ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJust came back from the embassy....
Very Very Good, baby!! I'm so proud of you!!!!! rose.gif

heart.gif heart.gif heart.gif wub.gif wub.gif wub.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-22 05:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusJust came back from the embassy....
.... and i got this freaking visa. Man, I am just so relieved now. I don't know if i will be able to write everything in details. But i'll try. So, i can't say that it was easy. I had a pretty long talk with the officer . It was a very serious woman. But she wasn't rude or unpleasant. I had to tell her in details how Jason and I met. She asked me how and when and where i met Jason's family. How come i didn't meet his dad? I told her everything about our plans in the US? She was interested in where i was going to work in the us. I also told her everything about Jason's previous marriage. She asked about 8 questions about Jason's relationship with his ex. But I think she was satisfied with my answers. I knew it all. She even asked me if it would be interesting for me to live in a small town in the USA after living in Moscow. I said that we wouldn't live there all the time. Though I absolutely love Williamsburg and i wish we would live there for a longer time. Anyway, she asked a couple of not really smart questions (in my opinion) about my relationship with Jason and in 15-20 minutes i was done. She didn't look through my evidence though i had dozens of them but she looked through the photos that she already had in the initial petition. She asked a couple of questions about people who were n the photos and seemed to be satisfied. She was impressed that Jason came to visit me four times last year. I didn't feel any pressure from her. The interview was pretty smooth, just long. I was really nervous while i was waiting but i felt ok when i was interviewed.
The most important thing is just to have all the documents in order and to be honest and polite with a consul.
Woooo, it's such a relief. I think i haven't yet realized that we made it.
And I am very grateful to all members of VJ. All your advice was really helpful. Special thanks to the members of russian forum for support, for being always positive and for always improving our mood whenever we felt stressed. Thank you very much. ( Feel like i just got an Oscar).
mox and irish, congratulations with your approvals.
Good luck to everyone. And good night
Sasha

Edited by Jason-Sasha, 22 February 2008 - 05:56 AM.

Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-22 05:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exams - Moscow
Excellent. Good luck to you both during Natalia's interview. The success rate is high.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-28 16:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBuying airfare RU to USA
Sasha just booked her flight to JFK from Moscow. and the fare is like 380 dollars. She got a really great deal through StarTravel. Its usually a great way to buy tickets if you're a student or even a graduate below the age of 25. I recommend anyone who qualifies to check them out. If you need more info please send us a message and I'm sure Sasha can give more details.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-29 23:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBuying airfare RU to USA
Update....Sasha spoke with someone at StarTravel in Moscow. Evidently, Russians under the age of 25 can really save money with this company. Its a work/travel company for university students. She spent two summers here in the past thanks to this organization. Their fare for a one way ticket to JFK is about 385 US dollars, including all taxes. and she's even eligible for an additional discount of 15-30%. So, it is possible to find very reasonable airfare. that is, if you qualify. And Aeroflot seems to be the cheapest by far right now. If your lady is 25 or younger, this may help.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-01-31 07:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBuying airfare RU to USA
Interesting. I've been searching for airfares from SVO to JFK, one way on March 3rd. On expedia.com I found tickets for 473 dollars. Not sure we can do better than this, but I'll definitely consider calling this Natasha. Thanks for the info.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-01-27 07:34:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Movies
I don't understand enough Russian yet to watch a whole movie in Russian. Though my sweet Sasha is patient enough to translate an entire movie for me. wub.gif
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-01-20 07:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusLooking for he Lowdown on interview timeframes
Our wait from NOA2 to interview was less than 90 days. I think it all depends how quickly your petition gets to NVC after approval. From NVC to interview was about 60 days. Hope this helps.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-21 00:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPrevious Marriage?
I mistakenly sent Sasha a copy of my original divorce decree. It worried us greatly right before the interview. Then, we decided the worst they could do is simply delay the issuance of the visa pending the original being delivered to them. But luckily, it was never even an issue. Though, like Kirk said, they do require a certified copy or the original.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-04 13:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMy wife let me! She really let me!
QUOTE (Jeraly @ Mar 1 2008, 02:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (Jason-Sasha @ Feb 29 2008, 03:47 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Feb 28 2008, 09:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
oh darn, i thought it was gonna be she let him do something else....... innocent.gif



Hahaha. laughing.gif I think my mind was in the same place as yours.


blush.gif innocent.gif Ditto...

You could try stir-fry - quick and easy and yummy unless you want to go for the burning option whistling.gif

Also check out http://www.allrecipes.com/ - there are some great things in there and you can search by the ingredients you have in your pantry biggrin.gif



Hmmm....really great website! Thanks for that. good.gif
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-03 00:19:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMy wife let me! She really let me!
You mean you all have fiancees that....cook?? blink.gif Lol!
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-29 00:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMy wife let me! She really let me!
QUOTE (charlesandnessa @ Feb 28 2008, 09:52 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
oh darn, i thought it was gonna be she let him do something else....... innocent.gif



Hahaha. laughing.gif I think my mind was in the same place as yours.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-28 22:47:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian passport mess
QUOTE (seanconneryii @ Mar 6 2008, 07:02 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
For all my forum friends who love all things Russian including the language, here's a language related problem to ponder.

To prepare for her ultimate embassy interview, my wife got new passports with her married last name, so when she went to her interview her passport name would match the name on all her immigration documents. Simple right?

NOT!!!!

The Russian passport process translates names from Russian to English using some mickey mouse software and it did not translate her last name accurately...so her translated last name is nothing like the real name.

I am concerned so I suggested she go to the passport office to get it fixed but they told her it was no problem and won't fix it. I guess they just don't really care about the English translation so long as it's "correct" in Russian.

You know...this is what drives me crazy about countries like Russia. It's never their fault or wrong...it's YOUR problem and they don't care. Anyway, I have a bad feeling about this passport, either for her interview or when she tries to enter the USA. If nothing else, she'll have to use a bogus last name until we find some way to correct it down the road. i see many forms to fill out and many dollars to spend to make this right.

I really love that Russian language. sad.gif



This would drive me crazy. Hopefully it won't be too much of a headache. I'm curious to know how it turns out though.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-07 01:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWestern women with husbands from FSU countries
QUOTE (eekee @ Mar 1 2008, 02:07 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (slim @ Mar 1 2008, 01:58 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
You will, however, find a lot of that going on over in the Middle-Eastern/North-Africa thread. Seems they're the yin to our yang. Try posting there. Happy hunting and can't wait to see this documentary!


I don't think that's women "acting like men" in MENA. I think it's because it's just not accepted in a lot of Muslims families for a woman to marry a non-Muslim man, and a bit more acceptable for Muslim men to marry non-Muslim women. I know women who would have been disowned completely by their parents if they had dated a non-Muslim American guy.


It takes a really special kind of western woman to marry a Muslim middle Eastern man. She has to give up nearly all of her equal rights. Rights that were earned through many many years of struggling and fighting. But if that's the kind of life they dream of....why not?? I recently worked with a woman who had just finished her divorce from a man from Jordan. She always had some really startling stories about being a virtual slave and living without a voice. I'll never understand the attraction. I'm sure there are some really great stories, but I only ever seem to hear the horror stories. I wouldn't dream of asking my Sasha to live beneath me, but instead beside me.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-04 22:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI got my visa
Congratulations.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-06 22:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe clock is Ticking
The fee hike was really incredible. Luckily we all filed before the I-129f fee increase. Well, mostly all of us.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-03-04 00:06:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe clock is Ticking
Danno, I think you shouldn't waste any time adjusting. I'd file as soon as you actually get married. Sounds like everything is going well for you both. Congratulations! Is this the first time you're really getting to know each other? Surely you have some history together, but I was wondering if its her first time to the States and living with you, etc.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-29 23:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview Review
Congratulations! Time to update that timeline, Ben. wink.gif
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-25 16:12:00
IMBRA Special TopicsIMBRA Waiver Approved!!
That's a bit of good news to those of us who have been through at least one other I-129f. Good job. Also, is it possible that only your waiver was approved and not the I-129f yet?? If that makes any sense. :blink:
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-05 18:49:00
USCIS Service CentersWhere to file?
Wooops! Perhaps you meant San Jose California?? If so, please ignore my earlier post. I have been to Puerto Rico a few times and there's also a San Jose there. And no, I don't mean San Juan. Ok, til next time...peace.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-27 02:32:00
USCIS Service CentersWhere to file?
You know, to be perfectly honest with you.... I don't think you can choose a wrong service center. For everyone, time is everything. If you are patient, you can simply send it to either Vermont or Texas. If they do not process cases from P.R. they will forward it to the appropriate center. I BELIEVE. I'm no professional but I do recall hearing that another member sent their's to the wrong service center and it was corrected within 2 weeks and sent to the right place. Since P.R. is a US territory, I dont see how you would really have any problems. I've heard people say "when in doubt, send it to vermont". I hope this helps. Actually I hope you can find a definitive answer. You should have a local office in San Juan that can help you better. Good luck.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-25 21:30:00
USCIS Service CentersDo the employees have to be so terrible?
Dr LHA,
I wasn't verbally bashed over the phone. i was treated like ####### at a field office that I drove an hour and a half to get to. I have no problem with the robots who are actually doing the processing. My beef is with these cocky, rejects that can't find a job as a real cop or soldier. You may have seen them, they are disguised as security guards that any airport would fire. You should be ashamed of yourself for standing up for these CRIMINALS living in our country and benefitting from our system. I am a proud American citizen, who has served his nation and I could care less about their conditions. They can now apply for bank accounts, driver's licenses, health coverage, etc. Compared to their homeland....that is the lap of luxury. Every single illegal is a criminal. Period. They need to go. We struggle daily, all of us, with this waiting game of doing things the right way. And for this our reward is what?? A basement dwelling momma's boy who works the door at these local offices, getting his kicks out of horrible customer service? Maybe where you are from this is standard. but here, we take pride in customer service. And Uncle Sam should set the bar. If I've offended any bleeding heart liberals....I'm just so sorry.

Edited by Jason-Sasha, 31 July 2007 - 11:40 PM.

Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-31 23:38:00
USCIS Service CentersDo the employees have to be so terrible?
There's always other career choices. What frustrates me is when we are treated this way, meanwhile illegals are practically given an open door to abuse our systems.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-26 13:58:00
USCIS Service CentersDo the employees have to be so terrible?
Every single person I've dealt with in the Immigration business has been horrible. I honestly think they are trained to be this way. Kinda like they would rather make you quit than finish out the process, making their workload less. I think of it like a boss who keeps getting under your skin, trying to get you to quit rather than be fired. I'm sure I'm wrong about this, but it sure does feel this way. I can just picture those training classes for "rent-a-cops" at the local immigration offices....."discourage, discourage, discourage. If we help too many immigrants successfully, then we will have to work harder". I'd love to meet one of these people on MY turf.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-26 10:59:00
USCIS Service CentersI got good news today!!
Good luck, CharlyB. This will be the end of your misery. :D
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-08 12:05:00
USCIS Service CentersI got good news today!!

Finally, after almost two years, we have an appointment with Immigration in Baltimore.
So that would make my time line:
Application received in Vermont: October 2006
Application forwarded to Baltimore: June 2007
Notification of appointment in Baltimore: August 2007.
I hope we are seeing the light at the end of the tunnel.
What a long, strange trip it's been.
:dance:


2 years? It seems to me like you filed 10 months ago. What happened prior to October 2006? Are you including your length of relationship? Or did you need to refile or something? At any rate, its still a loooong wait. Congrats! best of luck on the rest of your journey.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-07 12:35:00
USCIS Service CentersHow long after uscis starts working on the case?

Well, according to the USCIS operators, they are still on January..which means they still have cases that aren't complete from then. I suppose it wouldn't hurt to ring them up...and see where you stand


I think this date is for I-129f fiancee petitions only. Seems the OP is talking about an extention for an R-type visa. Maybe I'm wrong.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-07 12:39:00
USCIS Service CentersCanceled my I-129F still no folder return
Wouldn't it have been easier to just wait for an RFE instead of canceling the petition and having to spend a much greater fee now?? Maybe I'm missing something. If something was wrong with your petition, they would have simply requested more evidence. I hate to say this, but you could have been finished with this long ago. I'm afraid it takes longer to truly cancel a case than it does to fix it. Good luck to you.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-09 00:58:00
USCIS Service CentersCalifornia one
What's an extra month when you are dreaming of a lifelong adventure together?? Ah, who am I kidding? We all want it TODAY. :clock:
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-26 22:43:00
USCIS Service CentersPassport crunch over
Cool!! Let's just hope they don't get some kind of long vacation before returning to Vermont!
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-09-10 02:21:00
USCIS Service CentersNVC completed June 12th... how long to get forwarded to Juarez
Sounds like the consulate may already have it. Perhaps you just haven't received anything from them yet. Have you tried contacting the consulate?
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-15 17:33:00
Waivers (I-601 and I-212) and Administrative Processes (221g)deportation or denial of entry?
QUOTE (spauldingjeffrey @ Feb 27 2008, 10:18 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
QUOTE (JB11 @ Feb 27 2008, 08:45 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I thought so myself which is another thing that makes me even more confused.

I also forgot to mention that it also said this prior to the a#:

SFR 1939 FEB 11 2008 - stamped
8CFR 217, 4 ( a ) ( i ); A# - written

8cfr 217, 4 is a code for united states code of federal regulations 217.4 paragraph A & I. and from what I can see it falls under deportation and inadmissibility. You can google the CFR or there is a link here http://law.justia.co....0.1.2.21.0.1.4
so as i see it you will probably need a waiver but with a K1 you will have to file the waiver at the request of the consulate. But I think if you file the K3 route you can file the waiver in the beginning.

Any body feel free to correct me if i am wrong


Wow! blink.gif Awesome work, Jeff! very good info.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2008-02-27 22:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhich Aff.of Supp. ??
Thanks ron! great info. I will post all progress in our timeline, dont worry. You're the man!
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2006-10-07 14:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhich Aff.of Supp. ??
I posted this a few moments ago in another forum, didnt realize there was a regional forum for Moscow. Anyway, in the guides section for step-by-step procedures on the K1, they mention the I134. But they also say that some require the I864. Can someone tell me which of these I should expect to fill out? or both? or what? Wont be for at least of couple of months, but I'm eager to learn everything. 2 years ago i filed for a CR1. And they required the I864. But i also noticed there were more fees and paperwork for that process. seems easier to apply for a K1. Weird. Anyhow, thanks for any info.

Jason.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2006-10-07 14:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow to marry in Krasnoyarsk?
I was married to a woman from Krasnoyarsk. Though, we didnt get married there. An immigration lawyer told me that it would be more difficult to marry there so we married in U.S. best of luck to you. Krasnoyarsk is a great city. Its very beautiful in the winter, though extremely cold.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-01 21:46:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSuggestion
Slim, you're alright my friend. You got your $hit together. I like Americans that have years of Russian experience and know what they're talking about. By the way, you seem like a great couple. Where's the photos?? You been around a while. Why no pics to show? Sorry, back to topic......

Edited by Jason-Sasha, 01 August 2007 - 09:58 PM.

Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-01 21:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUS - Russia relations
Being a journalist in Russia is still a dangerous job. I think people of Russia are generally good folks with lives to live. But I know many Russians who are still pretty terrified of the government. It doesnt help when the government controls the media. How many journalists are missing in Russia? Too many. I really dont care for any world leaders, but Putin especially. He's a KGB leftover that's growing mold in the fridge. Still a very shady place, though it doesnt stop me from visiting my sweetheart. CNN is not my choice of news reporting, but tell me how many reporters are missing in America. I said IN America. The media is probably digging a bit too deep and reaching a bit too far, but there is truth in this clip. Russia is littered with counterfeit money and it doesnt surprise me that they would be the suspects of this fraud. What would a group of Russian men be doing in New Hampshire just before Putin's visit?? If you think its just coincidence, let me have a sip of that Kool-Aid.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-02 21:48:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusUS - Russia relations
Another reason I cant wait to have Sasha out of that country. Ready for warmer vacation spots also!
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-07-31 23:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusexpiring forms
Handy bit of info for the future. thanks.
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-06 02:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruspacket 4 from moscow embassy

When I emailed the embassy because my wife's packet 4 was so slow in arriving, they reassured me that the US embassy moscow webiste lists everything that she needs to gather for her interview. The forms are all available on the web and for one of them you must be connected to the web anyway to fill it out.

There's no reason for her not to be gathering everything she needs now -- and the same for you.

Oh -- and although I've had very good luck with USPS global express mail in sending her gift parcels, I used DHL to send my documents to her. One parcel took 6 days by DHL and the other took 3.


Good info, thanks!
Jason-SashaMaleRussia2007-08-09 22:50:00