ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
IMBRA Special TopicsFile Waiver now or wait till file K1
We are not ready to file our K1 package yet. I need to file a waiver based on a previous approved K1 package (approved by USA but never went through the interview or received visa); approval was April 2006.

Can I go ahead and file for a waiver now before I file our K1 package; or must I wait to file for the waiver when I send in the K1 package
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 19:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning my 3rd trip to Russia since January
I have been to Russia ten times in the past year, it will be no problem; although I would advise you get a one year business visa with multiple entry. I used to do single visas for Russia entry but that gets expensive very fast.

Business visa is not hard to get, only need an AIDS test (HIV), letter from Russian business, etc and a little time to get the visa. Like I said, I have been 10 times in past year with no problems. They even know my by face I have been though Moscow so many times; the waiters at TGIF restaurant know me by name.

No worries mate; go and see her; this is your life together.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-27 10:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusbuisness visa
I have been over there 11 times (mostly work related) in the past year, registered my business visa in Izhevsk, Sochi, Orel, Moscow, Rostov, and Blagoveschensk (Far East Russia). Seems every office wants something different but do not sweat it; it just takes time but is not a problem. I never needed any documentation other than my passport, my registration card from passport control, my visa and my face on a couple passport sized photos.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-30 17:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved :)
I is refreshing to see someone come to the end of this process, congrads

I is refreshing to see someone come to the end of this process, congrads
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 19:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 31 2007, 12:23 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (1HappyGuy @ Aug 31 2007, 10:17 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
The hardest part of this process will be the separation you will both have until it is complete.


Absolutely incorrect.

The hardest part of this process will be after the honeymoon period wears off and you start "adjusting" to each other.
(But, that's also when some of the best parts of the process happen as well!!!)


I know, but my honeymoon will last the first 10 years, then we will start the adjusting process

Some of the best parts have already happened, I can not imagine it getting better than this
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 15:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
wow, that is cool, I much prefer Vermont
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 05:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
QUOTE (groovlstk @ Aug 26 2007, 11:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Kotenochek @ Aug 26 2007, 11:15 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome!You are lucky to find this page before even starting K1.
It takes in total around 8 months from the date when you send docs to your interview.
I wish You the best luck and prepare to go through long and hard process.But its worth it!


If he's located in Florida I assume he'll use the VSC, which is the fastest of the service centers. FWIW, I used the VSC when I filed nearly 1 year ago today and my wife's interview was about 3 1/2 months later.

I remember how ecstatic we were when we got our NAO2 -- however, the euphoria lasted only a day or so because after that all our plans and hopes were suddenly very "real." We had to decide if we wanted to be together before the holidays (yes!), how she would exit her job in a way that her employer couldn't use the situation to scam her out of 2 weeks pay (this is very common in Russia and Ukraine, sadly), plus countless other small details.

Good luck and use your processing time as productively as possible by preparing her (and yourself) for your new life together.


Actually, I am pretty sure Florida uses Texas, not Vermont; see http://www.uscis.gov...00048f3d6a1RCRD

Edited by John & Alla, 30 August 2007 - 08:16 PM.

visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-30 20:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 25 2007, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome to VJ John and Alla.

Now, let's get right down to business....

She's Russian, you're American, and you're sponsoring her on the K-1. Her interview will be in Moscow? Have you met in person? When/how? What have you done already on your K-1 packet, what has she done, where are you in the VJ process????

A little more of your story please. Hope to see you in the Russia Forum really soon. GOOD LUCK!!!!


Slim

Thanks for the encouragement; yes, I am American; she is Russian and we will be doing the K-1; she will have interview in Moscow. Yes, we have met in person, last weekend, and will be together again the week of Sept 23. We have done nothing on the K1 packet other than save our receipts, get photos of us together, meet in person, print out the forms, and discussed the process.

I hope we will do the paperwork during my next visit. I have studied this site so I am familiar with the process.

More of the story? Like many of us on VJ, we met online; nevertheless, when we met I was working in Far East Russia but she lives in Western Russia. I was just about ready to give up my search for a wife when she appeared in my life. I returned to America to get a real job and make plans for a life together. Living in Russia is good but life in America provides many greater opportunities for us both.

Of course, I am aware that the Russian/American K1 visa process is 4-8 months; depending on problems encountered. I would like her to be by my side today but we will take everything step by step.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-25 17:00:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 25 2007, 01:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Welcome to VJ John and Alla.

Now, let's get right down to business....

She's Russian, you're American, and you're sponsoring her on the K-1. Her interview will be in Moscow? Have you met in person? When/how? What have you done already on your K-1 packet, what has she done, where are you in the VJ process????

A little more of your story please. Hope to see you in the Russia Forum really soon. GOOD LUCK!!!!


Slim

Thanks for the encouragement; yes, I am American; she is Russian and we will be doing the K-1; she will have interview in Moscow. Yes, we have met in person, last weekend, and will be together again the week of Sept 23. We have done nothing on the K1 packet other than save our receipts, get photos of us together, meet in person, print out the forms, and discussed the process.

I hope we will do the paperwork during my next visit. I have studied this site so I am familiar with the process.

More of the story? Like many of us on VJ, we met online; nevertheless, when we met I was working in Far East Russia but she lives in Western Russia. I was just about ready to give up my search for a wife when she appeared in my life. I returned to America to get a real job and make plans for a life together. Living in Russia is good but life in America provides many greater opportunities for us both.

Of course, I am aware that the Russian/American K1 visa process is 4-8 months; depending on problems encountered. I would like her to be by my side today but we will take everything step by step.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-25 16:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew to Site
Hi, just a general introduction. we are new to the site and hope to be starting the K1 visa process soon. Great site and awesome community.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-24 14:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
QUOTE (Satellite @ Sep 3 2007, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Go overboard only if you get an RFE for lack of evidence.


Why take the chance and delay this painful process any more than necessary. An RFE will delay you at least a week or more.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 16:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
QUOTE (Fettman @ Sep 3 2007, 12:19 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Sep 3 2007, 12:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I would certainly include some emails to show the length of the relationship; but I would not go overboard. I would prefer to see many different types of evidence, not a stack of one type.


Yeah, I agree, a sampling to me makes much more sense. As for the stamps in my passport, it is in my old passport, which I just got renewed, would it make sense to send Liliana the canceled passport as a part of the original evidence?


No, copies of the passport will be better; better to not have the questions as to why she has your passport and stuff (even if it is an expired one)
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 12:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
I would certainly include some emails to show the length of the relationship; but I would not go overboard. I would prefer to see many different types of evidence, not a stack of one type.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 11:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
QUOTE (Fettman @ Sep 3 2007, 11:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Sep 3 2007, 11:43 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Maybe I am a bit #######, but I try to think of all the ways they might refuse my application. It is not hard to fake photos and emails; so I want to include tons of evidence of all types to show that we met, had time together, etc.


Well, the tickets and such I have do not have a clear date on them, but they are obviously real and from Berlin, especially the U-bahn tickets. For the I-129F I should just include copies of my evidence and send Liliana the originals right?


correct, copies in the 129-F and the original 129-F packet to her before interview
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 10:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
Maybe I am a bit #######, but I try to think of all the ways they might refuse my application. It is not hard to fake photos and emails; so I want to include tons of evidence of all types to show that we met, had time together, etc.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 10:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence
I would add any receipts you may have gotten during your visit to Berlin, maybe receipts for money exchange, receipts for a motel, receipts for visiting the museum, etc.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 10:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFOOD!!!
you are always welcome to your opinion; I welcome it, even when it is wrong
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-05 18:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFOOD!!!
Thanks for your thoughts Slim

I do better when I set a large goal, even if I do not achieve the goal I will work harder trying to reach a bigger goal than I will trying to reach a minimum goal. I think I will be lucky to lose the 6 lbs you mention but I will do that by working to the bigger goal. Just my way of setting and achieving goals
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-04 18:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFOOD!!!
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 3 2007, 09:57 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Sep 2 2007, 11:51 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I started changing my diet even before meeting my Sweetie. My old diet in the states was meat, potatoes, fast food, pizza, mexican, etc. When I moved to Russia in January 2007 I was 193 lbs. That changed fairly quickly to 175 with 10 kilometers of walking each day. I have moved back to the states to start a new life for my family but the diet has not changed back to my pre-russia diet.

Now I have changed my diet even more; eating more veggies, fish (only cooked, can not do the raw or pickled yet), less meat and much less food. I am down to 159 with only 19 more lbs to go.


Wow! My dad had to develop a tumor to get that kind of weight loss!


No tumors but I also do not look pregnant any longer. First 20 pounds was easy, near starvation because I was out in the forest (Taiga of Russia) with no way to get food; other than the limited supplies I had. Spent six months at about 175.

I went from 175 to 165 fairly quickly because of my visit to Alla, two weeks ago.

The drop from 165 to 158 (currently, as of this morning) has been more difficult. I want to be down to 140 before I return to see her in three weeks; maybe I need to pickup the exercise a bit more; it would be difficult to reduce the amount I am eating any further.

Then again, maybe 140- losing 18 pounds in three weeks- is a bit unrealistic; maybe better to set a goal of 10 more pounds; down to 148. Thoughts to share?

Edited by John & Alla, 03 September 2007 - 10:31 AM.

visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-03 10:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFOOD!!!
I started changing my diet even before meeting my Sweetie. My old diet in the states was meat, potatoes, fast food, pizza, mexican, etc. When I moved to Russia in January 2007 I was 193 lbs. That changed fairly quickly to 175 with 10 kilometers of walking each day. I have moved back to the states to start a new life for my family but the diet has not changed back to my pre-russia diet.

Now I have changed my diet even more; eating more veggies, fish (only cooked, can not do the raw or pickled yet), less meat and much less food. I am down to 159 with only 19 more lbs to go.

Edited by John & Alla, 02 September 2007 - 11:53 AM.

visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-02 11:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFlights to Russia
QUOTE (slim @ Sep 1 2007, 10:23 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I've never flown Air France, but I flew into CDG (Paris) one time... it was very nice to be able to see the Eiffel tower et. al. during a layover. Not every airport allows that luxury.


I think I have flown most every airline the flies between USA/Moscow and USA/Belarus; at times, they all are bad and at other times, they are great. Lately, the flights have been getting very full.

I love flying within Russia on the Russian airlines; Aeroflot is nice but I think the others are much more traditionally Russian. No FAA warnings, no covered bins over the seats-more like a bus with open bins over the seats, no stay seated until the plane comes to a full stop-people are walking around and rushing to the front as the plane is landing, clapping upon touch down, leaving the airport 10 minutes ahead of schedule without warning, etc.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-01 10:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFlights to Russia
No Question, just sharing to help others; I was a bit surprised to find the cheaper fares with Aeroflot and FinnAir with short notice bookings; thought others might need the same info

Edited by John & Alla, 30 August 2007 - 08:56 PM.

visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-30 20:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFlights to Russia
I have travel lots to Russia in the past year. During the past couple trips, I have had the best luck scheduling trips from JFK to Moscow; I just do another flight from Tampa to JFK.

FinnAir and Aeroflot both have cheap flights to SVO2. I have been able to book a ticket on a couple weeks notice on both Aeroflot of FinnAir for around 600-800 bucks. Other airlines, such as Delta and Luftansa were quoting over 3K
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-30 17:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWedding Invitations
gotorussia.com is a russian company based in Atlanta with Russian staff; very helpful
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 19:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAlla accepts proposal for marriage
QUOTE (Turboguy @ Sep 5 2007, 07:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Congratulations. It seems like yesterday I was there myself (getting engaged not Rostov but I have been there too). It will seem like the wait for the K-1 lasts forever but really it goes pretty fast. Good luck.


We will do the paperwork together at the end of this month, filing it the first of October. If all goes well, then she will be here around the end of the first quarter of 2008 (maybe April or May). One can always hope we will be one of the ones zoomed through Vermont but I am not counting on it.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-05 19:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAlla accepts proposal for marriage
Thanks; I am still a bit stunned by the news!
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-05 14:41:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAlla accepts proposal for marriage
rose.gif Very exciting news for me; Alla has accepted my proposal for marriage. I asked her two weeks ago and she wanted time to think; today she told me "you that person whom I would like to see my husband...." heart.gif rose.gif

I am so very excited. kicking.gif
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-05 14:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 question
At the time, the money was not a problem, paid her off in 2 years to get it over with. We are the best of friends now so it was worth it.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-02 06:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI-134 question
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 31 2007, 11:59 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
(For all those out there aghast at reading this post, I hope you note the sarcasm and also look at the picture in my profile. Like I want to divorce my wife, yeah right! Do you know how hard it is to sucker a beautiful young woman in to marrying a fat guy that's broke? Lightning can't strike twice!)



gotta love the enlightenment slim brings to the VJ forum

For my last divorce, I made it easy on myself; I gave her everything plus $1000 a month for 5 years; it was cheaper than fighting over it in court or paying it all to an attorney.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-01 11:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI got approved today for K1!Finally!
Super news and great info you posted for us all, have a good trip

Edited by John & Alla, 31 August 2007 - 07:50 PM.

visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-31 19:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical in Moscow - Blood test.....empty stomach?
"feised!"

Interesting concept
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-02 07:27:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical in Moscow - Blood test.....empty stomach?
QUOTE (slim @ Aug 31 2007, 12:15 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"feised!")


please translate Slim
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-01 11:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusmoney transfer to Russia?
I used to do Western Union but it bother me thinking of her having to go to the bank, stand in line, bring passport, etc just to get her money. So I opened a new account at my bank and have a debit card for her. Now it is easy to add money to the account and she can get it anytime.
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-09 11:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusflight and Arrival in the US
thanks and welcome to US
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-07 17:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBest of Luck with interview Novotul
QUOTE (novotul @ Sep 12 2007, 08:46 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Sep 12 2007, 05:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Any News; must be celebrating?

Good news. Thanks, John & Alla.

http://www.visajourn...showtopic=87351


Thanks, that is super news; thanks for all the additional info
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-12 19:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBest of Luck with interview Novotul
Any News; must be celebrating?
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-12 06:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBest of Luck with interview Novotul
Now that Turbo has gotten their visa, I am pulling for you and your sweetie tomorrow; best wishes. I guess I will stay up another night to see your progress. My dates are so far away that it is fun to join the excitement of others until my time comes. Good Luck
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-11 05:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview and medical report
Thanks for the info about the approval; this is wonderful news
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-09-12 19:53:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
QUOTE (Sid and Nancy @ Aug 29 2007, 07:35 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (John & Alla @ Aug 29 2007, 02:21 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
"Soup", before I lived in Russia I think I tried soup two or three times, in Russia-it's a "main dish", almost every meal

I hate soup. Always have.

I'm really concerned that when someone says something like "It is this or that way in Russia", other people who have no idea will think that it's indeed true, and that it's true for every single person in my country. I know people share their experiences in this thread, and they have good intentions, but generalizations somewhat bother me.

Soup = dead.gif

smile.gif


MY apologies, I should have stated, "according to my experiences"; I agree it is an over generalization
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-30 16:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCultural Differences
I am a bit late to the party here but I will add my two cents

"The steel front door", my god, my bank would be easier to break into; oh, and that is after getting into the front of the apartment bldg steel door, up the tiny "lift" and opening the bolt lock that must be turned three complete revolutions to open the lock

"Tea, Hot Tea", never been a tea drinker and never a hot tea drinker but that is changing

"Soup", before I lived in Russia I think I tried soup two or three times, in Russia-it's a "main dish", almost every meal

"Look Beautiful when leaving home", Americans can go outside looking like trash, never a Russian woman-always presents herself the best on the street, I love this habit.

"lift or elevators", I need to go outside the lift just to change my mind, they can be small

"wrap up for cold"; must wear a hat, scarf, gloves, boots, socks, long underwear, a jacket, sweater, undershirt, etc for cold weather; my personal body temp is great down to -25 C, after that I think about a jacket, at -37, I like a pair of gloves and a cap
visceral imageMaleRussia2007-08-29 16:21:00