ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice certificate - where to apply?

A trial today, Satellite? Still in "the zone"? If I'm ever in Kali, I'm going to retain your services!

Nope, I am just annoyed when people post without reading the question. As for the language and tone, I have adopted it as my own in everyday use, which is kind of scary!

I don't know if female brides are technically the leading export (they've got a good shot) but they're certainly my favorite export!

You are probably right, the real answer is oil, gas, and other natural resources. But from a manufacturing standpoint, they sure aren't making any thing.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-09 12:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice certificate - where to apply?

If same city, then just one cert needed.

This poster has completely failed to read the question asked and has given advise which is true, but is inapplicable nor helpful to the original poster.

To answer your question, no one here can no for sure unless they are from your town. However, by going to the local police station and telling them you need a police certificate to immigrate to the United States, someone there will direct to the right office. This advice generally works because you are probably not the first nor the last Russian woman to immigrate to the US from your town. As we all know Russia's leading export is probably female brides anyway.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-08 17:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 18 2007, 06:57 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I never knew mafia was that involved in regular citizens' lives. Unless you're putting hundreds of thousands of dollars on this card, I don't think you should even be concerned.
I agree. You were probably making a similar argument in regards to my comments about lack of free speech in Russia. Of course an average citizen can say what he or she wants. It's only when the speech is made by an important person, a person people listen to, respect, is very wealthy, or his or her speech will actually promote change, that is when the folks are arrested and disappear.

As for the question at hand, look into the bank wiring system. Try to find two banks that only charge a flat transaction fee say $25 on one side and $25 on the other. Because you are talking about the value of real estate, the bank wiring, although complicated, is worth the trouble rather than paying someone 1-3% commission of the total value.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-18 21:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 11 2007, 06:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
It's my wife that has me thinking like this! She's so crazy about money. She wants us to party like rock stars and spend money we don't have like we're millionaires, but then when it comes down to saving money, she makes me scrounge together my pennies to convert into dollars to deposit into the joint account.
...
On the flip side, she tells me that I must spend money, like buying the more expensive clothes or the nicer home furnishings, or eating in nice restaurants and leaving big tips because if I spend money like I have money, more money will come to me.
Is she still under the impression we are all millionares here? Money grows on trees, etc. America is rich nonsense?
If my wife had this mentality it we'd never stop arguing.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-11 09:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoney transfer from Russia to USA
How big is the sum of money? Just do the math. Ask your bank and her bank what their money transferring service costs are. The beauty of wire transfer is that it is one flat sum on both ends. Around $20 to $40 total depending on the bank. But again this only justified with a sum of money in excess of say $500. Otherwise the ATM method and Western Union seem more practical in terms of saving on fees.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-09 12:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPeople who try to speak Russian to me
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 05:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I don't think that the people who run my country now are capable of completely changing their old Soviet ways.
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 05:47 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would love to see a democratic government in my country, but not necessarily a government that supports the U.S. in anything and everything.
http://www.visajourn...h...72343&st=45
Note your use of "my country" in reference to Russia. This mentality I think in part contradicts your statements below.
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not an ambassador on a mission to promote my culture and language here - I live in America, I try my hardest to learn to feel at home here, and I do not wish people to speak Russian to me. I would be living in Russia if I did.

My suggestions to solve the problem at hand:
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 08:20 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Whenever people learn where I'm from, they try to speak as much Russian to me as they are capable of. They start saying things like "Privet" "Spasiba" etc. every time they see me.
Before they even get a chance to know you are Russian tell them you are from San Jose or whatever city you are from the Bay Area and stick to that answer. Or simply say I am an American and America is "my country".

Edited by Satellite, 18 September 2007 - 10:49 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-18 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 15 2007, 11:10 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I'm not sure why the West is spreading the myth that we get punished for what we think and say in any way. The truth is, a lot of people truly support Putin - he's as popular as anyone can be, so there may be less criticism than support altogether.
Remember, Kasporov being dragged into jail for voicing his opinion?
http://www.turkishpr...s.asp?id=171441
Of course Putin is popular. No argument there. But his popularity stems from the fact that oil costs so much and the government has money to pay for all the things Yeltsin could not.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-15 17:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 15 2007, 09:13 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
That's why I prefer the Russian way.
I seriously doubt you do.
The Russian style includes: Rewriting the constitution several times in a decade. Then having an election, but all the top candidates are either disqualified, "disappear", murdered, or jailed. The political parties have no platform (except we support Putin) and change every election. Then once in control the government buys up all the media enterprises, thus if you say everything I just said in Russia you will also "disappear". And for you soldiers (compulsory service + serious hazing) and being sent to Chechnya is not much better than Iraq.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-15 11:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
Yes dual citizenship is fine as long as you have Russian citizenship first followed by US citizenship second. It doesn't work the other way around, because Russia requires you to renounce US citizenship to get theirs. Now that is a separate joke.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-12 13:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete

Card should be here within three weeks, and we should be done messing with USCIS for the better part of two years!

Don't forget to tell her to stay out of the criminal justice system. Or you'll not only be in touch with USCIS, but also the United States Department of Justice - Executive Office for Immigration Review, or short for immigration court (i.e. removal proceedings)!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-15 10:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Interview Complete
Unless you got the I-551 stamp there is no real proof of being approved until the welcome to America letter comes. I have heard horror stories of "approved files" just getting lost and nobody is able to help generate a green card for years.
Hope all goes well.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-08 16:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 visa for parents
I think the passport only needs to be valid for just 6 months. However, getting a new one will save you money by not having to update the passport here in the US. I think its something like $150 to do it in the US and only several hundred roubles in Russia. And yes you can enter with a good visa in one passport and a new passport.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-21 12:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 visa for parents
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 20 2007, 08:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You know, I don't get it - why do Russian officials at the border care where I'm going to, and if I can legally enter a country I'm going to? I think it's my own business - I can travel wherever I please, and if I run into any trouble at any POE in the world, it's my problem, not some stupid Russian immigration official's.
It I think it is a remnant from the Old Soviet system, just like the propiska (registration) system. But, Israel also has exit passport control. But Russia has to be the only country besides maybe some Middle Eastern nations like Iran or Saudi Arabia that won't let its citizens out if something is wrong with their documents. But if anyone else has some insight, I'd love to know.
As for the legally enter part, the airlines care, because they face a huge fine, something like $10k plus they have to fly you back at their own expense ASAP. So they want to make sure no errors occur in that area.

Edited by Satellite, 20 September 2007 - 11:22 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 23:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 visa for parents
QUOTE (Lyuba @ Sep 20 2007, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The question was whether it is possible to enter the States with a passport and green card which have different names and I said yes, take a copy of your marriage certificate to show to the immigration officer at POE. I did it twice. Nobody was talking about using it in Russia.
You didn't understand the question.
Agreed. I was referring to entering Russia.
As for entering the US I can assure you that as long as your green card matches your photo and biometric information it will pass with almost any name on it. As for the passport they simply place a stamp in it. It has little or no value when entering the US as a green card holder. So I believe even if you didn't have the marriage certificate upon entering the US, you'd be just fine. As mentioned before, much different story in Russia, which has been a topic of much discussion here in the Russian forum, with one member being unable to leave Russia. See Below:
http://www.visajourn...h...34&hl=leave
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 12:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 visa for parents
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 18 2007, 11:37 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I never here on here, that someone from Russia who has an unstable average earning Russian job get it that easy if at all.
QUOTE (Lyuba @ Sep 19 2007, 12:46 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My mom is a scientist and she works for Russian Academy of Science.
Do you feel being a scientist with an official government job to be equivalent to the average Russian laborer? Who has no official job and gets paid cash on the side.

QUOTE (docchanka @ Sep 19 2007, 01:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So what visa do the parents have to apply for?
B2 - tourist / visitor

QUOTE (docchanka @ Sep 19 2007, 03:11 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
One more thing: has anyone changed their name on the green card and was able to enter the US with the new card and a passport with the old name? do these two documents have to have the same name?
Yes, no. My wife did it successfully two times.

QUOTE (Lyuba @ Sep 19 2007, 02:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
as long as you take a copy of your marriage certificate which shows change of name with you.
Most US documents including marriage certificate are worthless in Russia unless they are translated, appostiled, and certified by a Russian consulate abroad. A better approach is getting an official amendment to the Russian international passport at a Russian consulate which will state this bearer also go by this (greencard) name.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-19 18:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusB-2 visa for parents
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 18 2007, 10:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 17 2007, 07:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 17 2007, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Does your dad have a super-good job, or a "normal" Russian job?
My dad's an executive for a big company.
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 15 2007, 09:33 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They got the original visas last year in June, I believe. It was super easy. I didn't do anything on my part - I just sent them an informal email in Russian, telling them that I can't visit them, so I would like for them to come here. That was it. When they had an interview, the Consul only asked them three questions - who they were going to visit, where they were staying and where my dad worked. That was pretty much it.
No surprise there.
See my addition, it helps bring out the punch line. smile.gif
I never here on here, that someone from Russia who has an unstable average earning Russian job get it that easy if at all.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-18 13:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 23 2007, 08:55 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
ALL my high school and college friends make more money there than I do here. All of them. Actually, one of my dad's friends asked me a couple weeks ago if I could work as a project coordinator at his company in Moscow. The job pays 60K/year. crying.gif It will be years before I make that kind of money here.
All of my wife's high school and college friends make between 0 to 8000 rubles per month. Most in the lower end of that. None of them live in Moscow. None of them own their own flats or qualify for a mortgage. Just a few own an old Russian car. None of their parents are big executives who are able to "hook them up" with nice high paying jobs. None of their parents were able to afford to send their kids to study abroad. Most of them have or will have the equivalent of masters degrees from prestigious Siberian universities. A few are married. One or two has kids. The ones who are married either live in a room shared with their parents or rent a flat for the price of one spouse's monthly salary.
And my favorite: As far as we are aware, none of them have posted themselves on an online catalog to sell to an American man. Hint: they are not desperate yet.
Your case is unique for two reasons: (1) Moscow, (2) Usually people who come from affluent backgrounds stick with people from those backgrounds.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-23 12:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Sep 21 2007, 05:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
But now days I don't think it is bad anymore. You can make good money there if you smart and work hard, just like here in the U.S. So now I believe Russian ladies come to the U.S. to be with their loved ones, that is the main reason.
My parents have friends that are still there. One is a clothing store owner who has to hire a "roof" to avoid problems. Another is a networking specialist making about $1000 a month doing pretty good. Still lives in a small three bedroom flat and drives a Russian car. But at least doesn't have to go to the villages to grow his own potatoes and tomatoes. Goes on vacation once a year. Another friend was making great money in an investment business. He was shot dead in his apartment drive way for not wanting to pay a group of thugs. Another set of friends are general laborers who own their own home but make just several hundred dollars a month. Grow most of their food and haven't been on vacation in 20 years.

But to comment on what you and Turboguy are saying about the women. Why aren't the men getting good jobs? Why aren't they working hard? If things are so great, why don't they stay there and live there? Russian men are great people too. At least the ones I know who work and are successful. And of course back to my old argument, why is the birth rate falling so drastically. Why are married women in Russia not having kids? And almost all of my wife's friends still live with their parents. Affording their own place is out of the question.

We all have our stories and experiences and can draw conclusions either way.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-21 13:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Sep 20 2007, 08:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think Sat just doesn't like Russia that much tongue.gif
Being a political asylee from the former USSR, there is little to like. My family on both sides lost so much property during the first and second world war. Then likewise my parents were discriminated against and denied many work and housing perks / advancements because of their beliefs and lack of association with the communist party. Grandparents were sent from their factories and mansions to Siberia. Then I came as an adult to see just how much truth there was to these stories. A lot of it wasn't as bad as the family described it, but many things on the fraud and corruption front could use some fixing. Bribes and the necessity of a "?????" comes to mind. Customer service is another issue. Maybe it's just that I have been spoiled here. My favorite is: "?? ???? ??????"
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 23:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Sep 20 2007, 06:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Is Russia still a high fraud country? I understand it was five years ago, but now it's a lot different...
What makes you think marriage fraud is no longer a problem from that part of the world? I might be wrong on this, but there seems to be a direct correlation between how many international marriage broker websites a country is associated with and how much fraud there is. Not too many websites with German, Australian, Canadian. French, and British gals dying to find a US man and wanting to the move the US.
If you meant fraud in general, there is still plenty of corruption from scales at the bazaar, racket in foreign cars, and of course the high end at the government level.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 20:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 20 2007, 02:12 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They want to hear your fiancé's replies without you being able to clue her.
Agree, but simply put because Russia is a high fraud country for marriage with foreigners this is a method of weeding out the really bad cases.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 17:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAttending the interview with your fiancee
QUOTE (dkrivosheyev @ Sep 18 2007, 09:06 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I know some other embassies allow USC to attend. Did anyone personally check this out for Moscow?
I tried, but the guard won't let you in without an invitation / appointment. I even tried asking for one in advance by email, I got a "no" reply from consulMo@state.gov

QUOTE (jasman0717 @ Sep 18 2007, 09:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
They won't let a USC wait in the embassy? ohmy.gif That isn't right mad.gif they have to allow the USC in the embassy.
I don't know about the "have to" part, but yes, they do let you into the US Citizens side of the embassy on the other end of it. But it's only open between 9am to 12:00pm and again from 2pm to 4pm. So yes, they won't let you in until 9am, and the Russian citizens are allowed in some time before 8am, can't say how early, because we came 15 minutes late tongue.gif. Honestly it was worth it, she went ahead of the line.
http://moscow.usemba...rd_id=hlocation
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-19 00:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (russ @ Sep 29 2007, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 29 2007, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
So if we didn't get a pre-nup, does that mean she automatically assumes half of my debts?
That depends on your state. In Florida for instance, any debts you had before marriage will continue to be yours after marriage. Keep in mind, even if a court does rule a spouse liable for the other's debt, the original agreement with the creditor is not changed (so even if a court orders your spouse to pay your debt, if they don't, you still have to pay it).
Slim, the point of my debt prenup statement, was my desire to use a prenup to assign half the debt. But I have never heard of that, and would need to do more research to see if that is possible. Everything Russ said is exactly correct, in Californai debt is not split up if you have no prenup and probably even if you do. As far as I am aware, debt is assigned to the debtor. Regardless of marital status. A marital settlement agreement can of course make one spouse pay for the debts of the other, but the original debtor is still liable if the other spouse defaults on his or her duties.

Edited by Satellite, 29 September 2007 - 11:25 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-29 11:25:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 26 2007, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I think the bottom line on all of this pre-nup stuff is if it's entered your head.... you probably need one. If you've never even thought about it, then you probably don't.
It entered my head in the classroom. Through books, cases, and examples. Although I have no need for it because I am an even bigger pauper than you. Now if you could assign student debt 50/50 in a prenup, that would be something. Looking at the San Francisco housing market with a medium home price of just shy of $800,000 and with only 6% of the population with a medium household income of $86,000 can afford a home, the odds us acquiring anything significant anytime soon seems bleak.

Edited by Satellite, 26 September 2007 - 12:40 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-26 12:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (dagobert2 @ Sep 20 2007, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Further, if you enter into an arrangement which by definition is a lifetime commitment by hedging that commitment with a safe out then you are introducing bad kharma into the arrangement. Perhaps it is the word "kharma" which is causing the controversy - substitute positive attitude, vibe, faith, or whatever analogous term you are most comfortable with to make the comparison.
I'll pose the same question I posed to Kazan' Tiger. Isn't insurance similar to a prenup? And if you have health, life, property, and car insurance, aren't you introducing bad kharma into those things too? I surely hope my life and health is a lifetime commitment just as marriage. But I'd be a fool to not have insurance. Am I setting myself up to die or to get ill?

QUOTE (dagobert2 @ Sep 20 2007, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I have never dealt with a marriage broker.
Actually you have. Meet our very own Kazan' Tiger. Check out his services and catalog:
http://www.clubworldrelations.com/

QUOTE (dagobert2 @ Sep 20 2007, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is a trap for a single person with significant assets to fall into and they assume that people are interested in their assets and not themself. They perceive themselves as highly susceptible to exploitation. This perception taints their relationships. It can actually increase their chances of falling victim to exploitation. It can even prevent them from entering into serious relationships at all. Their wealth becomes a curse rather than a blessing. In other words, if one isn't careful, wealth breeds an unhealthy paranoia.
I like your reasoning, but do you think the "have nots " avoid divorce more than then the "haves"? As far as I understand the divorce rate is pretty standard across all groups in America.

Edited by Satellite, 20 September 2007 - 12:07 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 12:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 20 2007, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
My fours years including not only those "vacations" but also living with her in Russian Federation for an entire year as a normal family. We both had jobs, paid bills, spoke the same language, and lived entirely as man and wife in our own flat and SHARED ALL. I did what very few are willing to do. If you can live together in her country with her customs and culture, America should only be easier. As I said, I know my fiancée far better than most do prior to her U.S. entry.
That's awesome! I wish more folks would do that.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 20 2007, 07:36 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You don't enter into something as serious as marriage already planning for the worse...Think POSITIVE not negative. I don't believe in already dooming the marriage or my life with "what ifs." Plan for your life TOGETHER not for your possible breakup!
This just turns full circle. Let me you ask you this then: Do you have health insurance, life insurance, home owner's insurance, more than state minimum on car insurance? If you do have any of those things, why are you thinking NEGATIVELY about health, life, your property and driving? Aren't these things just as SERIOUS as marriage?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-20 11:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 18 2007, 04:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
We have been together for over 4 years. I knew my first wife less than one year.
Having known my "foreign" wife for "two years" before marriage can tell you that I got to know the people I dated before a whole lot better than her in one year then I ever did in my two "three month" trips. Reason, when you get to know someone in person and you interact with them on an equal playing field (i.e. you are not in a foreign country, you are not on a vacation, you are not a guest, both speak the same language, both are accustomed to the US, both are interacting in their usual ordinary routine) you really get to know them. Anyway this is debatable, but I think you can get to know someone a whole lot better right here in your hometown then you can through email, phone calls, messages, and short trips to isolated places half way across the world.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 18 2007, 04:43 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Marriage is a covenant to share ALL with each other.
This is starting to become funny, because you are still missing the underline point of a prenup. Let me ask you this, do you believe a divorce (period after marriage / separation) is a covenant to share all? Well guess when a prenup is triggered? During a divorce, and not during marriage. At least for the kind we are talking about on here.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-18 20:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 05:36 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is no 60/40, 40/60 or 50/50. or any other ratio. It is 100% shared.
I think you are simply missing the point of a prenup. Although some prenups may seem like they control what happens during marriage, those provisions are not usually enforceable. And few people write prenups that say everything I earn is my separate property and everything you earn is your separate property. Noteable exception - Barry bonds in his first marriage. But instead what people are saying in prenups, is after we are divorced, it's no longer going to be 100% shared. But during marriage by all means 100% shared. I think in some cases the prenup can act as an incentive to keep the marriage together, although I see many draw backs with the disadvantaged spouse being forced to stay because they know their standard of living will fall dramatically otherwise. But, hey, that might be the price of freedom smile.gif
And by the way I have not once criticized your views on prenups. I just try to inform people in a general sense.

QUOTE (John & Alla @ Sep 16 2007, 06:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
plus 2000 a month for five years. I will be getting married again and I have faith it will all work well, but if not, I will work tirelessly to make sure she is well taken care of.
Have the five years already passed? If not, does your future spouse know that all the income she "earns" and puts in your "joint" bank account can be seized by your ex-spouse? As well as all your separate property, including the home you might be living in and the car you are driving, in case things go sour financially.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-16 21:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The point I'm trying to drive home is simple. Marriage is serious. It is a covenant between two parties. This sacred bond is made with ones heart and soul,
I was in complete agreement with you up to this point.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
not a stroke of the pen.
Here is where the disagreement begins. I am not sure what state you are from, but most states to my understanding require a marriage license followed by some sort of solemnization in which case both spouses places their signature with a stroke of a pen. Then once married most states under the law consider your marriage to be a civil contract. What you personally consider marriage to be is irrelevant to the state. Here is an example of some laws.
http://www.leginfo.c...action=retrieve
http://www.moga.mo.g.../4510000010.HTM
http://touchngo.com/.../Section011.htm
I could continue down this path to find a similar definition in all 50 states.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
There is no room for lawyers and contracts in my marriage.
I agree about the first part, you are allowed to enter a marriage contract without consenting a lawyer, but as you can see above your marriage certificate is a contract you will later send to the USCIS folks. If you didn't have one, you won't be getting a greencard.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
All this can be accomplished with love, trust and mutual respect.
Marital life sure, but not the process before it. You will need that pen, plus some money for the license and cermony...see above.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 16 2007, 08:29 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you don't have this level of commitment you shouldn't be a couple. Stay single and unattached if you don't like to share.
Completely agree. However, no prenup can be written to restrict sharing while marrying. Although no state will interfere if you don't. See McGuire v. McGuire 59 N.W.2d 336 (Neb. 1953) where the court refused to find a cause of action for a married woman suit for lack of support. But that is not the point of this prenup thread. The point of a prenup was to prevent (in a couple's consensual agreement) excessive sharing after divorce if it occurs.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-16 11:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (RosemarieL @ Sep 15 2007, 10:00 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I agree with Kazan and I have been through a divorce this year. I have assets but will not be considering a prenup. It would feel to me as though I am setting up my marriage to fail.
Aren't prenups just like insurance, at least in terms of reducing attorneys fees? Do you think I am setting myself up to die if I buy life insurance? Or getting sick if I buy health insurance? Or getting into a major wreck if I buy more than state minumum in terms of auto insurance?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-15 12:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrenups
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 14 2007, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Prenuptial agreements go against everything marriage stands for.
Usually people say that about same sex marriage, but hey, if you think prenups are at the same level, it's full employment for family lawyers smile.gif
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 14 2007, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
If you worry so much about what might happen, stay single and unattached. Then what's yours will always be yours.
I disagree. In several states there are common law marriages. If you held yourself out as a couple, guess what, even if you were never married, one of the "spouses" can sue for divorce. Next, in California where common law marriages are not recognized, in a case of Marvin v. Marvin, a court has held that a cohabitating partner can sue in contract for services rendered and restitution.
So this plan won't work out in every case either.
QUOTE (Kazan @ Sep 14 2007, 07:31 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Marriage is about two lives joining in EVERY way without exclusion.
We tried this once. Here is a quick summary. Women were men's property. They had no separate identity. They could not sue or be sued. All of the woman's property automatically became the man's upon marriage, etc.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-15 01:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

1. Can I (a foreigner) own property in Russia? (Flat or build a house)

I think the answer is yes to buildings and maybe to land. Here are my sources:
"Although few expatriates buy residential homes in Russia, there are no restrictions on the purchase of property by foreigners. Property in Russia currently represents a good investment as house prices are rising rapidly and there are currently many properties for sale. Prices in Moscow trebled between 2002 and 2005, although the rate of increase has recently slowed a little.
In Moscow prices for the types of apartments and houses bought by foreigners range from around US$150,000 to US$500,000. Properties can be rented out for a return of around 9-11%, plus capital growth.
The mortgage market is only just opening up, and is expected to boost house prices even further. Much cheaper properties can be bought outside Moscow, including St Petersburg. It is possible to buy a house in a country village for little more than $1,000."
In Russia property transaction costs such as registration of the contract are usually covered by the buyer, but these rarely exceed US5,000. In addition, property agents normally charge the buyer 2-4% of the purchase price. Non-residents are required to pay a tax of 30% of the sale price on selling the property.
http://www.expatfocu...buying-property
"As we already mentioned, even if this bill becomes a law, some restrictions will apply to the right of foreigners to buy arable land."
http://www.ired.com/...-foreigners.htm (old article)

2. Can I have a bank account in Russia? Is it difficult to wire money from a USA account to a Russian bank account?

Yes, based on personal experience this can be done. I only did it for fun to see if I could earn 13% interest on my $100. Turns out you can! Or whatever the crazy bank rate was in 2004. Although we have only wired money from Russia, I can't imagine why it can't be done. The tax authorities will be more interested in this rather than the banks. Keep in mind you are probably going to spend $25 or so in fees at both banks for each transaction regardless of amount transferred.

3. Do I have to go to a Russian driving school to get a driver's license?

Probably not. Others have provided excellent answers.

I lived in Moscow for about 7 months. You don't have to go to a Russian driving school......all you'd need is an international drivers permit and your US drivers license. To get an international drivers permit, go to any AAA Location, bring your U.S. driver's license, two photos, fill out an application, pay $15-$20 and they'd issue you a permit valid for 1 year.


4. How will this affect the AOS and my girl's green card, citizenship process here in the USA?

This will have a huge effect on her AOS. Leaving the country for more than a year and even playing the trick of returning once every year and going right back will look like she has abandoned her residence in the US and may be denied entry upon return.
See my discussion with Yodrak on the topic, although I think he doesn't understand what seeking admission means. An LPR does not seek admission.
http://www.visajourn...mp;#entry575179

5. Will I have to pay capital gains taxes in Russia along with my taxes in the US?

Look to the Internal Revenue Code for your answer. I believe income under 88k earned abroad does not get taxed by US authorities. And since all you are doing is stock trading I imagine you'll pay your regular US capital gains tax on that, and the question of paying a Russian tax on that transaction depends on what their tax code says. Since trading stock will become your trade or business I imagine it might get taxed as income and if done in Russia perhaps under their capital gains tax as well. I am no expert in this area, although there are plenty of good books on our tax code and Russian tax code and applicable treaties that might answer this question down in the law library.

6. Will we need to marry in Russia also to get my temporary residences visa, then permanent residence?. (If anyone can shed some light on this whole subject and process it would be greatly appreciated.)

Here are some long answers enjoy:
"Temporary & Permanent Residents:
Note: December 2003 - Russian Nationality Rules Ease (Talk Lounge Russia Forums on waytorussia.net).
To become a permanent resident, a foreign citizen should become a temporary resident first. One can become a temporary resident, only if invited by a private person to Russian Federation (private invitation).
The private invitation can be made in the local immigration office (OVIR), at the place where the person, who is inviting you permanently lives. The person who invites you, should fill in a special application form in OVIR and submit it along with a copy of your (the invited person's) passport, and a paid bank transfer. (Note, there are huge queues in OVIRs). It will take about 1 month or longer for OVIR to process this information, and after it is done, a "private invitation" will be issued. This invitation should be posted (not faxed - originals are required by the embassies!) to the person who's invited. Then the person who is invited should submit this invitation, along with the invitation, passport, photos, and other documents required to the Russian embassy, and his private visa will be issued.
The private visa can be valid for a period not longer than 3 months (the exact period is specified in the invitation), and is single-entry only.
After you arrived to Russia with such "private" visa, you should register at the place of residence of the person who invited you. For that there needs to be a proof that this person has the rights for this apartment (obtained in a local housing office), and a notarized letter, where the person states he/she doesn't mind you living in his apartment for a specific period of time (the form is standard - every notary knows it).
After you're registered, if you still want to become a temporary resident, you need to get a pile of documents. The requirements change all the time, so it's better to get an up-to-date list from OVIR. Generally, a foreign citizen will need his passport, private visa, information confirming the place of work / study, information that confirms the place of residence (should be issued by prefecture), information confirming a certain income, medical insurance. The Russian person, who is inviting the foreigner, should confirm the rights for the apartment, bring in all the same documents, confirming place of work / study, income, medical insurance etc. It's better to use a specialized agency's services to file all the documents before submitting them to OVIR. These agencies will not gather the documents for you, however, they know how to submit the documents that OVIR officials like it.
If everything is ok, you'll get the answer in about 1 to 3 months time.
However, the temporary residence is quite limited: a foreign citizen will have certain rights, and be able to enter Russian Federation, but in order to leave Russia, he/she will have to get a special "exit" visa from OVIR every time (it takes 2 to 4 weeks to get it)! So, imagine, you need to leave Russia fast, you can't do it, because you have to apply (queues), and then wait, and only then get a single-exit visa.
In other words, this process is not worth going through at the moment, unless you really need a temporary Russian residence. The rules are not easier for spouses as well...
The only good thing is that the rules may change soon, and become easier. We will monitor the situation, and as soon as there's a significant change, we'll update information in this section."
http://www.waytoruss...isa/Status.html
"Here are the new regulations that concern foreigners living in Russia (or foreigners, NOT from former CIS countries, who want to get Russian citizenship):
1. If a foreign citizen has been married to a Russian person for not less than 3 years AND is living in Russia at the moment, then he / she can get Russian citizenship through a simplified procedure. That is, there's no need to have a minimal period of consecutive stay in Russia after which you can apply for the Russian nationality.
If you are married to a Russian person for less than 3 years, then you don't have any advantages compared to anybody else. You will still need to present (1) a proof that you has been living in Russia for the last 5 years and stayed in Russia not less than 75% of all this time; (2) proof of sufficient income; (3) proof that you know Russian language; (4) permit of stay.
2. If a foreign citizen has at least one parent who has Russian citizenship and is living in Russia at the moment, the same simplified rules as described above apply (no need for minimum period of stay).
If you want to use these rules, you should apply before 1 January 2006. Also, note, that to apply for Russian citizenship under these new rules, you still need to get a permit of stay. The permit of stay can be obtained only if you arrived to Russia on a private visa (made after the private invitation). To ease everything up it is better to ask your wife (or parents) to make the personal invitation for you. This process is quite long and hard, and the permit of stay is a very inflexible document (e.g. you'll need to get an "exit visa" every time you leave Russia). However, if you are after Russian citizenship and you are OK staying in Russia most of the time, then these new rules will be good news for you.
Please, note, that the law will be implemented on 16 December 2003, and it might take some time for the Russian immigration officials to "accept" it.
Also, most of the new rules were made to ease the process of getting citizenship for the citizens of former CIS countries, and there can be unclear interpretations of some things written in the law by officials.
http://waytorussia.n...rsation457.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-15 18:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTranslations of evidence
The embassy in Moscow is in Russia. Therefore, the employees have to know Russian to work there, including the CO's. The full translation and certification is only required for documents being reviewed by USCIS here in the states. That is why the birth certificate and divorce decrees need to be translated and certified when given to Moscow, because these documents will have significance when they aren't sent back to the states, but not the proof of communication. Communicating in Russian is a plus. It takes away the "how do you communicate" question. I am also from the USSR, and we did just fine on receipts, emails, and ICQ printouts in Russian only. I sure wasn't going to waste my time translating all of it. However, anything you send with the I-129F needs to be translated into English. So your best judgment. A phone bill, a picture, passport stamp, and plane ticket stub should be enough. Don't make it any more complicated then it should be.

Edited by Satellite, 29 August 2007 - 12:20 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-29 12:20:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGreetings to all!
QUOTE (Fettman @ Aug 26 2007, 01:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She is currently getting her MBA in Germany, so we are waiting until December to apply when she will graduate.
QUOTE (Fettman @ Aug 26 2007, 02:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
She will be in Germany for under a year.
Wow, that's pretty cool. I made the assumption that an MBA takes more than a year.
You are good to go otherwise.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-26 21:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGreetings to all!
Will you be going through the visa process in Germany or Russia? Because your fiancee has been residing in Germany for an extensive period of time, I'd look into doing the process in Germany. Keep in mind that getting police certificates from Germany and or ordering them from Russia is probably going to take more time than usual. If you do decide to go through the German route, the advice specific to Russia might not be as applicable to you.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-08-26 15:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
QUOTE (Fettman @ Sep 4 2007, 09:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Anyone know an easy way to fill out the G-325A instead of manually filling out each page?
Try:
http://www.uscis.gov...form/g-325a.pdf
By filling out the first page it automatically fills out the other ones.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-09-04 13:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

when looking at the poverty lines, the number of people in the household is counted using people who are just FULLY dependent on my co-sponsor? Or partially dependent as well?

To be honest I don't know. But here is how I see it logically:
Based on the I-864 the immigrant legally binding affidavit of support dependent is defined as following:
"Your household size includes yourself and the following individuals, no matter where they live: any spouse, any dependent children under the age of 21, any other dependents listed on your most recent Federal income tax return, all persons being sponsored in this affidavit of support, and any immigrants previously sponsored with a Form I-864 or FormI-864 EZ affidavit of support whom you are still obligated to support."
http://www.uscis.gov...-864_110106.pdf
But this is not the I-864.
The I-134 offers no explanation of these terms.
VJ search offers the following answer:
http://www.visajourn...showtopic=12896
http://www.visajourn...?showtopic=7757
Claiming only that tax form dependents count.
http://www.immihelp.com/visas/visitor/i134.html states the following:"
"8. Write the names of dependents that you include in your income tax returns. These will usually be your spouse and minor children. If you spouse is not working, you can check 'Wholly Dependent'. If your spouse is working, you can check 'Partially Dependent'. Even if you are sending money to your parents in India every month, and they depend upon the money you send them, do not put them as dependents here."

My logic would be that a partial dependent like a whole dependent takes income from the sponsor. So I agree with the above to use only income tax dependents and the examples to figure out which one is whole or partial. Either one I believe counts increasing household size thus the amount of money needed to meet the povery guideliness threshold.

Edited by Satellite, 15 June 2007 - 03:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-15 15:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 for Moscow

My fiancé’s co-sponsor is going out of the country for some time so I had to get the I-134 from him now, is it too early date wise?

Based on personal experience you should be fine. I left for Russia in June of 2004, 5 days before my NOA2 even arrived, and was carrying the I-134 in hand, and it was just fine by the time the interview came around in September.

I do have another question though: He doesn't yet have the 2006 tax returns, we have copies of his 1040's from 2004 and 2005. And his accountant wrote a letter saying that he had filed for an extension because his income increased by 3,000 for 2006 (that deadline is October) He is a self-employed writer. It was written on her letterhead. Does anyone know if this will be enough?

Because I do not work for the embassy nor am I the interviewing officer, I can not tell you for certain and neither can anyone else. The easiest way to meet the "avoid public charge" issue of the INA, is to have your most recent tax return, I-134, and W2. Technically the 2005 is the most recent for the tax payer in question, so I guess it should work. But that is not the only way. Others do it through assets and bank accounts to demonstrate income.

Also, are the copies of the 1040 enough?

All we did was reprint the vital pages of the 1040 and just signed them again. Apparently that works. If your co-sponsor is using an accountant hopefully he or she provides your co-sponsor with a digital pdf file, but a copy works as well.

And, while I am asking questions, since I live in Poland and don't work (officially) at the moment, do I need to fill our the I-134, too?

Yes, because you are the primary sponsor. You are still "promising" to sponsor, and the co-sponsor is only their for INA purposes and as your backup in case you fail to sponsor. Although the I-134 is not legally binding, so this is all silly anyway.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-14 18:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow ranks as world's priciest city

It is still possible to find a house for $130,000 in FL. $200,000 gets you a fairly decent place, for 300, on the water. It is possible to spend millions here, but not necessary.

In San Francisco, I wouldn't sell you a carport for that much!
But in Texas news homes can be found in the $80,000 and luxury starting in the $400,000.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-24 10:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow ranks as world's priciest city
Moscow ranks as world's priciest city By JACKIE FARWELL, AP Business Writer
Mon Jun 18, 5:11 PM ET



NEW YORK - Moscow is the world's most expensive city for the second year in a row, thanks to an appreciating ruble and rising housing costs, a new survey reports.

ADVERTISEMENT



The cost of living for expatriates in the Russian capital is nearly 35 percent higher than in New York, which served as the base city for the survey released Monday.

London, estimated at 26 percent more expensive than New York, climbed three spots to second place on a strengthening British pound and steep rental prices.

South Korea's Seoul ranked third, followed closely by Tokyo at No. 4.

The survey by Mercer Human Resource Consulting ranked 143 cities around the world, measuring the comparative cost of more than 200 areas such as housing, transportation and food. The findings are designed to help multinational employers determine compensation for their expatriate workers.

In Moscow, a luxury two-bedroom apartment will cost an expat $4,000 a month; a CD rings up at $24.83; one copy of an international daily newspaper is $6.30; and a fast-food hamburger meal totals $4.80.

A strengthening euro boosted 30 European cities to top spots on the 2007 list — Copenhagen, Geneva, Zurich and Oslo, respectively, placed among the top 10.

Eight Asian cities made the top 50, though Taipei, Taiwan, plunged 20 places to No. 48.

New York and Los Angeles were the only two North American cities to rank among the highest 50, though both fell in the rankings due to a depreciating U.S. dollar, Mercer reported.

The Big Apple dropped five places to No. 15, while Los Angeles fell to No. 42 from No. 29 in 2006.

Ranking as the least expensive city for the fifth year in a row was Paraguay's capital of Asuncion, where the cost of living is half that of New York, Mercer estimated.

http://news.yahoo.co...KVmayuoN5vMWM0F
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-06-19 10:11:00