ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
US Embassy and Consulate Discussioninterview in Sydney
I doubt the CO is qualified to read it... but the more details/info the better!
My doctor recommended that i bring mine.
claire dFemaleFrance2006-10-11 07:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAddress Questions
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 10 2007, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The G-325A is just an informational page about her.

The I-129F is where you indicate which embassy she'll be going through. When you submit them together, the G-325A becomes "attached" to your particular case, in this instance, the K-1 packet via I-129F, or more appropriately

"I-129F submission packet for Lilliana......."

When USCIS initially files all the paperwork, they're going to file it using the case number you're asssigned from the service center. After that, all of your info and hers as well goes into that big ol' file.



That is what I figured. One other question, how important is it for me to send in her birth certificate with the I-129F? I can get a copy of it, which she can translate, but as for anything "official" it would take some time. I really want to send things in as soon as possible. Thanks!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-10 13:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAddress Questions
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 10 2007, 02:00 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
G-325A you want to be consistent.

You provide the current information as well as old information and it's sorted out by the respective service center.

Follow the directions on the form. If her last address outside of the U.S. for more than a year was in Russia, then put down Russia as her address. If she's been in Germany for a while, put down Germany. It really doesn't matter where she is now or where she'll be in a couple months, it only matters that they can track her addresses if they need to.

When you fill out the I-129F, you list the embassy that she'll be going to. If you put Moscow there, they're going to process it through Moscow. She can live in Germany, Georgia, Ghana or Greece, and it wouldn't matter because she's going to be processed through Moscow.

I would suggest, for ease of smooth paperwork (and to lessen the likelihood that they'll mess it up) that you list her permanent address in Russia where she was before she went to school in Germany or wherever she's going to be returning to as her current address. Remember, she's just visiting Germany, she lives in Russia. They're going to send her interview packet somewhere, better to have them send it to a Russian address than a German one.

She can still put Germany down on the paper somewhere if she so desires, but she needs to make it clear that she will be using "this Russian address" as the address for all packets and USCIS documents to be sent.

As for your other questions about needing more space, a simple continuation page is all that's necessary. You can type or print in the block "See attachment" and on your other sheet you can mark it "Attachment to Question #8A Previous Addresses" or whatever it is. (Ensure you put at the top right or bottom corner or whatever it is all your info "MY K-1 packet, Steven Fettman sponsor, Lilliana Lyubova beneficiary, Sept. 24, 2007" etc. etc., etc., so they don't mistakenly put your continuation page with their grocery list. Check out the GUIDES section here on VJ. It covers pretty much anything you need to do and if it's not on there, make it look neat and nice and label it/sign it and you'll be just fine.

This is what we're here for. Keep coming back with the questions. If it weren't for VJ, I would've been lost in this process, so I'm here now to give back. Check out the guides section, but if you have further questions or want to know what we did..... ask away!

And one more thing..... sit back, take a deep breath, and relax. It's only a couple forms and it's just paperwork. When you get done and look at it, you'll say "I stressed out over this?" Allright... now back to work!


Slim, Thanks so much for the input. My plan is to do the continuation sheet as you have outlined for her employment history, and put a (temp) beside her address in Germany so they know it is a temporary address. On the I-129F form I plan on using her Russian address for everything. I think that will then provide accurate info without indicating I want to file through Germany. She will be in Germany under a year, so her Russian address will go in the last address outside the US for more than a year. I am pretty chill about all of this, I have a plan and now I need to execute it. I am taking my time, putting things together in pieces and then plan on sitting with some of my friends and going through all of it for mistakes. I feel the same way about this forum, if I had not stumbled about this place I would be in deep sh*t. You are right it is just paperwork, there is nothing magical or deadly about it smile.gif. Thanks again!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-10 13:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAddress Questions
Hey fellow paperwork people,

I am helping Liliana fill out the G-325A and I have a question about addresses. Currently her address is in Germany, but she returns to Moscow at the end of the year. I am filling the I-129F now. Will it cause a problem that her most current address is in Germany? Her last address outside the US for more than a year is her address in Russia. We want to file through Russia since she will be there at the end of the year. She will be in Germany for less than a year. Anyone forsee any problems with this? Thanks!

Edit: Also, if I cannot fit all the employment information in the space provided I just create a separate sheet with that info on it correct?

- Steven

Edited by Fettman, 10 September 2007 - 09:32 AM.

FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-10 09:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
All this reminds me of an episode of "The Simpsons" where Homer is buying a car and the guy is talking to him about financing and outlining all his payments. At the end he says, "Oh, then after your final monthly payment, there's the CBP or Crippling Blow Payment." and Homer replies "But that's not for a while right?" and the salesman says "Right!" and then Homer proceeds to sign the contract. Now that is the way to think about getting loans, not worrying about tomorrow as long as I get what I want now smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-13 08:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
QUOTE (russ @ Sep 13 2007, 12:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 12 2007, 10:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Think long and hard before you use your property as collateral for a loan. The marriage better last, because if something goes wrong, she just transferred the debt to you and is in the clear as well as her parents if the money you borrow pays off her high interest loans.


Trading an unsecured loan for a secured one is always a bad idea.


Well, the good thing is that I do not have a house or really anything I can use as collateral, so I cannot trade anything for anything. However, I think I can still get a good rate from my credit union, but we will see. All of this hinges on many things right now, so it is kind of a moot point anything smile.gif, just wanted to hear some thoughts on it.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-13 07:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 12 2007, 02:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Fettman @ Sep 12 2007, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hmmm, well I think some of her family signed off on the loan, so I do not think I want to leave them in the dust. She would kill me anyway smile.gif
You didn't mention that there were co-signers in the original post.


Well, I was not sure and I did not think it relevant to paying off a loan. If they are not, well then it might be a good idea as long as their were no legal rammifications smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-12 13:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 12 2007, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
From what I here, if you have loans from other countries and you move permenantly to the US with no intention to go back you can default on it and get away with it!
The countries use completely different credit reporting criteria and systems. And a default loan is not a crime.
I heard some folks from the UK board talk of this. Pretty cool to rack up 40k in credit card debt and then split. tongue.gif


Hmmm, well I think some of her family signed off on the loan, so I do not think I want to leave them in the dust. She would kill me anyway smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-12 13:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Sep 12 2007, 01:59 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hehe sounds like it:)


Yeah, I tend to ask questions and then answer them. I just do not think about it enough sometimes smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-12 13:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
QUOTE (Fettman @ Sep 12 2007, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My girlfriend has some loans that she took out to pay for her school. They are through Citibank Russia. Of course her monthly payments are quite high and so I am looking into refinancing it when we get married. Does anyone have any tips or advice?


I think I answered my own question. I think I can just get a consolidation loan from a bank here, pay off her loan, and then have a better interest rate and better monthly payments.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-12 11:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLoans...
My girlfriend has some loans that she took out to pay for her school. They are through Citibank Russia. Of course her monthly payments are quite high and so I am looking into refinancing it when we get married. Does anyone have any tips or advice?
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-12 11:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslations for documents
QUOTE (Turboguy @ Sep 14 2007, 08:11 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Sep 14 2007, 07:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've just received my Packet 3/4 and the pink instruction page does state the translation for police report is necessary.

Perhaps they are starting to change the procedure but not enforcing the rules too much yet.


Forgive my ignorance, but is it safe to assume this packet 3/4 thing is the checklist and documents the foreign national needs to fill out/collect?
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-14 07:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
QUOTE (rouguewave @ Sep 18 2007, 08:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 11:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whenever people learn where I'm from, they try to speak as much Russian to me as they are capable of. They start saying things like "Privet" "Spasiba" etc. every time they see me.

I'm not an ambassador on a mission to promote my culture and language here - I live in America, I try my hardest to learn to feel at home here, and I do not wish people to speak Russian to me. I would be living in Russsia if I did.

Is there a polite way to let people know I don't care for their linguistic talents? Maybe some subtle hint that will let them know how annoying I find it?

Thanks smile.gif

I assume that you realize they are just trying to make you feel welcome, rather than constraining you to speaking Russian. I only ask this because you seem to take it as offensive that they speak to you in your native language. Maybe they are trying to work on THEIR russian speaking skills and you represent one of the few native speakers they have access to. But this (of course) is not to your point.

If it goes beyond an initial greeting, try saying: "Although I appreciate the chance to converse in Russian, I'd really prefer to talk in English because I'm trying to build my skills in this new language for me. If you can give me any pointers or tips, that would be great."



Yeah, I am one of those people smile.gif. When I was in Myrtle Beach last year there were alot of foreign workers from Russia, young people, who were working hard and getting alot of ####### from Americans for their accents and such. I did my best to welcome them with a few words I knew and then tell them that they spoke English well, in Russian. I think many of them appreciated it because of the constant abuse by "typical Americans". A kind smile an a few familar words go a long way sometimes. However, I agree with you that since you are living in America that you want to do your best to fit in and make this your home. As for how to deal with such people, just be politely honest with them.

You sound like some sort of self-hating Russian smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-18 07:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAleksandr has arrived
Congrats!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-05 14:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFees after I-129F and before AOS
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 24 2007, 01:14 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Fees: You are correct, there is the interview fee at the embassy ($100 last I heard, I'm unsure if it got "updated" with all the new fee increases... I haven't heard that it did.) the medical fee, and any other related expenses such as getting her to/from Moscow and staying there for the duration of the interview process. Should be a couple hundred bucks depending on her food/lodging/transportation costs.

Other than that, there's no other "fee" until she gets here. (Then the real fees begin! You think getting through the visa process is expensive, ha!)

As far as the I-134 and all that stuff, make sure you get a letter from your employer to support the fact that you've only been working there for 1.5 years but you're employed and will remain employed at that company. Support that with your last three check stubs. Then, support that with a bank statement saying something to the effect of "he has a bank account here and uses it." (Dont' sweat the balance... mine was only like $314 or something like that.) For tax purposes, send what you have. If you have one or two W-2s, that's great. If you don't have three or more, no biggy. They can see you make enough, they're good with that. And don't get too into the I-134, this is simply you proving you make enough money to support yourself and your (future) wife. They don't need to see you have a car payment and rent and all that BS. All they're looking for is you have some kind of money coming in.

This isn't an audit, it's simply you providing proof that you don't need to use her for financial gain.



Thanks for the advice. She lives in Moscow, so that part is covered smile.gif. I agree with what you said about the I-134. I appreciate it!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-10-25 17:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFees after I-129F and before AOS
Hey all,

It has been a while, finally got my application all ready, triple checked everything and will send it off next week. Now that I have done that I am looking ahead to what I need to do next. I think I have that figured out, but what I am a bit confused on is what to expect in terms of fees. I know there is a $100 fee with the visa application she will submit at the embassy, and of course there is the cost of the medical exam, as well as any miscellaneous costs. I just want to be sure that between now and AOS that this is all to expect in fees, barring some sort of new fee, change in fees, etc.

Also, on the I-134, with the tax information, I have worked at my current job for about a year and a half now, with this year (2007) being my first full year. How far back should I go on getting tax transcripts? Are they needed at all? As far as I can tell on the instructions for the form it seems that they are needed only if self-employed. Also, on the itemized values on the form, do student loans or car loans get listed anywhere? Are they considered "other encumbrance(s)" as listed on the form? I want to start putting this together now that my application is done. Any information would be appreciated. Thanks!


- Steven
FettmanMaleRussia2007-10-23 18:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
QUOTE (novotul @ Oct 28 2007, 07:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If your girlfriend has already submitted an application for a B1 visa, you need to examine it carefully. If she says in that document that she has a fiance in the USA, then SAT's suggestion becomes problematic, it seems to me.

If not, then Sat may have an interesting suggestion. I'd run it by an immigration attorney. If worst came to worst, and you got married here in the States while she was doing her interview and you decide not to do AOS immediately, you'd then go for a K3 (or maybe a CR-1) which are better visas (since they either provide automatic multiple entry for two years or even permanent residency from the moment she next enters).



I appreciate all the advice, but the interview is for a position in Russia. J&J apparently interviews all entry-level MBA (sorry I left that out) candidates in the US for some reason. As of right now from our conversations J&J is only interested in her to work in Russia and not the US. We have said nothing about our relationship to anyone, and she has yet to even file the visa for the interview yet. In any case, she would have to return to Berlin after the interview to finish school. So, it comes back to just waiting until after the interview before filing the I-129F. Most of the companies she has interviewed with have been interested in her working in Russia or Europe.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-10-29 07:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
QUOTE (russ @ Oct 27 2007, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The interview in the next 30 days would be the way to go. Where would this job be? In the US? If not, can she request that the interview be in another country?

The pending I-129F would likely cause issues enterring on a B-1.

QUOTE (Fettman @ Oct 27 2007, 10:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey everyone,

I have an interesting situation and need some advice on what to do. Liliana has been offered a chance to be interviewed with Johnson and Johnson this November, the interview is taking place in the US. So, should I continue with my plan to submit my I-129F packet before she comes to the US or should I wait until after she
Steven



It is J&J's policy to interview their entry level candidates in the US. I have no idea why exactly, it just is. She is trying to get a job in Russia temporarily while we wait for the K1 to be approved. My feeling is just to wait for her to have the interview, get the I-94 number from her and then submit my I-129F. I know it would delay the K1 process further, but this J&J interview is important, as even though she will work in Russia initially, but of course will need a job in the US. Thanks for the advice!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-10-27 11:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
Hey everyone,

I have an interesting situation and need some advice on what to do. Liliana has been offered a chance to be interviewed with Johnson and Johnson this November, the interview is taking place in the US. So, should I continue with my plan to submit my I-129F packet before she comes to the US or should I wait until after she has visited and then send it in? I could send it in now, truthfully stating she has not been in the US before, but I am afraid it could mess things up for J&J when they apply for her to come. Or I could wait until she has been here, but then I assume I need certain numbers and things from her to properly fill out the application. Any advice would be helpful! Thanks!

Steven
FettmanMaleRussia2007-10-27 09:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhat Are Your Experiences With Language Issues
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 13 2007, 11:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Sep 12 2007, 11:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
worked as a Lawyer with a wage far more than average.
Based on your previous posts in the other thread you probably will want to just start a family and never work again. If you do decide to pursue a career path, in California all you need to do is get your LLM, a one year program at any ABA accredited law school and you are eligible to take the bar exam since I presume you have a foreign law decree. It's a good year of study plus about another 6 months to prepare for the bar, but if you succeed you might find yourself making way more money than your man.


QUOTE (slim @ Sep 13 2007, 08:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
they're more likely than not to describe a Russia (and most other "foreign" countries) that's bleak and dark where everyone works at "the mines" or "the factory" or something like that and believe it or not, there's a high percentage of Americans that think most Russians still stand in line for bread every morning before going to work at the factories. These same folks also believe anyone "lucky" enough to get a visa to come to the States has been "rescued" from their horrible life before.
Slim, outside of Moscow and St. Petersburg and maybe a few downtown areas of other major Russian cities, this stereotype is reality to one extent or another. Even in Moscow, get on a commuter train. In less than 30 minutes you will see village people, pensioners who are selling sunflower seeds and flowers instead of enjoying cruise ships. Latest statistics show that at least 25% of Russians are living below poverty. And if your wife / fiancée never took you out to the villages, shame on her. The professional middle class that is earning a decent salary outside of Moscow is actually very small. Instead you have something like 10% of extremely rich and the rest working for food and vodka.
And when you do run across the average Russian who makes an average wage, they will consider a marriage of one of their girls to an American to be a "savior".
And other statistics show a decline in Russian population growth due to low life expectancy, more deaths than births, and a whole sleuth of people emigrating out.
If things were so good then why would the government offer these programs:
http://www.cnn.com/2...tion=cnn_latest
And an example of the rich:
http://www.theage.co...7462582827.html


I agree, I saw most of this on my mission trips and when I went to my girlfriend's dacha. I was proposed to many, many times by young women (I myself was only 19), not saying that always happens, but for some of them I was the first American they had met. I didn't see many factories or mines, but it was pretty much a similar idea. However, the savior part I won't comment on, I am sure that differs from case to case, although Satellite's argument is a compelling one. I love Russia, I love its culture and I am glad to have seen all I did. Moscow is trendy and flashly at parts, but as my girlfriend told me stories her grandparents told me about the village her dacha is in I felt like I was getting to know the true Russia. I feel like there is an old sadness in much of rural Russia. Moscow may be becoming "rich" but it is leaving much of the country behind.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-13 11:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhat Are Your Experiences With Language Issues
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 13 2007, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Off that soapbox... on to this one. Russian women are way better than their American counterparts. You can discount it all you want, but in my book, you ladies are tops. Control? Yeah right! I've yet to see an American man "control" his Russian wife. And the inability to communicate is not because there's a language issue, it's because there's an issue between men and women in that we don't think or feel 100% the same way. We are different. Very different sometimes, and Russian women are more willing to admit and overcome this difference. It's not a positive or a negative, it's just a difference that needs to be overcome to effectively communicate in the relationship. American women decided about 40 years ago to waive their right to overcome this communication gap. Until they choose to acknowledge it again, foreign women will be "better" by default. Russian women are tops by choice... my choice!


Feminism has done more to hurt the progress of women's rights in my opinion, but hey, I'm just a guy and not allowed to say things like that smile.gif. To me it is not about equal rights, but inequality of rights, that somehow men are inferior in most aspects of life. I agree gender differences are big roadblocks at times on the road of a relationship, and alot of people struggle with this, but to go so far to start lumping all American women as femi-nazis is the same as saying all Russian women want out of an American man is a green card. I will admit, I have enjoyed and still enjoy talking to my Liliana over all the women I meet here, some of it for the reasons you discuss. However, practice what you preach and realize that there are some American women that do overcome this gap. Some of them are married to my close friends. I never want to say one country is better than another. Each one has its own quirks and joys and sorrows.

However, still in the end language is key, I truly believe you have to speak the same language to be able to communicate in a meaningful way. I met Liliana by chance in Russia on a mission trip in which she was an interpreter. If she was just a Russian participant I probably would have thought she was a nice girl, but nothing more. In the end the gender gap just gets exacerbated by a language gap.

On that note, anyone have any good terms of endearment in Russian they can share? I know most of the basic ones, but I am always trying to learn more smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-13 10:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhat Are Your Experiences With Language Issues
Sometimes I feel guilty that I do not know Russian, at least beyond words of love, but I am just thankful that Liliana knows English fluently. When we met she knew English and I cannot imagine trying to start a relationship with a communication barrier of two different languages. I am sure in many ways she would have been the same woman when I met her if she did not know English, but we would have hardly started any relationship. Of course I would have been attracted to her, but I want more than just looks. She has worked for American and British businesses and now is at a school in Germany that is taught in English. Sometimes she even corrects my English, but I throughly enjoy her "Russianness".

Sometimes a little Russian in bed is quite sexy wink.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-09-05 10:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Satellite @ Nov 15 2007, 06:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 15 2007, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, so if I plan on her coming in January to visit do I need to prepare any invitations or whatnot? We would not be submitting the K-1 visa until after she returned home. No mention of fiancé/e would be given. Thanks!
If you make some kind of letter, she will likely get denied a B1 business visa! Because you are purposely introducing yourself as a possible fiancé into the equation! I wouldn't do it if I was you. She has everything she needs to get the visa, and you can only be detriment.


So, she would not need an invitation of any sort then? I can get an organization or friends of mine to do the invitation if it is necessary. I am going to find out all the things she was asked when I see her next week in Berlin, but I do know they asked her several times where she was staying. However, it sounds like she needs nothing special since she has the visa.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-17 11:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
Ok, so if I plan on her coming in January to visit do I need to prepare any invitations or whatnot? We would not be submitting the K-1 visa until after she returned home. No mention of fiance/e would be given. Thanks!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-15 14:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 10 2007, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 10 2007, 08:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, we are thinking now to postpone apply for the K-1 so she can visit in January, meet my folks and see some of my America. (Orlando is hardly the same as Virginia). Now that she has the visa does she have to show an invitation or something when she arrives? I guess I am in the dark about what the POE will require from her, if anything. Any advice about that would be appreciated.


With a valid visa, for a short stay, without overstaying the prior time, she should have no trouble. No invitations or anything like that, they will just want to know where she is staying and when she is returning. They don't need to know anything about you.


She basically needs to tell them what I tell the control guy in Germany, that I am here to visit a friend and will be there for a week or whatever.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-10 20:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Satellite @ Nov 10 2007, 01:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sat, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe even if you intend to get married in the US at the time of entry, you aren't breaking the law. Intending to adjust status (having immigrant intent) is the key here.
You are correct. In theory, some people use a B2 visa to marry in the US and then the US spouse returns abroad! Later that same couple again come to the US to visit. Mostly a European thing involving Americans living abroad.

As for coming here on B visa while the I-129F is pending simply requires luck and extra proof of intent to return to Russia. Being denied doesn't cost you anything unless you lie once interrogated by the POE, if it even comes to that. However, you do lose out an a plane ticket if you are sent home and you can be detained for many hours. Otherwise it won't really hurt your pending K1 visa.


Well, we are thinking now to postpone apply for the K-1 so she can visit in January, meet my folks and see some of my America. (Orlando is hardly the same as Virginia). Now that she has the visa does she have to show an invitation or something when she arrives? I guess I am in the dark about what the POE will require from her, if anything. Any advice about that would be appreciated.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-10 08:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 9 2007, 07:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 9 2007, 04:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, I am looking for the "best deal" to get out of the system. I do hope you are coming down on me like this because you are a genuinely nice person and not because you like to judge people.

I hope I didn't sound like I was "coming down" on you. I just think you're entitled to hear the blunt and honest truth, which is sometimes (often?) different than the things we want to hear. I'm definitely not judging you. Just calling it as I see it. smile.gif

QUOTE
Plus I wanted to be able to propose to her in Vienna in two weeks wink.gif. I have to take advantage of such things smile.gif

Not to beat a dead horse, but this pretty much seals it for you that the K-1 or K-3 is the only way to go.

Best of luck to you, I wish you both well! Do stick around and keep us all up to date on your progress. This is a very supportive community, and you'll want all the support you can get.



*insert some contrary statement about technicalities and intent*

I was not looking to hear anything really except what my options are. As I said, I have resigned myself to the K-1 process a while ago and in fact have it all ready to go, just have to wait until after her interview.

*kicks the dead horse a few more time*

If someone wants to put a few more bullets in its head be my guest smile.gif

I plan on sticking around at least until everything is said and done. So far most of the people I have met here have been really nice and informative, except for that Moxcamel person smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-09 20:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 9 2007, 05:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think the law cares on this point. She could meet and marry someone else entirely once here. There could be dozens of people that want to marry you (for purpose of argument, let's say you are a famous model with lots of admirers). What other people want or intend isn't relevant.

Let's not split hairs here, because the USCIS sure isn't going to. What we're talking about is the intent for this specific woman to marry this specific man. IF she is entering the country with immigrant intention--and let's face it, if they've already decided to marry then she's already decided to immigrate--then she is entering fraudulently on the B1/B2, even if she also happens to be entering on her Visa for the stated reason.

QUOTE
Most normal people talk about marriage for years before actually deciding to do so (or not in many cases). Says nothing about intent. Also, the assumptions made by USCIS are not the law, just the guidelines they use. What would actually happen in court with an immigration judge is often a different thing.

Which is why I am suggesting that IF there is intent to marry (and it sounds to me like there is) the K-1 is the better--no, ONLY--way to go. It removes all doubt, and you don't have to hinge your future on what a court decides.

QUOTE
Sat, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe even if you intend to get married in the US at the time of entry, you aren't breaking the law. Intending to adjust status (having immigrant intent) is the key here.

Assuming you are correct, let's be realistic. Someone who is entering the United States with the intent to marry is about 99% likely to have immigrant intent. And in this specific example, it would be more like 100%.

QUOTE
Or lets say you are already married and visit the US on a B visa. (This is a common situation for American expats). If you intend to adjust status when you arrive, you are breaking the rules. If you decide not to return home after vacationing for a few months, you are probably not.

But that's not what this specific case is about. This specific case is about an unmarried couple who SEEM to be trying to make a decision as to the best way to go about getting married in the United States. If that is indeed the case, then the K-1 (or K-3 if he wants to travel) is the best way to ensure that there aren't problems later that could potentially ruin at least one of their lives.

And again, I apologize to the OP if I'm wrong about this. It seems that the OP wants to use technicalities like not being "technically" engaged as some sort of plausible deniability in case things turn south. I just think that's a bad way to go.



I am more in agreement with you about the K-1 issue. My original question was asked out of total ignorance. In fact I was more interested to see if she could just come here to visit while the K-1 was being processed. The answer to that was pretty much no, even with an existing visa (if I understood Sat right). I have no desire to risk our futures to make something easier or because it is cheaper. However, I am not going to be the "good boy" and do the right thing just because it is the right thing. The government makes nothing easy for most of us and some of that for good reason, but other times not so much. In the end I do not want to have to worry that some evidence or something will come up "proving" that we committed fraud. Plus, I would like her to be able to go visit her family and such as soon as she can. As I said before we both more prepared for the K-1 visa than for some sort of crazy system of trying to use a loophole. She needs time in Russia to prepare to move her and I need time here to prepare for her arrive.

Yes, I am looking for the "best deal" to get out of the system. I do hope you are coming down on me like this because you are a genuinely nice person and not because you like to judge people. I came asking a question, options were offered and I explored all sides of the matter before coming to a decision. I appreciate the frankness from everyone on their thoughts and ideas. For now, I think the K-1 visa is the "best deal". I believe all of life should be about minimizing risks, but at the same time I weigh them to make decisions. I still believe they would have a hard time proving intent, but in this case why tempt fate just so I can save a few hundred bucks. And when it comes to technicalities I believe many people get caught and released on them. I am sure we all "technically" break the law everyday.

I have no hard feelings toward anyone (looks at Moxcamel wink.gif ) I truly appreciate the honest feedback. I understand this is not legal advice and I would hardly take what is said here to be the same as what an immigration lawyer can tell me. So, with that issue out of the way I suppose her chances of being able to visit me are slim to none after I have submitted my application?

Plus I wanted to be able to propose to her in Vienna in two weeks wink.gif. I have to take advantage of such things smile.gif
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-09 19:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Satellite @ Nov 9 2007, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Obviously applying for another with a previous overstay doesn't help, but the real punishment begins after 180 day overstay with a 3 year bar on entry and a 10 year bar for a one year or more overstay. There are hardship waivers to USC's to get around this but they take a long time to grand and seldom granted.


The failure to show up at work will cause problems as well. Probably better off going the K route for this reason.


Thanks for all the advice Russ and Sat, basically here is how I see things happening for the two of us based on different visa routes:

K-1

I apply for the K-1 soon after her interview next week. If she gets the job, great, but she only wanted to use it temporarily in Russia until she was able to come here and marry me if we so decided to get married. She does not want to work for J&J long term, she just knows that she will get a better salary with them in Russia than just waiting tables, etc. In the US she would like not to work for a bit and then search for a job she wants, to work for a non-profit or NGO. So, the job point a not one we are concerned with right now. She was going to quit J&J in any case. So, she would work for them until the K-1 was approved, quit her job and then come here, and then we would go through the whole AOS and onward process.

B1/B2

We would wait and see what happened with the job and if she was offered one, great, but we would find an excuse for her to come here again and before she did that she would quit her job and then come her, we would wait the 30 days or so, and then get married. Then we would have the whole AOS and onward process.

I see that the risks involved are not too great, intent is a hard thing to prove to in any case since she is technically not my fiancee yet. However, I think both of us have set up the next 6 months or so getting prepared to get married, I need to move into my own place, she needs to be able to pack up her stuff and decide what to take with her, work on getting a visa for her mom to come to the wedding, etc. I have the money set aside already, so I think in the end we will both feel more comfortable taking the K-1 route. We would both really like to be able to go to Russia within a year of our marriage so she can visit family and friends. Sat answered the biggest question I had about being able to use the visa to come while the I-129F is under review. However, if the process from AOS onward is the same for both then it is an option to consider. However, I think J&J will look more favorably on her if she stays 6 months and the says that she is going to America and will be interested in working with them there, as a back up if she cannot find a job she wants. Just alot for me to balance out and discuss more with her. However, when the waiting and money are not an issue for us I think we would prefer to play it "legal" with the K-1.

Thanks again!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-09 15:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 8 2007, 12:17 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Satellite @ Nov 8 2007, 09:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 8 2007, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Obviously their relationship has become more than just boyfriend/girlfriend.
Wow, how would you know such a detail? Were you spying on them? tongue.gif

Look out your window...I'll wave... devil.gif



wink.gif After reading through all the responses I understand the whole intent and legality behind the situation. Nothing official has been said to anyone. My concern is with the whole process after the fact. If for some reason she comes her and while she is here I decide to ask her to marry me and then she stays beyond her allotted time it seems to me that could cause trouble with the whole AOS, Social Security, getting work documents process. I would in some ways prefer to go through the whole K-1 process if it would mean things would be easier on that end. I think both of us would like for her to be able to start working and leave the country again in a timely manner rather than waiting for some time. This whole thing came totally as a surprise to both of us. I did not expect for her to be invited to America for an interview, nor get a multiple entry B1/B2 visa.

So, two questions. One, how much more "riskier" is it for me to make the marriage decision once she is here on the B1/B2 visa than if I asked her to marry me now and go through the K-1 process? Two, if I did decide to apply for the K-1, she can still come here on the B1/B2 visa if I arrange for an invitation and she proves that she has sufficient ties to Russa correct? I was already prepared to pay all the fees and she is already prepared to do all the stuff on her end, so really going the K-1 route is not too much for us to handle. We understand the wait times and that is why we decided that it would be a good idea for her to apply for a job in Russia to pay her bills while I save money for us. However, if for some reason we decided not to make up our minds about marriage until she was here on a B1/B2 and the process after we got married was as "painless" as the K-1 then why not go for it?

I appreciate all the feedback and advice. I want to work the system for my benefit rather than the system trying to benefit off of me. Thanks!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-08 17:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Satellite @ Nov 5 2007, 03:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If that newly issued B1/B2 visa is going to last as long as it takes her school to finish, you can really simply this process if you avoid calling her your fiancée" until she comes here and both decide the issue here in US" if you know what I mean. Yes, the POE will have the last call on determining if she has a valid reason to come here and has reason to return.



I am a bit confused by what you mean. Are you saying that she can come her under this visa and then while she is here we can get married and follow a different process? We have said nothing about her or I being in a "fiance/e" relationship.
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-07 07:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 5 2007, 10:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She is not your fiancee right now. Not officially, anyway. That means she can do anything the B visa entitles her to do.

Until you file for K-1, she is simply a tourist (or seeking employment) and that's it.


This is what I thought. Once she becomes my fiancee would her visa still be valid? I know people have talked about getting visas after filing for the K-1, but in this case she has it beforehand. Also, does anyone know anything about the B visas in terms of what you have to have in order to make another entry? For example could I arrange for a business in my town to write an invite or does it even matter since she has been approved for multiple entries? Thanks!

- Steven
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-05 12:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
One clarification, she currently does not plan on staying with J&J, it is a good job she can have until she is able to come here. She wants to look at her options here before making a decision. She did not list me as a fiance on any forms she filled out. So, again, any advice would be appreciated. Especially if she can visit me on a visa she has already obtained. Thanks!
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-05 09:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
Hey all,

I posted not too long ago that Liliana was going to get a B1/B2 visa to have a job interview here in the US. She got the visa and it is a one year, multiple entry visa. Is there anyway to use this to our benefit? Again, the interview is for a position in Russia, not the US.

If a K-1 visa is still required, etc., can she use the B1/B2 to come visit me or will that not be possible. I appreciate any help you all can give. Thanks!

- Steven
FettmanMaleRussia2007-11-05 09:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdvanced Parole vs. I-131
Thanks! Feels good to finally get things going.

QUOTE (mox @ Mar 11 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And yes, AP is the only thing she can use to re-enter the country until she has her green card.

Welcome back!

FettmanMaleRussia2008-03-11 09:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdvanced Parole vs. I-131
Ok, I see that those are one and the same I guess. Is this the only way to re-enter the US until one gets their green card? My fiancee keeps saying something about a "travel passport", but as far as I know such a thing does not exist and the only way to get re-entry is through the I-131.
FettmanMaleRussia2008-03-11 08:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdvanced Parole vs. I-131
Ok, long time since I have posted, but after much work we finally got the I-129F sent and NOA1 received. Now the waiting game starts, so during this time we are doing research and such. One thing I am having trouble with is what my fiancee will need in order to go back to Russia and return once she gets conditional permanent status, i.e. after we adjust her status. I have read people commenting on advanced parole and then I find this form (I-131) that seems to indicate that you just need to fill out this form and she will be able to reenter the US. Anyone apply for this re-entry permit before?
FettmanMaleRussia2008-03-11 07:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2
QUOTE (slim @ May 20 2008, 09:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As said above, go on and get the ball rolling. It's never too early to get your paperwork done.

The only thing I can really offer here is make sure she gets a copy of the DS-3025 vaccination records... but that's way down the road.

October could be a little premature so just make sure anything you pay for is refundable or you can move it back a little if need be. It is possible though......



Well, it is at the very end of October, so I hope it will work out. All the plans I have made are somewhat flexible, mainly I can get full refunds, but rescheduling might be a problem depending on availability. In the end the worst that could happen is that we have to push it back, but at least we will be together.
FettmanMaleRussia2008-05-20 15:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2
QUOTE (Chuckles @ May 19 2008, 07:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I cannot believe your Russian fiance is letting you plan a wedding without the visa !! Don't you know you are gonna jinx it ?!! Seriously though, October may be a bit soon, my advice is to not plan the wedding until she arrives. I know, that doesn't give you much time to do anything "good", but thats the nature of the beast.

There are a few things you can read in the Russia Forum guide at the top of the board here that are not covered by the general VJ guides. You will want to work on getting your police certificate as soon as possible. It may not be that hard, but then again, it might be hard. It seems about 50/50 here. Personally, getting my wife's certificate wasn't that hard. There is a website to look at once you get NVC where your interview date will be listed. There is more Russian specific stuff, just read it.

The best guide for list of documents can be found on the Moscow embassy website, if memory serves me correctly. I followed the guides here pretty exactly, as well as reading the embassy site to be was sure I covered everything they wanted there. Maybe someone who has done it more recently could add to that.

Begin collecting everything now. Start filling it out now. I would wait untill you have an interview scheduled before you actually date things.

The whole process is easier then it seems, however, at this juncture you will be busy. Just make sure you 'dot your i's' and 'cross your t's', and don't procrastinate.


Thanks for the advice. I will definitely start getting all the paperwork now together and filled out. Other than picking out a date and making a few easily reversible decisions we have planned nothing for the wedding.

My other question is that we are going to attempt to get visas for her family members to come to the wedding. All of them have good jobs, her mom owns a flat in Moscow, so I think they have good ties to Russia. Will waiting for K-1 approval, i.e. proof for their reason for coming to the US, better their chances, or should they just apply and just state that they are going to see their daughter/sister get married?

Lastly, when I call the NVC to see if they have received my I-129F what number will they ask for? The case number assigned by the USCIS? Thank you all for your advice now and in the past.

- Steven
FettmanMaleRussia2008-05-20 07:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA2
Lastly, how early should I start filling out forms? I know I can collect all the evidence I need for the various items, but as for signing and dating things? What seems to be an appropriate amount of time?
FettmanMaleRussia2008-05-19 11:14:00