ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Russia with GC

Both documents have the Secretary of State's Apostille. She will also take her Green Card...I did not pay the additional $30 for the Russian Translation of our Marriage License to be a true translation.

You shouldn't have any problems. But if you truly wanted to use the marriage certificate for some official purpose in Russia, you are at the mercy of the ZAGS people if they want to accept it without the consulate certification. Since technically it is still out of compliance with the Hague Convention. Although I am not 100% sure about that!
http://www.rusconsho...egalization.htm
However, on a second read, it appears that the translation is what requires the consulate certification.
http://www.rusconsho...f_documents.htm

Edited by Satellite, 25 July 2007 - 11:19 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-25 11:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Russia with GC

I will take our Marriage License to the Secretary of State's office and have the correct stamps put on it (apostile).

That is not enough for Russian officials. Without the translation and Russian consulate certification it is still worth as much as a piece of toilet paper.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-03 19:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Russia with GC
You can enter Russia only using Russian documents. Therefore she will need her international passport with her maiden name. Thus it is recommended that you buy airline tickets in her maiden name.
To return to the US you need to show your Russian passport to the exit border patrol in Russia and an American entry document i.e. valid visa, green card, refugee stamp, I-551 stamp or US passport to the airline officials and then do the same at the Point of Entry officers in the US.
The only known problems occur in Russia because a Russian official who is working for Aeroflot will refuse to recognize a Russian Passport with one name and a US entry document in another name. To ease your worries some, like myself have requested the Russian consulate to make an amendment to the Russian Passport indicating that this passport holder also goes by the following married name.
AK has had more success by even getting the Seattle Russian consulate to change the entire Russian passport into the married name. San Francisco Russian Consulate refused to do the latter, claiming it must be done in Russia through the internal passport first.
But 9 out of 10 you will be fine with the documents you listed. As the folks in the Canadian or European forums point out, you should bring your marriage certificate to point out the name change. That might pass muster in civilized Western Countries, but in Russia, a US marriage certificate is worth as much as a piece of toilet paper. Unless it is appostiled and certified by a Russian consulate here in the US.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-20 11:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam

I have seen on here that some women have had to spread their butt cheeks and the DR looked in their butts. Some have also had pap smears to check for chlamydia and gonorrhea. I forgot what country these women were from though. I would have felt so embarrassed if I had to do THAT! Kinda violated, you know?

I believe one consents to the medical exam before going in. No one forces you to move to the US or take the medical exam as a requirement to come here. As a country, the USA can take every precaution necessary to protect its sovereignty. Including issuing such medical exams or just plain denying entry to anyone.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-23 11:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam

How long does the actual medical exam take? What do they do?

We went there as well, granted nearly 3 years ago. You go to one address, wait about an hour and register / pay. Then you are given a map and sent to another clinic. At the next building you sign in and wait again up to an hour. Finally they call them in. My wife was out within two hours and we were free around 1pm or so. After that you return to the first building and pick up your results in the afternoon. We explored Moscow instead until then.
As far as what they do during the medical. My wife said it was a standard Russian check up done by Russian staff. Chest Ex-Ray. She didn't describe anything beyond that.

Edited by Satellite, 11 July 2007 - 11:15 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-11 11:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarriage in Russia
Read these instructions, if you still have questions ask again.
http://vladivostok.u...csmarryrus.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-27 17:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow to marry in Krasnoyarsk?

It seems that I must first go to Moscow and fill out a Marriage Letter affidavit and have it notarized at the US Embassy. Then I have to take this letter to the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs to be authenticated, which takes 5 days.

Did you read:
http://vladivostok.u...csmarryrus.html
In your previous thread:
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=80297
Anyway, if you did, then here is some helpful language from that website:
"The U.S. Consulate General can neither translate nor legalize U.S. documents and translations for use in Russia."
Next read:
"To obtain an apostille on documents notarized in the U.S. (including civil records), you must apply to the Secretary of State of the state in which the document was notarized. The Secretary of State's office will verify the notary public's or other notarizing official's signature by placing an apostille on the document. If you were not married before ZAGS might ask you to provide a certificate that no impediment exists to the marriage. The United States does not require such a document. If such a document is requested, you need to prepare an affidavit with basic biographical information about you and your fiancé. The information should be in both English and Russian. It is important that the Russian transliteration of your name be identical to that on your Russian visa and that all information pertaining to your Russian fiancé be correct and accurate. Your affidavit should be apostilled in the U.S."
This affidavit does not have to be made in Russia and notarized by the embassy. It can be made in Russia to simplify things and notarized by a Russian notary. Or you can do it in the US and go through the appostile process.

Then I have to go to Krasnoyarsk to file for a marriage at the Palace of Marriage (ZAGS) and then wait 32 days to get married. Can I get a waiver of the 32 days wait period to get married?

In the previous thread, see above, Russ answered this question for you:

The 30 days can be waived for foreigners (at least, I have heard that is has been before).

And the website also answers this question for you:
"Contact your local ZAGS office for exact information. In most cases the process can be accelerated if the fiancé is pregnant."

can i get a Russian visa for more than 30 days?

Yes, private visa (90 days) and Business Visa up to 1 year.

Does my girlfriend have to sponsor me?

Yes for the private visa, no for the business visa. But based on my experience the business visa is going to cost you several more hundred dollars than the private, because you have to pay some third party to make an invitation for you, whereas the private visa can be done entirely by your fiancée for under $25, granted lots of paperwork and at least 8 weeks of time.

Is there a way to do everything from Krasnoyarsk?

Have your fiancée work with Russian officials. Have her visit the local ZAGS. Find out what THERE requirements are. And then you will know your answer.

I have a feeling this does not have to be so difficult. I'm hoping some "veterans" of Russian marriage can help me.

Most of veterans chose the easier path of marrying in the US through a K1.

Edited by Satellite, 01 August 2007 - 01:23 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-01 13:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestion
I thought that AK just ran the English words, "Russian Form Member" through a dictionary and got the word ???? to come up. Not wanting to call myself a #######, I also refrained from using this signature. For me the Russian flag was sufficient identification. But, the American flag is an even better idea.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-30 16:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestion
I remember all the hype of having the Russian group folks all belong to one forum. Another easy way to group all of us together is to have a Russian flag appear below your avatar.
To do so click:
http://www.visajourn...h...rCP&CODE=01
Or My Controls --> Edit Profile Information --> Country of non-US Fiance / Spouse / Family Member --> Russia
This then allows us all to be found under:
http://www.visajourn...?country=Russia
Much better than writing ??????? ????? ???? - which is a slang for Russian Forum #######.
In case of doubt, ask your ladies all the meanings and usages of the word ????.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-30 12:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAbout the medical..........

You are correct, but we decided to do the vaccinations in Russia because it was cheaper and once it was done we did not have to deal with the problems of going to the civil surgeon here.

If you are stuck doing vaccinations in the US, don't forget about public health. We only paid $10 per vaccine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-03 12:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAbout the medical..........
We tried scheduling an exam with MOM about 2.5 months before the interview. They laughed and said to call back when the interview date is a few weeks away or closer.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-29 19:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChristmas Vacation in the Dominican Republic

We're trying to go to the Dominican for Christmas/New Years...And what's the deal with the visa requirements for USC and RFC(w/greencard)??? I know there's the Delta site, but I don't have experience (and am too tired to look right now) so if you could post a link for my lazy @$$, that would be awesome.

"Visa not required for a max. stay of 30 days, provided holding
Tourist Card (issued on arrival). No photos required.
Fee: USD 10.-"
http://www.delta.com...rt_information/

Slim,
As for budget vacations with all the things you want you are probably best off doing an all inclusive resort in Cancun / Rivera Maya in the off peak season between September and November. If you are lucky you might pull it off for about $500-$1000 per person all inclusive with airfare / hotel / food / and drinks. Stay at the resort to save money. All those excursions make the trip cost add up fast. If you do a cruise you'll lose out on the deal by all the money you'll spend off the ship and at the bar on the ship.
As for a good room, the closer you are off peak season the better chance you are off getting a good suite upgrade for little money.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-15 18:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

You guys that are checking the websites daily are only shooting yourselves in the foot. Set a more realistic timeline in your head, and stick to that.

I agree. I remember when I got my NOA2 from CSC and it said processing time is 150 - 180 days; and I believed them. Didn't start checking until 120 days in. And then only once a week after that.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-18 10:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

Hair coloring???? :o :D

It's not that bad :P Just a few here and there mostly on the sides. But I am guy and (1) I don't care, (2) I am not spending money on this.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-15 14:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey

Sixteen years difference and loving every bit of it.

I can understand your perspective, but is she? We only have a 3.5 year difference, but I have a lot of grey hair for my years, and my wife thinks that makes us age wise too far apart!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-15 13:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey
I'm 24 and she's 21.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-29 00:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInternational Freight shipping services in Russia

Remember, she is still your fiancée, and you should be taking the entire 3 months to make sure, IMHO.

That is not true at all. They call it a fiancée visa not a "get to know her to decide if you might want to marry her" visa. You are supposed to be totally SURE before you do a K-1 visa.

If the issuance of a K1 mandate marriage I think such a policy would be void for public policy reasons and run afoul of violating your due process liberties of choosing "when" to marry.
Considering that tourist visas are so hard to get and the K1 takes so long, I see some justice in violating the K1 and using it as a trial period. Just don't go parading that to anyone. {Opinion} Very bad advice.

Although I agree it's not a "trial period" I do encourage all to take as long as possible, especially in the "met once in Moscow" cases.

I knew my wife for like six years before she got here, and it still was a "trial period" after her arrival.... still is today! It takes years and years of cohabitation to really get to know someone, so the longer the better, I believe.

I agree. If if was all so 100% certain, USCIS wouldn't be giving out conditional green cards right?
And it seems like every 3rd or 4th person in the Russian form screams "I've been scammed" after going through such a certain K1 marriage.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-16 20:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAppointment for "Conditional" Permanent Residence

(I believe Satellite did this with no problems.) Lawyers know this, that's why it's possible to get an interview date without knowing about the I-693A until the last minute. (And being charged for it.)

All we did was download the I-693a and take it to a civil surgeon at public health. He took like two weeks to sign the form which was accompanied with my wife's "American" vaccination record. We only paid for the vaccines because it was public health. And no we did not add it later. Once the letter with the I-693a was completed with the official stamp on the envelop we then took it with us for our walk-in in AOS filing. The last part as most of you know is mute. The rest is still good info.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-16 19:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPhotos for visa and medical
You should be fine. We did the same thing. Just make sure the photos still meet the current requirements. It is only a potential problem when they ask for dated photos and you "up" the date to avoid problems.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-19 06:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusComputer - Russian Language
QUOTE (russ @ Aug 19 2007, 08:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sat - where would you get these other language packs?
My wife's cousin burned me a copy of what I thought would be the Russian version of Windows XP. Instead it was just a disk with US windows XP and a folder called Muisetup which contained the Russian language pack. It is about 100 megabytes in size. The readme calls it a "Microsoft® Windows XP Multilingual User Interface Pack." I think you can download it directly from Microsoft as well but it costs money.
I had the link before, but here is something similar but may not be as relevant.
http://www.microsoft...up/default.mspx

Edited by Satellite, 19 August 2007 - 12:48 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-19 12:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusComputer - Russian Language
QUOTE (russ @ Aug 18 2007, 10:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Windows
Localizing Windows - This is a harder problem - getting all the programs to have menus in Russian. You need a Russian copy of Windows to get this. Same for each program. Not worth it to me to buy a Russian copy of Office to have a Russian spell check, but there are other options.
You don't need a full version of Russian Windows to do this. A copy of Russian Windows is identical to US windows except that they install an additional service pack of a couple hundred megabytes. At least for Windows XP. After that you have an option to switch in between the two language in the Regional and Languages option in the control panel. I believe another tab is added. I played around with it a few years ago and overall chose to stick with the US format because the Russian is just not practical for me.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-19 06:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

The same thing happens to foreign workers when their job ends - no job, no more residency. Or international students who flunk out of school, they are expected to leave as well.

Not exactly. For foreign workers who get their green cards through a US employer, they can quit their jobs the next day. I believe the regulation even lets you quit something like 6 months after filing for employment based AOS. There is no lifting condition stage, etc. There is for people who come over on the 5th preference, $1 million start their own business 10 employees, etc. But those are very rare.
For those here on H, E, or O visas they can secure alternative employment within a certain period without being forced to go home and have the new employer file another I-129 and keep their visa. Students can likewise change status to another non-immigrant or even adjust status through marriage to a USC while in the US.
But K1 holders can't do any of these options. All options without going home involve adjusting through the petitioner.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-30 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

Otherwise they can get themselves in the situation skinsfan has fiduciary descr revenge ibed
What? What does it mean?

Now I am confused. Which part are you confused about?

Guys, be honest to yourself. Would your wife / fiancée still be with you if you were Russian, making a Russian wage, and living in Russia? For example if you met at a café. Ask them if you are not sure. That whole American thing lets the ladies overlook a lot of things. Like age, manners, lack of language, habits, culture, etc.

What did your wife say?

Wissoner, I was born in the former USSR, my wife and I speak the same language fluently (Russian). I have a pretty good grasp of the Russian culture despite living here the last 18 years of my life. I am able to get by in Russia as a local despite having a US passport, mindset, clothing, etc. We are both in the same age group, early 20's. We are both very poor and still students. Today she talks like Blues Fairy and in the past she also wished we'd live in Russia instead. As for love at first sight, perhaps not. Blame the Internet for that. It changes the usual way of meeting. You get to know the person before you get to really interact with them, usually it is the other way around.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-30 11:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

Let me get this correct, sending a woman back who charged me with DV falsely, costing me an enormous amount of money defending my good name, taking her and her children in my heart and taking care of their every need, oh and by the way, she is fluent in English, is mean, then color me the meanest man in the entire world !!

You aren't sending anyone back. All the claims you have made against your former spouse can be taken out in civil court. Defamation, Qui Tam (whistle blower statute for those who report federal false claims), breach of contract, breach of fidiciary duty, or better yet, how about a tort action, something old school like alienation of affection. Guess what, you don't have a leg to stand on any of these accusations especially when the Judge hears that all of this occurred while you were married.
So all you have is the USCIS to send the ultimate revenege, deportation. I am glad the government is doing the enforcement here, rather than private parties. Boy would be in trouble if it was otherwise.

nobody gets a free pass for fraud !!

I completely agree. The poor ladies have to tough it out at least three years before they can dump the:

disgusting fat smelly stupid and angry Yankee

Otherwise they can get themselves in the situation skinsfan has fiduciarydescrrevengeibed.

Guys, be honest to yourself. Would your wife / fiancée still be with you if you were Russian, making a Russian wage, and living in Russia? For example if you met at a café. Ask them if you are not sure. That whole American thing lets the ladies overlook a lot of things. Like age, manners, lack of language, habits, culture, etc.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-29 13:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

Citycat, you should be very careful with your words. There are 1000s of members here who would argue with you.

I tend to agree with CityCat. If you are in a marriage described by CityCat and you disagree with her; simply put you are as blinded as skinsfan was. Good luck though, sure hate to see your post in a year or two saying my wife scammed me....
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-27 17:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

What percentage of these ladies that meet an American man through a "marriage agency" or online would you say have these evil intentions from the beginning? Do you think it's more then a third? Or maybe as high as 50%? Unfortunately I think it's quite a high percentage.

I think it is even higher, probably 75% if not more. Mostly because, placing yourself on some online agency is stating to the world that (1) you are for sale, (2) you are seeking a better life and a way out of Russia. The whole story about Russian men being drunkards and unsuccessful is not 100% true. The Russian economy (government) is to blame why only 10% are able to live at an American standard of living. So there are successful Russian men. But as I understand these men are hard to get, because there are few of them and a lot of these women who post themselves online probably have a child or two and have gone through a divorce thus making them less attractive to Russian men. Likewise many of these women were unable to reach a high standard of living in Russia through their own abilities for one reason or another.
Similarly few Russian women would jump at the opportunity to marry an unattractive older man who resides in Russia.
(You can test this in the alternative and try to see how many US girls of the same characteristics will far for the older unattractive US man.)
By being from the US or Europe the Russian women are able to justify this otherwise unthinkable relationship.
I do believe that most of these women give the relationship they found online a try, but if it is not what they hoped it would be they return to their original plan of green card and run.
Personally I have been invited to such a family where a beautiful Russian women of 27 married a 55-year-old real estate magnet. At the dinner table she would tell her husband in a sweat voice, "????? ?? ??????? ? ??????? ?????", and he would respond with, "I love you too honey."
Hopefully my opinion didn't offend anyone, I base it only on the personal conversations I have had with the Russian ladies both in Russia and in the US. This topic and the end result always fascinates me and honestly if you step back away from thee branches and look at the entire forest you will begin to understand why this result is not that surprising in the big scheme of things.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-30 22:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

Everything was pretty much normal with their marriage for about 2 years, and then all of a sudden one day he came home and she had left and taken all of her belongings (and some of his) with her. Very little warning signs ahead of time that something like that was about to happen.

As a Russian speaker I have spoken to these ladies in the US who have "moved on" after their greencard marriage. As I see it now there are two groups of folks, those that pull the VAWA route and those that bite the pillow a little longer and wait for lifting conditions / citizenship.
These ladies come with a well hidden preconceived intent to marry for the green card for either a better life for themselves or their children.
Slim can chime in on all the usual signs of older guy, lack of mutual communication (relationship's can't work if you can't communicate beyond basic speech), etc.
Good luck in avoiding legal trouble, I-864 obligations, and other state divorce procedures.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-30 20:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPOE- Helsinki or JFK???
If it is two different airline companies, he will most likely miss his connecting flight at a loss to him. Buying last minute one way tickets is not cheap either.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-21 15:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHelping her with forms
QUOTE (Danno @ Aug 20 2007, 09:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And I don't recall ever having to do a visa application to Russia in the native language of that country.
Big difference.
What's your point?
I was commenting on how your fiancée should do everything concerning the Russia and you should do everything concerning the US. My favorite example is, how would you feel if your fiancée paid $200 upfront to an agency who will help her fill out her SS-5 form and walk with her to your local social security office, because she read on line that was the best way to do it?
With the new electronic DS-156 English is now required, but all the years prior to that the application could have been done in Russian as well as English. Same goes for the interview. My fiancée did both in Russian, granted in 2004.
Likewise you too can fill your visa application to Russia in Russian if you so desire.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-21 10:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHelping her with forms
QUOTE (novotul @ Aug 20 2007, 05:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My wife and I have this division of labor: if the bureaucracy concerns her country, it is her problem (such as registration of my visas) and if the bureaucracy concerns my country, it is my problem.. This has helped me out in some sticky situations -- and it will help her out, too.
I completely agree. Í've been preaching this for years. Every time the smart American traveler thinks it would be best to not inconvenience his fiancée who is making $200 a month from taking a day off to investigate how to get a private visa, buy trip packages within Russia, rent a flat at rates affordable for Russians, how to register his visa, etc., he usually ends up paying through the roof and getting into sticky situations.

QUOTE (slim @ Aug 20 2007, 11:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If I'm going to visit her, shouldn't I be the one to get my own visa?
If you follow the law then no. Because you are going to Russia to be with your fiancée, not for business or pure tourism. Your fiancée’s ability to navigate her own country's beauracracy will go along way in showing how well she will eventually navigate ours.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-20 16:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWedding Invitation Letter for embassy
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Aug 23 2007, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But even if she gets this visa how many entries it allows?
Currently in terms of visitor B2 visas the US embassy and consulates give out 1 year multi entry visas or for an additional $100 2 year multi entry visas. In the past 5 or perhaps even 10 year visas were given out. And perhaps holders of those visas are still allowed to renew under those conditions.
Sources:
http://moscow.usemba...ecord_id=nivfaq [see #13]
http://yekaterinburg...s/VisaTypes.php
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-23 13:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWedding Invitation Letter for embassy
Getting a US tourist visa is two pronged.
1. You must actually be a tourist.
2. You must have proof of ties to your home country.
You are focusing in on the first one. Which by the way is not usually an issue. Going to a wedding, visiting a family member, or going to Disneyland are all valid reasons for a tourist visa and are rarely questioned.
You really should put your focus on the second prong which is what kills the majority of the visa applicants from Russia. Your invitees should have high paying jobs, property, cars, health insurance, membership to organization, friends, and family waiting for them in Russia. As well as documentation to back up all their claims. The more convincing they are of proving these ties the better their chances of being approved.
You as the American can't really do much about the ties. The more you come out as the generous wealthy American willing to do anything; the more it looks like you will help foster their eventually visa violation by helping them stay in the US illegally.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-21 15:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning my 3rd trip to Russia since January
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Aug 27 2007, 08:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have been to Russia ten times in the past year, it will be no problem; although I would advise you get a one year business visa with multiple entry. I used to do single visas for Russia entry but that gets expensive very fast.
This is the best way to go if you are frequent visitor.
In my situation my fiancée was a full time student / part time worker. She had time to stand in line, although she says it was less than 30 minutes. We were in no hurry. And more importantly I was there for 9 weeks and 12 weeks respectively. Too long for a tourist visa and with only one visit a year, not enough to justify a business visa. Best part was the ease of registration during the days when bribing some hotel official seemed like a pain in the butt. Tourist visa holders under Russian law at least in up til 2004 were expected to live in hotels and even living in rented apartments was iffy.
I agree with you Slim, that for someone whose time is better spent elsewhere the extra $50-$100 is nothing.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-27 12:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning my 3rd trip to Russia since January
I am the only the one on here apparently who has has a lot of success with the private visa. My fiancee would pay about 400 rubles, fill out some papers, stand in line, wait about 2 months and then send me the invitation. I filled out the basic application form, took my passport, and her invitation, plus $100 to the Russian consulate and got the visa. Since all my trips were planned at least 6 months in advance this was not an issue. But the biggest benefit for me was that the visa was easy to register (no need to pay a company or a hotel), was good for 90 days, and I didn't pay any company anything extra.

Edited by Satellite, 26 August 2007 - 09:53 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-26 21:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

I beg the boss (my wife) for some of my money back.

You lost control of your money that fast?! I am amazed. She has gotten a full grasp of how our financial system works, from credit cards, bills. checks, direct deposit, on line payments, etc.? All the fun stuff I do exclusively here.

Plus, $200-$400/month buys a lot of beer in Russia!

It sure will. But renting even a small one bedroom in Siberia will run you $100 to $300 a month! Now you see the problem? And what about all the other costs? Transportation, food, clothing, etc. It's only fun when your salary is $2000-$4000 a month and you live in Russia.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-21 15:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

I wish to live the simple life, work at the local shop or at the docks or something like that, kick my feet up at night and drink a nice cold beer with my wife.

Slim are you ready to take this job for $200-$400 a month working 12 hour days and getting paid only after you beg the boss for two months?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-20 21:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia
In 2004 I asked about this option, at the time I thought this might be a "cheap" option to avoid spending $100 on an inflexible single entry 90 day visa. As it turns out, you do need to fill out a stack of documents. Run the gauntlet of medical tests (mental, drug, and general). And hardest of all get a police certificate from the US that is translated, appostiled, and certified. Only translation and copy of passport is sufficient. Get a bank account. You must enter on a private visa to start the process. Then they collect all the documents and 6 months later the "invitation" to get a temporary residence permit arrives at your local Russian address. Supposedly you are either supposed to return to Russia again on a private visa or take that thing to the consulate abroad and get your temporary permit. After that you are allowed to work and exit only after again seeing the "OVIR" or whatever they call it now and get an exit visa each time. Then after so many years you apply for the permanent permit. The exit procedure goes on until you acquire Russian citizenship.
The cost is actually less than $100 for all the documents / medical tests you need to do within Russia, but that police certificate will cost at least $100 if you count the appostile / translation / mobile notary / certification costs.
If you are seriously considering this option have a local ask about all the requirements prior to you departing the US for Russia. Once in Russia it is pretty difficult to get a personal document from the US,

Edited by Satellite, 18 July 2007 - 01:24 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-18 13:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

Well I actually meant to ask other way around.

Sure, not a problem. Pursuant to the instructions at the Russian Consulate in San Francisco the instructions are listed below with my short summary translation:
"????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????
? ???????????? ? ??????????? ??????? «? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????», ?????????? ? ???? 1 ???? 2002 ????, ???????? ?????????? ?????????, ??????????? ?? ?????????? ???????????? ???????????, ????? ???????? ????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ????? ??????????????? ????????????????? ??? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????. ??? ????? ?????????????? ????????? ?????????:
[According to the laws of Russia you can renounce your citizenship at consulates abroad if you meet the following requirements]
1. ????????? ? ???? ??????????? (????? ????????? ????? ???????? ? ??????????????). ?????????? ? ????????? ???????? ??? ?????. ????????? ???????????? ?? ??????? ?????. ????? ????????? ??????????? ?? ???? ??? ? ?????????????? ??????????? ??????? (??????? ???????, ???????????). ??? ?????????? ?????? ????????? ?? ??????????? ????????????? ?????????? ? ???????????, ? ????? ???????? ???????????. ?????? ?? ???????????? ? ?????? ????????? ??????? ?????? ???? ??????????????. ????? ?????????, ??????????? ?? ????, ?????? ???? ???????????;
[Statement written by you declaring your intent to renounce Russian citizenship].
2. ????????, ?????????????? ?????????? ??????????? ????????? (?????????????? ?????????? ?????????????);
[Proof of Russian citizenship, i.e. Russian passport]
3. ??? ?????????? ??????????? ??????? (3?4 ??);
[Three photographs].
4. ????????, ?????? ????? ?? ?????????? ? ??? (????-?????, ?????????? ? ?????????????, ??????? ??? ? ??.), ? ????? ??? ????? ? ??????? ?? ??????? ???? ? ???????? ????.
[Proof of ability to stay in the US, i.e. US green card or passport].
5. ???????? ? ?????? ? ???????????????? ????? ?? ????? ?????????? ? ?????????? ????????? (? ?????? ?????????? ???? ?????? ? ???????? ?????????);
[Document proving absence of registration in Russia].
6. ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ??????????? ? ??????? ? ????????? ????? ??????????? ??? ????????????? ??????????? ?????????????? ????????? ????? ??????????? ? ?????? ??? ?????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????;
[Proof of being affilaiated with another state (e.g. they don't want to leave you a stateless person].
7. ???????? ?????????? ?????? ?????????? ????????? ?? ?????????? ????????????? ?? ?????? ???????.
??? ????????? ?????????????? ????????? ?????????? ?????, ???????? ????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????, ? ????????? ????? ?????? ? ?????????? ?????????????? ?????????, ?????????????? ????????? ????? ?????????? ??????? ??????????? ???? ?? ?????????? ?????????? ????????? (?????) ?? ????? ?????????? ???????????????? ?????????? ??????.
?????? ??????????? ????? ???????? ??????? ??? ????????, ??? ??????????; ? ?????? ????????? ??????? (?????, ????????) – ????????, ?????????????? ? ???????????? ? ????????????????? ?????????? ????????? ????????? ??????? (?????, ????????).
????????? ?????? ? ????????????? ???? ????????????? ?????????????? ?????????? ????????? ? ????????? ??????? ? ?????? ???????. ??????? ???????? ?? ?????? ?????????? ?????? ? ???????? ????????? ???????????? ?????????:
???? ? ????? ???????,
???????, ???, ???????? ???????????? ???? ? ???????????? ?????????? ??????, ????????? ???????.
??????? ?? ?????????? ????????????? ?? ?????? ??????? ????????????? ????????????? (??? ????????????) ?????????? ?????? ? ?????????? ???????? ??????? ?????????? ??????.
??? ????????? ????? ??????? ????????????? ?? ?????? ???????, ???? ??????????????? ?????????? ??????????, ??????????? ??? ?????? ??????? ?? ?????????? ????????????? ?? ?????? ???????, ????????? ????? ????????? ???????? ????????? ? ????????????? ?????? ?????? ??????? ? ????????? ??????? ??????.
????????? ??????? ?????????? ?????????, ?? ??????? ????? ?????????? ?? ?????????? ?????????? ????????? (?????), ? ??????????? ??????????????? ?????????? ???????????? ? ?????????? ????????????? ????????? ????????? ??? ?????? ?? ??????: 127381, ??????, ??. ?????????, ?. 23.
??????? ?? ?????????? ????????????? ?? ?????? ???????, ?????????? ??????????? ????????????? ????????? ????????? ??? ??????, ????????????? ?????????????? ??????????? ????? ??? ?????? ? ?????????? ??????? ?????????? ????????????? ????????? ????????? ??? ??????;
[Document from Russia proving an absence of Russian tax debt, the rest of this concerns the process of how to obtain this document].
8. ?????? ???????????? ????? ? ????? 550 ???????? ? ????? «money order» (400 ???????? - ?????????? ?????? ?? ??????????? ???????????, 150 ???????? - ?????? ??????? ?? ?????????? ??????????? ???????????)
[Paying 550 dollars!]
9. ??? ????????????? ??????? ??????? ? ?????? ????????? ?? ??????????? ??????????? ??? ???????? ??????? ? ??????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????. ????????? ????? ?????? ????? ? ?????????????? ????????????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????, ?????????? ??????? ?????????? ?????????? ????????? ? ??????? ? ????????????? ? ????????????? ? ???????? (??? ??? ???????)..
????????? ???????? ?????????? ?????. ? ??????, ???? ????????? ?? ????? ????? ?????? ????????? ? ????? ? ????????????????, ???????? ?????????????? ???????? ? ??????????????? ?????????????, ????????? ? ??????????? ????????? ????? ???????? ??? ???????????? ????? ?????? ????, ???? ?????????? ?? ?????. ? ???? ?????? ??????????? ??????? ????, ???????????? ?????????, ? ???????????? ????? ?????????, ??????????????? ????????, ??? ?????????? ?????????????? ????????????? ???????? ? ??????????? ????????????? ?? ??? ????????.
??? ?????????????? ?????? ? ?????????? ?????????, ??????????? ?? ?? ??????? ?????, ???????? ???????? ?? ??????? ????.
????????? ????????? ???????? ? ???????????? ?? ??? ?????? ?????????? ???? ??????????? ? ?????????? ??????? ??????????? ?????????? ? ?????? ???????? ????????? ? ?????.
???? ???????????? ????????? ? ???????? ?? ??? ??????? ?????????????? ? ???? ?? ????? ??????? ?? ??? ?????? ????????? ? ????????????? ???? ??????????? ??????????, ??????????? ?????????? ???????.
????? ?? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ?? ???????????, ???? ????????? ?????????? ?????????:
- ????? ?? ??????????? ????? ?????????? ?????????? ?????????????, ????????????? ??????????? ???????;
- ????????? ????????????? ???????? ?????????? ????????? ? ???????? ??????????? ?? ?????????? ????, ???? ? ????????? ???? ??????? ?????????? ? ???????? ???? ? ?????????? ?????????? ????????????? ???????? ????;
- ?? ????? ????? ??????????? ? ???????? ??? ????????????.
[Concerns the statement one makes, time period, and how to make all of this official, also includes reasons why a request would be denied, e.g. criminal record, tax issues, and other such obligations owed].
http://www.consulrus....????????_???????

Is there anything in US laws to this effect?

US law is not really involved in this process unless you consider that some US documents are needed for renouncation to be accept by Russian officials.

I am not aware of our naturalizaiton oath to require renouncation of prior citizenships although the following language might lead one to conclude that it does:
"I absolutely and entirely renounce and abjure all allegiance and fidelity to any foreign prince, potentate, state, or sovereignty of whom or which I have heretofore been a subject or citizen;"
For the rest of the oath see:
http://en.wikipedia....(United_States)
http://www.uscis.gov.../form/N-400.pdf
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-16 21:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia
Here are the instructions if you are interested:
"A person wishing to renounce his or her U.S. citizenship must voluntarily and with intent to relinquish U.S. citizenship:
1. appear in person before a U.S. consular or diplomatic officer,
2. in a foreign country (normally at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate); and
3. sign an oath of renunciation
See the link below for more details.
http://travel.state....enship_776.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-16 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

No, people in Russia are not all cheaters and liars and all that.

if you are buying goods/doing business/fixing your car - you will be cheated. But so any other (local) person would be. :lol:

Exactly, great counter to Jewel12's response. And fine business men end up dead all the time for not wanting to share with the crooks. And for regular people, why does everyone in Russia have to mess with the scales at the bazaar? Just raise the damn price if you want more for your meat but sell me exactly how much I see on the scale!

So, if we (as a USC married to a RFC) were to move to Russia, would we have to get married there and would it be possible to become a citizen of Russia? (And would I have to guard Russian aircraft for two years to fulfill my "duty" to the Motherland?)

See the links in the previous post. They talk about military service as well. Only if you are between the ages of 18-27 will you be forced into compulsory military service. And no body is dying to join the military in Russia. People bribe and pay their way out as best possible. The deaths from all the hazing events is incredible. People try to get off by "being physically or mentally" unfit as well.

By international treaty - The Hauge Convention of Celebration and Recognition of the Validity of Marriages, of which I believe Russia is a signer, states must recognize foreign marriages which are otherwise valid in the location where they took place. So yes, you are already married in Russia too. You would need to register this with ZAGS, which will probably require an appostille for your marriage certificate.

And a certification by the consulate in the US. Otherwise you are right back to unrecognized marriage.

You may (unlikely though) lose American citizenship by becoming a national of a foreign state.

The problem with becoming a Russian citizen is that you must bring an official paper saying you have given up all current citizenships. See instructions for simplified Russian citizenship below. I am not sure if this rule applies if you do the registration / marriage style of obtaining citizenship in Russia itself. It may not. It does if you try to get Russian citizenship through a consulate here in the states.
"7. ??????????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????????? ????????? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????????? ????? ???????????"
http://www.consulrussia.org/citizen.htm#&#
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-15 18:28:00