biggish data

invitation for my parents)))

QUOTE (Scott and Marta @ Apr 20 2008, 09:40 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

It´s nice if he can get it notarized so it´s clear who it´s from and add a copy of his passport or something.

"For those persons going to the U.S. on tourism, please indicate where you will be staying. If you are visiting friends, please feel free to bring correspondence or letters of invitation from them. PLEASE do NOT bring a notarized form or letter to this effect."
"If you choose to include an invitation letter with your visa application, it is not necessary that it be notarized."
http://moscow.usemba...ord_id=nivtypes
Consulate mentioned no notarizing twice. If I was the CO, I'd be ticked if it was notarized.

QUOTE (slim @ Apr 21 2008, 05:12 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe it's still $100/application.

"The application fee for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa is $100 (effective January 1, 2008, the Machine-Readable Visa (MRV) fee will increase from $100 to $131), payable in cash in Russian rubles. This application fee is non-refundable. This fee should be submitted to Pony Express at the time the application is turned in for delivery to the Embassy."
http://www.usembassy..._id=reqvdocs#nv
Get ready to pay $131 for the application now and Pony Express will charge its fees depending on how far you live from the nearest consulate. Can range between $25 - $100.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-21 10:02:00

Renting or buying in St. Petes

http://www.irr.ru/re...dex,,69,52.html

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-24 22:51:00

police certificate

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2008, 04:24 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I think we've had this conversation before, but I'll repeat it anyway. If you're sending the girl to Moscow for her K-1 interview, and you have any lingering doubts at all as to if she's scamming you, then you really shouldn't be sending her to Moscow for a K-1 interview. Those doubts should have been removed ages ago. In fact, if you propose to a woman that you're not 100% convinced she's not scamming you, then you shouldn't be proposing to her.

I disagree. Because our "fiancées" are acquiring an immigration benefit through marriage, I think it is okay to be skeptical all the way until citizenship. If she is still with you with citizenship in hand, you can stop worrying about it. Too many stories of good gullible people being fooled, especially right here in on VJ.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-02 21:30:00

Godzillas hostel?

I should go back to Moscow and lease a place for a year, furnish it, and sublease it too all the westerners needing a place to house their loved ones during the interview process. Profit can be had! What do you think Slim, joint venture?

Leasing a place a for a year would probably only run about $500 - $800 a month. At $100 a day you could recoup that in a week!

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-24 22:45:00

Godzillas hostel?

QUOTE (sense1 @ Apr 21 2008, 01:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I'm afraid that I would find a good deal and then realize that it's 2 hours from the embassy

...

Don't be fooled into thinking you need to get a place right next to the embassy. Moscow metro and public transit is amazing. You can reach almost any spot in the city using the metro in under 30 minutes. We came from Korolev a suburb 40 minutes away by commuter train and then used the metro to get to the embassy and still did it way under 2 hours.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-21 22:43:00

Registration problem

QUOTE (akdiver @ Apr 26 2008, 01:06 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Constructive advice requested (;

Pay the fine and get on with it. For all I know they can put you in a holding cell until they "figure it out" if you continue to argue with them.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-26 09:09:00

QUOTE (slim @ May 2 2008, 07:44 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I expect my wife to help me carry the bags. Moreover, since I'm the one paying for the groceries, she should carry all of them.

Here is the trend I have seen. Click the link below:
http://www.yaplakal....opic185817.html

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-02 15:31:00

QUOTE (Kazan @ Apr 30 2008, 01:25 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I can say that whenever we stood out waiting the bus, I did, indeed, notice the children and wives empty handed while the man of the family resembled a mule.

No wonder there is a high rate of alcoholism amongst Russian men.

Edited by Satellite, 30 April 2008 - 06:43 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-30 18:42:00

QUOTE (eekee @ Apr 28 2008, 05:08 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Let's just say men 40 and up who are already divorced with kids make great golf buddies for my dad, not potential boyfriends for me.

But they do make good boyfriends if you are a Russian woman in need of "stability"

And a green card, etc...

Edited by Satellite, 28 April 2008 - 10:21 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-28 22:20:00

QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Apr 8 2008, 05:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Ok Sat, since you seem to be hung up on numbers, I looked up some houses in Bakersfield, and I will put it to you another way. My house in Oklahoma City, built to order, cost me $83/sq ft. The houses in Bakersfield are going for $126-$172/sq ft. I hope that clears up my point.

How recent is your data? Prices have fallen dramatically in the last 6 months. I don't think anyone's record's at this point can keep pace.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-08 19:46:00

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 8 2008, 05:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Frankly I'm surprised that Sat lives in SF. I'd have thought he'd bought some cheap waterfront property in New Orleans by now.

(I dig because I know Sat can take it.)

We moved out of the City back in October. My wife got accepted to UC Davis and I was wrapping up law school. We were in the city simply because my school was there. Now we are back to the simple life. But like you, I like all the other things that go with California, so no Louisiana for me.

And like I said before, I'd rather spend my money "living" in California then on a taxi ride from SVO2 to SVO1

Edited by Satellite, 08 April 2008 - 07:09 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-08 19:08:00

QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Apr 8 2008, 04:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

What about state income and real estate taxes, sales tax, gasoline prices, etc? And there are those nasty earthquakes, fires and mud slides...maybe not where you mention...but the whole state has to absorb those costs...so your pockets are picked like everyone else. Yes?

State income taxes can be deducted from your Federal Return, so no problem there. Not sure how much lower property tax is in other states. But assuming it is the same and we are both talking about $200,000 mortgages, the difference should be minimal. Fires are certainly a concern. Not sure if hurricane or tornado insurance costs any more than fire insurance. Gasoline costs less in the central valley then in San Francisco. But yes, you do pay on average $0.25 more a gallon then the national price. Disasters in California actually effect the entire nation. Last year we had a record freeze in the winter and the price of oranges sky rocketed by $1.00 or so a pound. I can see pluses and minuses of living in California or somewhere else. It's really a personal choice and a comfort level thing. As others have mentioned we are a mobile society, we can get up and move.

Edited by Satellite, 08 April 2008 - 07:05 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-08 19:02:00

QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Apr 8 2008, 02:34 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Talking about other states,yes cost of living might be cheaper,but what about tornadoes?even idea of it freaks me out...but mortgage of 200 000 is quite tempting i would say:)Lucky you:)))

Who said anything about Tornadoes; you can keep those in Oklahoma. You can have that $200,000 mortgage right here in California. From Sacramento to Bakersfield, the entire central valley has dropped dramatically. Many homes are on the market below $200,000.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-08 18:28:00

QUOTE (Bobalouie @ Apr 7 2008, 05:44 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If you move from Oklahoma City OK to San Francisco CA...

Groceries will cost: 62.541% more
Housing will cost: 240.567% more
Utilities will cost: 5.584% less
Transportation will cost: 18.769% more
Healthcare will cost: 26.918% more

Let's not forget Oklahoma is in the middle of nowhere.
In California you are a few hours drive from the ski resorts (mountains, snow), ocean, Disneyland, and most importantly an incredibly temperate climate with few extremes. And you can't beat the fresh fruits and vegetables grown right here in our backyards. I'll have to agree with Mox, no other place I'd rather live than in California.
And if you like the slow life and low prices, the central valley is the place to be. Housing can be had for $200,000.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-07 22:52:00

QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Apr 6 2008, 08:07 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

This is a bit unique given you've met her 3 times...usually scam artists attempt to get money before an actual meeting. I would have thought with 3 meetings you'd have a pretty solid relationship.

Boy are you in for surprise if you think this is so. The best scammers wait until they get to the US and get their unconditional cards or have a decent WAVA petition. See I-360 for more information. Too many sad stories here in the last three years for both scenarios.

As for the pricing issue, it almost sounds cheaper to make a fourth trip out there and handle everything yourself. Also consider looking for a place in the Moscow suburbs. Those can run for only a $100 a week or less and you take a 1 hour commuter train or less into Moscow everyday. Small inconvenience when you consider the savings. Try http://www.irr.ru and the print version of it to for the best craigslist style prices.

Also consider dumping the agency or is your communication so poor that this can't be done. I'll agree with others that someone is making a decent commission here, whether it be the agency or your fiancée, only time will tell.

Edited by Satellite, 06 April 2008 - 01:29 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-06 13:29:00

QUOTE (slim @ Apr 4 2008, 08:16 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

And for everyone else... what are we arguing about now?

I'll bring it back on topic.

QUOTE (Kazan @ Apr 3 2008, 03:54 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I, on the other hand, was in America, dating my 20th or so “cookie cutter” divorced woman that only wanted to tell me about her horrible, worthless, past husband and how many pills she takes to keep her stable albeit emotionless in everyday life. None had sparked anything in me other than my desire to run out the café as quickly as possible. I had found these ladies on the internet via Match, Yahoo, Cupid, what have you. I didn’t know any single women and had no network of friends that could assist me. The internet seemed my only valid option.

Well this only helps support my argument that those women with the qualities of your Alla who are living right here in the US, whether they be American or Russian, simply aren't "interested" in you and thus unavailable to you for whatever reason that may be, I predict it has something to do with the "lowering standards" concept. So you and many others went looking to Russia. No shame in that. Just admit it.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-04 10:23:00

QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Apr 4 2008, 04:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am not sure about the work part I don't have to work when I am over here

You can't work on a private visa unless you convert it to the temporary residence, however, a lot of Russians work informally without showing any documents and get paid in "cash". Tax evasion really on both the employer and employees part. Other times the employee wants to avoid reporting income for child support reasons.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-04 10:14:00

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I didn't pick my girl out of a catalog and nobody else here did either. I didn't pick my girl out of a lineup either. Many of us met online through a little chat mechanism called instant messaging. Others met through a dating service, where the women are just as actively looking as the men. And everyone here that's filed an I-129F has met their woman in person.

For the record I met my wife the same way you did, instant messaging online chat, so we are no different.

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Second of all, your implication that our ye olde Sears&Robuck Catalogue Brides are seeking green cards because they're not already here is what I like to call "the crazy logic." It's whatchacall circular and stuff.

As for the "dating services" if that is more politically correct to say rather than catalog, what exactly are those women saying? If you read my post again you will notice three things (1) green card; (2) stability; and (3) money. You were only offended by the green card part.

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2008, 07:42 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Of course we're not saying the internet has built our relationship with our woman. I'm not sure anyone here has said the internet built our relationship. Real, human connection built our relationship. The medium is irrelevant.

You are hypocrite. Look at what you wrote. You agree with me that internet didn't build your relationship and then you say the medium used to build your relationship is irrelevant. Well that medium as far as I could remember in my wife's thread was that the internet is used to build real relationship. And I responded were are all anonymous posters until we do meet in person and engage in a real interpersonal relationship. And now we are finally in agreement that of course in person is what is needed for a real relationship.

QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Apr 3 2008, 03:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Satellite what makes you think every Russian girl wants to move to the USA? Alot of Russian girls actually enjoy living in Russia!

I completely agree. I am only concerned about the 100,000 or so Slim says are in online catalogs dying to marry and leave Russia. What is up with those ladies?

QUOTE (Corey-Mariya @ Apr 3 2008, 03:35 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I am not old fat o bald and actually met my fiancé in the USA! (Just turned 20) I also think sometimes a long distance relationship makes it that much stronger! It gives it another dimension!

For the record I was 22 when we got married. As far as I can tell I am not bald, fat, or rich, yet I still wrote what I did because it was my observation of the overall picture. As for the long distance relationship, I have mixed feelings on what that does. It certainly preserves a lot of relationships because if you don't "date" every week, you have less chance to show off your "bad sides". Next thing you know 2 years has gone by and your "fiancée" is here in the USA with a 90 day window to get married. Kind of hard to end it all at this point, plus the logistics of the situation makes it hard to. Of course there are exceptions, both Tiger and I spent many consecutive months living in Russia.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-03 09:41:00

QUOTE (eekee @ Apr 2 2008, 07:13 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

There are LOTS of women in the US who are willing to lower their standards for an older/fatter/balder man... provided he comes with a very large bank account.

Sorry for not being clear in my first post, I agree completely. Green card, money, and stability were the three factors I focused in on in terms of triggering "lower" standards.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-02 21:32:00

QUOTE (irish44 @ Apr 2 2008, 04:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I suppose that there are American girls with the same characteristics but compared to the Russian girls, it's like finding a needle in a haystack!

Did you know that the same Russian girls you and everyone on her loves so much can be found right here in the US? They come with legal papers, money, know how to drive, US education, etc... Ever been to New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, and Sacramento just to name a few places with populations well over 100,000 Russian speakers? You could have used the internet to connect to those girls right? Picked them out of a catalog right? Not exactly...because those girls don't need a green card, aren't looking for "stability", and not willing to sacrifice their interests.
Likewise, plenty of American girls have all those great qualities that Russian women in Russia have. But for the exact same reasons as the Russian girls living in the US, they have no interest in a green card, money, or stability, because they already have and thus will not lower their standards in terms of finding an older, fatter, and balder man....

QUOTE (mox @ Apr 2 2008, 08:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (Kazan @ Apr 2 2008, 08:56 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yeah, she can be the jealous type. But she is more an anti-internet type, so I should be Kay!

Same here. I think the fact that she's very internet-adverse may just save my life.

Wow both of you are starting to sound like the internet is not really what has built your relationship with your women. Hence my argument about what makes real relationships in the thread my wife started back in the day, i.e., in person instead of virtual.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-02 21:08:00

Arrived in the US

QUOTE (CARY @ May 9 2008, 09:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Avoid Atlanta!!!!!!!

Nobody should be avoiding any POE. Just because someone had a less then friendly point of entry officer or experienced an unusual delay at any given POE, doesn't mean you should avoid it. Your odds of getting a repeat experience are slim considering that there so many different officers and different air traffic situations.

The only known difference in Point of Entries is JFK, you can get a TEMP EAD, everything else is the same about the rest.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-10 11:52:00

How do I know

We should make it a requirement that anyone who has not met their fiancée’s yet post their picture on here before they go. The board can really save them a lot a grief later. What makes everyone think that only the ladies are scammers? I could just as easily open up a mail.ru account and make a living on the side as a man pretending to be a woman from Russia.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-14 12:36:00

How do I know

QUOTE (R&I @ May 14 2008, 12:34 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

As I said in my previous post this is Inna Malikova on the picture. Check these links http://warnet.ws/news/16845 and http://kaifa.net/200...va_19_foto.html

And I am sorry Mike, but the lady is a real scammer!!!!!!!!!!

It's not a total loss, I'd play along with this gal. If she asks for money send her bogus Western Union receipts, etc. Slim had great ideas on what to do.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-14 09:55:00

police certificate - where?

QUOTE (RodD @ May 15 2008, 07:19 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I believe you must also get a certified English translation for each certificate. You must bring both Russian and English versions to the interview.

That is only true if the police certificate is from any country but Russia. The posted certificate is from Russia.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-15 09:23:00

Has anybody seen

QUOTE (manwithabeard @ May 13 2008, 08:41 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Satellite was right...these forum friendships are a facade and empty as a Russian vodka bottle...just anonymous posters taking on some contrived persona until they get bored or annoyed or pushed on to the next forum or internet oasis. Digital Darwinism...the weak move on to safer ground.

QUOTE (eekee @ May 14 2008, 09:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

A man with a beard... whatever that means...

It's our good friend, seanconneryii.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-14 12:23:00

Has anybody seen

QUOTE (rebeccajo @ May 13 2008, 09:53 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I always worry about people if I see them 'disappear'.

QUOTE (Kazan @ May 13 2008, 06:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Mox is okay, but do not expect to see him around much, if at all.

QUOTE (~Laura and Nick~ @ May 13 2008, 06:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

He is doing well.
Just had a trip to visit his kids in Denver and he's working a lot.

It's good to hear the man finally found a life outside of this virtual world. Good for him. One should never worry when someone disappears from VJ; it just means he or she is "living" for a chance rather than wasting hours upon hours here.

Edited by Satellite, 13 May 2008 - 08:43 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-13 20:40:00

Cheap FLowers ordering for Russia?

In terms of flowers, what I have always been curious about is how does the vendor coordinate delivery in every possible town in Russia. The big website companies can't possibly have a flower shop in every town, nor a contract with at least one vendor in every town. I don't think they would personally send somebody to the city to put the order together. Anyone have any viable ideas?
The reason I ask, is because one could in theory just contact a local vendor in your fiancé's hometown, Western Union the money and have them do it directly at probably 1/3 the cost, but it takes a lot of trust and good faith on both parties.

Edited by Satellite, 09 April 2008 - 11:04 AM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-04-09 11:03:00

QUOTE (akdiver @ May 29 2008, 03:33 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Also noticed that our local district office is estimating 13-15 months for application processing time. Now that is just ridiculous. It only took 20 months for us to earn master's degrees!! Lame, lame, lame.

Tell me about it. We filed back in January. Finger prints in February. No word since. My local office is working on July 2007 cases. Which should imply post fee hike cases. For all those extra fees you'd expect faster service. Bottom line, my wife is probably not going to vote in November and most of the folks I spoke to thought it could be done in 10 months.

Edited by Satellite, 29 May 2008 - 06:46 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-29 18:45:00

QUOTE (Gaby&Talbert @ May 28 2008, 07:58 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

You need to look at US benefits like SSI also. non citizens only get 10 years of SSI. You all need to look at the financial benefits of why to become a citizen also.

Unless you were a non-citizens who was receiving SSI on 8/22/96 and non-citizens who were in the U.S. on 8/22/96 that have become blind or disabled can receive SSI indefinitely. My grandmother falls into this boat.
http://www.hmongnet..../citizen-e.html

QUOTE (Bobalouie @ May 28 2008, 08:52 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

However, if she travels to Russia on her US passport then she is entering Russia as a US citizen, and is thereby entitled to the protection of the US government. Of course she would also be subject to all the BS that we have to do with visas and registration.

While true in theory, practically this is not going to happen. Russian consulate will not issue a visa to place into their own citizens US passports. See:
"The Consulate General as federal organization enforces the Law of the State, so, every person, whose foreign passports or travel documents indicate his/her place of birth as "Russia" or "USSR", or one of the states, which was a republic or a part of the former USSR, will be required to present a proof of absence of Russian citizenship."
http://www.consulrus...rg/eng/faq.html

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-28 22:01:00

QUOTE (eekee @ May 27 2008, 04:56 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Neither side requires you to renounce your old citizenship if you become a citizen of the country, but they won't honor your old one either.

False, I tried to restore "Russian" citizenship to save on visa costs, just to find out I had to renounce my US citizenship to get it. Of course I told the Russian officials you must be crazy. For details see:
"????? ? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ? ?????????? ???????"...
"7. ??????????? ???????? ????? ???????????? ???????? ???????????? ?????? ???????????? ???????????, ?????????????? ????????? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ?????????? ????? ??????????? ? ???????, ??????????????? ????????????????? ??????? ???????????, ???? ????????????? ?????? ?? ????? ???????????, ? ????? ????? ??????? ?????????, ?????????? ??????????????? ??????????? ??????? ???????????? ???????????.
? ?????? ???? ????? ???? ?? ????? ??????????? ????????, ?? ?????????? ????????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????, ????????? ????????? ? ??????? ?????? ???? ?? ??? ???????????? ??????????? ?????????? ????????? ??????????? ???????? ? ?????? ?? ????? ???????????.
? ?????? ???? ???? ??????????? ???????????? ? ???? ?????????? ???????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????, ????????? ????????? ??????????? ??????????????? ???????? ? ??????? ???? ??????? ?? ??? ???????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????.
????????????? ????????? ?? ?????? ?? ????? ??????????? ?? ?????????, ???? ????????? ??????? ? ??????????? ???????????, ? ??????? ?????????? ????????? ????? ????????????? ???????, ????????????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????? ??????????? ??? ???????????? ??????????? ?????????? ?????????.
http://www.consulrus.../citizen.html#1

However, I know for a fact a Russian citizen can apply for US citizenship without providing a document showing he or she surrendered his or her Russian citizenship. And I believe if one goes through the process of obtaining Russian citizenship in Russia, no such requirement is also enforced.

I had up to 2002 to get the citizenship back without all this non-sense, but I was too young and uninterested in the subject then. I don't really regret it as I would be subject to their military requirements if I had done so when I went to visit my fiancée in 2003 and 2004.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-28 00:19:00

Best reasons are:
1. Right to vote
2. Never deal with USCIS again. Must file for I-90 green card renewal every 10 years.
3. Travel limited to just 1 year at a time and must seek I-131 for another year.
4. Always must maintain permanent residence in the US or you abandon your residency (green card). Regardless of time abroad.
5. Any serious crime (drugs especially), even if you were "framed" you are subject to deportation.
6. Jobs with FBI, CIA, and sometimes as police officers and public school teachers K-12.
7. Russian passports open few doors without visas. Big hassle in my opinion.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-27 08:46:00

On a plane for Moscow.

QUOTE (LvivLovers @ May 29 2008, 08:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Good news! Best of luck and can't wait to hear about it.

What happened to your Relatives thread? Did the VJ censors get all excited again? Censoring is part I hate most about VJ. The administration likes to censor anything that somebody subjectively feels is "objectionable" and any advice that is practical but "illegal" in some slight form.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-31 18:52:00

On a plane for Moscow.

QUOTE (eekee @ May 30 2008, 08:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

QUOTE (sense1 @ May 30 2008, 10:50 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Today I expected an email from my fiancee to tell me about her and her son's medical examination. She did not say anything about it. So, I called IOM and spoke with the lady there. She told me that my fiancee's exam went fine and she could get her results today, Friday. But her son had to have a psychological exam and his results would not be ready until Monday at 9am. So, I guess they do give the young boys more difficult questions:( The only problem with this is that the visa interview is also scheduled for Monday. This situation doesn't look good.

a psychological exam? how old is he? i thought they only did that if there were something of real concern (drugs etc.).

Something in his general medical exam triggered a suspicion based on one of the following:

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

Drug Abuse or Addiction
Drug abuse or addiction applies to the nonmedical use of a psychoactive substance that is part of a pattern of abuse. There is an exception for experimentation. Clinical judgment is used to determine abuse or experimentation when the applicant’’s medical records indicate past nonmedical use of a psychoactive substance."
http://www.lexisnexi...pdfs/web475.pdf

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-30 23:48:00

American wants to marry a Russian Fiancee

QUOTE (Blues Fairy @ May 9 2008, 09:45 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Her H-1 may be multi-entry and if her overstay of I-94 was insignificant, she may try to reenter. However, if they have an intention to marry and adjust status when she returns, they should apply for a K-1; applying for any other type of visa would be considered fraud.

H1-B visas are dual intent and you can have the intent to "marry" or "immigrate" as well as the intent to work for your employer.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-09 12:05:00

American wants to marry a Russian Fiancee

The key question here is how long was the H1-B overstay? If it was under 180 days you can apply for another H1-B (specialty occupation), B1/B2 (tourist / business), K1 (fiancee), and CR-1 (marriage). However, if it was over 180 days and under 360 days you have a 3 year ban on re-entry and a 10 year ban if over 360 days. That being said if you are facing a ban you are limited to a K1 or CR-1, at the cost of a successfully approved I-601 hardship waiver. Also the overstay is measured based on your I-94 and not the visa itself. See:
http://www.immspec.c...isa-renewal.htm
For some renewal rules on an H1-B

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-09 09:26:00

QUOTE (akdiver @ May 29 2008, 11:24 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

a ). What if I did, or have an accident and can't work anymore? Then what will you do?
b ). What if, god forbid, I decide to leave you or divorce you? Then what will you do?
c ). What if you, god forbid, decide you want to leave or divorce me? Being established in a job will make it a lot easier for you.

If I was Slim's wife here is how I would respond to these:

a. Get decent disability insurance or if someone else at fault, hope for a decent settlement.
b. You will pay me alimony if I can track you down. If not there is always welfare. Believe it or not Russians do just fine on government cheese.
c. Alimony will be awarded to the less sufficient spouse even if I leave you.
d. Also if you decide to die, we can pay high premiums for life insurance.
Thanks for bringing these up buddy, now get a second or third job to bump up those life insurance and disability premiums and now that you know you are on the hook for alimony, you certainly will think twice about leaving me which in the end only results in paying and not getting the few benefits of having a good looking woman around the house brings. And you better work hard at those jobs or I will leave you and the same result occurs.

Edited by Satellite, 30 May 2008 - 08:51 AM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-30 08:48:00

QUOTE (eekee @ May 26 2008, 05:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

omg, is the discount really 90%? i thought it would be like 20% or something. Maybe it's time for a career change.

I used my example as an exaggeration. The regular employee discount was only 20%, but when combined with all the other proper sales and promotional deals it could have been as high as 90% on some select items. I never understood what is so bad about Ross. You just have to look harder for the same quality stuff.

Edited by Satellite, 26 May 2008 - 10:35 PM.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-26 22:34:00

QUOTE (slim @ May 26 2008, 04:01 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

How is there free school out there in California, by the way?

Ever filled out a FAFSA? Based on our low income. Under 30k for the last four years, remember I was a student too, the federal government pretty much pays for everything and then some with Pell grants. As long you go to a state school with instate tuition. For poor folks like us we also have Board of Governors Fee Waiver for junior college. Cal grants for those with decent grades and then the multitude of scholarships where the number one criteria is being poor.

QUOTE (eekee @ May 26 2008, 04:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Like if she worked at Neiman Marcus she'd get a steep employee discount on all the makeup/skincare/fancy shoes/clothes her heart desires and she'd only associate with "kulturniye" people.

My wife worked at Nordstrom, and lets just say a 90% discount off a $1,000 designer dress is still $100, and that is still much higher than say getting a dress at Ross.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-26 19:25:00

QUOTE (eekee @ May 26 2008, 12:37 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>

If someone doesn't really think they should have to work, I don't see how education would help.

I agree in part, in our case my wife doesn't find being a sales associate, front desk, kitchen help, babysitter, etc., for $10/h or less to be very rewarding. Maybe a job that applies an acquired education and has more responsibility and of course pays well will be a motivation for others. Of course someone who has no motivation to work, will unlikely find a motivation to go to school.

Satellite

Male

Russia

2008-05-26 16:43:00