ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus3 Year Russian Visa Accepted
So I just received news yesterday that my application for a 3 year Russian tourist visa was approved, and should be in hand by tomorrow. I thought I would share my experience with the company visaHQ as I have seen a few posts about visa types and to do it on your own or use a company. First off I used VisaHQ based on research done on this site and through, what my fiancee refers to, my "google face", and because I live in a small town where we have Amish and the closest Russian Embassy is 8hours away. That said VisaHQ definitely provided an easy service, fill out documents, make a cover letter, print it all and sign, then ship along with the passport. They do offer invitations, which I opted for since I'll be staying at my fiancee's apartment. This was also a bonus because it meant not needing her to get an invitation for me. Though I had limited interactions with the rep who handled my account, she did call me and let me know they received my documents. She also consulted me on my visa request and told me that if I change it to April 2013 thru April 2016 that I would have a much better chance because I guess asking for May in January is a little far out. It was not a big deal and so I changed it. She submitted everything, and 2 weeks later with no fuss and no problems I have my visa approved. The service rep was always polite and great to talk to, even bullshitted with her a little. I would recommend them if you don't mind spending a little extra money, have limited time, and want ease of the process. Do remember to read everything throughly, and double check everything, before you submit your application. I'm unable to comment on the full benefits and comparison of doing it yourself as I have never done it. Though with some elbow grease, click of the mouse and your own google face you can find your answers, I just hope that my experience helps you along the way.
St&SvMaleRussia2013-02-13 12:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHomestay visa for spouse of Russian citizen residing in the U.S.
I see several of the people on here have used the VisaHQ service, and well I'm using them right now too. My application for a 3 year tourist visa was just submitted last week, and so far the service they offer is great. Before submitting it they contacted me and gave a few options. It seems the dates I was asking for would have been denied if I wanted it submitted now, so they recommend I dialed the valid dates (not the trip date) back a month. They also offer an invitation (for a $20 fee), but will want to know the address you will be staying at. I can recommend them up to this point, but will give better judgement once all is said and done. Personally I wanted to try for the 3 year because my Fiancee and I are in the process of our K1. I thought that if I just did a single entry tourist visa what happens if while she is living here she wants to visit home? Well we would have to wait for me to get a visa again, unless by being married it would allow me to otherwise but I do not know, and making the process longer. By having this 3 year tourist visa at least it would make it easier for us. After all I want to make sure things are as easy as possible for her and I in our new life together. Also with VisaHQ I think it was like an extra $50 to go from single entry to 3 year tourist. best of luck in your choice and journey.
St&SvMaleRussia2013-01-31 10:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow, bank statements or bank letter?

I would do both, and that is what I did when I sponsored her (my fiancee) tourist visa. For the letter I asked that they included when the account was opened, so they could see how long I've had the account for.


Edited by St&Sv, 19 May 2013 - 07:29 PM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-19 19:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmedical exam

Stay strong and stay focused on the future. At least the two of you are at this point, and almost there. What is 2 more months when you plan to spend a lifetime together. You'll look back at this, as a distance memory, and laugh it off as the two of you have been together and now have so many memories to share despite the wait.


Edited by St&Sv, 22 May 2013 - 11:14 AM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-22 11:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusA Visual Tour of my trip

Glad you all enjoyed the pictures, they a blast to take and even better to see in person. If you ever get the chance I say do it, but also keep in mind it rains a lot in St Petes too :P


St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-25 08:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusA Visual Tour of my trip

Hey everyone how about seeing some pictures of my trip to Saint Petes? Yea I'm sure plenty of you have already seen it, but here's what I saw through my eyes:

 

https://picasaweb.go...feat=directlink

 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-19 20:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam how far advance

How far in advance did some of you do your medical exam? I know the government website says the results are valid up to a year in normal conditions, but says to wait for the interview to be scheduled before setting up exam. I have read about people having to wait extra time due to sputum culture, and wished they had done it early. So my next question would be how early can you do it, is there a specific case number we are waiting for (that the NVC issues)?

 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-20 07:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHelp update this page:

Sure I'll give you a hand with it, because I was thinking the same thing too.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-31 22:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2 Issued

Congratulations, and it's good to see someone out of VSC has been approved recently. I really thought that VSC was the best choose at the time I filled, and well I'm sure they were then, but as with mother nature the Service Centers are unpredictable. Now back to the phone for me to try to figure out where they transfered my petition too!

 

I hope for a speedy second half of your process and that the two of you are reunited soon. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-31 12:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCake Delivery Services

Great Idea Victor, I will look into bakeries in Saint Petes then, and yes cakes there are damn good..too good, ####### now I want one.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-05 12:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCake Delivery Services

Well my girls birthday is coming up, and though I'd like to make her a cake, i was wondering if anyone know of any good online cake services? http://www.worldflor...ssociation.com/ has some but I really don't know anything about this company, and well a cake has got to taste good. Any suggestions?


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-05 10:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOne way or Connection Flights from Rus to US

?????? ??????! Hot off the heels of an amazing trip to St Petersburg, I have returned jet lagged and ready to get the rest of this K1 process over with. I hope all of you that were travelling during the May holidays had a safe and wonderful trip as I did (though over 8 hrs in the air sure takes its toll). The vacation is over and now it's time to roll up the sleeves and get back to work on this governmental trench known as the K1.

Since my fiancee and I are getting closer and closer to the day of our NOA2 I've been working on getting everything in order for what comes after. What thought I had was about her flight and should I look for direct or transfer. A direct flight would be preferred I know, and If we go this route I plan on picking her up in NYC and driving the 7 hours back home. Buffalo or Pittsburgh would be nice since they are closer, but would involve a few changeovers. When I've looked into flights for these airports I see that the planes have a tendency to make stops in places like Germany, France, Denmark, and Poland. I know that to get into these countries require more then just the K1 Visa, as that is only good for the USA in my understanding, but if she would have her Schengen Visa would that allow her to transfer between these countries? 

 

It's something I thought about, and maybe one of you have had experience with it. Best to arm myself with all the answers I can, because I know my fiancee will be asking me them later...so I'll hit her with the facts instead of the, "Well I'll have to find out hun" smile.png

????

 

 

Side Note:
For anyone that has learned Russian, how did you do it and what worked best for you? I really want to learn the language but finding it hard to do it on my own, extra funds, and my fiancee has little patiences to teach, as she is more of a learner herself. 


Edited by St&Sv, 15 May 2013 - 10:05 AM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-05-15 09:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDoes FedEx only deliver to certain postal codes in St Petersburg?

Someone else would need to confirm this, but I don't think they do residential deliveries. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-06 11:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice & Birth Certificate Translation

When in doubt email them directly, this is the response I received from them today. Though I did not ask about the birth certificate. 

Attached Files


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-10 08:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice & Birth Certificate Translation

ok, what confuses me is the very first sentence on this page says translations are not needed: http://moscow.usemba...iv-fiancee.html

 

 

however, it does go on to say that Russian Police certificates need to be translated:

 

 

 

Welcome to Russia I would say :) If ONA said they need to be translated I woud listen to her. She's already been through the process after all.

 

Thank You ONA for clarifying this for us.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-09 10:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice & Birth Certificate Translation

Well I guess my edit time is timed out, but wanted to add this:

 

I would say that if you get everything translated now though, if that is easier, then you'll already be one step ahead on the AoS game. I would also throw in the immunization records too, because that will need to be translated for later use too. At least this is what I've read, i'm still in the NoA1 waiting for NoA2 status, everything I know is purely researched to the ends of the earth, and read many times on the forums. I've tried to look as far into the process(es) as I can to see if my Fiancee and I can kill two birds with one stone later down the road.

 

For translations, this might be a good guideline:

http://www.immihelp.com/immigration/document-english-translation.html


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-01 08:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice & Birth Certificate Translation

Look at the second outlined box, second bullet point:

http://travel.state....L-0001-1210.pdf

 

Though this one is for Moscow, However

 

http://travel.state....types_2994.html

 

Look under "Required Documents" and Notes in red. (second notes at bottom)

You can also email the embassy directly and ask. Also you may want to schedule her medical asap because i've heard cases where they went to medical and needed a TB test done. The results for this test I hear take 2 months.


Edited by St&Sv, 01 June 2013 - 08:38 AM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-01 08:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice & Birth Certificate Translation

It's Russian and going to the Russian embassy, though having it in English will not hurt, you can have the documents in her native language. Give me a few and I will go through my links confirming what I said.

 

Also you may want to double check Paul if she is actually going to get a Packet or not. If I remember correctly your fiancee is on the other side of the country, yes? I know that Moscow embassy does not send a packet, but I believe you can request it to be mailed. 


Edited by St&Sv, 01 June 2013 - 08:31 AM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-01 08:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTransporting Instruments out of Russia

Thank you guys, I'll let her know.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-15 22:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTransporting Instruments out of Russia

Hey guys so my Fiancee and I were talking, and at first she was going to leave her guitar and violin behind but she wants to bring them now. The thing is she has told me that in Russia instruments are seen kind of like a national treasure, and so they need a special request to be taken out of the country. Does anyone know about this, or have experience with shipping an instrument out of the country?


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-15 12:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRolling onto the next stage

Well dealing with the transfer from Vermont was a little rocky, and created a blind spot for awhile there. Glad I contacted my Senator and did what I could to get the ball rolling and as of last night (6/26) after a long 12hr day at work and ready for bed we received some good news. Our petition was approved! We are now heading toward embassy time, and though I feel for those who are still waiting for their approvals, I'm extremely happy to be moving onto the next stage. I look forward to having my partner in arms reach, tearing down the walls of Skype, and starting the next chapter in our life together.

Thought I'd share since many of you are the reason why there was no RFE and was approved with no problems. Thank you everyone for the great advice and guidance, and now to finish collecting the rest of the documents and ship them off to her smile.png Hope you all are having an as great of day as we are.

Attached Files


Edited by St&Sv, 27 June 2013 - 01:10 PM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-27 13:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbest way to mail documents to russia

I would probably say that normal mail service, and depending on where they live in Russia, can take much longer then using the other services. I would recommend if you do go to send any important documents that you use at least the priority service. Depending on which forms you fill out the custom code will actually let you track the package, even on the Russian Post website. I'm not sure if the postmasters actually realize this, because I've been told it is not a tracking number, and yet when I plug it into their website it pops up. I also make sure that I have a label written in Russian, accompanied by the English translation. My girl tells me though that the Russian Post is a terrible system and full of corruption, so well you just don't know :) *knocks of wood*

 

She once told me the story about a girl who bought clothes online, and because it was taking so long decided to go down to the post office to inquiry about her package. While she was talking to the lady, who said it never came, she noticed that she was wearing one of the shirts she had ordered from overseas.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-05 08:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbest way to mail documents to russia

I sent a letter to Russia on April 14 2013...It has not arrived yet...this is USPS....ClockWatch2.gif

 

What service of theirs did you use? I have all but once used priority for the treasure chests I send her. Though I've never sent strictly documents. I'd mix it among gifts for her as well.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-05 08:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbest way to mail documents to russia

I've used USPS exclusively with great success. Awhile back there was someone on these forums that was complaining about an issue with DHL and not being able to use them. Not sure if that is still the case though.  


Edited by St&Sv, 04 June 2013 - 07:41 AM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-04 07:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnyone with Name Change experience?

My wife's official name was Svetlana but she was always called Veta.  She hated Svetlana and wanted to change it.  We talked about changing it several times and I was able to put her off until her citizenship approval.  That is when we changed it officially and it was done as part of that paperwork with no additional effort or expense.  Of course it can be done at any time but requires additional paperwork and a trip to court.  At least I am assuming that can be done for a non citizen.

 

 

I would say my Fiancee isn't too keen about her name either, but when you said until Citizenship approval do you mean the AoS or Naturalization? I'm wondering if it is possible to change or add the middle name during the time she changes her last name to mine. Though what would this do to her official name is Russia, would that need to be changed or could she still be known as she is now there?

 

As for Lana, she told me about this shortened version but doesn't like it. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-07 08:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnyone with Name Change experience?

Hey everyone so my Fiance and I are getting closer and closer each day and one of the things we've talked about is her name. Being that it is Sveta, and there is no english equivalent she wants to change it altogether. It more or less has to do with that it's a difficult name to properly pronounce and she would be irritated hear it said wrong all the time. That said, I've told her she could take on a middle name and use that as her official name. My question is does anyone have any experience with the name change and when in the process can you do it? 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-04 17:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusServing in our military

 

 

im in the enlistment process for Coast Guard myself right now and here's what i know. we don't have to renounce russian citizenship in order to become a linguist, we just have to be american citizens (same goes for any job that requires secret clearance).. also, we can't be officers, for the same reason. If she has a conditional card, she can't go into the Air Force.

 

Thank you for the insight, both of you. Though I've definitely emailed the recruiters already with these questions, though I wonder what Russian Law says. I'm curious if there is any clause in their system that says you cannot serve in another Countries military and maintain your citizenship. She will have her conditional first, so it looks like no matter what she would have to wait for the Permanent Green Card?


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-21 15:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusServing in our military

So my girl and I were talking about job options today and things she wants to do. She brought up, and in the past she has too, joining our military. I've told her if she wanted to look into it that I would support her in it. I've been realistic about the whole thing with her, about training and what goes on, and how the military works. My father was a 25yr vet in the navy, and I went though the enlisting process myself. The thing that would kill it for her is if she had to give up her Russian Citizenship in order to do it, and I believe that is the case. After all I can't see a foreign country liking its citizen to enlist in another's country military. Especially when she wants to go into linguists. I'm looking for something that says that is so or not, and was wondering if anyone knew what Russian, or even American law said about this. Links would be appreciated as then I can show her.

 

Thanks everyone, and hope you all are having a great Sunday. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-21 14:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhere is everyone from in Russia?

Her Hometown is Kirovsk, has lived in Moscow and Saint Petersburg. S-P being where she is now.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-18 23:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWine Drinkers Need Replacement for Inkerman

Go to a wine store and ask for a cheap-but-good muscat; that's what that wine is.

 

 

My wife and I like Liberty Creek Merlot for an "everyday" wine.  We save the better stuff for other ocassions.

 

???????!


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-26 10:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWine Drinkers Need Replacement for Inkerman

Where as I prefer a nice cold, and refreshing, locally brewed beer, my Fiancee prefers her bottle of wine. Now I have yet to find a wine that I can sit and drink, but I know it's out there, which leaves me a little stunted when it comes to picking one. When I was in S-P with her I went to the store a few times and got her this bottle of Inkerman, and myself a nice brown paper bag beer. It's one of her favorites and it's not very expensive either, the problem is I cannot find it here. I've seen an Inkerman here and there but it's a red wine. So guys or gals I've come to you, any of you wine drinkers out there know of a good substitute for this one? Much appreciated if I can have something at home waiting for her after her flight smile.png

Attached Files


Edited by St&Sv, 24 July 2013 - 11:07 PM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-24 23:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAction Plan after NOA2 for Ukrainian Fiancees

Such a relief to see Gary-Bone back in the RUBforum!

 

Only feels natural, if not I think the Rubforum would have imploded.  

 

and since I wish to stay somewhat on topic, best of luck TatieM! 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-30 10:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtained Case # from DoS

It should be OK.

The visa payment is valid for a year.

 

Thank you vbtwo, I thought it was too. Next time I'm in the city I'm going to have to stop by and thank you in person for the great advice you've given me.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-30 23:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusObtained Case # from DoS

So today I called up the DoS, and got our case number from them. There is no news from the NVC yet, but the guy at the DoS told me it should be processed shortly. I was wondering though if it is ok now for my Fiancee to go ahead and pay the Visa free (http://www.ustraveld...paymentinfo.asp) or should we wait until we hear from the NVC themselves?

 

 


Edited by St&Sv, 26 July 2013 - 11:51 PM.

St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-26 23:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStill waiting for Russian police report

My Fiancee is in Saint Pete and it took a month to get her notice for it. Now since she is in a bigger city it took her 2 days to physically pick it up. The first time she got there a little later in the day, from when they opened, and while she waited they closed before she got hers. So she went back another day, much earlier, and had no problems.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-06-02 07:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOk, got my case # on July 19th, but

I would contact the Dept of State and talk to them. This is what I had to do, and just as in your case I saw the ready and thought everything was good. There were no notice from the NVC yet and I had to call the DoS to get our number and find out that it was at the NVC, even after they told me it was not. After I saw the ready status I told my Fiancée to go ahead and pay her fee because everything was good. I then emailed the embassy to ask for instructions and surprise, surprise, they did not have it. So I called up the DoS again and was told the website was inaccurate but that the NVC was preparing to ship it to the embassy. Just this past Saturday I received a letter from the NVC with our case number and that it will be forwarded to the embassy within the week. The good part is the fee payment is good for up to a year, but I would definitely call up the DoS at 202-663-1225. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-08-05 23:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow Embassy Fee Calculated into Rubles?

They have a fixed rate it appears: http://www.ustraveld...visafeeinfo.asp

 

Fixed rate, well that's a bummer but thank you now I can let her know.


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-29 22:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow Embassy Fee Calculated into Rubles?

My Fiancée has asked me how they will come up with the exchange rate for the $240 fee, and I told her I'm sure it's based on the daily exchange rate. Am I correct in these thoughts?


St&SvMaleRussia2013-07-29 11:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhy would a Russian be denied K1 visa at interview?

 

Yuck! And she was cute (when she said 'Oh, heavens' i laughed). I mean, seriously, getting married just for a green card is so sad. And another thing puzzles me: how can you get married when you can't even communicate to each other??

 

I watched this not to long ago too, and was surprised she decided to come here. You at least need to be able to talk to one another to really understand what the other person thinks and feels. I lucked out and my fiancée speaks great english, part of her love for languages, but this hasn't stopping me from learning hers. I never intended to go out and find myself a RUB girl, it just kind of happened, and I couldn't be happier it did. Though It's important to me to learn Russian even if that damn ? gives me so much trouble! I'll get it one of these days!!!


St&SvMaleRussia2013-08-05 23:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhy would a Russian be denied K1 visa at interview?

That's nothing, just wait until she/they get here and start reading the 'unhappy RUBette Cinderellas in Amerika' forums!

 

Too late in my case, she's already read some of these. Being that she has never been to the states either, her only sources are me and the internet, and the internet has way more sources than I do. I tell her everything you read will be different than you experience it, but everything I tell you is a cold stone hard fact. The good thing is she has at least traveled, and believes me more but sometimes those damn internet stories kick up some irritating dust. 


St&SvMaleRussia2013-08-05 23:28:00