ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
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
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Mar 24 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
And then another fact of being fat is eating when you are stressed..so guys,if you want your loved once to be pretty, treat them nice and give them nice life, where worries about bills are not included:)))
Good luck with that,especially here in the US:)
What do you mean give? Some of us, have to earn that way of life. Thus both of us are studying and working hard to earn this "stress free" lifestyle. So far little success...
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-25 08:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 23 2008, 04:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have to agree with this bit. I've seen the typical Russian work day and work ethic, and there's absolutely no comparison. A majority of Americans are now working more than one job. We eat in our cars on the way to work. Our luches are shorter (but heavier). I have seen first hand dozens of times where Europeans come to the States and comment immediately on how hard and long Americans work. Now I'm not saying that they can't handle it. They adapt very quickly and usually perform exceptionally. But for those who haven't worked here before, it can be a wakeup call. yes.gif Its going to take a lot of support and help by the USC to get all of the day's work done. That's for sure.
Thanks for pointing out my typo tongue.gif should have been "nobody works harder at 'work' than Americans do."
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-23 20:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Kazan @ Jan 21 2008, 09:39 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My Former American Wife:
Works 8 to 9 hours a day. Comes home routinely too tired to fix supper. Instead of cooking, brings home big bag of McDonald's or orders pizza. After supper sits on the coach and reads mail and then watches television. Children are expected to do most of the laundry and clean the kitchen since she worked all day.

My Russian Fiancée:
Works 9 to 10 hours a day. Comes home and fixes supper for the family, including her own parents. Has never brought home supper. (What drive-through? Even if there were, she'd never bring home this "not useful" food.) After supper will routinely go "on street" to walk or join her children in play. After they return, she puts them to bed and then does all the housework herself.
Just make sure you are not doing what your former American wife was doing. Otherwise it won't be long before your Russian wife also gets fed up with her working "double" shifts (one at home and one at work).
Also some American women on VJ might find that what you are really looking for is a housekeeper / maid / cook / child care hand. And as far as I underatand, nobody workers harder at "work" then Americans. At least those folks who have worked both in Russia and the US tend to say we work harder here. So what your former wife was doing might be justifiable if she was really tired.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-21 13:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Jan 19 2008, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We just need to keep our Russian ladies living an active lifestyle into their golden years. Maybe we can break the trend. And for God's sake keep them away from Oprah and the television as much as you can!..... whistling.gif
Actually the American lifestyle lends itself to getting fat especially if you live outside of big cities. I know of many ladies who moved here and easily gained 10 pounds a year and quickly lost their figure!

Edited by Satellite, 19 January 2008 - 03:32 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-19 15:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Jan 18 2008, 01:28 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Yep, I've heard this one more then a few times. It doesn't matter what nationality the restaurant is, it is always "stupid American food"...
I don't know, my wife enjoys the few times we go out no matter where it is to.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-18 16:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (slim @ Jan 18 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"I not like this $30 dinner and I will not be eat this foo-blat. I want go home."
Wow, slim what kind of restaurants did she eat at back in Russia? My wife had been to a restaurant just a few times in her life prior to coming to the US. You must have spoiled her!
Anyway, the best response to that it, no more restaurants, we'll eat at home from now on.

Edited by Satellite, 18 January 2008 - 04:21 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-18 16:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Kazan @ Jan 15 2008, 02:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Out of all the letters Alla received in the past she really only had one other guy that seemed serious for her. He never showed up though after he said he was coming to Kazan' and she never heard from him since.
It's funny how both of you have mentioned other "men" your ladies were considering and both were long distant foreign relationships. I wouldn't worry about that, probably the biggest threat in alienating the affections of your fiancée has to be the local Russian guy! He is there now and in person. What better way to steal a woman's heart then to do it in person rather then sending an email! Then again a lot of the Russian guys are avoiding women with prior marriages, kids, and baggage of that sort, so its hard to say.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-15 18:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (mox @ Jan 15 2008, 02:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So Nadya's ex-boyfriend had set up her email account when they were dating, and held on to the password. I know this because I started getting emails from the guy telling me to stop seeing her, that she was a gold-digger and a scammer, blah blah. He even posted our emails on the internet. He also started listing all her personal info on scammer sites, which I'm still cleaning up. Nadya was furious. She got herself a new email account, but still the damage was done. And the guy would not stop calling her and emailing me. It got to be a huge problem, because he started even calling her work number and bothering her at work.
Sounds like the ex-boyfriend was also American or Western? A jealous Russian boyfriend would wait until you visited her and then him and his buddies would beat the ####### out of you, take all your money, and you'd be lucky enough to return tongue.gif And if you went to the authorities, why they'd beat the ####### out of you too, for instigating the whole thing and not having your visa registrated!
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-15 17:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (mox @ Jan 9 2008, 12:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Satellite @ Jan 9 2008, 11:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kazan @ Jan 9 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I want that symbol on my finger and so does my fiancée.
So if you were too poor to afford wedding bands, would you feel your marriage is somehow incomplete or inadequate?
Very few people are too poor to afford a simple wedding band, especially if they can afford to marry. Even a simple 14k band can be found in a pawn shop for pennies on the dollar.
Really I have a hard time believing that when over 1 billion people on this planet live on less than $1 a day. Yet I am sure they still go through some sort of marital ceremony.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Poverty

Edited by Satellite, 09 January 2008 - 06:52 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-09 18:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (Kazan @ Jan 9 2008, 10:22 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I want that symbol on my finger and so does my fiancée.
So if you were too poor to afford wedding bands, would you feel your marriage is somehow incomplete or inadequate?
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-01-09 14:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEngagement Rings
QUOTE (shikarnov @ Dec 28 2007, 02:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Engagement rings aren't exactly a Russian custom -- and women walking around with a two carat diamond on their finger also aren't the norm.
Has this been an issue for anybody else? How do your ladies handle the engagement ring?
Because we couldn't afford anything fancy like that we stuck to Russian tradition of just a gold band for marriage. So it hasn't been an issue at all.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-12-28 12:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMy wife left me!
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 27 2008, 02:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Couldn't the opposite be true as well then--that congress could recognize it for immigration purposes, but the state wouldn't?
Well historically marriage has been controlled by the states. The state's have a strong 10th amendment argument if the feds interfere with it. Ever heard of divorce matter being litigated in federal district court based on say diversity jurisdiction or a federal question? It hasn't trust me on this one. The feds did pass the defense against marriage act, which concerns really the full faith and credit clause of the US constitution. Many scholars will argue that the act is illegal because it asks the state’s to ignore the full faith and credit clause by refusing to recognize a valid “marriage” from a sister state, Massachusetts comes to mind. But the full faith and credit clause might not be violated at all, because states can refuse recognize anything that is repugnant to their values and laws. Anyway, I think it would be a stretch to allow congress to regulate the laws of marriage. They’d have to articulate the law under say the commerce clause, taxing and spending, or some other enumerated power.

QUOTE (mox @ Mar 27 2008, 07:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Well, with very few exceptions, Federal law trumps state law. That's why the marriage debate has been so hotly debated. There are people (like me) that believe states should be the sole arbitrator on marriage, and then there are those who want to actually change the constitution to rigidly define marriage at the Federal level. If this were to happen then States would be unable to allow same-sex marriage.
Federal law does trump state law under the supremacy clause, assuming however, the federal law was properly passed to begin with. A federal controlling marriage would not do so and would violate the 10th amendment. As I understand it states do have the power to define a valid marriage in their state. Yes, a constitutional amendment would be the best solution to solidify the law in either direction.
SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-27 13:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMy wife left me!
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 26 2008, 03:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If the US legalized same-sex marriage they'd have to do same-sex k-1s, i guess. I know a friend of a friend who immigrated to Australia to be with her gf, but i'm not sure whether they actually married or what. And "don't ask, don't tell" makes me want to vomit.
Not necessarily. The laws of marriage are completely governed by the states. The constitution does not grant congress the power to control it. Controlling immigration, however, is an enumerated that congress has. Thus all the states could legalize same sex marriage and congress can still choose to not recognize it for immigration and taxation purposes.

Edited by Satellite, 26 March 2008 - 11:26 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2008-03-26 23:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
QUOTE (mjoy61 @ Nov 8 2007, 03:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is there anyone on this forum with positive first hand experience at obtaining a tourist visa to USA? Is there anyone who can give me concrete information on the income, property holding and familial obligation minimums required for getting a visa? Can anyone refer me to a reputable travel agency in Russia that can assist in obtaining a visa without ripping off me or anyone else involved?
I think you have come to the wrong place. Most us here have had very negative experiences in getting what you want. My wife was denied for example. Reputable business in a Russian context is an oxymoron. See Slim's thread on the topic.
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=93028
It was closed for TOS violations. Unfortunately the administrators here try to limit practical solutions in country specific forums.
The only people who can provide you this information is the Russian Embassy itself / visa division. But they won't give you this information unless you have personal connections on the inside.
The agencies can't do anything except make fraudulent documents or just tell what everyone else has told you: You need lots of expensive property, a high earning job, lots of close family and friends (husband and kids) in Russia, health insurance, car, very high salary ($2.5 - 5k) a month. And documents for all of this.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-08 18:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 17 2007, 08:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So, she would not need an invitation of any sort then? I can get an organization or friends of mine to do the invitation if it is necessary. I am going to find out all the things she was asked when I see her next week in Berlin, but I do know they asked her several times where she was staying. However, it sounds like she needs nothing special since she has the visa.
I thought she didn't have her B1 visa yet and my comment related to you giving her an invitation in connection with that B1 visa application for the US job interview. If she already has the visa, she will be asked at POE what is the purpose of her trip. No letters are really needed, she simply needs a valid non=immigrant purpose.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-17 12:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 15 2007, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Ok, so if I plan on her coming in January to visit do I need to prepare any invitations or whatnot? We would not be submitting the K-1 visa until after she returned home. No mention of fiancé/e would be given. Thanks!
If you make some kind of letter, she will likely get denied a B1 business visa! Because you are purposely introducing yourself as a possible fiancé into the equation! I wouldn't do it if I was you. She has everything she needs to get the visa, and you can only be detriment.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-15 18:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 10 2007, 10:20 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Entering on a B1/B2 with intent to marry is though.
Nope, that is legal too. Only entering with the intent to adjust status from a B1/B2 is illegal. A lot of things happen in Vegas as a tourist that you wished stayed in Vegas tongue.gif
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-10 13:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 10 2007, 09:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think giving advice on how to "beat" the system is just inviting trouble, and the problem with that is that it's not us who have to live with the consequences. I can't even imagine how heartbreaking it would be for the OP's fiancée to be not only turned away but denied entry for years because they mis-used the B1/B2 Visa.
IF you get denied entry on a B1/B2 because you are inadmissible because you really need a K1 visa (suppose somehow the POE officer figured it out) that does not bar you from getting a K1 in the future nor does it put any kind of barrier.
Instead you are probably thinking of potential problems with AOS. Guess, what, you are in the US and together when you appeal or have troubles with this step. A big victory in my opinion.

QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 10 2007, 09:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Giving advice on how to work within the system, and even (legally) exploit weaknesses in the system that can be used to our advantage (such as the "RFE trick") is much more responsible and more likely to result in a happy reunion. Trying to exploit the system might be faster, and may even work 90% (made up statistic) of the time, but the stakes are just much too high.
Let's not forget that adjusting status from B1/B2 is NOT illegal.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-10 13:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (Fettman @ Nov 10 2007, 05:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Now that she has the visa does she have to show an invitation or something when she arrives? I guess I am in the dark about what the POE will require from her, if anything. Any advice about that would be appreciated.
Have her bring everything pertaining to the job interview. That is usually more than enough. Have her NOT mention you or any of her plans after the interview if any. Find out how much it costs to change tickets. If they ask to see return tickets, it will be wise that when she says she is returning right after the interview that her tickets say the same thing. Once you are in you can do so many things here. For example file for extension of status. Change to another non-immigrant status, change to immigrant status, appeal if necessary. File for asylum if necessary, Jewish folks, political folks against Putin, and other non-main stream believers are again being granted! And all of this is done while you are here in the US. It's a great system once you are in the door. Others will also recommend she bring some documents showing she is wanted back at her school, home, and has commitments she'd want to return to. Keep in mind most of this might not be necessary at all. Depends on the POE officer you get.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-10 11:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 01:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Sat, correct me if I'm wrong, but I believe even if you intend to get married in the US at the time of entry, you aren't breaking the law. Intending to adjust status (having immigrant intent) is the key here.
You are correct. In theory, some people use a B2 visa to marry in the US and then the US spouse returns abroad! Later that same couple again come to the US to visit. Mostly a European thing involving Americans living abroad.

As for coming here on B visa while the I-129F is pending simply requires luck and extra proof of intent to return to Russia. Being denied doesn't cost you anything unless you lie once interrogated by the POE, if it even comes to that. However, you do lose out an a plane ticket if you are sent home and you can be detained for many hours. Otherwise it won't really hurt your pending K1 visa.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-10 01:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
A visa overstay will likely cost her career. If she gets this job, try to get them to employ her here and go the K3 route.
Obviously applying for another with a previous overstay doesn't help, but the real punishment begins after 180 day overstay with a 3 year bar on entry and a 10 year bar for a one year or more overstay. There are hardship waivers to USC's to get around this but they take a long time to grand and seldom granted.

QUOTE (russ @ Nov 9 2007, 08:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She will probably get the B1, as she has more to lose by overstaying in the US.
Unlike B2 visas which immigration officers tend to blindly grant 6 months of status in the US. B1's I-94's tend to represent exactly how long the stay will be. This is based on the word of many practitioners in this field.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-09 13:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
Addition:
1. If you file for AOS based on marriage to a US citizen all previous overstays and unlawful work will be forgiven. So don't worry about taking time to get married even if she is out of status.
2. When you apply for AOS you instantly get authorized stay by the Attorney General.
3. Biggest draw back to getting AOS from B1/B2 visa is that you can't travel abroad until you get the card. Too risky to try AP in such situations. Not a big deal if you want to work and travel in the US for a year or two.
4. Once you apply for that I-129F your fiancée will face great difficulty upon entering, no matter what letters you write. Even the European folks who have high paying jobs and real property in their home countries get turned around once that pending I-129F is in the system.
5. Going straight to AOS will save you money and time in the long run, however, only if you admit to doing something illegal will it end up costing you more in legal fees.
6. Statistically more people Adjust status from other visas rather than K1/K3 visas.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-08 18:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 8 2007, 08:54 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Obviously their relationship has become more than just boyfriend/girlfriend.
Wow, how would you know such a detail? Were you spying on them? tongue.gif
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-08 12:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 7 2007, 12:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is certainly a bias towards K visas here. In the case of my wife, it was a choice between a K1 or F1 (she is a full time student anyway). K1 saved us about 10K a year in out of state tuition.
Certainly true. But each states does it differently. For example in California one needs to be resident for one year to qualify for in state tuition. For a K1 holder that means I-94 / entry stamp plus 365 days. But if you came in one something else you might not qualify:
"Unfortunately, the following visa status holders cannot establish residency regardless of the length of time in California: B-1, B-2, C, D-1, D-2, F-1, F-2, H-2, H-3, J-1, J-2, M-1, M-2, O-2, P-1, P-2, P-3, P-4, Q, and TN/TD."
However, once you get your green card the clock starts to tick even if you did come in on one of the visas listed above. I am not sure from which date you start counting from date of greencard or date of entry. I take it the date of entry or at least the date you got your driver's license will work too. Because residency in California is status / length based. Once you overcome status you can start counting the length. The day you got status doesn't really need to be an issue. So in our case my wife got her green card within a year of arrival, it would not have mattered in terms of tuition.


QUOTE (moxcamel @ Nov 7 2007, 01:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
People have been denied entry for a lot less, and even "contemplating" marriage while she just happens to be traveling on a business Visa can raise suspicions.
I am again confused by your line of thinking. If someone has no "immigration file" - no pending I-129F etc., how does an immigration officer come to a conclusion that a person coming to the states for a job interview plans on marrying? The two just don't go together. They can ask who the employer is, what accommodations, and how long. And unless you say something stupid like I am going to be staying with my fiancé the day before the interview and then we are off to get married the day after, you should be fine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-08 11:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
Just to add to the conversation.
My fiancée came here on a K1 and we weren't sure if we would get married either. Nothing is a 100% possibility. Plus both of us thought it was absurd to immigrate to the US without first experiencing life here. So after 2 months we had a city hall marriage and the K1 (technically used improperly) allowed us to confirm that we should indeed get married. How the hell will a USCIS officer figure any of this out, is beyond me. Same goes in reverse if you came on B visa and then decided to marry and stay. Also keep in mind if you do the latter route, the date of your marriage in comparison to her arrival in the states will have a huge impact.
In the procedural manual followed by the USCIS officers, (FAM code something, too lazy to look it up), it states that if marriage takes place within 30 days of arrival it is presumed that you intended fraud, if it takes place after 60 days it is presumed you did not and it is neutral between 30 to 60 days. So keep that in mind in making any kind of decision. Obviously it is better to have the USCIS overcome a presumption in your favor rather than the other way around.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-07 15:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB1/B2 Visa
If that newly issued B1/B2 visa is going to last as long as it takes her school to finish, you can really simply this process if you avoid calling her your fiancée" until she comes here and both decide the issue here in US" if you know what I mean. Yes, the POE will have the last call on determining if she has a valid reason to come here and has reason to return.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-05 15:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHi
The earliest she can apply for US citizenship is if she has met all the residency requirements and has had her green card for 3 years. Use the date of issuance of the card as the starting point.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-16 17:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
You know, perhaps the OP is looking for an agency that specializes in making US visas, passports. green cards, and I-551 stamps? Or even in human smuggling. Kind of like in the movie BRAT2. Unfortunately, even I do not know where to go to find these places, although I imagine they still exist and many clients do manage to make it one way or another.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-15 00:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
QUOTE (russ @ Nov 13 2007, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It is worth trying at least a few times ( $100 is a bar tab or dinner here, not much lost).
It's a good plan only if you live relatively close to one of the four consulates in Russia. Russia is huge, right, spanning something like 11 timezones. Having to make a 3+ day trip by train, plus food, plus accommodations per interview, can be a much more costly endeavor then a $100 bar tab. Plus they have to go through Pony Express the courier that delivers the documents and those prices can reach $50+ depending on where you are sending from.
http://moscow.usemba..._id=nivapplying
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-14 00:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTourist Visa from Russia to US
See the answer to your question here:
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=95043
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-12 13:14:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusQuestion about Russian (internal) Passport

So what about those of us that are married to Russians? What if we were to go back to Russia, could we get "legally" married there (or provide an apostilled copy of a marriage cert.), apply for an internal passport or some kind of legal permanent residency? How does it work "on the flip side?"

For what I read it is pretty much as Bill describes below:

You have to apply and your local(region) ministry(forgot the actual name). Then there is a 32 day wait. Then you come back and get married. I believe then you apply for temporary residence. I believe you get a 4 month visa on this and then you go to the ministry and you get temporary residence )up to 4 years) then you get permanent residence.

Most of the information I have on this topic comes from:
http://waytorussia.n...gal-status.html

As for your other question, yes, you can get married there again as well as here in the US (some other county). But you would be committing bigamy, because you did it with knowledge of being already married. For example I doubt in Las Vegas they have time to look everyone up in some large data base to see if you have ever been married in any jurisdiction in the US, let alone abroad. And Russia is every more decentralized and uncomputerized than here.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-30 11:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusQuestion about Russian (internal) Passport

Also this silly passport probably feels like a "security blanket" for her, and she would be uncomfortable if it expires.

To Russian citizens the internal passport is there one and only national ID. Kind of like a combination of our Social Security Card and Driver's License. As others have said the Russian consulates abroad don't really care about the internal passport and have no authority to do anything with it. However, if she wants to register with a Russian consulate a stamp showing she is bound for permanent residency abroad and her internal passport can be inspected to prove lack of Russian registration. Otherwise I cannot see any use in it.
However, a delay in renewal can lead to a huge fine when eventually moving to renew. Something in the several hundreds of dollars.
To solve this issue, I think there is an option for expedite service or a small bribe to speed up the process.
Ironically, for those registered abroad, the external passport with the registry stamp basically replaced the internal passport for encounters with the militia. But the internal passport is used for just about everything from buying property to buying a cell phone.
In my opinion, showing your external passport instead brings an unkind prejudice to the bearer because now the merchant for example knows he is dealing with a Russian who resides abroad thus giving him liberty to extort a higher fee / penalty for someone in that position because they feel they have more money.
Once again if you never plan to return to Russia or do any kind of meaningful business there, there is no point in the internal passport. Also as soon as she marries you, her internal passport will be hiding her true marital status, thus giving her a legal right to marry again in Russia if she so desires :P
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-29 11:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Question
There was a case about this back during the peak of the cold war. The holding was something like, forced membership into any organization was not a bar to naturalization.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-26 16:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCancelling K1
QUOTE (Chuckles @ Nov 17 2007, 09:38 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't cancel that K1 and lose all your time until you are sure. Exploring other ideas or finding situations that more suit your lifestyle are great ideas, but I suggest keeping that K-1 going in the background.
Great advise, I would add that you should go through the whole process of getting on. Once the visa is in hand you have an additional 6 months to decide if you want to use it.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-17 12:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia to Vote on Sunday
QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ Nov 28 2007, 05:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
What are you people talking about, nobody is forced to vote. Except, perhaps, the military who are led to vote for Putin in files, at the command of their officers. For all the rest of the citizens, voting is voluntary.
Read the article below:
http://news.yahoo.co...ssia_election_1
If you disagree with the article (it was biased, etc.) I can understand your point of view.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-28 15:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia to Vote on Sunday
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Nov 27 2007, 03:32 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I won't be voting for United Russia, I will vote for another party that never wins smile.gif I also don't think voting is useless and shameful.
At least your job isn't dependent on your vote as is the case in the news article I posted. Although I am not a Russian citizen, my favorite selection on the Russian ballot is the "against all" box tongue.gif
But it has been removed and you can see why:
http://english.pravd.../81796-voting-0
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-27 18:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia to Vote on Sunday
Russians will be voting in parliamentary elections this Sunday. Is anyone's spouse / fiancé(é) going to vote?
http://news.yahoo.co...ssia_election_1
Not like it is going to matter anyway.

Here are the locations:
http://www.consulrus...FO 02122007.htm

Edited by Satellite, 27 November 2007 - 04:09 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-27 16:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarriage in Siberia. Anger and frustration in Moscow.
QUOTE (slim @ Nov 29 2007, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Think about it... if you're "making it" on just his money, you'll have TONS (used very loosely of course!) of extra cash.
Slim, don't forget, the more you make the more you spend. My parents who are in the highest tax bracket still live pay check to pay check because of this concept!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-29 13:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMarriage in Siberia. Anger and frustration in Moscow.
Here is a reason you were probably denied the ability to file a I-130 in Moscow:
"Immediate Relative Immigrant Petitions (Form I-130):
U.S. Citizens residing in our office's jurisdiction may file petitions for immediate relatives at the Moscow office during public hours.

Who May File and When
The Moscow office at the United States Embassy, accepts Form I-130 "Petition for Alien Relative" from United States Citizens who are filing for their spouse, parent, or unmarried child under 21 years of age. Petitions from Lawful Permanent Residents and petitions for relatives other than those mentioned fall into different visa categories and must be filed in the United States. United States Citizens may file their petitions between 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM.

United States Citizens MUST BE PRESENT to file their petitions. If a United States Citizen is filing for a spouse, it is recommended that the spouse also appear so that immigration officials may ask any questions necessary for the adjudication of the petition.

United States Citizens must establish that they have resided in the Russian Federation for the previous six months in order to file at the Moscow office. To establish the residency requirement, United States Citizens should submit one or more of the following: multi-entry Russian visa, proof of local registration, work contract, apartment lease, U.S. military ID and evidence that the United States Citizen is stationed overseas, or other documents. Documents that prove the relationship between the United States Citizen petitioner and the non-United States citizen beneficiary should be submitted along with photocopies. Such documents include a marriage certificate, divorce or death certificates from previous marriages, and name-change certificates. Documents not in English must be submitted with English translations. Translations do not need to be notarized but should be signed by the translator and accompanied by a statement that the translation is accurate and that the translator is competent to translate.

In addition, it is recommended to provide a photocopy of any visas to the United States that your relative has been issued. If your relative has been under immigration proceedings previously, it is recommended that your relative provide detailed information about these proceedings. This will often speed the processing of your petition.

For additional information on preparing your documents to submit to the agency, read the instructions on the I-130 form or call the office at (7-495) 255-9551 on workdays from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM."
https://egov.uscis.g...r.statecode=arm

Also see:
http://vladivostok.u...den_072407.html

If you meet these requirements you might have a much stronger case in refiling your case.

Your odds of wining a due process claim where the plaintiff is a foreinger asking for a service outside the US is about as slim as getting a private bill passed making your wife a citizen. The latter is actually possible, not so sure of the former, but I think Russ is probably right.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-11-18 11:54:00