa. They told my fiancée if it happened again they would fine her.

I scanned my bio page from my passport and sent her this in a pdf file. I could have sent a jpg file just as easily. She went to OVIR and they asked her several questions:

1. Country of birth.
2. The exact place of birth (City, State).
3. Where would I obtain the visa: Country, City, where there is a consulate of Russia.
4. Place of work: the full name of the organization (firm).
5. Position at work – job title.
6. Employer's address (full address of the organization, company)
7. Type of work of company.
8. Cities to visit in Russia.

She had to have her English teacher translate these answers into Russian so she could fill out the form.

It took three weeks for her to obtain the visa. She sent it about a week later by Global Express and I received it in about 6 days. Sent to SF and used normal processing. Had my passport back with visa 13 days later. Figure 2 months, less or more depending how sent from Russia and the processing speed. Company I use in SF cost me $160 - I receive $10 off each time after the first time. They also send me coupons I can give to others to receive $15 off. I paid UPS ground (next day for me because of my proximity to SF) both ways which cost less than $10 total.

The cost for her to obtain the Visa is minimal. Even with her sending it like she did I feel it costs less than paying someone additional for the tourist invitation AND paying someone to register it for you.

bobbMaleRussia2009-07-04 01:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow long was your flight?
Trip past January:
SFO - Chicago - DME - Train to Izhevsk -> 37 hrs with 7 hours of non-traveling time.

Trip this August:
SFO - Chicago - DME - Izhevsk -> 25 hours with 8 1/2 hrs of non-traveling time.

Returning August with Luba:
Train to Moscow - Taxi to DME - Chicago - SFO -> 40 1/2 hrs with maybe 7 hours non-traveling time, which includes taxi to DME from Kazansky Rail Station.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-08 23:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWrong birthdate for Fiancees Daughter on I-129f
QUOTE (GregwedsAngel @ Jul 23 2009, 06:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Personally I would suggest you would send the same form on which your correction had been clearly made to them. Just make sure you have a cover letter stating why you are sending this particular piece of article. Do not forget to put in your case number which I presume you already got since you received your NOA1 through post mail. Just my suggestion.

Anything you send in will be returned without them even looking at it. I know, I did this with a previous I-129F years ago and that was my experience. At this point I think an option to consider is to wait until you have received the NOA2. The wrong date will really have no effect on the approval of your NOA1 or NOA2.

After NOA2 send an email to the USEM explaining what has happened and ask them what to do. In my case, this year, I had entered the wrong marriage date for my fiancee on her G-325a. I had actually entered my previous marriage date, which was many, many years after her correct divorce date. They never even asked me about the obvious wrong information. I informed them of the correct date. Heck, they would see the correct day when they review the documents at her interview. I contacted the USEM by email. They replied they had not received the the paperwork from the U.S. yet but they would convey the information to the person who would be handling her case. It was never a problem.

Will her daughter be over or under 21 at the time she would come to the U.S.? If over it will have no bearing at this point, or on future processing. If under it can easily be corrected down the road. The USEM understands people make small mistakes. Trying to make a correction with USCIS will be a waste of time. Again...only from my experience. I don't think you should waste your time stressing about something that is not stress worthy.

I would recommend you listen to others who speak from experience and not speculation.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-23 22:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestions for Taxi Kazansky Rail to DME please
QUOTE (Neonred @ Aug 1 2009, 08:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Which airline will you be using? Just sent my stepdaughter back to Russia yesterday. She had two bags weighing 34 and 37 lbs. and we had to pay $50 for the second bag. Really glad she didn't need a third bag, but they did let her slide through with 3 carry on pieces (purse, laptop, and a full bag of gifts including a second laptop).

For a lot of the international flights now the no cost limit is one bag of no more than 50 lbs.

American Airlines: Click here!

Two checked bags no charge up to 50 lbs. each. Total dimensions limit per bag = 62 in.
One carry-on up to 40lbs. Total dimensions limit = 45 in. A laptop and a carry-on would be no charge.

bobbMaleRussia2009-08-01 11:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestions for Taxi Kazansky Rail to DME please
QUOTE (clueless_in_usa @ Jul 31 2009, 07:32 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Agree with slim ... what is the point of paying so much money (excess baggage in airplanes, taxis, etc.) and going through so much hassle to bring countless bags, with things she may never even look at again?

My fiancee is bringing only one medium-size bag ... anything else she needs, will be purchased here. She's starting a new life, so it will be time to renew everything that is not a precious heirloom.

And if you really have to bring a lot of stuff from another country for any reason, it is better to hire a cargo forwarding company and they will take care of it door-to-door. I am planning to do so with valuable, big, and heavy stuff I left in another country.

Maybe so for younger women. My fiancee is 58 years old. She has some nice clothes she will be bringing. She also has other items that are very important to her she wishes to bring. Their is no cost for baggage, on international flights, if you stay within size and weight limits, and number of checked bags. The size and weight limits are also greater than for domestic flights. So, it costs me a few dollars more for a bigger taxi to DME. That is the only additional cost, which is negligible in the whole scheme of things. At the moment it is still very expensive to send big and heavy items from Russia to the U.S., from what I have read elsewhere.

bobbMaleRussia2009-07-31 18:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestions for Taxi Kazansky Rail to DME please
I went with go-to.ru

Business class taxi - Mercedes. The website shows $89USD (an estimate). Actual cost is 2400.00 rubles, plus the 3% most credit card companies tack on for foreign transactions. With the credit card fee, which will show up later, it cost me just under $82.

For me it is worth not having to hassle with anything after we leave the train. Maybe, just maybe, I might have found something for $10 or $20 less after departing the train. I prefer having it taken care of now...and it also pleases Luba I have arranged for it ahead of time.

With the luggage we will have, taking the metro was just not an option this trip. In the future - Yes.

A side note. I had Luba buy my plane ticket from DME to Izhevsk on Izhevia Air. The ticket will be at one of three counters at DME where I will pick it up on August 14th. No need to have it sent to me by mail. Give them a six digit code and show them my passport and I will have my ticket.

Edited by bobb, 30 July 2009 - 09:39 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-07-30 21:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestions for Taxi Kazansky Rail to DME please
QUOTE (baron555 @ Jul 9 2009, 03:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You also do not want to be sitting around the train station at night; too many low-lifes at that time. You might get into a car and be taken into the forest and we would never hear from you!!!

Not to worry, during the day everything is OK.

Phil


When I said Sunday morning I was referring to 10:00am. Thanks Phil, I'll wait for your suggestions also after you talk with Alla.

This forum is the best. Great responses for me to check out. There is absolutely no reason for anyone to visit other areas if your fiance(e) is from the FSU.

I must say though I just don't see us using the metro - although it is very attractive. For me, $50 or even a little more is more convenient. I just don't see us dong the metro with the amount of luggage we will have. In January we only had 3 bags (1 big) and it was a big pain. Of course, we were let out by our taxi when the roads became jammed at a metro and had to transfer a couple times, etc. In the future, with less luggage we will use the metro.

I had checked out the go-to.ru site and it seemed like the $50 car was fairly small, but I'll call them. Now that I have MetroPCS cell service with unlimited Int'l calling for $5/month extra it's easy to call anywhere.
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-09 12:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestions for Taxi Kazansky Rail to DME please
In late August Luba and I will need to travel from Kazansky Rail station to DME on a Sunday morning. We will have 5 or 6 suitcases (3 BIG). Luba suggested to me we should arrange ahead of time for a taxi. She thinks it will not be as easy to grab one that day easily because we will have so much luggage. Has anyone else been in a similar situation and could provide some contact number, or suggestions.

Thanks
bobbMaleRussia2009-07-08 23:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChanges/Corrections after NVC
I have read elsewhere that if any corrections or changes need to be made after the I-129F application, after it has arrived at the US Embassy, the best way is to call or email to the Embassy. I did have a question on one specific item on the DS-156 which I sent an email to the Embassy and they answered me.

In Russia they recently changed the way "?" is translated. When we filed the I-129F her translated divorce showed 'Ljubov' for the English translation. On the I-129F Application and her G-325a her name was translated as Ljubov. In late November she renewed her International Passport and it is now Liubov.

Should I email the Embassy after it has arrived to explain this to them? I'm thinking her name will go on the list for the interview and if they see Ljubov instead of Liubov they would not let her in. I'm just curious on some thoughts from others before I email the Embassy soon. From what I've read I think they go by the info on the DS-156 for the information for her K-1 Visa and it would not matter.

I'm not sure how CSC missed the following and did not ask me for an RFE. On her G-325a we had her marriage date as the date of my marriage. It showed her marriage date as being 20+ years later than when she was divorced.

Should we alert this error to the U.S. Embassy, or will they not even pay attention to the date on the G-325a and just go by her divorce documents she will give them.

Thanks
bobbMaleRussia2009-04-13 20:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
Good point Slim! good.gif

Luba has made her decision for a quickie. Arrive Moscow with friend on Sunday; medical Monday (IOM); interview Tuesday; train to Izhevsk late afternoon Tuesday; back to work afternoon Wednesday. If no complications.

Edited by bobb, 07 May 2009 - 02:33 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-05-07 14:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
QUOTE (Neonred @ May 1 2009, 02:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I told her to ask for and get the additional vaccinations that she (and most Russians) are missing that would be required later in the US.

She took care of all that this week. We had previously discussed this.

QUOTE
I also reminded her to get a copy of the DS-3025 which is the vaccination record on the official Dept. of State form that is filled out at this examination.

That is on my list of reminders to give her. Slim, besides giving knowledgeable and valuable advice, did a good service to add that recommendation to appear in his signature area at the bottom of every one of his posts.

Edited by bobb, 01 May 2009 - 02:33 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-05-01 14:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
An update.

At another forum I asked the same question about IOM.

One person responded in Nov 2008 his fiance(e) had her interview there in the morning and received her results by 4:00pm.

Another person sent me two links for the IOM site, both in English and Russian.

English:
http://www.iomrussia...al_services.htm

Russian:
http://www.iomrussia.ru/R.../medic...ervices_rus.htm

Edited by bobb, 30 April 2009 - 11:33 PM.

bobbMaleRussia2009-04-30 23:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
I just found out my fiancee's interview date - a Tuesday. Why do they schedule interviews for people far from Moscow on a Tuesday? Why not a Wed, Thurs, or Fri?

My questions:

On the list of Panel of Physicians from the USEM website it shows for IOM:

Appointment hours: Mo-Thu 8:30 am – 5:30 pm; Fri: 8:30 am-4.15 pm
(Those who come between 8:30 am and 12 pm, can obtain the results on the same day)

Can this be relied on?
Is this clinic one of the two out of three I've read as being recommended? (Read somewhere one clinic can be demeaning).

It would save her having to arrive several days earlier. But, I sure wouldn't want to take a chance the results weren't ready the same day (Monday) as her interview is the next day.

The other alternative is to save one hotel night by requesting an afternoon time, when she calls, for the exam on a Friday, return Monday for results so she will have everything for the interview on Tuesday. Her train will arrive Kazinsky station around 10:00am, and then she would go by taxi to one of the clinics. Would there be enough time to get to the clinic by 1:00 or 2:00?

The final alternative is for her to arrive Thursday (5 hotel nights) and lots of sightseeing time.

I will not be there for the medical or interview, but I'm paying for a friend, who knows Moscow, to travel with her so she is comfortable.
bobbMaleRussia2009-04-30 17:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ
The two links provided earlier for finding out date of interview from the USEM do not work.

Here is what I just found when at the USEM website: http://moscow.usemba...v/ivinterv.html

On-Line Appointment Information

The Consular Section is pleased to announce the availability of online information regarding scheduled immigrant visa appointments.

Please note that in order to use this system, you must know the case number of your immigrant visa application. This number was provided to you when your petition was approved (i.e, MOS2002123456, SRC-12-345-67890). You can not use this system if your petition has not yet been approved. Please note that it takes USCIS and the National Visa Center several weeks to formally notify the Consular Section that a petition has been approved.

Appointment schedules are updated weekly at 8:00 a.m. Monday, Moscow time.

All immigrant visa appointments begin at 8:00 a.m. Applicants should arrive at the Embassy's Novinskiy Bulvar gate at 7:40 a.m. (You must already know your case number)

Click here for visas CR1/2, IR1/2/5, E1/2/3/4, F, K1/2/3/4 and V1/2/3

Important: Use your browser's search function to find your case number.
bobbMaleRussia2009-04-15 00:32:00
USCIS Service CentersStarting to feel frustrated
I hear you on the frustration part...specially when you see others that have their NOA 1's later but received their NOA 2 already. No touches yet on mine and it's been 4 months too now ^^;;
spikeyflipMalePhilippines2009-02-09 23:35:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)k-1 reaffirmed
Good luck Roy and Katy, glad to see you hanging in there!
Chamy and GatitaNot TellingEcuador2009-07-20 14:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBest Value Way to Call Russia?
People want different things from phone cards. 1 size does not fit all. I'm happy with Nobel.com and a phone card from waytorussia.com. Nobel.com does not have record of calls available, waytorussia does have a card that does this. They both have landline cards and cell phone cards, pinless dialing (if not using both a cell and landline card), automatic recharge option, etc. I look for a low or no monthly fee and call quality. I've had great call quality with both companie's cards calling to Izhevsk, Russia. I even use these cards to call long distance in the U.S. as I don't have a cell phone.
bobbMaleRussia2008-09-24 19:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusElection and Russia
Dufflebag:

I can't remember anywhere in my first post mentioning anything you 'thought' I wrote. I don't follow your reasoning asking me why I am willing to look outside the U.S. if I support 'femocrats'. Again, did I specifically say anything that would lead you to believe I do? I know it's a common practice for a person to believe they 'think' they know what a person stands for. Usually thought it takes more than one paragraph in one post.

As to why I am willing to look elsewhere? We all have our own personal reasons why we are willing to look outside the U.S. I don't really have the time to expound upon them at this time. I really do have more pressing business communicating with the woman from Russia and the multitude of other things associated with my upcoming visit...re-learning my meager amount of Russian and learning more...sending emails to her...talking on the phone twice a day with her...working...easting...sleeping...increasing my knowledge of Russia and the culture, etc., etc.

"Values of a perfect woman should have to be a good wife and mother?"

What a strange word 'perfect' can be in how you apply it. What is perfect? Maybe perfect to me, but by no means perfect. And even then no one is absolutely perfect. Each person has imperfections and any little thing that bothers you is outweighed by all the positive things. If I was looking for someone perfect I think I'd no longer be among the living. If you have noticed my age I am more than likely not interested in how good a mother she is, other than how she has been to her 30-year old son, as neither of us has any desire for children at this point in our lives. She is 7 years younger than me. I think my past trips to Belarus, Ukraine, and China can only show I am willing to look elsewhere. I have no preferences. At the site I met this Russian woman she emailed me first. There was no 'urge' on my part to meet a woman from Russia specifically. Actually, in the past if I was trying to decide between two woman who to contact I avoided Russian women. Because of the feeling I had of it just being a little more of a hassle to visit than, let's say Ukraine or China, and potential for much longer plane rides. This woman is not from St Petersburg (pitirBURK) and I would have gone to her city to the east of Moscow. Age and life experiences will also dictate each person's hopes, expectations, fears, and common sense, just name a few. I am not going to other countries. I have been to other countries in the past that began back in 2003. I have taken breaks in this journey. I too am limited to the amount of vacation available. I have a further restriction in that I can go for no longer than 12 days at a time, including all travel time!

Canada was a personal trip not involved with this process - can't comment on families in Canada. I am fortunate to have a wonderful family which is similar to what I saw in China. On my visits to Belarus and Ukraine the experience of meeting the family never occurred. But, I have read quite a bit and feel it is similar to my family and what I experienced in China in many, many countries on this orb we share.

I do wish you all the luck dufflebag. When you return you will probably be willing to learn some Russian. Even if it is only enough to be polite. On my first trip to Belarus I only learned a few words and the woman I went to see taught English to people emigrating. On succeeding trips I studied more. At least with Russian you can learn to pronounce AND read Russian fairly quickly. Reading Chinese is a whole different ball of wax! It isn't that hard to even learn to read Russian letters and words and pronounce them correctly. Just remember a desire and willingness to learn are great incentives. Oh, and practice, practice, practice.

Please don't ask me anymore questions. Not that I don't wish to answer them. I just have more important things to attend to for the next 20 days 20 hours and 32 minutes star_smile.gif
bobbMaleRussia2008-09-25 20:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusElection and Russia
What, my trip in 21 days and 7 1/2 hours? It's the best I've ever felt before going to Eastern Europe; no nagging concerns, no red flags ignored, etc. I went to Belarus and Ukraine several times 2003 - 2005. Then I made a very poor decision in China in 2007. Have you ever wondered "How could I have done something so stupid?" If it was only me that was affected it would have been less painful. I can only go by what I've learned in my life experiences and my past experiences in this endeavor, but I'm very hopeful.

Not sure about trip report, but you never know. If I can write 7,000 + words about a four day trip to the Canadian Rockies for golf and sightseeing along the Icefields Parkway, I suppose I could manage a few words to 'sum' up my trip.
bobbMaleRussia2008-09-25 00:05:00