ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa to Russia
QUOTE (gogal2020 @ Sep 11 2007, 06:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In regards to the third party visa help, I am hesitant to send my passport to people (or a company) I don't know, over the internet. How do I get it directly from the embassy, by me going there in person. Do I need a letter from Elena's parents from Russia, or can I write one up myself tongue.gif?
Her parents need a copy of your passport so send it by email. Then they need to go where the old OVIR used to be at and ask about inviting a foreigner for a homestay visa. They will then tell them how much to pay the bank and what to fill out. The invitation will be generated by the Russian government and given to her parents. They then mail the invitation to you. You take that invitation plus the regular application form and either personally give it to the consulate or mail it.
Read up on it:
http://www.consulrus...s/Visa_Page.htm
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-11 09:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa to Russia
I only paid the actual visa fee which is $100 at the consulate, no third parties. Go private visa if your fiancée can handle the Russian system of getting you an invitation for something like 400 rubles or less. Good for 90 days.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-10 20:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime to schedule an interview?
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Oct 3 2007, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do they check some type of "invitation letter" before they let you into the embassy?
Yes, based on personal experience, ours was checked.
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Oct 3 2007, 06:39 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If no invitation came in the mail, how would they allow her inside?
Can't say, didn't have this issue, others will reply who have.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-04 10:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime to schedule an interview?
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Sep 24 2007, 12:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am just wondering - are you supposed to mail them a checklist prior to the interview? Or you don't have to mail anything in Russia, just show up with all the documents on the scheduled day? I am a bit confused now...
The second statement is correct.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-24 15:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime to schedule an interview?
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Sep 20 2007, 06:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How long does it take to receive packet 3/4 from the embassy? My fiancée is from Urals region, so I assume it will take a while for the mail to get there from Moscow, but what is the average?
I don't think anyone on here has kept track of all the mailing dates and received dates of the Moscow embassy in regards to K1 interview packets in order to adequately answer your question concerning averages. We all have different personal experiences. But even my own personal data is flawed because the only solid date I have is my NOA2, date interview date was posted online, date of receiving the packet, and lastly the date of the interview. Others who were more diligent figured out exactly when their package left the NVC, when the embassy got it, and when their packet was sent out. But even then it's doubtful that anyone on here has been tabulating this data. Experiences range wildly from a few weeks to a few months with some never receiving it at all. We got ours about 2 weeks after the interview date was posted online. But that was more than 3 years ago.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 20:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime to schedule an interview?
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 18 2007, 10:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Rounding third and heading for home.......!
Wow, home plate really seems far away if you consider citizenship to be the final score.
Speaking of sports, how about them NFL Ohio teams, they were fun to watch in the highlight realm.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-18 12:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusApostil for documents??
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Oct 9 2007, 11:03 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She never received a packet, so we are going by the instructions from the embassy website. But I think you are correct, I just want to be absolutely sure...
Where on the embassy website does it say you need apostilled documents?
Also look up the definition of an Apostille:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apostille
You will find that it is needed only when you want to use a document in another country. Considering that you are submitting all your Russian documents to an embassy in RUSSIA, you don't need it. And of course it is not needed for US documents because ONLY US officials will look at them. And finally when submitting RUSSIAN documents at US service centers, we simply do not require the apostille, but do require the translation.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-09 14:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo Russa's Ppl
QUOTE (gogal2020 @ Oct 9 2007, 10:14 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Just for your information, Russia has more rich people, especially in Moscow, then most countries. (look on Forbes.com)
They also have the youngest average age for someone to make that list. But that doesn't stop me from posting the obvious that about 25% of the population especially out in the villages lives in poverty. And if you think Moscow and its Oligarchs is representative of Russia as a whole, you really need to ask your fiancée / wife to take you just a few commuter train stops out of Moscow.
As for how do the locals survive? Most haven't left their village. They grow their own fruits and vegetables and subside on a lot of bread and potatoes. I think we already had this discussion in another thread not to long ago.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-09 21:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHotels in Moscow
QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Oct 10 2007, 02:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wonder how old people in Russia handle climbing so many stairs?
It's not really an issue when the life expectancy for a Russian male is around 55. Long before you can't walk you are probably dead. If you do live long, it is probably because you can make it up those stairs.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-10 18:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisitor / homestay visa
Deleted (triple post)
Computer has gone crazy.

Edited by Satellite, 11 October 2007 - 11:45 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 11:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisitor / homestay visa
Deleted (double post)

Edited by Satellite, 11 October 2007 - 11:45 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 11:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisitor / homestay visa
QUOTE (katya_and_besik @ Oct 10 2007, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
How exactly is it done, and how long does this process take?
All you have to do is enter and leave within that 90 day period you specify in the invitation.
As for the whole process read my post below:
http://www.visajourn...amp;pid=1230310
Right now is a good time to start the processes.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 11:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Trains
For all your Russian train needs visit:
http://tutu.ru/
Also if you really want to travel like an average Russian you will pack most the food you need for the trip before hand and stay in coach. First class ticket is the same price if not more than airfare.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 20:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSetting up the household before she arrives
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Oct 4 2007, 08:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone else have suggestions on how they setup their household to get ready for her arrival? Any special "Russification" things I can do to make her feel more at home?
You guys are hilarious. You talk about this as if you are getting a new puppy or kitten! Litter box, food, chewable bone, warm blanket, etc...
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-09 22:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussocial security number for fiancee
QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Oct 18 2007, 07:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The more difficult assignment was getting her passport renewed in her married name blink.gif You ain't seen nothing until you have seen Filipino red tape tongue.gif
I don't know about that. Officially the only way to change a Russian International Passport into one's married name for someone who married in the US is to:
1. Get Certified Copy of Marriage Certificate.
2. Get it apostilled.
3. Get both documents translated (properly)
4. Get all three documents certified by the Russian consulate.
5. Take these documents to Russia.
6. Go to the ZAGS and register those documents.
7. Wait many for the ministry of internal affairs to issue wife a new Internal Passport.
8. Get a local propiska in the New Internal Russian passport.
9. Take internal passport to passport authority to make a new Internal Passport showing married name.
So Jasman07017, how does that compare?

QUOTE (apgk @ Oct 18 2007, 08:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Satellite, what is that less then certain amount of days on I-94? how many?
I don't know for sure, I think 30 days before expiration of the I-94, ask in the AOS forum.

Edited by Satellite, 18 October 2007 - 10:21 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-18 22:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussocial security number for fiancee
QUOTE (TinTin and Samby @ Oct 18 2007, 06:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, Jasman, Claudeth got her first SS card 2 weeks after arriving in the USA (before your marriage) in her maiden name and then (i assume) she went back again some months later after your marriage to get a second SS card with her new married name? Is that correct? When she went back the second time, had she already received her EAD or was that a "non-issue" since the second was simply a 'name change' to her already existing SSN? Thanks for sharing the additional info.
My wife did exactly what you just described.
Caveat:
1. EAD or green card will be needed to get a social security card if you apply with less than a certain amount of days left on your I-94. Caution for the wise do it sooner than later, because not having a social security number can hinder your ability to get a driver's license, bank account, and other state benefits / privileges. Unless you get married within 2 weeks, don't try to be efficient in terms of trips to the SS office.
2. EAD will not fix the words "not valid without work authorization" - only a green card or a naturalization certificate can do that.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-18 20:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussocial security number for fiancee
QUOTE (apgk @ Oct 18 2007, 11:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think the two systems that you are trying to relate are not all connected. Her arrival information would be with USCIS and possibly with state department. The
social security system is not at all connected with these.
That may be your opinion, but I disagree.
Have you heard of the SAVE system:
Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlement
http://www.uscis.gov...00045f3d6a1RCRD
So, here, the general recommendation is to wait until your fiancée is in the system, which takes a few weeks from arrival. If she is not in the system, SSA will have to do a manual verification with USCIS and that takes a lot longer than just being entered into the system.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-18 17:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Visa Invitation Support Companies
QUOTE (Brian & Elena @ Oct 23 2007, 10:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
While I sit here in Russia waiting for my Russian temporay resident card (while we wait for my wife's US interview and visa) I am watching the days get closer and closer to when my Russian visa expires. My contacts keep swearing they will get it done within time (9 days left) but my wife and I need to setup a backup plan if they don't come through in time. I have used a site before for a 1 yr business visa which was no problem except it took like 3-4 weeks to get the invitation.
I actually applied for one of these just for fun three years ago. As it turned out I also left before it arrived. It took about 6 months to make and the OVIR folks implied that I had to re-enter Russia to activate it.

Here is some good reading on the subject, although I am doubtful because this information seems out of date.
"Temporary & Permanent Residents:
Note: December 2003 - Russian Nationality Rules Ease (Talk Lounge Russia Forums on waytorussia.net).
To become a permanent resident, a foreign citizen should become a temporary resident first. One can become a temporary resident, only if invited by a private person to Russian Federation (private invitation).
The private invitation can be made in the local immigration office (OVIR), at the place where the person, who is inviting you permanently lives. The person who invites you, should fill in a special application form in OVIR and submit it along with a copy of your (the invited person's) passport, and a paid bank transfer. (Note, there are huge queues in OVIRs). It will take about 1 month or longer for OVIR to process this information, and after it is done, a "private invitation" will be issued. This invitation should be posted (not faxed - originals are required by the embassies!) to the person who's invited. Then the person who is invited should submit this invitation, along with the invitation, passport, photos, and other documents required to the Russian embassy, and his private visa will be issued.
The private visa can be valid for a period not longer than 3 months (the exact period is specified in the invitation), and is single-entry only.
After you arrived to Russia with such "private" visa, you should register at the place of residence of the person who invited you. For that there needs to be a proof that this person has the rights for this apartment (obtained in a local housing office), and a notarized letter, where the person states he/she doesn't mind you living in his apartment for a specific period of time (the form is standard - every notary knows it).
After you're registered, if you still want to become a temporary resident, you need to get a pile of documents. The requirements change all the time, so it's better to get an up-to-date list from OVIR. Generally, a foreign citizen will need his passport, private visa, information confirming the place of work / study, information that confirms the place of residence (should be issued by prefecture), information confirming a certain income, medical insurance. The Russian person, who is inviting the foreigner, should confirm the rights for the apartment, bring in all the same documents, confirming place of work / study, income, medical insurance etc. It's better to use a specialized agency's services to file all the documents before submitting them to OVIR. These agencies will not gather the documents for you, however, they know how to submit the documents that OVIR officials like it.
If everything is ok, you'll get the answer in about 1 to 3 months time.
However, the temporary residence is quite limited: a foreign citizen will have certain rights, and be able to enter Russian Federation, but in order to leave Russia, he/she will have to get a special "exit" visa from OVIR every time (it takes 2 to 4 weeks to get it)! So, imagine, you need to leave Russia fast, you can't do it, because you have to apply (queues), and then wait, and only then get a single-exit visa.
In other words, this process is not worth going through at the moment, unless you really need a temporary Russian residence. The rules are not easier for spouses as well...
The only good thing is that the rules may change soon, and become easier. We will monitor the situation, and as soon as there's a significant change, we'll update information in this section."
http://waytorussia.n...isa/Status.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-23 15:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGraduate School

"I am a lawyer, and this is legal advice..... now you all owe me $385. I accept PayPal.")

By the time I get my license my wife should have her citizenship (or so I assume considering they are going to charge us an arm and a leg for it), and I can officially retire from VJ to avoid the conflict of interest. Don't see myself doing pro bono when I consider the kind of student debt I am straddled under. Congress needs a kick in the butt for that. Why do home buyers get a better rate (4-6%) these last couple of years and students get stafford loans at (6.8% and grad plus loans at 8.5%)? While the war in Iraq is fully funded. Okay that was my political rant of the day. Seems like we care little about the future.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-15 17:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGraduate School

I'm interested in law too, and was considering getting a paralegal certificate. I'm not sure about the job market for paralegals in the Bay Area though, and we were thinking of moving out of here in a few years, so I may as well go for the M.A., since it's not very job-specific :)

Job market is pretty good for paralegals in the Bay Area. Considering that so many firms would rather get a paralegal (cheaper) who pretty much does attorney work and who they do not ever have to make partner. That said, they probably prefer to hire a law school graduate who can't pass the bar or can't find a job as an attorney. I know a few of them.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-12 10:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow to save money on food?
Just cook traditional Russian meals. Lots of bread and potatoes. Those things are pretty cheap no matter where you buy them. The more you cook from scratch the more you will save. Avoid buying food that is out of season. Stick to chicken and rice over expensive seafood and fine cuts of meat and you'll do just fine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-09 21:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
QUOTE (Fettman @ Oct 29 2007, 04:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
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.
Okay that clarifies a few issues. First of all if you file for an I-129F you might inadvertently deny her an opportunity to get a B1 to go for an interview in the US. But I take it she will be applying in Berlin for the B1, if so her odds are better, but still even our affluent and well off European friends run into troubles coming to the US when they have a pending I-129F.
Another suggestion might be to hold off the interview until she finishes school if that is even an option. Or do as Slim suggested, get the job and try to transfer. But that will only secure you a job not a quick visa. Because an L1 visa transfer requires you to work abroad for the company for one year, plus you probably have to be someone important and not entry level, unless J&J wants pay her average "Russian Wages" in the US! Then it might be worth their while.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-30 11:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Oct 28 2007, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Wouldn't the fact they they had known each other prior to her coming to the US be some sort of a red flag?
It depends. For example, when you are applying for a work visa, they will ask if you have any relatives or fiancées in the US. If she is just a girl friend, the correct answer would be no. And this is probably not going to be asked because questioning about the work visa will be all about employment and not family relations. If she was to say apply for a tourist visa and say she is staying with him, different story. But just because you know someone doesn't always bring up a red flag.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-28 18:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
QUOTE (Thomas-n-Elena @ Oct 28 2007, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with Sat. If J&J is going to interview her did they have plans for her working in the US or is the job in Russia. If they offer her a job in the US then let them get her the visa and all the fun stuff, then all you have to do is file AOS once she is here.
Also wanted to add there really won't be an issue of pre-conceived intent, because she came to the US for a job interview and the hope of working and not to immigrate.

Although what strikes me as puzzling is that you say this job is entry level. Why would any company recruit abroad and go through the visa process for an entry level position? Because getting a any kind of visa for an entry level position will be both difficult, expensive, and time consuming mostly because one is not immediately available. Plus you must prove that no American is available to take that position locally and do a labor market test.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-28 10:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJob Interview in the US
Does she already have a US B1 visa to come to the interview for Johnson and Johnson? If I was you here is what I would do if the answer is yes to the following:
1. Forget she is your fiancée and call her your girl friend instead.
2. Don't submit an I-129F.
3. When she gets here, you think it over and decide once again that she is your fiancée, get married and file for AOS!
And that is it. Process is over! Life is so simple. Once again this is only legal if she is not your fiancée at the time of entry. It's all subjective and you have not submit anything in the contrary as of yet.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-27 17:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRedtape.ru
QUOTE (russ @ Oct 30 2007, 06:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are thinking about skiing at Lake Tahoe instead of Russia this time though...
Good choice! Big California fan here. Actually we got Heavenly Tickets for $18.50 this year. The trick is to pay for a showing of a Warren Miller film and in exchange you get extremely reduced lift tickets.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-30 12:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusK1 interview - what language?
My fiancée spoke Russian with them on my recommendation. We also communicate in Russian only. I told her, why should you struggle to understand the CO, make him work for it. At the time she was much more articulate in Russian, and if the CO doesn't understand it is his problem and in my opinion will give you benefit of the doubt if he is the one confused. Whereas if you speak broken English you could easily say something that doesn't come across as well for a native English speaker.
Bottom line it all depends on your relationship. If you only saw the person you picked from an online catalog for a week a year ago, odds are you are going to be in trouble if you guys don't communicate in a common language either.

Edited by Satellite, 30 October 2007 - 11:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-30 23:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Oct 25 2007, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She emphasized each "cop" like a raindrop hitting the ground. It was cute.
Actually she wasn't being cute with you. The word for water drop or rain drop is ?????. And "???", "???", "???" is how someone would emphasize what the rain drops are doing, i.e, falling.

QUOTE (moxcamel @ Oct 25 2007, 08:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whenever she tapped the straw she would say "took took took." I think it must be the equivalent of the little kissing sounds we make when interacting with a pet or something.
Again you are wrong. ???-??? is an actual word for knock-knock or rat-tat (a series of short sharp taps (as made by strokes on a drum or knocks on a door).
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-25 12:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 23 2007, 10:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have a similar plastic bag "collection" here, and since I work in a plastic bag factory, it really gets to me. I've probably handled more plastic bags in the last few days than most people their entire lives. Made over 40,000 today, and that's only because I was working on one of the slower machines. Some days I make over a quarter-million.
Wow Slim you actually have an American Manufacturing job! Now that is funny story in itself, since I was under the impression we sent all of those jobs oversees.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-23 15:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (katya_and_besik @ Oct 20 2007, 01:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I meant "I do not know anybody who works for pleasure"
I completely agree with you on this topic. But I think you do know someone: Kotenochek, and her family tongue.gif
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-21 15:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Oct 18 2007, 05:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In Russia still Men are supposed to provide for family and women keep comfort at home.Normally women works for her pleasure and Man of providing food and other important stuff.
there are very many women out there that have to work for living,because they married very young and husbands turned into an alcoholics..It is very hard in a small cities to find a job.
Let me give you examples of women working for other reasons.
1. My wife and I both work hard, because if only one of us worked we wouldn't have to choose between food, energy, or shelter. As a man I must have failed her badly, because even on my future Attorney's salary it will be near impossible to afford a medium price home of $800,000 in San Francisco on just one salary.
2. My wife's sister lives in Tomsk, Russia. They too cannot afford a flat and are sharing a room in their parents home. She too is working hard and full time in order to save up 1,000,000 rubles in order to buy a one bedroom flat, and they individually make less than 10,000 rubles per month. Note: They were denied credit to buy their own flat. Her husband also I suppose failed her as a man.
3. My mother makes twice as much money as my father. Because in America registered nurses make twice as much as engineers! Unlike the other two men I described above, he was able to buy a home, but my mother works, because she wants the family to have nice things, go on vacation, and enjoy themselves rather than living pay check to pay check. He too must have failed her as man.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-18 21:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
http://pytheasonline...12_archive.html
His proposed law.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-12 12:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 12 2007, 08:04 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That crazy guy in the Duma, I forget his name, but he tried to ban all foreign marriages saying Russia's gene pool was depleting due to the large number of brides leaving for the U.S. and other foreign countries. Anyone else remember this crackpot?
http://en.wikipedia....mir_Zhirinovsky
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-12 12:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (katya_and_besik @ Oct 11 2007, 06:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
you might wanna change you signature from "??????? ????? ????" to "???? ???????? ??????"
It is right grammatically, and also makes a great difference in meaning,
just like the word "member" in English, the word "????" has several meanings,
the context of your original signature suggests the *body part* meaning (but not the leg/arm kind of body part)
tongue.gif
I gave him the same suggestion a few months ago. To see his reply go to:
http://www.visajourn...h...4&hl=member
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 20:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFunny Stories
QUOTE (Buck and Natalia @ Oct 10 2007, 05:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is another cultural difference for you. Russians like their saunas rough (among other things). While traveling in Russia I was invited to a Russian bath. It was insanely hot and I had the hell beat out me with these tree branch things. A couple of times I wanted to scream but I thought that would appear unmanly. I did feel relaxed afterwards but it was the kind of relaxation one feels after a beating has ended. tongue.gif
Nothing like a good repeat smile.gif
See Below:
QUOTE (Buck and Natalia @ Jun 29 2007, 02:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Here is another cultural difference for you. Russians like their saunas rough (among other things). While traveling in Russia I was invited to a Russian bath. It was insanely hot and I had the hell beat out me with these tree branch things. A couple of times I wanted to scream but I thought that would appear unmanly. I did feel relaxed afterwards but it was the kind of relaxation one feels after a beating has ended. tongue.gif
http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1018886
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-11 11:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOnce again.....
QUOTE (Chris Parker @ Nov 3 2007, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Not choosing to naturalize when you are otherwise eligible is generally considered foolishness. Permanent residents can be deported, must actually permanently reside in the U.S., must always answer "NO" to being a U.S. citizen, must report all address changes to USCIS within 10 days, and otherwise can be subjected to some difficulties. Only if you don't speak English or have committed a deportable offense, only then would it be a better idea not to naturalize
I agree with Chris here. Getting out of Jury duty, having an insignificant tax break, and avoiding an unlikely draft order are not really good reasons for not becoming a US citizen. And even if you have committed deportable offenses, when you apply to renew your card you can still come up on the radar. So only the English requirement remains as a truly good reason. And at age 50 with 20 years of being a PR, even the English is waived! So Slim for your own piece of mind, get her to become a USC. When I worked in a immigration office, my biggest question to most of the clients was why did you not naturalize, because being deported for a simple drug possession after living 15 years in this country is just one extreme example.

QUOTE (Chris Parker @ Nov 3 2007, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The problem is, U.S. embassy in Moscow has never seen one issued to someone in this circumstance, but has always seen people not be able to obtain them. Put the case under administrative review. 15 months later, comparison with police certificates received at the embassy at Tbilisi for immigrant visas applied for there shows the document is not authentic. Visa denied for misrepresentation, thank you very much!
I think you have done all you can. Just wait until the interview and see what they say before trying something extreme either in a dangerous attempt to enter the territory or using false documents.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-04 12:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOnce again.....
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 24 2007, 10:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is it just as hard for girls from the P.I. to get visitor visas?
Probably even worse then from Russia. As far as I am aware there is no Moscow phenomenon in the Philippines, at least the Moscowites have a shot in my opinion.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-24 17:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOnce again.....
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Oct 23 2007, 02:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE
I don't know what else to say. I hope they don't censor my post for my "ideas".
I do have to wonder how Slim's wife's status might be affected if they were to catch him committing Visa fraud.
First of all Slim is not likely to get caught unless he sets up a business in doing this or something like trafficking in people for labor or sexual purposes. One isolated case won't draw attention to him. Usually only the visa applicants are punished.
But for the sake of guessing, if he was caught, he could probably stay out on bail long enough to lift conditions for his wife. And even if he is incarcerated he is still married. However, I see your point on his marriage being questioned as well. But it is all a guess here.
Being in jail would certainly effect the initial AOS, where the USC spouse must be present, but lifting conditions and citizenship are all on paper. And on paper they are fine even if he is jail or convicted. Because no one cares for the USC's criminal record unless he is doing a K1 or the immigrant is applying for benefits under VAWA.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-23 17:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusOnce again.....
QUOTE (slim @ Oct 23 2007, 10:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Visitor, Student, Work through some bogus company?
Slim, a student visa will require your wife's sister to actually gain admission to a school in America. Pay out of state tuition for at least one year, which means showing the consulate about $10,000 to $25,000 in a bank account. That said you are up against either a financial burden or the admission burden. Remember the students need high TOEFL scores and the like.
A bogus company might not be a bad idea, however, you are up against fraud and money issues again. Some of the more creative ways of doing a bogus company is using the L1 inter company visa, when a real US company sets up a bogus company in order to transfer employees in. These companies are of course looking for specialists for "lower wages than US workers" and are not just messing around. H1B's require a Baccalaureate degree or higher and are over subscribed. Likewise other non-immigrants work visas have multiple year queues. Unless she qualifies as an O visa, extraordinary ability (noble prize, etc), the work visa isn't going to work.
J1 visa might work if she gets involved with some organization to be sent here to work as an exchange student over the summer or winter period in between school. There are 12 different kinds of J visas, but again they will be pricey in terms of organizational fees.
That brings you full circle back to a visitor visa or as crazy as it sounds a bogus fiancée visa! You have plenty of buddies Slim, I am sure it can be arranged and you are already an expert on what has to be done to get by.
Okay back to the visitor's visa. Probably not enough on what she has. You can pay some Russian company or use your own connections to secure fake documents showing a high earning job, memberships, car and property ownership. A letter from employer stating length of absence and expectancy to return to work.

I don't know what else to say. I hope they don't censor my post for my "ideas".
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-10-23 15:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLeaving russia - is there any document needed?
QUOTE (Chris Parker @ Nov 8 2007, 09:05 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Propiska is meant to be a permanent residence, you cannot move it day by day, and there is no temporary resident registration for Russian citizens as far as I know like there is for non-Russian citizens. Merely visiting a city to see a friend or relative or do business or pass through in travel is not in any way taking up a temporary residence in that city either.
Try explaining this to Moscow militia on every corner. You pretty much have to have all your travel documents and reservations on you, plus a print out of the law, and after a good days worth of detensions they'll release you if you refuse to pay the bribe as a local who is merely visiting friends for one or two months in Moscow! Plenty of my wife's friends have had to pay for not doing a "local temporary" registration while "temporarily" residing in Moscow. This requires someone who does have a Moscow Propiska to go with you (must all the be the person who is in charge of the place you are staying). Hard to find someone who does and someone willing to waste their day with you. This is what the militia guy told us when we got stopped. Luckily for both of us local and foreign it was still the day after arrival. We avoided contact with them for the next 2 weeks during our stay in Moscow.

QUOTE (russ @ Nov 8 2007, 09:21 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, and it MUST be within 3 days of entering Russia, even if you are in transit. You can not, for instance, arrive in Moscow and then take a train to the far east. You must register first in Moscow, and then register again wherever you arrive.
It's true, when I was registering my visa in 2004, a grandma from Ukraine who traveled for 6 days to Siberia by train was slapped with a 1000 ruble find for not registering within 72 hours! That's big money in 2004 and when you are a pensioner from the Ukraine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-08 13:52:00