ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe foods they made you eat... just once.
The night of my arrival I was given a warm welcome and treated to a feast. As I stood next to her in the dinning room doorway I spied a gorgeous cake. I leaned over and whispered in her ear, "Wow, now that's a cake." To which she relayed my enthusiasm to all the guest. I was greeted by laughter and a big smile from her. "That's Herring under fur," she replied.
Needless to say mayonnaise is not something I eat a lot of.

I was taken to an "authentic" Italian restaurant (I'm Italian) and found the pizza to have mayo and not sauce. This was an interesting surprise. I never have liked caviar but I did find some served on my flight that wasn't bad. That goes the same with the herring.

Oh Gee, the dark chocolate with plums and apricots stuffed with nuts: for joy, for joy! Also had some little cookies that were like biscotti but tasted like ginger and had cherries inside. The sweets there are very mild compared to America.

The real shock was when I fixed her and her mother breakfast: egg over easy on toasted bread with melted cheese on grilled ham. They were amazed at the egg and acted like the prep was a deep secret from the Illuminati.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-05-16 15:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
1) Sheremetevo terminal 3 is very much a reality. The inside is still lacking, but the structure is fairly complete. Soon it will be better to fly to Sheremetevo than to the congested Domodedovo


I was refering to my incoming of terminal two. I was trying to proof and the post was booted into the thread.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-26 16:17:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
Yikes, my spelling is terrible and where's the edit function? jest.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-25 23:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNews from the motherland
That is too funny as I was "detained" there for arriving 1 hr early. Everyone was on the take. I had a young molice that escorted me upstairs to pay my fine at a window. I handed the girl the money and she informed me I hadn't paid the fee to pay the fine. Of course I began to explain in a very loud voice that "...alot of Americans like you Russians but when you do something like this!!" He was apologizing and she offered to lower the fee to 40 rubs. Inside I was laughing my a** off.
I stayed up till midnight on the upper most level drinking coffee with a Vietmanese national who had been detained too. Then at the stroke of midnight my pumpkin burst and I was kicked back out into the main terminal and told to be more careful in the future.
The next morning I went to the ticket window to purchase a new connector flight and was quoted 11500 rubs. I walked away scratching my head but after 50 feet I turned back around to make the purchase. The woman behind the window was gone so I went to another woman. Her price was 5500 rubs, which I quickly paid for.
Those cab drivers were vultures. There was an accident between terminal 3 and the main. They wanted $100 to take me there. I was so adamate but I really didn't want to pay for a third ticket to Khabarovsk. Still, American and stubborn go hand-in-hand. When the bus finally turned the corner I gave them a real good look and made it to the terminal just as they were calling the flight cool.gif
That experince in Moscow has to have been the grandest adventure I've had in years
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-25 22:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPacket 3?
Sure and I appreciate the info. You can understand the anxiety of making a possible mistake, reading something wrong: as they say, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-08-03 21:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPacket 3?
Hmm, this has been a concern of mine too. Her interview is in September and we've been working on gathering things now that are after-the-fact of our I-129f submission. One of concerns is the medical interview. Are we responsible for setting the appointment and do we choose the place for her to be screened?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-08-03 19:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspre aos question
Hmm, I see a lot of "me" and "I". We filed our AOS to benefit "us" as a couple. Of course we also dated five years (long distance) before we married. I paid for most but she also contributed. From the onset we searched for as much info as possible so that no nasty surprises came our way.
Sure, there are those that are struggling financially: there are many going through this today. Bottom line is this, the law says that on a K-1 you have 90 days to marry and after that the I-94 is invalid. Proof of legality lies in a certified marriage cert. AOS is an option. Personally, the AOS that I filed was a gift for my wife.
My grandparents immigrated from Germany and Italy after the turn of the century. As I child I listened to the stories and they were exciting. What they experienced isn't much more than what is happening today with those that immigrated. They overcame great hardships and were poor. During the late 30's and early 40's they suffered hatred for their race and they were caucasian.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2010-01-19 21:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspre aos question
Actually the AOS is around $1090. We recently filed a few months after our wedding. It was rather advantageous because our case was then transferred to California; which generally means you bypass the interview.
The purpose of carrying the copy of the wedding certificate is proof that your spouse is has legal reason to remain in the US after the I-94 expires: you must have readily available proof should he or she be stopped!
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2010-01-18 17:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspre aos question
On another note, be sure that your spouse keeps a photocopy of the marriage license with her passport.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2010-01-17 17:56:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion 13 of Form I-134, Help
This is a duplicate. Actually is number 10 in question.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-16 21:01:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion 13 of Form I-134, Help
Need some help here. Question 13 of form I-134 states,

10. I have submitted a visa petition(s) to USCIS on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none.

Do I list my beneficiary, as also listed in question number 3 or is this prior visa petitions filed (which I haven't ever filed prior to this)?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-16 20:36:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionNOA2 Received!!! Question about 134 and personal property
Think maybe you're reading too much into the form. The Gov is merely looking at income to determine if you make 125% above the poverty level. They have a PDF file on the immigration/K1 visa site that shows the scale. There are other post in here concerning this document and the guidelines. Good luck.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-16 19:42:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionQuestion 10 of Form I-134, Help
Need some help here. Question 10 of form I-134 states,

10. I have submitted a visa petition(s) to USCIS on behalf of the following person(s). If none, state none.

Do I list my beneficiary, as also listed in question number 3 or is this prior visa petitions filed (which I haven't ever filed prior to this)?

Also,

Question 11 request an indication to the amount and duration. Do I fill this in and if so do I say we are intending to marry?

Thanks

Edited by Ivan in VA, 16 July 2009 - 08:47 PM.

Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-16 20:45:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionU.S. Embassy already scheduled ?
Thank you payxibka.. We we able to locate our interview date online at this link about two weeks ago. I need to ascertain method for formal notification and what manner the packet 3 is sent.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-26 10:11:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionU.S. Embassy already scheduled ?
Keepsongoing, I'm curious, how did you receive your notification of interview date from Moscow and the method that the packet 3 arrived?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-25 23:35:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
She has her interview the 17th of September: very near for us.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-23 22:39:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
Congrats Kingstonian.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-23 15:07:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
We have our Interview date now. Haven't received papers yet. She's the only appointment set for that week and it falls on a Thursday!
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-22 23:27:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
Well, I received my letter from the NVC dated July 14th but still no luck. That is simply fascinating though, NatPatBen, going to DHL's site and seeing mail being sent off from NVC to so many countries: all those relationships, like out of some movie.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-16 17:32:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
Hmm, been playing with this NatPatBen. What is the code for EXP 13? When I change this number I get packages also sent. Also noticed a package to Jamaica that had not arrived tongue.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-15 22:21:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
NatPatBen, what about the information DHL requires at the bottom; or customer name, origin postal code, destination postal code? Do I enter this information in also?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-15 21:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
Interesting. Thanks NatPatBen
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-15 17:06:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
huh.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-14 22:17:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
How were you able to do this NatPatBen? NVC gave me my case number but this was all.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-14 20:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
I called the NVC today and learned that our case had been forwared to the Moscow embassy today! They gave us a case number. I checked online but we had not received an interview date yet tongue.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-14 17:59:00
US Embassy and Consulate Discussionpacket 3
Ok guys, found the two of you hiding in here tongue.gif Either of you can tell me what happens now? Today my I-797 came in the mail. Any threads you've found concerning K1's and the NVC?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-13 18:20:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsVisa granted
I see everyone saying congratulations but I'd rather say thanks for the information. My experience with the Russian embassy was very similar, in that when I was applying for my VISA to Russia the woman interviewing me for a Home-stay was extremely friendly and very personal. I was impressed to the point where if I could have bought her flowers (as a token of friendship and thanks) I would have.
Often I and my fiancee have wondered what takes place during the interview and I think this reinforces what I thought, that the process is polite and not so formal: very professional and a statement of fine quality that Americans can show.

Edited by Ivan in VA, 09 July 2009 - 11:33 AM.

Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-09 11:32:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsHow can we help Estadia (Sara)??
Has this gone anywhere yet? Perhaps the best solution is for one person to offer up an address and for all others to sign a petition for readdress. Make copies of these and forward these to key figures. I'm sure that someone in the media would love to take a whack at a government officer. A search for immigration activist on the web should bring some hits and setting up a ring of people to send out some emails or letters.

Anybody into the blog scene? This would be a good avenue to open. The case for Sara.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-17 21:27:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Galina had her interview on the 17th in Moscow. Our case was approved and she was granted a Visa. Will fly her into the states and meet her at the entry where we will fly home. Best of wishes everyone. It was great support, this part. For those waiting, don't give up.

Jeff
smile.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-09-17 11:06:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Very cool! Our interview is this week. Already bought the tickets, wedding dress and rings. I'll be flying into Chicago to meet her and we'll fly back into DC together. Needless to say we are stoked. kicking.gif Best of wishes Firdaus everyone!
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-09-11 16:52:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Jim, you heard anything yet?
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-08-18 17:56:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Hmm, that is odd. I'm thinking the cases are done during the day and maybe a server is automated to send the emails. I know with my Outlook I can delay emails.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-08 20:18:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Yeah Nat. I came home at about 5:30 pm (6th) EST and checked USCIS's site: there wasn't a update. They sent the email at 7:45pm EST. I then thought about the site, went to the USCIS and sure enough they had also updated the site.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-08 17:13:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
HEY! Congratulations guys! Happy for you. Seems things might be rolling again.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-08 17:10:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
I believe yours is coming Jim. They must be pushing things. The email I received was sent at a quarter to 8pm. I thought it was odd that I was notified by email rather than by mail or the USCIS site.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-07-08 14:07:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
Well, I was thinking of yelling really loud. If that doesn't work I figured we could all just hold our breath until we turn blue and if that fails to get some action I think we should just break out the crayons and go to town on their walls.
Seriously, we need a few hundred signatures and a petition to send off to some one.
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-06-24 17:04:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
QUOTE (Liam and Kara @ Jun 24 2009, 02:05 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Bill+Maria @ May 29 2009, 10:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
they got the form on dec 29, and then revised it on jan 14th..... still no NOA2 or RFE's...... nothing.... judging from their page it has not been 'touched' since the change made on the 14th....



What is a RFE?

That's when they request additional information, i.e., increased delay and your mental state becomes Really Freakin Erratic (RFE). whistling.gif

Edited by Ivan in VA, 24 June 2009 - 05:00 PM.

Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-06-24 17:00:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
This is got to be the dumbest thing. We paid a good chunk of change to a government agency to perform a service, we're treated terribly when we call and we're given no avenue to check on the progress of our cases. Personal opinion but I'm game for causing some commotion legally. Has to be some way to put some pressure on these people so that they would perform the job they are being paid to do. We've got a system that evidently is put in place to post some progress and money being used to maintain a site and all of this is not be utilized. This is #######! mad.gif

Edited by Ivan in VA, 23 June 2009 - 05:04 PM.

Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-06-23 17:02:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
So, we'll make it a little formal: we'll call this forum, 'The Fat Little Dragon Inn.' Here we serve rum for some and tropical popsicles to others. Come on in if you haven't received your NOA2! We'll be a miserable little horde. wacko.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-06-14 08:59:00
K-1 Fiance(e) Visa Case Filing and Progress ReportsJanuary filers who have NOT gotten NOA2
We still haven't heard anything either; so make room. I'll pass on the Rum. Anyone care for some tropical popsicles? good.gif
Ivan in VAMaleRussia2009-06-12 14:18:00