biggish data

NOA2

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?

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-05-19 11:14:00

NOA2

Also, we are planning our wedding at the end of October. Does this seem reasonable? I figure 3-4 months to do everything post NOA2 seemed good. Also, what is the best guide on the list of documents she will have to start gathering? Thanks!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-05-19 11:05:00

NOA2

Hey all,

Just received NOA2 today. Thank God I am fell into VSC's jurisdiction. I am just glad to know that the approval process is on schedule so I can start planning everything a bit more firmly. Anyway, I am of course reading all the guides on VJ, but I was wondering if anyone had a specific tips or comments on things that are not covered in the guide. Any insight would be appreciated!

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-05-19 11:01:00

Transcript vs. Return

QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 12 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Satellite @ Jun 12 2008, 04:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jun 12 2008, 01:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

So the transcripts are preferable? I have my tax return...

It's funny how all the posters have skipped around your initial question. It's a great question, that I want someone to answer.
Transcripts prove you actually filed your taxes.
Anyone can hypothetically generate a tax return.
What is the goal of the USCIS? To prove we file taxes, to prove amount earned (W2) would be sufficient for that.
My wife's citizenship interview letter says bring transcripts or copies of return. But here I think they are checking whether she filed taxes these last three years.
Anyone?

Huh? The original question was: What did you all use?

He is technically correct, the best kind of correct. (Futurama anyone?). I guess I should have just asked if transcripts being preferred over returns has any real merit to it.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-13 14:04:00

Transcript vs. Return

QUOTE (jsouthwick @ Jun 12 2008, 02:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (fwaguy @ Jun 12 2008, 12:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

return

Same for everything, I-129, AOS, lifting of conditions, citizenship.

So are you saying just be consistent?

QUOTE (YuAndDan @ Jun 12 2008, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Simple transcripts.

http://www.irs.gov/faqs/faq1-6.html

So the transcripts are preferable? I have my tax return...

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-12 15:39:00

Transcript vs. Return

I am getting my financial documents together for the affidavit of support and I do have last year's tax return. I heard somewhere that the transcript is better evidence than the actual return. What did you all use? Thanks!

Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-12 12:23:00

Invitation Letters

Thanks for the feedback on the transcript/return thing, I think I know how to move forward. Now I have a question concerning visa invitations for her family and friends.

Now, I know that it is much more important that they are able to prove they have strong ties to Russia, i.e. good reasons to return. However, I would like to give them invitation letters so that they can show why they are coming, who they will be staying with, etc. Anyway, I was wondering beyond the basic information, what other information should I put on the letters? My SO believes I need to put things like their passport numbers, all their passport information, addresses, etc. Does this seem right? Or, what did any of you put on any invitations you created? Thanks!

Lastly, what is the best way to contact the Moscow embassy to see if they received the file?

Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-15 08:40:00

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 3 2008, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jul 3 2008, 05:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 3 2008, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jul 2 2008, 08:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 2 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Steven,

FYI. My Masha called IOM and they charge US$20 extra for the DS 3025 per person: ($100 for exam+$20 for form) x number of people.

Please share as much as possible about your fiancee's medical experience. Masha has hers on Tuesday at IOM.

Best,
Javier

Javier,

So does the clinic have the actual form? My SO will be going to IOM tomorrow (change of plans) and was unable to get the DS-3025 form printed out. Best case would be that they have the form and she has her vaccinations done then and the form filled out.

Does anyone know where I can find exactly what vaccinations are required? According to the Medical Exam pdf on the embassy website it sounds like she just needs tetanus-diphtheria, measles, mumps, and rubella. I will let everyone know how it goes. Thanks!

Steven

Steven,

I am assuming they have the form at IOM. I think your vaccinations list is as complete as mine. We got it from http://moscow.usemba...ccinations.html But like Slim says, vaccinations are NOT needed for visa but will be needed for AOS. The question is of course, do we want to pay in strong rubles or in weak dollars?

Good luck and share with us please... Javier

Well, she had the exam with no problems, I will talk to her later about it and share. If you have any specific questions get them in now

Yes.

1) The form?

2) Were they nice and professional?

Thank you and congrats.

1. They gave her a record of her vaccinations in English, I do not believe they had the actual forms there with them.

2. She said they were "bureaucratic" i.e. professional and brusque and that things took longer than she thought. She picked up her results the next day. Nothing untoward happened.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-05 19:36:00

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 3 2008, 01:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jul 2 2008, 08:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 2 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Well, she had the exam with no problems, I will talk to her later about it and share. If you have any specific questions get them in now

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-03 07:45:00

QUOTE (slim @ Jul 2 2008, 11:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I don't know exactly but you could probably ask over in the AOS forum because that's where it really matters.

She doesn't need the shots for the interview, just for the AOS. But, if she can get them now, get them documented, and then bring them here via the DS-3025 it will make it easier down the road. If not, no biggy, she'll just have to redo that form and make up whatever shots she needs.

We had the form and still had to get a couple things done. But, without that form it would've been a lot more work.

That is the course we are taking now, and if I was not so lazy and did a forum search on vaccinations required I would have found the answers on the required ones. Thanks!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-02 10:50:00

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 2 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-02 10:21:00

QUOTE (Neonred @ Jul 2 2008, 05:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (aspettando @ Jul 2 2008, 12:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

That will be $20 well spent especially if she gets any vaccinations she needs. That's what my wife (then fiancee) did which made doing AOS very easy. No visit to the civil surgeon and no inflated fees for the vaccination certificate. We sent in her DS 3025 and it was accepted for AOS. Check current information as some required vaccinations have changed.

I agree totally. I know all of this could be taken care of in the US, but I figured it would be easier and cheaper to do it now. I will let you all know how it goes, she was unable to get an appointment for this Friday, so I am not sure when she will have it done, but I know it will be soon. Since she lives in Moscow we want to knock it out right away.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-02 08:56:00

QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Jul 1 2008, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jun 30 2008, 03:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok, I found the form, just had to dig a bit deeper. Anyway, are there any forms she has to take with her to the medical exam that would have been in the package she should have received from the embassy? She plans on having the exam done on Friday. Also, is there any reason she should wait to have the exam done? From what I read most exam results are good for a year or at least 6 months.

Thanks!

- Steven

No, there is nothing that you need to take that comes in the packet. My fiancee was in the same situation and she just went and gave her name and told them she was applying for a visa to the US. They took care of the rest.

Thank God! Just the confirmation I needed.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-01 12:02:00

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-30 15:23:00

Slim,

Where do I get the DS-3025 form?

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-30 15:14:00

QUOTE (slim @ Jun 25 2008, 01:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sorry for yelling (I was a little bit drunk.... upon rereading, I'm actually surprised it made any sense at all. I guess that's what being married to a Russian will do to you!)

OK. To clear it all up (100% sober now!) she doesn't need to send anything in to the embassy. So, there's no Pony Express involved at all on her end. All the forms that she will download (that you're downloading/filling in for her) she will hand-carry to the embassy on her interview day.

Shot records can be "made" by paying someone money and they "make" a shot record for her. Or, she can get all the shots over again, or she can track down all her old medical records, etc. Like most other things in Russia, it's possible to pay a "fee" to someone for shot records. In this case, that's probably the most practical thing to do.

When I say website, I mean the U.S. Embassy Moscow website. When I say forum, I mean this VJ Russia Forum. To me, there's really no other immigration-related sites in the world and if you check any others, especially the ones with .ru at the end, you're wasting your time! (And she's wasting her's too!)

Seems like you've got it pretty much figured out. Keep the questions coming, no matter what they are. We're here to help. Plus, someone else may have the exact same question. Sorry if I sounded irritated or whatever, I promise, I'm cool! Really, I am. I'm cool! I'M COOOL! (Sorry for yelling.)

Oh you are definitely cool, caps lock is cruise control for cool

I gotcha on everything, especially yelling while drunk part

. Thanks for the info, I really do appreciate it.

YOU ARE SO COOL!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-25 08:41:00

QUOTE (slim @ Jun 24 2008, 06:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

She needs to "make" some kind of shot records prior to her medical appointment. That can be old Dr.'s records, school records, etc. She needs to take that to the medical exam and then ask them to transcribe it to a DS-3025 which she will keep until after she arrives. (It doesn't even go to the interview.)

The other forms (the ones for her interview) she can download from the embassy website. (This is a separate package/packet from the medical stuff. The medical check will give her a sealed packet to take to the interview.)

Her visa will be shipped via DHL, not Pony Express. Pony Express is for visa applicants like B-2, etc. when they ship in their info to the embassy. Make sure she checks the embassy website as she will need to pay for a DHL shipping bill prior to the interview. She will do the DHL, Medical, then the interview.

CHECK THE WEBSITE!!! (It's in Russian, so she should be able to complete it all herself.)

Ok, by make that means she can have the shots done again, or just put together any old records she may have. I know where to get the other forms, they are either here or on the embassy website, no problems there. I know she will get a package from the medical that has nothing to do with the paperwork in the packet they have attempted to send her. My question was never really about where to get the forums, just expressing concern about a lack of receiving the packet(s). I asked about the Pony Express about turning her forms in, not receiving the visa. I know she needs to bring a mailer with her. By "I" I really mean "we" as both of us know what to do, I am tying up loose ends to make sure we are doing everything right. No need to yell

.

I am helping prepare her to fill out the forms because she works long hours and I do not, plus I have good access to the internet and she has very crappy dial up. I thought I would do her a favor and research this for her. I do kind of love her

. I asked about the DS-3025 because I knew it was an important step later and I knew that you have a good deal of knowledge about it. Thank you for the info!

I assume by website you mean the embassy, not the forum suggested above.

Thanks again, these tidbits of info help to get everything in order.

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-24 20:37:00

QUOTE (vuhtran @ Jun 23 2008, 03:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

My fiancee never received her Packet 3/4 but did not have any problems getting into the Embassy. All they did was check to see if her name was on the interview list for that day so do not worry about them letting her in.

Now, if you have not received the Packet 3/4 , just fill out all of the paperwork and they will take it from her when she goes into her interview at the window. When the CO actually interview her, they will refer to the paperwork that she gave earlier to ask questions.

My Irina says that the CO was very friendly and nice and passed with flying colors.

Ok, so you are saying that she will turn it in when she arrives at the embassy and then when she has the actually interview they will refer to the paperwork then.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-23 14:49:00

QUOTE (slim @ Jun 23 2008, 01:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The packet sometimes takes a long time to arrive so she may get it sometime soon.

If not, she can download the forms she needs for her interview from the embassy website. The vaccination forms needed for the medical check vary; she can have school records, old medical records, etc. They only need to see that she's had shots. She can probably go to her doctor (or any doctor) and have them fill out a form for her for a small fee.

She needs to get a copy of the DS-3025 from the medical exam to bring here to the U.S. She'll need that later for AOS processing. If she can't get this form, it's not the end of the world, but it helps. (This is not the same as the form she'll need to take to her medical check, this is one she needs to bring here with her after the interview and everything.)

Ok, so she just needs to provide proof that she has had her shots. Then she takes the form she is given with her to the medical exam and she needs to ask them for a copy of the DS-3025 form. I assume that if she asks for this form during the medical exam they will know what she is asking for. She does not have any records of getting her shots, so I believe she will have to get them again, right?

Also, does she turn in all the forms she fills out before or at the interview? I tried following the flowchart, but I am confused since she has been issued her interview date already and has not turned anything in. If she does have to turn it all in before the interview does she have to use the Pony Express? Lastly, how far in advance can she have her medical? She lives in Moscow so she can have it done whenever. Thanks for the help, I really do appreciate it.

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-23 14:15:00

Hello all,

Well, the embassy received my application about a month ago, which I know from a confirmation letter I received from the State Department. However, the package of documents was never sent to her. I emailed the embassy to confirm that they received it and they wrote back that her interview was scheduled for August 19th (so the end of October wedding is looking good). However, she never got the package of documents. From another post I read this should not be a problem, they will just ask her name. So, it is probably not worth trying to get the embassy to mail it to her now is it? Is there anything in the package that is not listed on the embassy website or this one?

She also does not have any records of vaccinations and I am always hearing talk of getting the medical facility to fill out some form. Now I am sure I can find the form, but what does she need to do with it? Just take it with her when she has the vaccinations done and have them sign it? I know it will be easier for her to get her vaccinations now than later. Any input would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-23 08:40:00

Form I-134 Questions

QUOTE (Carol and Bruno @ Jul 8 2008, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jul 8 2008, 08:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have a few questions about this form if anyone can answer.

Item 10, where it asks who I have submitted a visa petition on behalf of I just have to put my fiancee correct?

Item 11, where it asks if I intend to make specific contributions to the support of the person named in item 3 (i.e. my fiancee) I should check I do not intend since my support is not for a specific amount.

Am I correct in my assumptions?

Thanks!

Steven

Check out the example form given on this website: http://www.visajourn.../Form-I-134.pdf

Thanks for the example form, I do not know why I missed it when I was looking at other example forms...

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-09 10:39:00

Form I-134 Questions

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-07-08 19:11:00

Other Encumbrance(s)

QUOTE (Satellite @ Jun 15 2008, 07:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Fettman @ Jun 15 2008, 02:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

In the I-134 form, does other encumbrances mean things like student loans, or other personal loans, aside from a mortgage?

As far as I can tell they are interested in income first and if you lack that, then you better have decent assets which you could liquidate if need be. Debt listing is not required, this is not bankruptcy proceeding or a loan application.

Thanks for the help!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-16 09:54:00

Other Encumbrance(s)

In the I-134 form, does other encumbrances mean things like student loans, or other personal loans, aside from a mortgage?

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-06-15 16:11:00

Social Security Application Process

QUOTE (Brad and Vika @ Sep 5 2008, 07:18 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good information here

It looks like application after marraige, but before day 76 (for a K-1 holder) solves both problems?

Yes, thanks for all the responses and advice, it also sounds to me that I can wait until after our marriage to avoid having to do the name change thing.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-09-05 07:37:00

Social Security Application Process

Does the initial application have to happen before the wedding? I know I should wait two weeks after her arrival to apply, however, our wedding will occur about one week after that. It seems silly to apply and then have to go back and get her name changed on the card, but if that is the case then silliness it is.

Also, what did you all use for your form of other identification when applying, i.e. identification besides the passport?

Thanks!

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-09-04 10:31:00

Successful Interview!

Congrats!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-09-04 08:49:00

Visa Approved

Well, after much worry about how the Georgia conflict might affect things my SO had her interview today and everything was very smooth and simple. They just asked her a few questions about us, did not ask to see any pictures or emails, etc. They actually mainly were interested in her job at Citibank, who apparently does the payroll for the embassy. She said she heard alot of people coming out of interviews saying that they wanted to see pictures and other proof, but for her they were very brief and to the point. She ended up waiting about 4 hours, getting there at 8am. The interview took 10 minutes. I want to thank those who have been very helpful answering questions and those whose posts have helped me through the process. If anyone has any questions in particular I will do my best to answer them.

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-08-19 13:29:00

Been using http://www.freecallplanet.com/ for about a month now and love it. 5.4 cents a minute anywhere in Russia. This may include mobile phones, however, with the plan I have with them I get 1.8 cents/min since my fiancee is in Moscow and it costs me only 7.9 cents a minute to call her cell, which if you know anything about calling cellphones is pretty cheap. The call quality is good and as far as I know there are no hidden fees, just one monthly charge. The do charge 1 cent a min more to call a toll-free number, but I use a cellphone to call her, so I can I use the local access number.

I am glad to have a service that does not have connection or maintenance fees. Those end up eating most of my money.

QUOTE (slim @ Apr 1 2008, 02:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Mar 31 2008, 10:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

We are paying 11 cents per minute to call Russia and 13 cents for Ukraine,

No matter what you find, it's going to cost more than you want to pay.

We use that Crazy U.S.A. card and it's only around 3 cents/minute. Even with the fees associated, it's still cheaper than using MCC at 13 cents/minute. It is, however, more than I'd like to pay.

Maybe someday we'll get to the point where all "telephone" calls are free. Kind of like how there's really no more "long distance" since cell phones and VOIP, etc. wiped it off the face of the nation. Phone service is a flat rate, and all calls, anywhere in the world are free. I'd say it's coming but it's going to be a long time due to reciprocity issues.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-04-01 14:47:00

The plan I have now is 1.8 cents a minute for Moscow, which is where she lives. I am not around a computer enough to use a VoIP service at the times I make my calls. So, I feel I am getting a decent deal. No connection fees, just a flat sum of minutes a month at a flat rate. If I go over it is 2.5 cents a minute after that. Thanks for all the input all!

- Steven

QUOTE (irish44 @ Mar 12 2008, 06:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Don E @ Mar 11 2008, 02:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I've been using discall.com and have been pretty satisfied with them. Most of the time, the connection is good. There are occasional disconnects, and there is no call history available. When all fees are taken into account, it's about $0.05/min for me to call Tomsk. I've got pinless dialing from my home phone and cell phone (cost is the same for either). Cost varies depending on the city, and a call to a mobile phone is always at least a little higher. I use the Discall EZ Dial card. You can set up your account for auto recharge if you want.

http://www.discall.com/cards/

I use a system that is similar to discall.com called Dialbug (www.dialbug.com). The rates are 0.055 per minute to cell phone in Sochi or anywhere in Russia. Moscow, however, is cheaper at 0.029/min.
I have been using it for 6 months now and it works consistantly and well. As with discall, it has pinless dialing from the phone of your choice and has auto-recharge or manual pay.

It does have accessible phone records, which I used as one of my proofs of ongoing relationship.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-03-12 10:58:00

QUOTE (Fettman @ Mar 11 2008, 03:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I have been using PennyTalk (www.getpennytalk.com) and the rates are great, but the quality level and service has been going downhill so I am bailing it for this service Free Call Planet (http://www.freecallplanet.com), which so far has been pretty good (1.6 cents a minute for the 2500 minute plan). They offer calling plans that have pretty reasonable rates and the quality has been nice. They also offer a "easy dialer" service where I can dial a local number direct and get connected to my fiancee's number. 20 cents a minute is just too much. I call her too often for that to be economically feasible. It is great for once in a while, but terrible for like 2000+ minutes a month. With this new plan and unlimited minutes through my provider I think I will be sitting pretty. I was curious what others have been using.

- Steven

edit: Free Call Planet offers printable histories that show minutes used and what location was called.

QUOTE (slim @ Mar 11 2008, 03:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You may want to check into calling directly from your cell phone. I had a plan with Sprint (Sprint is horrible, I hope you don't have them, but if you do) where I paid $4.50 a month for an international plan and I could call Russia directly, no pins, no extra numbers, for $.20 minute. It's higher than a phone card, but to be able to direct dial from my cell phone at any time was a very nice convenience. And, the quality was pretty good, all things considered.

What we're doing now is using a phone card called Crazy USA through www.uniontelecard.com. They're $9 and I believe it ends up being around six hours of talk time so that's less than $.03/minute. Not too bad, I guess. My wife reports good quality and they have sales promotions and stuff where if you buy so many you get one free or at a discount or whatever. For the quality and ease of use (I like it because once you enter a credit card or bank account number you can automatically update or one-touch update) it's pretty good. I think your first card or first four cards are $10, but once you buy a few they drop down to $9.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-03-11 14:20:00

QUOTE (slim @ Mar 11 2008, 03:10 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-03-11 14:19:00

What services are people here using and which ones have good quality? I am looking for something inexpensive, but at the same time I am trying to find a service that has pretty good voice quality. It can be calling cards or an internet service, but I would prefer something that I can use over the phone. I call her at work due to the time difference and the web filter interferes with Skype and other services. So, any practical advise will be great and I am not looking for the cheapest one, but something that will give me good quality at a reasonable rate. Thanks!

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-03-11 13:31:00

Has anyone had luck in inviting fiance's mother to US for the wedding??

Both my wife's mother and brother were able to come and got their visas without issue. Basically the invitation said I would be responsible for them and that they full intended to return to Russia. My letter was about 1 page long. I would just include where they will stay, when the wedding is, and when they plan on returning to Russia. I believe you do not have to have an invitation, but I do not think it would hurt. The big thing as always is to prove that they have good reasons to return to Russia.

- Steven

QUOTE (sammie @ Nov 4 2008, 09:31 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Has anyone ever written an invitation letter for your fiance's mother to come to the US so she can be at the wedding? I wrote one last night, and I wasnt really sure what to include in the letter. Mine is about a page long, just wondering if I should shorten it up?

Does she have good chances to come to US for the wedding??

Thanks

Fettman

Male

Russia

2008-11-04 15:22:00

Exchanging Money in Russia

I appreciate all the feedback and advice. Thanks for the help!

Fettman

Male

Russia

2011-01-18 11:03:00

Exchanging Money in Russia

I used the ATM machines and the machines will tell you what bank it is and you select the language you want to use. You will have to stand in line with the Russians as they are using them just like we do.

Really? I they have technology in Russia? I thought it was some backwards country that was still using the telegraph and the barter system to pay for things... I was planning on bringing several chickens for this purpose...

It has been 9 years since I have been to Russia and I wanted to find out what people's experiences have been recently. I was more concerned about fees and exchange rates with ATMs and if anyone had any problems.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2011-01-14 15:10:00

Exchanging Money in Russia

Anyone have any advice about the best way to exchange money in Russia? In Germany I used my ATM card to get Euros, is that also generally available in Russia (i.e. Moscow) or should I bring money with me to exchange there, etc.?

Any information or experiences would be appreciated.

Fettman

Male

Russia

2011-01-13 11:43:00

Greetings to all!

QUOTE (slim @ Aug 30 2007, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Sounds like you've got it covered. Good luck!

Thanks for the affirmation, hope to file by the end of next month.

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2007-08-30 09:57:00

Greetings to all!

QUOTE (slim @ Aug 28 2007, 11:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Fettman,

You only need one copy of your birth cert. One. That's it. (You'll make another copy later, but all you need is one copy to get started.)

As far as her birth cert. being a requirement.... hold on.... I just checked the VJ guide, looks like it's not. I think what I did was everything I was sending in, I sent hers too. Looks like she didn't need one. Seems I was the one that needed one, but since I had a passport, it was unnecessary. I sent mine and hers. You can trim the fat if you want and only send a copy of your passport.

So, you should be able to send your K-1 packet pretty soon. She can download the G-325A, scan her passport, snap a couple photos and then send it all to you. You can submit your packet in September, which should give you a pretty good jump on sending it in November.

The chances of approval and subsequent interview before she's back..... like one in a million. "So you're saying there's a chance????"

Get started!!!

I plan on it, probably be 1st of October before I can send anything in order to get everything together. Thanks for the advice, I feel much more confident about getting everything together, but not so confident that I won't check everything over in triplicate :-). Do I need a copy of her passport for the G-325A? As far as I can tell I need the following from her:

1. Passport sized photos
2. Letter of intent signed and dated by her saying she intends to marry me.
3. A completed G-325A form signed and dated by her
4. Any proof of relationship that she has to add to what I have already.

If I am missing something for the I-129F packet I have to send it please let me know, but this is what I could figure from the guide. Thanks again for all the advice.

- Steven

Fettman

Male

Russia

2007-08-28 11:05:00