ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoving to Russia

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

The problem with becoming a Russian citizen is that you must bring an official paper saying you have given up all current citizenships. See instructions for simplified Russian citizenship below. I am not sure if this rule applies if you do the registration / marriage style of obtaining citizenship in Russia itself. It may not. It does if you try to get Russian citizenship through a consulate here in the states.
"7. ??????????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????????? ????????? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????????? ????? ???????????"
http://www.consulrussia.org/citizen.htm#&#
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-07-15 18:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusComing to America
I doubt it.
Russia has still sent more than 50,000 immigrants to the US in the past five years thus they do not qualify for the diversity lottery:
http://travel.state...._2008_Final.pdf
But then again the Russian economy at least in Moscow has greatly improved.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-03-21 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYeltsin Dead

Crime was rampant, and the Mafia controlled just about everything. People were starving, health care was horrendous or non-existent, and there were homeless people everywhere. The unemployment rate was out of control. People with government jobs had to wait months to get paid (and sometimes never got paid at all.) ...and I could go on and on.

I would have to to attribute a lot of Yeltsin's problems to the low cost of oil during his administration. Where do you think Russia got its money to pay its government workers, improve health care, and invest in infrastructure under Putin? Certainly not from the sale of any Russian manufactured goods, say the Russian car...but rather the export of now very expensive raw materials.
As for the mafia, it has now been civilized, in other words, they went to work for the state under Putin.

Not to mention, Russian men who are in the US are not drunkards and are actually quite successful, so chances are even slimmer.

And those outside the U.S. are all drunkards and losers? :)))

It was a common complaint made by the Russian women I spoke to. If you think it is all of them, that is your conclusion not mine.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-24 09:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusYeltsin Dead

Interesting thing for me to ponder here..... would we be doing all the stuff we're doing (have done) if not for Yeltsin? Would it even be possible for us to have "Russian" wives?

Jackson-Vanik became law in 1974, and while the ???? did still limit exit visas, it was possible to leave for many people.

I, along with many thousands of citizens of USSR left prior to 1991 with an exist visa as political asylees. So yes it was possible to leave before 1991.
You can read about it here:
http://en.wikipedia....ation_to_Israel
And it was sponsored by:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/HIAS
And my parents did have to pay a fee to renounce their Soviet Citizenship and we were given one of those small green exit visas which haven't changed much to this day, you can still get one if you ask for a visa extension at the OVIR, or wherever it is done now.
Because there is such a large Russian community in the US, Canada, and Australia it would have been quite possible for you to you to find a Russian born wife without ever traveling to Russia. But the ladies who grew up here, won't really be interested in green cards and the opportunity to escape Russia for a better life, because they already go that, so those on here whose relationship is partly based on that might not have had a chance. Not to mention, Russian men who are in the US are not drunkards and are actually quite successful, so chances are even slimmer.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-23 11:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing Home!

Am I the only one that hasn't been?

I haven't been to St. Petersburg either. If you are referring to Sochi, I'll take the Mexican / Caribbean vacation any day of the year.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-30 09:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing Home!

We are going to Sochi for a week or so.

My recommendation is to go in late July or August. The water is warmer then. Watch out for the fish and beer vendors. While you are sun bathing, they literally walk on top of your head screaming:
"???? ????????", "???? ????????", "???? ???????"
Or the one word "????-????"
Also don't count out the "???????" offering their rooms for accommodations at the airport or train station. In 2003 meal and board was going for as low as 100 rubles a night.
Decent food at the cafes along the beach too!
Have fun!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-20 19:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThanks for all the kind words everyone.

There is one thing: I overstayed my visa the first time I was in Russia (my visa did not allow for travel interruption and -- big surprise -- my flight from Siberia to Moscow was delayed. Apparently, there has never been an instance of an American overstaying a visa -- it sounds absurd to me too, but we were repeatedly told that such an event had never occurred. We contacted the US Embassy for help. They tried, but were not able to help. Perhaps the case was decided right then and there (who would risk detention in Russia to spend more time with his fiancée but a man desperately in love?). It worked out fine (just called the local immigration office and got a court order that said pay the minimum fine; surprisingly, the order did not even require me to leave Russia) and they only thing I regret is that I wasted two extra weeks with my fiancée worrying about how to resolve the issue. I've been back twice since then and aside from curious glances at passport control, I haven't had any problem getting in or out of Russia. It goes without saying that I am not suggesting that anyone overstay their visa, but maybe having more contact with the Embassy other than registering is helpful. I didn't bother advising the embassy of my visit after that first trip, so I don't even know if they are aware that I've been to Russia three time in the last six months.

This just goes to show you how decentralized, unorganized, and under computerized the Russian immigration authorities are. According to other Russian forums and advice found online, the events you describe are all correct, except you were supposed to be put on a 5 year black list and be banned from entry. I guess they never bothered with the last part.
As for the consequences, court order, and 2 week delay, this would be a quite a hardship to those of us who have to pay for another ticket at the last minute (lucky if we get the change in time) and loss of work as well as not showing up for 2 weeks might probably leave the average wage earner (who lives pay check to pay check) without a job, lost income, and perhaps loss of other things related to it (home, car, etc.).

P.S.
I am impressed with how fast you got the court order. The stories I heard of described a months long process. Did you get turned around at the airport in Moscow because of the expired visa and had to return to the town you were registered in or was all of this done in Moscow?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-04-30 11:21:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

I was so embarrassed that these people and especially my fiancée were treated so poorly by my government. I believe a real tragedy is taking place everyday at the Moscow Embassy when it comes to Tourist Visas. I believe there is some serious profiling going on there.

Were you apologizing for a our poorly written laws:
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
Or are you apologizing for our poor enforcement of the law. In other words, Consular officers should ignore all past transgressions of the INA when "non-immigrants" from Russia either overstayed or violated the status of their issued visa and adopt a lax standard of review unlike the current high fraud awareness they probably have now?
I agree with you that the documents are examined before hand and a preliminary decision is made prior to the interview, and the interview is nothing more than a confirmation of that decision.

Edited by Satellite, 07 May 2007 - 10:35 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-07 10:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

1. How do you make an alien depart? Well you can not. So how can you criminalize somebody for not doing something the law does not permit them to do.

It's done almost everyday if I am not mistaken. Some leave voluntarily when the immigration court gives the alien voluntary departure. Others, once in custody are physically deported back to their country of origin.
In terms of your question, (1) drop the notion of criminalization, that was my mistake for putting it in. Instead think of the penalty of contempt as a violation of a court order if you as a sponsor are asked by the court to make sure someone leaves and you disobey by not complying. (2) I agree with you that it is impractical to have private citizens enforce deportations even of the people they invited. So as it stands, bad I idea :P But unless someone wants to start throwing around new ideas we'll just have live with what we got today which is people from wealthy and trusted countries get to visit the US and the rest of the world has to jump through huge hurdles.

Anyway, will not happen.

Couldn't agree more.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-19 20:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

But the Criminal aspect makes no sense to me, I can think of no comparable scenario.

I was thinking more how a court of equity functions with its civil contempt powers. A little off on the terminology. For example if you are ordered by the court to say make sure such an alien departs (mandatory injunction). And you disobey, then you can be placed in civil contempt "jail" until the alien departs. It would add some weight to your responsibility as an inviting USC. But its all theoretical if you are into that kind of stuff.

But it would have to be without get outs, you have to leave withing the I-94, no entensions/adjustments etc, even if in a coffin, or the bond os forfeit.

I like this idea too, but I think we'd get in trouble with the international human rights folks if you strictly enforce without allowing to file for Asylum or Convention Against Torture.

Edited by Satellite, 19 February 2007 - 04:31 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-19 16:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

Back on topic; In US we have many things with we can get bonded for or provide monetary guarantee something will happen, why can't US immigration have say a $10k security bond for visiting immigrants (that the US citizen can put up) to help insure their timely departure?

Because people pay way more than 10k for help to get into the country illegally, doing it through a bond would now make it both easier and official. I do like your suggestion, but I would raise it to criminal sanctions for the USC as well. Although in the end, it all boils down to sovereignty and the government can exclude whomever they want.

Edited by Satellite, 19 February 2007 - 02:01 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-19 14:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

I find your comment that they should be saying "illegal Mexicans" incredibly offensive when there are illegals in this country from all over the world.

Statistically speaking, who are the majority of illegal immigrants in the US? Based on this logic there is nothing to be offended about.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-13 15:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

I have been thinking about this also. I think our approach (Mine and Anna) will be to purchase a summer home near where her parents have one. Maybe if they see we (Anna) own property near where her parents spend the summer they will be more likely to see we have no intention of bringing her parents to the USA.

Your assets and title to property is completely irrevelant to the foreignor trying to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. Instead you should change the focus to the alien applying for the visa. They have to show that they have something to return to. It's your home not theirs. If you bought them a lot of property and found them high paying jobs then it will be a stronger case of them having something to return to.
Your assets can only help show that your inlaws will not become public charges while in the US, but this is double edged sword, because if your inlaws can become public charges without your assistance then they probably have nothing worth returhing to Russia for.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-02-12 17:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

I understand your point, but I have to say it's sounds kind of harsh and even hateful. You could have said "A lot of Russians are good at lying...", yet you just said "Russians", which encompasses us all. And I feel offended by it, because this is a generalization, and there's lots of Russians who are not good at demonstrating the above mentioned types of immoral behavior.

I know there's lots of scammers, but there's also a lot of normal honest people.

You shouldn't be offended. I was born in the same USSR as you. It's embedded in the culture, it's a survival mechanism in an a bigger social structure that no one person can really change. I don't hate it, in a way I am quite proud of the Russian people for their ingenuity and ability to fool others outside of Russia. You should see the stuff "some" of them pull here in the US. But at the same time it sadness me.
I'll try to be more careful with using "some" or "most" instead of "all." But as you and I know, there is no all inclusive rule for social generalizations such as the one I made in this thread. In the end its just an opinion, take it with a grain of salt.

Edited by Satellite, 10 January 2007 - 12:17 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-10 00:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

Who is Roxy?

I am also confused about who is Roxy.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-09 20:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA

Another possible route, (and I don't condone this) is for your mother to "pay the fine" for getting her paperwork done properly by her local "agents" that handle that sort of thing

Things like that are possible in Russia.

And at the US Consulate?

Russians are very good at lying, cheating, and stealing. You can see it today from the top of the government and oligarchs all the way down to the common folk. So to present false documents with a straight face is no problem for most Russians. And how will the CO prove that the documents are false? They have all the proper seals and stamps. I am sure it is done with success more times than we want to imagine.
Oleg Gazmanov - Novoya zarya gives a comical insight into Russian bribery and stealing :P
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-09 03:03:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA
Annabelle,
As I said before, with Russia it is very tricky to get tourist visas for average income earning citizens outside of Moscow. The embassy requires the usual proof of family in Russia, job, house, etc. But when you look at the overall picture, who wants to go back to a job where you work 12 hours a day for $150 a month? Who wants to return to an small flat located in the middle of Siberia? Who wants to return to their 75.5 horse power Russian car? So having all the usual documents that show ties can in my opinion paint the exact opposite picture which is that based on your current situation America sure sounds better.

timelena,
Our moms have every reason to overstay. Do you have any idea how many Russians overstay their visas and never go back? Especially in major cities like Brooklyn, San Francisco, and Chicago. The Russian community is large and supportive. They can earn a quick buck working for cash as baby sitters, maids, mechanics, or just construction hands. Plus because our mothers are immediate relatives their overstay will be forgotten when the kids are eligible to file I-130's on their behalf? What is there to return to Russia for, if your only daughter and and say grandson is in America living a life they never had in Russia?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-01-07 21:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAffordable hotels near Sheremetyevo 2

I am not sure it is a good idea for a young girl to camp out alone in Moscow airport all night. Looks like we will have to pay over $200.00.

My wife has done the camping thing at airports and train stations in Russia on numerous occasions. Nothing to be scared of she says. It is a very common thing for many Russians to do. Most people who works and live in Russia can't afford those hotel prices.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-08 02:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Hawaii

Actually there was something in the news a couple of days ago about plans to build a tunnel from Alaska to Russia.

Here is a link for the news story straight from Alaska:
http://www.adn.com/n...p-8712739c.html
Ironically the Discovery Channel aired something similar a while back:
http://dsc.discovery...nteractive.html
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-10 00:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTravel to Hawaii

I am planning a honeymoon to Hawaii, after the wedding. Someone told me that my new wife, now a citizen of Russia, will need a visa to Hawaii since she's not a US citizen or a permanent resident.

The only time this becomes an issue is if you do one of many cruises to or within Hawaii. Some cruises in order to have an international staff and pay below US minimum wages will make a stop over to a third country while cruising around the Islands usually the Republic of Kiribati. In This context on your return from the third country you will be seeking another admission thus violating your K1 status or abandoning your pending AOS if no AP is present yet.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-07 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVery funny

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-04 12:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSmall question about documents for interview...
In 2004:
1. Airbill was given to us at DHL for a cost of around 900 rubles to have the visa delivered to their office! Shockingly expensive!
2. Police certificate was submitted in its original form (as given) to the embassy. No translations, notarizations, or apostles.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-11 08:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusinterview

Ilyana arrived in moscow this morning. Medical Tuesday, interview Friday. We got the apartment from moscow Rick. 560 dollars for 4 nights 100 for train station pick up and early arrival. 5:30 a.m. Includes computer and internet.
What should she expect to pay for the DHL. It varies right. She lives in stavropol.
Her 15 year old daughter is with her. All suggestions welcome.
Thanks

Last time I checked the Metro is right next to the train station, goes for 15 rubles ($0.50), starts running at 5:00am until 1:00am, reaches most places in Moscow, much faster and way cheaper than any overland transportation, and used by most average earning Russians livings in Moscow. $100 for personal service, I’d spend my money somewhere else.
Also, why did you go with such a large gap between medical and interview? You could have done the medical through MOM for $85 on Thursday, had results that same day, and off to the Embassy on Friday, visa delivered to place of residence via DHL (900 RUR), same price as in office delivery, and had to fork over only one night in Moscow! You had the best interview time. We got screwed with a Monday interview time, forcing us to spend at least Friday through Monday in Moscow.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-14 21:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm in Russia

Give The Gift of Life
Adopt a Child From Russia

Who really needs the help?

I agree, as if there is not enough American orphans who could use our support. I know it is terrible in Russian orphanages, but let's solve our orphan problems right here in the US first.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-16 10:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm in Russia

Wow, seems like the process has really changed! Has Russia stepped into the 21st century??? Before you know it, there'll be a computerized system, maybe even a national registry in real-time!

If Russia was heading towards the 21st century they would drop the entire registration system.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-11 19:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

I also wanted to say that yes, I was offended not just because there are AW/RM relationships here, but also because there are also Russian women who are on this forum.

Don't forget about the Russian (FSU) Man (sponsor) and Russian (FSU) Woman (beneficiary) on here like me as well! Just I immigrated almost two decades ago as a child!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-21 13:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...

Not disputing the need to vent and heal.... just questioning the venue. Do these people have no friends, families, therapists to talk to?

I am always thinking the same thing when someone has posted 3000+ times on VJ in the last year!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-18 21:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWife beater forum

It has been some time since seeing a troll on the site.

Don't FEED the Troll!

If you think someone who registered in 2005 and has posted several hundred times is a troll, you are crazy!
I am curious, is there a term for someone who always accuses others of being trolls whenever a controversial topic comes up? If there is such a term, you are it, I've seen you do the Salem witch-hunt type troll accusations on other threads as well!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-21 21:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhat should I tell me fiancee about the interview ? (July 9th, 2007)
If money is tight, don't forget that a week long train ride, which is the more popular method of Russian travel can be achieved for a few hundred dollars. Have her inquire about the prices at the train station in Vladivostok.
As for DHL, I believe the embassy packet includes a list of approved addresses to go to with their hours of operation. Also, don't count out other Russian airlines that aren't listed on expedia, travelocity, etc.
Example:
http://eng.pulkovo.ru/
http://www.dalavia.ru/default.asp
http://transaero.com/
http://www.uralairlines.ru/
http://www.s7.ru/en/
http://www.skyexpress.ru/
And any other local Vladivistok airlines. Might be able to get a bargain rate through one more of these.

Edited by Satellite, 21 May 2007 - 01:27 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-21 13:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa approved

So rather then get married when she wasn't totally into it mentally and emotionally, we decided it would be better for her to return to Russia to be with her granny, and we knew we would file for another visa at a later date.

You guys are brave. I couldn't do this process twice! It is so hard to get a "visa" from Russia, to go through this again would be beyond me.

My beloved was in the U.S. for 6 glorious weeks and he just returned to Ufa, RU on May 20. We are both heartsick. We know that finally filing the papers will give us the exciting anticipation of our marriage early in 2008!!!!

If my "girl friend" was able to get a tourist visa, we'd probably just do the AOS if after the meeting we knew we were going to marry. Completely legal, as long as the tourist entry did not involve intent to immigrate. Anything to avoid the K1 process in my opinion.

Edited by Satellite, 23 May 2007 - 11:18 PM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-23 23:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusapartments

Time is money.

That plus comfort / convenience are the extra elements people add after they hear how things can be done for less in Russia. I only compared price and language in isolation.
Ironically I currently intern at a Law Firm that works on flat fees and no billables. But we still log our time because it is a good habit. You can reach this level as an attorney when you are pretty comfortable with how much work each case involves. With some clients this is the only way they'll hire you, because they know what to expect. But I understand your point, just right now in my life, every penny counts as I try to limit how much money I borrow for education / living as a student. For example, for me, $5 coffee repaid in 10 years plus interest is closer to $15. Time is still pretty cheap, but I know this will change soon.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-23 23:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusapartments

English speaking management and reasonable prices.

I am a firm believe that the two cannot co-exist. Walk around the Kremlin, ask the price of souvenir in English, then have your wife ask the price in perfect Russian. You'll notice the markup instantly. Same thing with apartments.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-23 23:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbringing my mother for a visit
Cost is $100 plus personal destination charges to the consulate or embassy for the interview and Pony Express visa delivery charges. Find your nearest consulate or embassy and work from there.
For general information start at:
http://www.usembassy..._id=nivservices

I believe you have to wait until your AOS is done

Her status is irrelevant as each B visitor applicant must prove his or her own individual ties to Russia and reason for going.

Edited by Satellite, 25 May 2007 - 10:54 AM.

SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 10:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Denied

Only K1

Can you site the regulation or INA, or can I take your advise based on your experience in the law?
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 11:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Denied

Don't get that pessimistic about non-immigrant visa chances in Russia. Plenty of people get it, even without multi million dollar jobs. Me - I did not even have a job when I got my B-1. Although you did make me feel extremely lucky :jest:

I haven't met the people who got them with the common ties (apartment, average job, even husband with kids). But have spoke to many who haven't. Experience may vary.

The girl does not qualify for a K4 visa. And even if she did, only K1 visa holders are EA and can get an EAD (in the form of the EA stamp on the I-94) on entry.

How about a K-2 if done within a year of mom coming? Are the regulations or INA specific as to only K1 holder getting the temp EAD? I am just guessing here, don't have time to look it up this morning. If you have time cite the regulation or INA. Thanks.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 11:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Denied

They said that because she had previously entered the US on an immigrant visa (the K-2) and her mother was here they were denying her J-1.

Strange, last time I checked a K-2 just like a K-1 is a non-immigrant visa that falls into the special category of "dual intent" thus allowing one to avoid the home ties proof.

I am so sorry for you. It is so wrong that a child (a young woman) is not allowed to travel to see her mother!.. I would think she proved her non-immigrant intent by leaving the US in the first place.

Don't get your visas mixed up. A J-1, K-2, or B-1. You seem to be talking about a B-1. Which will require all the home tie proof documents. By the way, having a good reason to come to the US, i.e. see your mom, does not mean you overcome the statutory requirement of proving you are a non-immigrant when applying for a J-1 or B-1!

What kind of documents did she show to prove her ties to her home country? May be if she could show full time enrollment into a university and ownership of an apartment? May be if she gets married and her hubby stays put in Russia while she goes to US? They SHOULD give her B-1 in this case.

By the way, it is almost impossible for a young woman to come to the US regardless of her ties to Russia, because of so many violations by others in the past. Baring a multi million dollar job, one is not likely to get a B-1 with these facts in my opinion. As for returning after a K-2, that is indeed strong evidence of lack of connections to Mom in the US.

I see they don't just need evidence of ties to Russia but also evidence of ABSENCE of ties to the U.S.

Exactly.

Ideas:
What if she does say a K-4 and goes through JFK to get her temporary EAD. It will essentially give her the same freedom to work for 90 days (especially if she got her social security number last time she was here) and not give her any more problems. This route will even enable her to work with any employer and not be trapped to the minimum wage amusement park salaries that most J-1s from Russia get. I know this borders on fraud, but technically it should work.
Not sure if this is even possible, but in the worst case scenario if you do the standard IR-2 for her, in a year or so she will get her immigrant visa to do the exact same thing to come and go as she pleases for the duration of the visa and work in the US to earn some extra money. For many countries like Russia an immigrant visa is pretty much the only way to get access even if it is for a non-immigrant motive. Not sure if this also borders on fraud. I'll let others pitch in on that.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 10:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusjust starting pls help

You should try posting this in the new Philippines forum. You might find more people from your country that have specific knowledge.

Or perhaps even more helpful, the Bringing family members of US Citizens to America forum.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-21 21:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs a Visa Required
Can always get very accurate visa information no matter who you are and where you are going by clicking the following:
http://www.delta.com...ation/index.jsp
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 20:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterviews

She needs to be on time. Being late is the same as not going.

Based on personal experience we were late by about 15 minutes. All we did was tell the guard her appointment was 15 minutes ago and didn't have to stay in that long line. Instead she got immediate personal service right into the embassy. So don't sweat it if you are not the first one there an hour early!
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-28 05:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa in the mail

I wouldn't hold your breath. This is mostly based on reciprocity. Since we make Russians get visas to visit the states, they will do the same thing to Americans that visit Russia.

At leas they should drop the registration system for foreigners and locals! We don't require that non sense, unless you are from the 25 "terrorist" countries who had to register immediately post 9/11.
SatelliteMaleRussia2007-05-25 11:27:00