ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime it takes to schedule an interview at Moscow Embassy

Now I don't know whether to be worried that my case is an anomaly because of some problem or that things are now taking longer for some reason (summer, glut of current cases, etc.)

Your case is not an anomaly. It looks closer to how long it took for us in the summer of 2004. Because Moscow posts interview dates online it takes away the element of surprise. Therefore if you get your NOA2 today and they have scheduled through August, you know your interview isn't going to before the other scheduled dates! Good recognition.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-15 15:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTime it takes to schedule an interview at Moscow Embassy

Does someone has an idea as to what is the waiting time these days for a K1 interview at Moscow embassy?

My idea is that it is taking a few months upon receiving an approved I-129F petition from the NVC. In the summer of 2004 it took nearly 4 months to go from NOA2 to Interview without any noticeable delays at the NVC.
Wissoner, who has gone through the process recently believes:

Interviews are running about two months from embassy receipt of your case from NVC...

Perhaps other will provide their ideas as well.

After the signed Packet 3 checklist is sent back - how much is the wait?

Your interview date is predetermined by the embassy. Therefore, even if you decide to send them "something" it will still take the same amount of days. Very rarely are cases expedited but according to slim you can notify the embassy if you want to delay your date. See my explanation in:
http://www.visajourn...mp;#entry982861

How and when is the interview scheduled and when does the embassy inform the candidate of the interview date?

Same as above.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-13 21:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

Some of the cons (paying off the mafia) are actually pros. There's no need to worry about a "tax problem" when my mafia guy is the tax collector!

You want to call it a business deduction then :P
It's still a tax in my book no matter how you call it. And "the power to tax involves the power to destroy."
McCulloch v. Maryland, 17 U.S. 316 (1819)
And Russians are good at destroying.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-20 10:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

"American standards" of service, price and taste.

Few Russians outside of Moscow are going to pay $15 - $25 for a pizza when they make only a few hundred a month. Even fewer people will want a $5 beer. Service will be hard to pull off because you will be hiring Russians who don't understand what that is and will continue to act in the usual Russian uncustomer friendly way.

I know this is going to be a hard market to get into

Besides the huge amount of capital you will need to start the place, get ready to pay off the mob and the government racketeers who keep an eye on how local business are doing. Refuse to pay the cover price and you will find yourself shot dead. Sounds like a movie, but many Russian businessmen know it all too well.

By the way in 2003 we at some place called New York Pizza in Novosibirsk. It pretty much had American pizza at Russian prices. It had the Elvis theme decorations. But no ladies on roller skates or plasma TVs.

Edited by Satellite, 19 June 2007 - 04:57 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-19 16:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

I did also want to reply to this post. My fiancé is a programmer, this is a pretty good job, even in Russia, and those languages are universal, but his English his already very good. Also, he never did any "bribing" or "stealing" so he won't have a problem adjusting to the system. That was a little offensive. But your earlier advice was very helpful.

He should do fine here. Like I said, in some trades you will do better here. But remember, he has to go to an interview and speak English. It took my father as an Electrical Engineer a few years to get enough American work experience and language skills to finally get a job similar to his Soviet experience.
Don't get offended by the way of life comment about Russia in general. If you live in Russia you pretty much have to "steal, bribe, and other not so ethical / moral things" at one level or another to be "very" successful. This is what the common people in Russia say about how the successful achieved a lot of their success. Starting from the Oligarchs and working your way down. Of course there is always exceptions to every stereotype, but when a PH.D professor makes $100 a month, while a crook running a racket in cars from Japan to Vladivostok is living in a mansion, you know something is wrong.
Russia's "middle" class of professionals which your fiancé as I understand belongs to is a very small percentage of the population.

Edited by Satellite, 17 June 2007 - 07:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-17 19:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

Proving that he took care of himself in Russia just fine should also prove that he'll be able to take care of himself in the U.S.

I strongly disagree with this reasoning. Otherwise all the folks immigrating from Europe and the rest of the 1st world would not need sponsors at all. If you were good at making money in Russia, then more than likely your technique say "stealing" , "bribing" or whatever your skill was will not work well in our system. If you were say a mechanic or electrician, you might even do better. But still adjusting in terms of language, cultural difference, and even in a specific trade all the terminology is different. If I was the CO this argument would not pass muster.

Unless you can document $125,000 in assets, it probably isn't worth it to go out of your way. You need to show either meeting the income test, or the asset test. No point in proving that you don't meet either one.

Couldn't agree more! Don't waste your time proving you aren't qualified as a co-sponsor. As long as your uncle qualifies income wise you should be fine.
Likewise, I imagine you weren't paying US taxes on the money you "didn't earn" in Poland :) This doesn't help your cause as a sponsor either, but also looks bad in front of the IRS.

Edited by Satellite, 16 June 2007 - 11:48 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-16 23:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe definition of Frustration....

People make these sorts of observations and assumptions based on their own past experience since there is no way for you to know me or my current relationship or they are extremely cynical. Either way I feel sorry for you.

I actually made this observation after reading the following thread.
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=37104
It does not concern either one of us, but it was an example of a sudden change of heart. I agree with you about the cynical part, but we do have a few cases of love troubles here on the site. That is where I draw my conclusions from.
As for me, I was only 21 when I met my fiancée, so age wise it was impossible for me to have "many" relationships that went sour. I am also a native speaker and share the same culture so many issues that fellow Russian VJers run into weren't issues for us.
Also my take on the USCIS is that they hardly ever move. So for them to generate a withdrawal notice takes some movement on somebody's part. And they do make a lot of errors, but this is one odd error. Asking your fiancée if she had anything to do with this does not show lack of trust. It is simply going through the processes of elimination as to what triggered the "wrongful" notice.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-12 11:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe definition of Frustration....

Yeah, nice thought. Not sure what kind of relationships you have or have had but I trust the woman I am involved with

I'm happily married for 2 years and not facing any withdrawal notices. But if honesty is important, I think withdrawing before the interview is a whole lot more honest than doing it after AOS. Sorry if you took my post the wrong way, I was just trying to think of some plausible explanations.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-11 22:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe definition of Frustration....

There is one other possibility but I do not want to think about it until they get back to me to answer a few questions.

I believe either the beneficiary or the petitioner can ask for the case to be withdrawn. Check with your fiancée to make sure she is still on board. Also anyone in your nearest of social circles who knows enough about you can also send a withdrawal notice on your behalf, thus committing mail fraud or some other similar crime, but nevertheless create this problem. Of course the fall back is data entry error.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-11 18:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Paris for Russian wife with Greencard

Go to Switzerland. She doesn't need Swiss visa.

As long as we are giving out alternative suggestions, I'll add one too. Wait until she is a USC. 3 more years right? Then you can travel without a visa as well. :) That's what we are doing, since we can't afford to travel to Europe on our current salaries.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-16 21:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew ideas on a place to stay for the interview?

Sat's advice is probably the best - if either of you speak and read Russian you can find something for ~$50/night easily. Travel by metro will be involved.

Don't forget to rule out the nearby Moscow subburbs. Travel between 15 to 60 minutes by commuter train is requried. But you can really get the price down if you live out in those areas.
Try http://www.irr.ru/
Or just some classified searches on sites like:
http://www.rambler.ru/
http://yandex.ru/
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-16 10:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThat one-way ticket to the US

Looks like you did not travel from USA to Russia!

Roundtrip for $200???
When did Jet Blue start connecting to SVO? Or, maybe it was Southwest?

Sorry for the confusion. I was talking about my 2004 flight from DME to TOF roundtrip on Siberia Airlines. Two cities inside of Russia.
I also ran into the exact same problem with Aeroflot that year on the return change date from SVO-LAX-SFO. Again three month restriction with a forced purchase of the next "class" which made it a 6 month ticket allowing the extra 3 weeks that I needed beyond my three month stay. I had to shell out something like $350 for that correction, but in that case it was cheaper than a new one way.
As I understand it, you can get great terms on changing tickets but only if you pay for it up front or as you say "ask for it." Because I had bought a restricted yet cheaper ticket I got dinged for that when I decided to change dates.
The reason for my change of dates that year was because I was hoping that we'd get an interview date before my departure date, but the embassy screwed us over by 2 weeks. It was a total gamble on my part that we'd get an interview date before August 30 considering our NOA2 was June 4. But they put us down for September 13.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-07-03 11:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThat one-way ticket to the US

Return ticket could have been used anytime within one year after the first flight :thumbs: (change date fee of $25 applies). Still, I did not use the return ticket, but sent it back to Russia, were my parents returned it for a refund. They did not get 50% of what I paid, however (the refund totaled around 30% of original price).

You had some really nice terms on your tickets. What company did you fly through? When I tried changing the date on my Siberia Airlines ticket, the change fee which was 10% was not allowed because the ticket was restricted to three months and I needed to change to a date that was a few weeks beyond that. As a result the airline bumped me up to the next class which was like $300 extra. So in reality I just bought another 1 one way ticket for $150, while the original round trip was only $200! And they also refused to take back the unused half for any amount.
So the things you talk about are true, but it all depends on the airline you go with and restrictions and conditions of the ticket itself. The fine print as we call it here :(
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-06-30 17:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChild's citizenship
Please read the following:
http://www.consulrus...org/citizen.htm
You will find that after doing some paperwork your child can obtain Russian citizenship.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-30 19:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice Report

But I know we don't really have to have them to get things started.

If you had the packet you would know that anyone who was over the age of 16 and resided in any place longer than 6 months needs a police certificate from that region.
Also having the packet is very helpful when it comes to asking for the police report because it is in Russian tells the authorities exactly what you need. Others on hear have had troubles by getting the wrong police reports.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-03 19:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa not issued!

Also, her B1B2 visa was issued by the embassy in 2005, for 3 months, and at POE the passport was stamped for 6 months, now the consul says that she could not have been in US for longer then 3 months, since that's what the passport says, not even looking at the other stamp.

I'm amazed to hear that our Consulate officers do not understand the difference between visa validity, which is the time period one has to come to the US and seek entry at a POE. And the length of admission given by the POE officer. As we all on here understand one can come to the US on the last day of their visa validity and be granted a six-month admission, which is the typical B1/B2 admission length, and be in complete legal status.

I just found out that Elena's second visit to US, on B1B2 visa, stamped in her passport at POE there was no "until" date, just entry date stamped. Now how would I know how long they gave her to stay then, (she says 6 months, but there's no date in the passport on the stamp) it is becoming more and more confusing.

This is probably what is causing all the problems. The government has these records. Besides a FOIA request I don't know how else you can get a hold of them. If anyone else has ideas they should post them.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-10 16:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa not issued!

I am beyond upset right now. Elena went to the interview, and was not given a visa for a suspicion of illegally overstaying in the US on her previous visit, even though she extended her visit and was legal. The woman at the interview did not even look at ANY of our papers or photos at ALL. Elena had visitor's visa before for 3 months, and she extended it in US legally, and stayed for a year before returning to Russia. The consul just sent her on her way.

The CO does not have to waste his time looking at your K1 papers if he believes your fiancee is inadmissible for a prior overstay. The issues really are, how long was the overstay and was it disclosed on the application? An overstay of under 180 days does not trigger any bans but should have been disclosed on the application. An overstay of over 180 days triggers the 3 year ban and over 365 days triggers the 10 year ban. Check out the requirements for the I-601 waiver which will be needed if the CO is not mistaken on the overstay.
http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=319
And how to prove extreme hardship which is essential for a successful waiver to inadmissibility.
http://www.visajourn...p?showtopic=316
If there was no overstay to begin with, find out what caused the mistake. But if you have to wait for a FOIA, Freedom of Information Act request, it can take over a year.
Also, find out exactly what happened during her prior visa extension. Keep in mind that a late filed visa extension is technically invalid and if that is the case her extension might have been approved erroneously and the CO might now be rectifying that mistake.
Your fastest and best approach is to return with documents showing no overstay ever occurred. Otherwise the wait can be quite extensive. And if the issue is non-disclosure on the application, then I believe there is no form of relief.

Edited by Satellite, 10 January 2007 - 10:34 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-10 10:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree International Calls
Looks nearly identical to
http://www.voipcheap.com/en/index.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-09 17:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFree International Calls

Just tried for Russia... didn't work.

It seems to be limited to Moscow. It failed for me too.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-12-02 09:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow Medical Exam
Based on personal experience MOM cost was the least at $85, results were returned the same day, and my wife did not encounter any bogus tests. Other personal experiences may vary. Keep in mind all the clinics are still in "Russia". All the staff is "Russian".
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-16 17:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow Medical Exam
This topic has been covered many times in the Russian thread. Try the search function:
http://www.visajourn.....lite=+medical
or just look back.
For starters here is a link:
http://www.usembassy...record_id=ivmed
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-16 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBritish Airlines is ON STRIKE!!!!

Dear Expedia Traveler:

It has come to our attention that you are a "Moran". According to the British Airways policy manual, "Morans" are not permitted on BA flights. This includes all classes of cabins, and the cargo hold. For this reason, we have had to cancel your FIRST CLASS tickets from nowheresville to somewhereelseville, and have rebooked your flight on Moran Airlines. Your credit card has been charged a $500 service fee for his rebooking, and you are advised to book all future flights on this airline whenever you feel the need to travel. Also please note, your tickets remain FIRST CLASS , since all Moran Airlines passengers insist on paying too much for air travel services.

Thank you for allowing Expedia to serve your needs.

Sincerely,
Customer Care Department

I'll second that.
:)
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-29 14:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBritish Airlines is ON STRIKE!!!!

I would seriously write a letter of complaint to Expedia for selling you tickets that do not exist letting them know you have an army of congressmen backing you up :thumbs:

An army of lawyers will probably be more useful here. But anyway, if I had an army of congressmen on my side, I'd ask for Air Force One one to make a pickup, yes with the President on board :P
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-25 10:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa denied 01-16

It's usually followed by a "spasiba for the green card... sucker!" (because now she's learned some English), and then a divorce. Not exactly a bonus for visa issuance.

I'm fascinated by just how many such stories there are. From my understanding of Russian women who do leave Russia (there is prior intent when they posted themselves on the international dating website), that a majority of marriages end like this. We don't have to look far as there have already been several cases in the Russian forum itself. A lot of members here haven't had their wives here long enough to know their fates, but I'm curious to see how things will play out in a few years down the line.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-01 14:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa denied 01-16

Plain and simple, if your girl cannot understand and answer basic questions about you in English, how can she truly be ready for life with you in America? And moreover, how can any C/O in the world be "sold" on the fact that the two of you are in love? I mean come on, she can't even answer basic questions about you. How can all of us be sure she loves you? Answer: WE CAN'T! That's why you're not getting the visa.

I disagree one two grounds.
1. We both speak Russian so all of this is irrelevant.
2. Some "internet" brides communicate with the American through sex only. That is sufficient for them and the CO should know that.

As for the coaching thing, the attorney is really referring to himself. An attorney is breaching an ethical standard when he coaches his clients on how to answer questions to get the kind of answers that the law would favor in his clients favor. The attorney should instead explain the law and the consequences of various answers and then let the client choose to perjurer him or herself if necessary.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-01 11:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa denied 01-16

Our visa was denied. 2 trips(with proof)....9 calling cards(only showing the pin and back of the cards) 4 emails ( printed) a week since March.....maybe 10 or more letters and cards...pictures....

She didn't get a chance to show her ring and receipt.

They said they needed more emails and phone cards. What more do they want?

Sorry to hear about the denials. But I think there is more at play than just what time of the month it is and what CO you get. Other factors contribute to painting a solid relationship. Such as the age between USC petitioner and the Russian beneficiary. -AK, The tone of the conversation during the interview if it isn't all love and "stuff". -Slim. The CO's aren't that stupid; they are trying to prevent the divorce after immigration benefit scenario the best they can. I still give them benefit of the doubt. Remember, the burden of proof lies with the applicants seeking a visa.

Edited by Satellite, 16 January 2007 - 04:27 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-16 16:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSorry to annoy, but how long does it typically take from interview to visa?

Common sense will tell you that if you have to fill out some papers and assemble a 20 page packet, and it doesn't seem that hard to you, why get a lawyer, or better yet, why PAY a lawyer to do it for you?

Thanks for compliments, but as I learned from some the wealthier folks on here, as well as yourself, you "pay" for some things because they are convenient. Remember, even you preferred to pay someone $20 rather than drag your own bags on a bus and metro through Moscow. Keep in mind, I did my own dragging and my wife helped too, but we saved $18. Same analogy applies to hiring a lawyer to do your K1, buying an airport transfer, and staying at a fancy hotel / apartment ordered from a website geared for American travelers with money to spend.
But I do agree with you, if you can read and write, and most importantly have the time, the majority of this immigration stuff can be done pro se. And if you have a public law library in your community, take a look at the immigration section, you'd be amazed at all the information in those books.

Plus, your legal advice is free, Satellite!

Let's still call it opinions :) Otherwise when I take the bar exam the state bar won't be too pleased with the whole unauthorized practice of law thing, which in my opinion hardly qualifies as to what we do here on VJ.

Edited by Satellite, 03 February 2007 - 04:42 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-03 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSorry to annoy, but how long does it typically take from interview to visa?

Do the "financial support docs" soon. When I was going through the K-1 process, I didn't even know about them until it was almost too late.

You are preaching to the wrong guy. If he was to end up in the same kind of bind you had, he'd simply have a private courier delivery the documents in hand for a couple thousand dollars. It still puzzles me why a man of his financial status doesn't have an attorney do the K1 thing for him?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-03 15:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSorry to annoy, but how long does it typically take from interview to visa?

Your kick as$ credentials need to be verified!!! I think you live in a trailer and your girl from Russia never has seen a microwave! I may be wrong but I sense in your text the "Little Man" affect of a Man with either a small ####### or small wallet who wants to impress everyone. Sorry but you made no friends.

I tend to agree, because there is one thing missing to his story. Why hasn't he hired a lawyer to do worry about this process? I mean the "company" is willing to pay for all the extras like first class tickets, hotels, and visa fees. Wouldn't legal work be more important? No man of that much money wastes his time on a public board asking how to do a "do it yourself" fiancee visa petition. Your time is just too expensive to waste on these trivial matters.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-24 23:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSorry to annoy, but how long does it typically take from interview to visa?

The question was not about getting her Schengen Visa (we've already taken care of that) and in any event, you are right my firm has already paid for it.

I explained that she spent the summer with me in the States -- one could infer from that fact that she has traveled internationally at least once.

"She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy." Again, this is not an issue but yes she travels first class.

"I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants." She wears Armani (and Prada and Dolce and Gabanna and Ann Taylor and whatever other kinds/brands women normally wear) dresses; I wear the Armani suits....In any event, she always does get whatever she wants.

I am proud of my accomplishments and I am more than excited to have met such an exceptional woman. I apologized for any bragging and I won't apologize again... I'm going to go pick up my fiancee's new Saab

As a poor law student I'm envious. Based on the luxurious treatment you have provided, what woman wouldn't want to marry you?

if she does have any problems, I will have any army of Senators and Congressmen (and women) to assist (many have already said that we will do whatever is necessary).

If this is true, why not have your army congress pass a private bill making your fiancee a US citizen and not waste time with the immigration processes? By army I am assuming at least 2/3 majority to overwrite a president's veto.

I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice.

Credit cards ironically can help you build your credit history which will enable you to have access to other capital which is essential to building wealth in this country. Also some credit card companies give you rewards in miles or cash and assuming you pay your bills on time, this reward does enhance your wealth without costing you anything.

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy."

I'd rather see pictures of the men. All the Russian ladies are beautiful, it's just a question of how much of a sacrifice the Russian lady made. Sorry for being cynical.

Edited by Satellite, 23 January 2007 - 08:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-23 20:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusany recent interviews?

hello all...just wondering if there have been any interviews for k1 visa at the moscow embassy in the past week or so....my fiancee has one feb 6....starting to get nervous now...

I am sure there have been plenty of K1 visa interviews in the past two weeks. Unfortunately the Moscow online interview schedule does not specify to the general public which kind of interview is scheduled. Instead they have broad categories:
CR1/2, IR1/2/5, E1/2/3/4, F, K1/2/3/4 and V1/2/3:
http://www.usembassy...ar/iv_dates.php
Past records aren't archived either.
There is nothing to worry about. Moscow is still scheduling K1 interviews.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-05 18:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew Visa Rules & Regulations for Russia
It's hard to make a comment when you don't provide the source.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-04 00:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusChanges in Russian Visa Registration...

Registration is SUCH a HUGE P.I.T.A. I always wind up having to spend a day in the hellish passport office and PAY a little help to the local director of the office to get my registration approved.

Everyone's experience various on this. My fiancee always called in advance to learn the office hours. Then we'd go to the bank and pay trivial amount and bring the slip to the office along with one cheap black and white photo. We always came on time and there was no lines. Took about 10 minutes. Perhaps not that many foreigners registering in siberia?
I am not sure about the new rules or how they will work. So I can't comment since I have no personal experience with them. But from a personal stand point I am not going to Russia any time soon either. That is the last place I want spend my money or vacation time at. Much rather take the all inclusive cruise or Mexican getaway.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-06 15:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarried 3 Months

NSK

Norilsk?
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Norilsk
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-21 10:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarried 3 Months

I dunno about that... 56K access in Tashara - a `Siberian village`... lol, was better connect speed than it is here! :devil:

Forget 56k, the villages outside of Tomsk didn't have copper lines for phones to begin with. Granted there might be a few savey people who connect via cell phone (GPRS), but besides that you aren't getting on. Heck, there were plenty of homes in major cities in Russia that still lack phone lines!

Edited by Satellite, 20 September 2006 - 10:13 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-20 22:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarried 3 Months

Gee, people, where do you find those women? In isolated Siberian villages?

By definition isolated Siberian village wouldn't have internet access to connect to the American men who go bride shopping.
But I've been to one of those isolated Siberian villages, and even though my wife is from a big a city in Siberia I fail to see the city / rural distinction.
The city people are just as resourceful and tied down to the land as the village people. The lack of American comforts is pretty much equal whether you are in the city or the village. Even indoor plumbing, electricity, and heating acts up in the typical Russian city.
Although I did find Moscow to be much different, but just one step to the suburbs a few train stops away and it is right back to the Siberian livelihood.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-09-20 14:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMiddle name/second name?

As you may know, each russian/ukrainian person has a second or should i say middle name after their dad, it is only used in our official papers. Did you put down that name for your fiance or you left it blank?

I always thought it was called a patronym. But hey, you learn something new everyday.
Anyways, in our case we just turned the patronym into her middle name for USCIS purposes. Worked out just fine. But in my own case many years ago, all of us dropped our patronyms.
As I understand it, on your AOS application you can make your name almost whatever you want it to be. The application does ask all previous names used so they can easily trace it back.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-08 18:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDHL and Moscow Embassy
It sounds right. Every case, meaning every visa, is a separate entity to them. Thus you have to pay three times. There should also be there envelopes to pickup and given to the officer at the POE as well.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-15 15:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI am moving to Russia
Russia's inflation rate is really on the rise.
You can keep up with all their financial news at
http://rbcnews.com
The dollar is on the decline and their prices have increased a lot since my trips in 2003 and 2004. And things will continue this way as long as oil prices stay where they are at and Russia continues to grow economically.
Next thing you know the dollar is equal to the ruble and our yearly salary is good for one month.
You want a small example, check out the real estate prices in central Moscow. Makes California look cheap.
But in the meantime enjoy the windfall in the price of living, although it is not as big as before.
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-03-06 13:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI am moving to Russia
For a practical matter make sure you still have a tax return for next year in order to avoid the whole co-sponsorship issue. Although you sound set because you will still be in business and working.
Are you doing the business visa to stay over 3 months? The whole deal with the HIV test and whatever other ####### the Russian side requires?
SatelliteMaleRussia2006-02-19 10:43:00