ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 Questions
QUOTE (irish44 @ Feb 25 2008, 03:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
5. Any more tips?
Don't bother with figuring out how much your personal and real property is worth, along with any other assets if your income alone is well beyond 125% of the poverty line. Back up that income with W2's, recent tax returns, and employment letter. If all is in order, the bank letter likewise is not needed.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-02-25 11:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist visa for relatives
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 15 2008, 11:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You're pretty close, Satellite. I confirmed it with her a few days ago (forgot to update) and it is a one year, single entry visa that expires one year from the date of issuance. It has to be used within 90 days or it's voided. (Unsure how that works, I'll have to check it out once she gets here.)
Slim, here is a link to a sample US visa.
http://www.antiscam....ova_visa_b2.jpg
I just did a google search for one, and it just happen to come from this website. Anyway, are you sure under entries it says "1" instead of "M". And where is the 90 days to use notation, down at the bottom as a special note? This visa I image I posted, actually is only good for 90 days but it was issued in 2005, so the rules might have been different then. Your sister-in-laws as you pointed out expires in exactly on year.
Just curious.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-15 17:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist visa for relatives
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 11 2008, 06:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Actually, I'm unaware as to the expiration of visa after entry. I know it must be used within 90 days of issuance however after asking my wife several times about this she said she's not sure because they never really talked about it, only that she has to come here within the next 90 days. It very well could be a one year, single entry visa (and probably is) but I'm not 100% sure as I haven't actually talked to my sister-in-law about it.
Like I said before, if they issue a tourist visa at all it is generally good for one year and is multi entry. And once you do enter, the POE usually grants 6 months of authorized stay. The visa typically begins on the date of the interview and expires one year from that day. Usually giving the bearer almost a year to enter.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-11 21:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist visa for relatives
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 10 2008, 10:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My sister-in-law was issued a 90 day visitor visa in Dec. through the consul in Vladivostok
Only a 90 day visa? That is interesting. Because the website says if you do get a visa it will be the 1 year kind. Strange, thanks for the update.
"Russian citizens applying for tourist visas, in nearly all cases, receive visas valid for one year. However, they may ask for a visa valid for two years. If the visa is approved, the applicant must pay an additional $100 at that time in order to receive the visa valid for two years."
http://www.usembassy...ecord_id=nivfaq
But Vladivostok does not mention this answer to a FAQ the way Moscow and Yekaterinburg do.

Edited by Satellite, 10 January 2008 - 05:44 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-10 17:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBuying airfare RU to USA
I generally found that buying international air fair tickets in Russia to be more expensive because of (1) their stupid system of buying tickets in dollars using rubles and using an arbitrary exchange rate way above the current one, (2) commission. However, they will sell you reasonably priced one way fares which US travel sites cannot seem to process well (i.e. the price of a one way will come out more than round trip) unless it is a domestic flight.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-28 11:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies

If you buy a licensed disk with a movie...a store in Russia they usually have the subtitles and work everywhere. Just check the description.

Is that supposed to be an Oxymoron? Licensed disks in Russia! LOL, they are right behind China when it comes to piracy.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-23 23:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies

If I were president I would make a point of streamlining the process so that people who wanted to be here could be here and shouldn't be here aren't and those who have overstayed leave, it works with house guests why not immigration.

Think 9/11. All those fellows were just legal visitors learning to fly commercial aircraft. Nothing wrong with that, right?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-03-23 21:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies

Yes, but think what a sorry state of affairs if 4 or 5 of us had to get dressed up and go to a big party where one of us would be called to the front and handed a visa.
The worst part two is those who were not called to the front would have to start all over with another project (fiancée)

That's pretty much how it goes for tourist visas and for some people who can't prove a bona fide relationship on a K1 or K3. The one's that went wife shopping in a big catalog usually.

"and the visa goes to....."

How many stories have you read one here during a successful interview the VJ fiancée got to see one more other applicants get rejected at the interview window?

Edited by Satellite, 19 March 2007 - 10:32 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-03-19 10:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLooking for he Lowdown on interview timeframes
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Feb 17 2008, 08:41 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
199 days from NOA2???? I hope that's not right!
That does sound long, our K1 NOA2 to interview was 101 days for comparison.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-02-18 10:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Question
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 2 2008, 10:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think it will cover her forever.... Your adult children will only be covered if they are a full-time student. I've never heard of an insurance company which covered adult, non-student children.
Even when you are a full time student it is not forever. Most policies cut off anywhere between age 23 to 25 regardless of how "full time" you are. Experience here. But there are a few exceptions for adult children, I think some policies do cover "depended adults" pretty much forever, for example a down syndrome child, etc.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-02 18:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Question
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 1 2008, 01:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee's daughter has leukemia. She has went through chemo and is considered in remission. She takes a maintenance med to help her. What are the chances she will be denied a visa?
Based on the following information below, she should not be denied on health reasons alone.

If health problems include any of the following she will be deneid a visa:

The following communicable diseases render a person inadmissible:
1. chancroid
2. gonorrhea
3. granuloma inguinale
4. acquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS)
5. Hansen’’s disease (infectious leprosy)
6. lymphogranuloma venereum
7. infectious state syphilis
8. infectious tuberculosis (TB) (clinically active)

Physical or mental disorders which render one inadmissible include the following:
1. Current physical or mental disorders, with harmful behavior associated with the disorder.
2. Past physical or mental disorders with associated harmful behavior that is likely to recur or lead to other harmful behavior.
Harmful behavior is behavior that may pose, or has posed, a threat to the property, safety or welfare of the applicant or others. A person who mentally retarded is no longer inadmissible unless there is a determination that the applicant is exhibiting or has exhibited in the past, associated harmful behavior.
According to the Secretary of Health and Human Services, alcohol abuse or dependence resulting in alcohol impaired driving may serve as a basis for determining whether an immigrant has a mental disorder associated with harmful behavior. Section 212(a)(1)(A)(iii) of the Immigration and Nationality Act discusses the inadmissibility in cases where an applicant for an immigration benefit has a significant record of alcoholrelated driving incidents.

Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse or addiction applies to the nonmedical use of a psychoactive substance that is part of a pattern of abuse. There is an exception for experimentation. Clinical judgment is used to determine abuse or experimentation when the applicant’’s medical records indicate past nonmedical use of a psychoactive substance.

Lastly:
When a person is found to be inadmissible for health reasons, it does not definitively prevent the person from being issued a visa or entering the United States. A physical or mental condition can be corrected or one can prove that they do not fall into the categories. Waivers are also available for most of the medical grounds of inadmissibility.
For original source see:
http://www.lexisnexi...pdfs/web475.pdf

QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 2 2008, 06:09 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My insurance covers for pre-existing of new family members.
Also ask about their policy concerning new family members who have not been "insured" in the past, as far as American insurance is concerned since that is all they care about.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-02 10:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe clock is Ticking
QUOTE (slim @ Mar 4 2008, 01:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I was not aware of that. Proof, Satellite? Is this something that's true or just one of the "urban legends" of the VJ process?

(And by Proof?, I'm not challenging you to link the subtitle A paragraph 4 subsection 3B.2.t, I'm just asking if you've seen it for real. If you know for a fact the VJ process is funded entirely by fees. Is it real???)
Slim go to:
[Federal Register: May 30, 2007 (Volume 72 Number 103)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Page 29851-29874]
No direct link so you must enter it manually.
http://a257.g.akamai...v/fr/index.html
Or you can use a secondary source:
http://www.immigrati...isfeesch07.html
So its not an urban legend smile.gif


QUOTE (mox @ Mar 4 2008, 02:09 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 4 2008, 02:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
what? money to increase the efficiency of a part of the government? absolutely crazy. refuse at all costs!
Well it does make sense from an "evil empire" perspective. Gonzales is a Bush appointee. USCIS falls under the executive branch. If you're Bush, you want the least amount of oversight into the executive branch as possible, so you tell Gonzales to turn down the funds. Accepting funds from congress would give congress the excuse to exercise oversight into the USCIS, and a small window into what's going on in the executive branch. That's just not how this administration cares to operate.
Let's not forget that the constitution as interpreted in modern times gives congress an implied power to control immigration and citizenship. The executive only implements that plan. While congress can certainly condition their funds through their enumerated powers of spending and taxing for the general welfare, they also can overhaul the entire immigration system if they wanted to do so. So the executive branch has little to go on, if Congress wants to act, something they have been reluctant to do for a while in this area, they certainly can do so without any connection to the fees. Also if there are any aliens out their wanting to bring a constitutional challenge as to the fees, say in the area of equal protection, you have an uphill battle to prove the fees are not rationally related to a legitimate government purpose, where any conceivable purpose is sufficient (Rational Basis Test).
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-04 18:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe clock is Ticking
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Mar 3 2008, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Mar 3 2008, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
$1010...$930 for the application fee, and $80 for the biometrics.
You've gotta be joking... I didn't even look over that side of the fence yet; I've been so focused on getting Ira here... But seriously? Over a grand? Just to file some documents? I'm a tax payer in this country. I seriously hope that, whatever immigration reform eventually makes it through congress will learn to treat us with a little respect.
As I understand because the taxpayers do not want to sponsor the USCIS, the agency draws its entire operating budget from fees. So unless a measure is passed to lower the salaries of USCIS applications or to share the costs with all of America, the prices are unlikely to go down.
On the other hand, there are people willing to pay way more than one grand just to enter the US, let alone for a green card.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-04 02:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
The results are good for a year in terms of applying for benefits like AOS or a visa. However, most clinics won't let you make an appointment more than a few weeks in advance of your interview. We tried.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-02-05 12:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLetter from bank officer
Since VJ advice is partly based on personal experience I will add that we did just fine with no bank statements. Just tax forms, W2's and employment letter. If you want to add more that is your business, I can only speak of what worked for us.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-07 14:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNeed some help in the Russian language
We just filled out the forms over the phone. I asked the question in Russian, she answered in Russian, and I translated it into English. Simple as that. Then I saved the form. Emailed it to my wife. She printed it out at home. Signed it and sent it back via regular mail.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-07 11:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGerman Visa
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Mar 8 2008, 05:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 8 2008, 01:48 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She'll probably have to buy travel insurance as well.
I've heard of this before. I wonder why it's mandatory in some cases... huh.gif
It's usually mandatory for one of two reasons:
1. Reciprocity, Russia requires it of German citizens; or
2. Some nationals, are viewed to poor to afford German heath care in case of an accident.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-09 11:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIra's Medical Exam
QUOTE (slim @ Mar 7 2008, 06:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sure, but even MOM has been reported as being "nice" lately.
It was fine in September of 2004 for my wife too. Whoever started this nonsense about one clinic or another probably just got offended that their fiancee has to take off her bra to do a chest x-ray. And maybe a few of the technicians couldn't help but look. As for rudeness, well they are all Russian clinics with Russian employees, so maybe someone took offense to that. As far as I know, nobody has made a claim of being raped or molested.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-07 09:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusDo this on my own or Hire an attorney
QUOTE (mox @ Mar 1 2008, 07:25 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Do I have to pay an extra $455 for her or is it included with the mother?
You only have to pay another $455 if later you decide that the daughter is actually your fiancée and not the mother tongue.gif
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-01 12:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAdvanced Parole vs. I-131
QUOTE (mox @ Mar 11 2008, 05:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And yes, AP is the only thing she can use to re-enter the country until she has her green card.
Not necessarily. They can abandon the original I-485 and he can file an I-130 on her behalf and she can wait for a CR1 to process and enter that way. Likewise any other kind of visa say work, diplomatic, investor, etc. will work too. Plus I've heard people have a lot of success crossing the border illegally too tongue.gif
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-11 11:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStill Waiting To Receive The Visas
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 10 2008, 10:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think it's better to work on hurrying the embassy up. Good luck!
I still think there is something terribly wrong with this out of the ordinary wait. I have heard of other consulates placing their approved visa applicants into Administrative Review, post approval, for some last minute back ground check which could lasts for months. I'd really get on it with them as to what is causing the delay.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-11 11:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStill Waiting To Receive The Visas
QUOTE (slim @ Mar 10 2008, 09:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would say a well-placed $100 in the hands of the guys over at the GotoRussia office near Belorusskaya vokzal would do the trick. If it doesn't I'm sure they could point you to the right hands to place that $100.
No need to bribe at first. Here is the official procedure:
"Extending or Replacing Russian Visas:

If you have visa problems, you must first consult with your sponsor. Sponsors are required to handle all visa problems, including extending their guests' visas and applying for replacement in the event the original is lost. Sponsors must provide consent and assistance for their guests to extend or modify their visas. If you do not know who your sponsor is and you have lost your visa and have no copy of it, you can contact the travel agency you purchased your visa from, or the Russian Embassy or Consulate where you received your visa, and ask them for a copy of their records. The Embassy cannot substitute for your sponsor.

The Central PVU office, under the authority of the Ministry of Internal Affairs, is responsible for registering, extending, or modifying Russian visas. There is a central PASPORTNY STOL/PVU office in virtually every Russian city. Smaller, local PASPORTNY STOL offices (Otdeliniye Viz I Registratsiy) are located throughout Russia. Pay special attention to the destination written on your visa. If your sponsor and final destination are not in Moscow, under normal circumstances you should not address visa problems in the capital. Russian officials may require that you travel to your destination to sort out your visa problems.

Americans in possession of Student or Guest visas must find out from their sponsor which local PASPORTNY STOL/PVU office is responsible for their visa. Commercial and Transit visa holders must go to the central PVU. Officers at PASPORTNY STOL/PVU do not always speak English, and the process is generally long and cumbersome.

If your visa sponsor is located in Moscow, the central PVU is located at 42 Pokrovka St., tel. (495) 200-8427, Metro Krasnie Vorota or Kurskaya. The office is closed Wednesdays.

If you are in Moscow but you do not know who your visa sponsor is, or if the sponsor is located elsewhere in Russia and you cannot travel to the region, please go to the Federal Migration Service, 4 Verkhnyaya Radishchevskaya St., Bldg 1., tel. (495) 698-0078, Metro Taganskaya.

You will need to bring a number of documents to obtain your exit visa:

A letter (at least a faxed copy) from your sponsor stating your problem,
Your visa (if you have it, or a copy if you don't have the original),
Your migration card,
A police certificate indicating that the loss or theft was reported to police (if your visa was lost or stolen),
Your U.S. passport,
Rubles to pay the small fines and processing fees. All fines and processing fees must be paid at the local SberBank. The officials at the PASPORTNY STOL/PVU office will explain this process.

Once PASPORTNY STOL/PVU accepts your documents and you have paid your fines and fees, the officials will advise you when to pick up your documents. Processing time can be as long as one or two weeks. Under the law PASPORTNY STOL/PVU is allowed up to 20 working days to process your documents. Only your sponsor can expedite this process.

Americans who ask for expedited visa processing are frequently told by Russian officials to obtain a letter or diplomatic note from the U.S. Embassy. Other than in emergency cases, the U.S. government cannot intervene on behalf of American travelers. The Embassy is willing to explain this policy and attempt to clarify misunderstandings by telephone. If a PASPORTNY STOL/PVU officer requests an Embassy letter, please ask him/her to contact the American Citizen Services Unit at (495) 728-5577. Back to Top"
http://moscow.usemba..._id=acsrusvisas

Visas are extended for the following reasons:
"· Missing your flight
· Accident
· Serious illness
· Seat unavailability in case of an open-date ticket"
http://www.visatorus.../FaqNew.html#20

The cost should be minimal. However, if you use an agency for this get ready to pay several hundred dollars. When I "extended" my visa twice, I used "sick" to get the free 10 days followed by the "unavailable seat" for the another two weeks. A box of chocolates to the travel agent was all that was needed to get the phony letter for the seat. Doctor's note was even easier. Of course this was all possible because my wife was the sponsor and not an agency which will ask you pay them, because you have no choice.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-10 12:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusStill Waiting To Receive The Visas
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Mar 5 2008, 11:30 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's Thursday, March 6th now, and although our visas were approved at the interview back on February 26, we're still waiting to receive them.
Did you ask DHL to hold the package at their office or to have it sent to your address in Moscow? Or was it sent to her hometown? Lastly, you have waited way too long to receive the visa, are you sure she was approved? Americans can smile and make you feel very good despite telling you that you were denied or they need extra documentation which someone who is not fluent in English might not catch onto. Just ask my grandmother on this issue during her naturalization interview.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-06 09:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice Report
QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Mar 11 2008, 06:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We are trying another tack now to get it moving, and if/when a "gift" becomes necessary, I will happily pay it to keep this thing moving. I really don’t want to reschedule the interview, or have her go to the interview without all of the documents. I have a feeling that will open up a new set of issues if I have to do it.
You might want to read up on Chris Parker's posts concerning his troubles getting a police certificate from Georgia. His case was resolved by simply saying a police certificate was not available. If the hold up looks indefinite, you might want to try to get a letter saying the police station is "unable" to obtain a police certificate within a reasonable processing time and go to the interview without one. Worst thing that happens is they make approve you pending a police certificate. Just throwing out some ideas here.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-11 11:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAll Debts Paid before they allow you to leave Russia?
QUOTE (Dan + Gemvita @ Mar 13 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The US has something similar as regards to child support. If you have outstanding child support, you cannot get or renew a passport.
I am pretty sure you can circumvent this if you are a dual citizen and traveling on your "other" passport. But its more like one way travel, if you can't renew abroad without paying up first.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-14 09:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPay off debt to get out of Russia?
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Mar 13 2008, 08:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Correct, plus any unpaid traffic tickets or alimony.
So someone who is up to date on their alimony payments can leave or does he or she have to pay the entire amount in advance? What about child support is that included in the law too?
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-14 09:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPay off debt to get out of Russia?
QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 13 2008, 12:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes, I heard about this a few months ago. The last discussion I had with someone over there resulted in this: Does all debt have to be paid off in full prior to departure? "No, only if there is a court order or it is in current litigation." So, if a Russian citizen has an outstanding balance on a loan or credit card and is in compliance with the payment schedule they can freely leave the country? "Yes".
I've got to say this law will still benefit the ladies trying to scam the Westerns! Here is how I'd do it:
Ask for money in order to pay off debts in order ot apply for a Russian passport to start the K1 process. Money arrives, no debt exists, then dump the sucker.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-13 17:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved!
QUOTE (mox @ Mar 12 2008, 10:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Note: When I say the consulate "can't" deny based on something that USCIS have approved, they can certainly kick the petition back to USCIS if they feel there is overwhelming evidence to do so. When this happens, USCIS have the option of either kicking it back to the consulate, saying "no, we were right the first time," or they can send a "Notice of intent to deny" to the petitioner. But note that in both of these cases the consulate is not denying the petition. Only USCIS can deny the petition.
The consulates are more famous for doing something much worse, that being not acting on an approved petition! They can simply reply that they are "working" (AR) on it. Brining a mandamus action to compel them to act is a loss cause based on some of the cases I have read.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-13 13:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved!
QUOTE (KGSodie @ Mar 12 2008, 03:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yesterday we called for another status update, and today were told "Administrative review. If your visa is approved, it will take 1 or 2 weeks before it is printed, but quite often it can take much longer. If you don't receive your passport back in a month, call us again".

So, they've been lying to us for the past 2 weeks. Now Natasha and Vika will return to Volgodonsk and I'll return to Omaha, the future uncertain once more. I haven't decided yet whether I should change their tickets to a month or two from now, and try to be hopeful, or if I should just cancel them. There's no way to tell IF the visas will be approved now, since they have apparently changed their minds. I've spent all the money I had to bring Natasha and Vika back to the USA, so even if the visas get approved eventually, I don't know what to do.
What can I say, I guessed the Administrative Review not that long ago in your other thread. See:
http://www.visajourn...p;#entry1652998

If I was in your shoes I'd cancel their tickets and return home ASAP to stop any more ticket change losses. This whole Administrative Review thing from what I've read about from other consulates around the world here on VJ can take many months, even years for some of the MENA folks. My guess again is that since the consulate does the finger printing the day of the interview, the prints are reviewed a few days later, and if there is a match or a close match they'll put up the Administrative Review roadblock or it could just be a random quality control check. Either way both are unpredictable in terms of time with no logical time line.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-12 09:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAnother Question
QUOTE (mox @ Mar 18 2008, 07:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I believe you have to work with the local DHL office in Moscow and have them hold it for you there.
Actually, they won't even let you interview without presenting a paid "airbill" from DHL. And as far as I am aware, they don't print or stick the visa in the passport in front of you, so there is nothing to take at the end of the interview.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-19 00:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusKids names
QUOTE (kud @ Mar 17 2008, 07:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Wife never took my name when we got married. She is using the N-400 to change it now. Our Kids (my Stepkids) would like to take my name too. In the divorce agreement it states that they can't be adopted. But of course the BF doesn't do anything to support them. Is there a way to do this? Or do they have to wait to turn 18.
You have several issues going on in this question.
1. Wife changing name through naturalization.
The best source for all N-400 questions is:
http://www.uscis.gov...ticle/M-476.pdf
"18. Can I change my name when I naturalize?
Answer:
Congress did not give USCIS legal authority to change a person’s name when that person naturalizes. Therefore, there are only two ways that USCIS can issue your Certificate of Naturalization under a new name:

1. If you present proof that you have already changed your name according to the legal requirements that apply to persons living in your State, USCIS can issue the Certificate of Naturalization with your new name. Such proof might include a marriage certificate or divorce decree showing that you changed your name when you married or divorced. It might also include some other State court order establishing that you changed your name.

2. If you are going to take the Oath of Allegiance at a Naturalization Ceremony that is held in Court, you may ask the Court to change your name. If the Court grants your request, your new name will appear on your Certificate of Naturalization."

Your wife will be allowed to change her name not because you are filing an N-400, but because she is presenting a marriage certificate which under state law is sufficient to change her name.

2. Your kids are a different story. They will have to go through the court system. I'd check with your state court, I think the probate court usually handles these matters. Naturalization in itself is probably irrelevant to them.

3. Is a divorce decree a sufficient document to change the kids names as a marriage certificate is. I don't know, but again you can seek out your local court clerk for that answer.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-19 01:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHappy St. Patrick's Day
QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Mar 18 2008, 11:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
With that super-sized photo of you and your lady in your posting block, your posts take up the most room on my computer screen of anyone posting messages. I have to do a lot of scrolling because of you...but the photos are fun with the hats. smile.gif
You can disable those annoying signatures by going to http://www.visajourn...h...rCP&CODE=04 look for board settings and put "no" for signatures.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-18 15:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI want my oligarch!
QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 20 2008, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Every Russian woman I have ever met, with the exception of two, summed up their desire to marry a Western man for that reason: Stability.
[*]Stable life
[*]Tender, loving, faithful, and strong husband with good humor.
[*]Loving father for her children that will love them the same as he would his.
What makes your fiancée or anyone else for that matter think these things can't be found in Russia? The government has been very stable under Putin as long as you are not forging your way into politics, involved in proprietary business, or doing something a majority of hard working Russians do not engage in.
I'll admit Russia's men have a lot of beautiful ladies to choose from and can avoid the ladies who have been divorced or have kids, but that doesn't mean there aren't decent husband to be found.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 20 2008, 10:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I only want enough money to know all normal bills get paid every month. If we have extra, I would like to be able to have rest once a year. I only want to not have to worry every night before I sleep. It is simple what I want, I believe.
Despite what I said above, having enough money to pay the bills so you can sleep at night does not happen in Russia. Likewise based on statistical and psychological analysis here in this country financial troubles increase divorce and ruin stability.

So I stand firm that you need some money, the kind of money the average American makes in America, that guy who is living the American dream, owns his home, has two cars, and goes on vacation once a year. None of which happen for the majority of Russians no matter how much or how hard they work.
Thus this crazy notion of stability you guys have made up, really just boils down money. And stability is certainly worth sacrificing for.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-20 20:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI want my oligarch!
QUOTE (slim @ Mar 19 2008, 11:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It never ceases to amaze me what great lengths some women will go to for this kind of thing.
I agree! Maybe not an oligarch, but another 100,000 Russian women have themselves posted on marriage websites for mostly the same reasons as this lady in the night club and going through many of the same sacrifices in terms of bald, fat, etc.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 19 2008, 11:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
In a single word... Pathetic. wacko.gif
Agreed again! On both counts.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-19 18:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarus$24 later and no answers
QUOTE (irish44 @ Mar 25 2008, 05:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What a bunch of garbage and a waste of money.
Exactly, always use email instead. You'll get the same answer just for free. consulMo@state.gov
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-25 08:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Passport Question
QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Mar 26 2008, 06:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yes but has she gone back since? Will her or her family have to pay a ticket because of this?
She's been back twice with no problems. Once she registers her international passport with the Russian consulate in the US, she can forget about the internal one unless she decides to buy property or move back to Russia. But if she wants she can start the renewal process, it shouldn't effect her foreign travel, but I'd ask the local officials firsts, as well the question about the fines.

I believe there is even a law that says Russian residing permanently abroad must turn in their internal passports.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Mar 26 2008, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm having trouble understanding why her family would be fined.
My only guess is it has something to do with their living arrangements and the propiska system. Is there some complicated story which warrants constant checking of her and the family status?
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-26 12:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Passport Question
QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Mar 26 2008, 05:48 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Hey my fianceé has her interview on May 6! her birthday is on April 30 she turns 20! She is form Ufa Russia and when you turn 20 you have to change your passport!
Don't mix up your passports. She is probably referring to her internal Russian passport which is Russia's internal ID system. Her international passport which she will use to travel abroad and place visas in is just fine regardless of what she does with that internal passport. My wife left without ever changing the internal, she is almost two years over due now.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-26 08:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusvisa for single russian man
b
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Dec 23 2007, 02:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
As far as I know, the visitor visa process isn't meant to evaluate the reality or stability of your relationship together -- instead it's meant to ascertain his likelihood of remaining inside the United States after his visa has expired. He needs to prove that he's got substantial ties to Russia that would indicate a solid desire to return.
A visitor's visa is rarely denied for improper purpose baring a direct a acknowledgment by the applicant that he plans to work or study in the US. Europeans are even advised to use the VWP to get married in the US if they then plan to return to Europe. A lot of people on VJ will argue that a K1 visa should not be used to evaluate a future spouse. For personal reasons I disagree with that notion and stand firm that there is no way USCIS could prove private intetions. As for using a visitor's visa to scout out a spouse, sure, that is a valid purpose, but by acknowledging this purpose, your standard and burden of proof rises immensly befor the CO that you will return to Russia if you find this person. As mentioned in the past, proving your intent to return to Russia is the biggest hurdle. Because all non-immigrants are presumed to be immigrants when applying for admission to the US. See INA §214(b ).

" INA 214(b ) states that: "every alien (other than a nonimmigrant described in subparagraph (l ) or (v) of
section 101(a)(15), and other than a nonimmigrant described in any provision of section 101(a)(15)(H)(i) except
subclause (b1) of such section) shall be presumed to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the
consular officer, at the time of application for a visa, and the immigration officers, at the time of application for admission, that he is entitled to a nonimmigrant status under section 101(a)(15)."
http://travel.state....grams_2173.html

QUOTE (shikarnov @ Dec 23 2007, 02:30 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Perhaps Satellite or one of the other legal gurus on the forum will chime in once the sun begins to rise on the East Coast. smile.gif
West Coast for me. But hey its Sunday and the holidays, what kind of responses do you think you will get?

QUOTE (Igor&Elina @ Dec 23 2007, 02:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Dec 23 2007, 01:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If he's rejected once for a visa, I'm pretty sure that it reduces the likelihood of him getting a visa in the future (what if you decide to get married later?)...
Not true. Being rejected for a visa does not reduce your chances of getting one the next time you apply. You'll just have to provide better proof that you'll come back. Neither will it affect the K-1/K-3 visas.
It will reduce his chances if he lies on that B2 application. A common trick to get approved is to go to agencies that will create forged documents which state you have a good job, high salary, and you own property. If caught then you will be inadmissible for any future visas barring a waiver, of which I am not sure is available for misrepresentation of this sort.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-12-23 10:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe Dumped Me!!
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I wish I could fly to Novosibirsk, but I would lose my job.
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I went to St. Petersburg and paid for her flight to join me there. She will not come.
QUOTE (diadromous mermaid @ Mar 9 2008, 10:40 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
He said he went to St. Petersburg.
Based on these two posts I think she is from Novosibirks and diadromous mermaid, you are right, he came to St. Petersburg, but she as I understand she did not. Therefore, I jump to the conclusion there was no meeting at all.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-09 12:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusShe Dumped Me!!
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 7 2008, 04:03 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She is an attorney there but she has a slight confidence problem with English.
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 07:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She makes $200 a month
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 1 2008, 02:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
the daughter, she is 19 and will be 20 by the interview?
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 1 2008, 02:02 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fiancee's daughter has leukemia.
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 07:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I drive a Mercedes, 2006, Harley 2006, own my own home.
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I am a diabetic and no one will hire me now
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It took me 44 years to find the one which stole my heart.
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:01 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I made a promise to her and to God. I cannot break that promise. I promised to be faithful to her, and I shall
QUOTE (kd4uvc @ Mar 9 2008, 10:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I met her on a website. I don't even remember the name of it. We have been talking on the phone for the last 1 1/2 years. I went to St. Petersburg and paid for her flight to join me there. She will not come.
Okay here is what I have summarized so far:
She is an attorney making only $200 a month, in the capital of Siberia, Novosibirsk, kind of low considering Russia's inflation. Store clerks make that much these days. You are well off, 44 years old, yet unhireable. You sound religious and she has been through a hard life. She must be closer to your age because she has a daughter age 19. She is suffering from Lukemia, which is very expensive to treat without insurance here in the US, and she will age out of your insurance in a few years time. You met on a website, spoke on the phone for 1.5 years, yet never met in person?

Maybe the best thing to say to all this: all goods things must come to end. Considering all the communication issues, lack of trust and confidence, and all the possible baggage this lady would bring to your situation, perhaps it was all for the best.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-09 12:35:00