ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow common is Administrative Processing/Review

When I called the NVC, the customer service rep told me that all cases are considered in "Administrative review" until they are approved. Your timeline shows they just received your case on May 29. If you look at the Immigration timelines of VJ members with petitions for Russian citizens, you will see that usually it takes between 2 to 5 days before they are sent to the embassy. Mine took 7 days (yes I was scared). Thus, I would not start to worry until after at least 7 days.



OK... This MIGHT be hope for me. I called the NVC after they had my case in their system for only one day. They told me I am in "Administrative Review" and sent to Washington DC. SO... Are ALL cases considered in A/R technically? Or has my case been flagged as soon as they received it since they told me it is going to DC?

I mean... maybe I am jumping the gun and everything is going normally and I just do not know the terminology?

Anyone know? Wil?


Sorry I can't clairfy, but I wanted to say that the same thing is happening with us. They said that the case was sent to D.C. but she said that this is normal...so who knows for sure. But our case just got there last monday so I am not really sure what this means...I think you may be right about all cases being in A/R untile approved...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-09 08:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?

Either way the DOS will be able to tell you when the interview is, before it is posted on the embassy website, or before you get the letter in the post :) I hope you find out soon!

The Embassy website finally updated. Did you see your interview for Aug 23?


Yeah I did see our interview. Did you?
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-01 04:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
Either way the DOS will be able to tell you when the interview is, before it is posted on the embassy website, or before you get the letter in the post :) I hope you find out soon!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-29 10:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?

So I called and they sent the packet info June 20th and the interview is Aug. 22!!! Hopefully we will get the passport and visa back before Aug 31 when I (we) leave. Will someone explain the prepaid DHL process? Can we request they leave the passport at the DHL office so we can pick it up instead of delivering it to us??? I fugure it will take 4 days or a week to recieve the visa and passport so anytime shaved off will help since we have only 9 days from interview to when i leave. I miss Milenka by 1 day.


Great news about the interview date! I don't know if you guys are staying in Moscow after the interview, we could always meet for coffee, if you want :) just PM me, I am arriving in Moscow from Warsaw on August 22nd, Seryozha lives about 1 hour from the center...we are still waiting for the packet from the embassy so, I can't help you with DHL, but there are lots of people here can.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-25 13:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
Let me know if you are actually gonna have your interview on the 23rd...That would be really funny to meet outside. Hopefully we will have nice weather. I don't stick out in Russia, because my family is Russian, and I don't speak English outside, but I can say that even in Poland I can spot other Americans from miles away. The funniest though are the Germans, that ALWAYS walk in large groups, with their hands behind their backs :) and the British people are always speaking VERY loudly :) I hope that doesn't offend anyone, just some observations...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-24 15:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
Thanks Slim, We are really excited/nervous, and I decided that since I already had a ticket for the 24th, I am gonna change it to the 22nd instead, so that I can be there for the interview (even though I know I will have to wait outside), you know, for support :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-23 11:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
I was talking to a live person (I am not sure there is an automated system for visa info?), and I waited about 5 minutes, but I called 8:30 eastern time, right when they open. But when you call, you have to listen to a whole thing about passports for US citizens, then press, 1 for the main menu, THEN listen to the WHOLE menu before you can press 0 to talk to a person. If we left NVC the same day we probably were in the same package, so it might be that we even have the interview the same day :) Let me know when you hear...Thanks for the congratulations. This is the number that you should call: 202-663-1225

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-23 05:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
So I just called the Department of State, and found out that the embassy already sent the packet 3 to Seryozha, even though he hasn't received it. I also found out that our interview is on August 23rd! So for anyone who has left NVC about 1 week or more ago, they could probably start trying, for us it has been out of NVC for 2 weeks this coming Monday. Wow, just 2 months to prepare!!!!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-22 11:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
This is the number they list for visa information: 202-663-1225

I am gonna try it tomorrow when they are open (Eastern time) they were already closed when I tried now...It's certainly worth at least calling to ask! I sent an e-mail to the embassy, but the automatic reply says it could take 3 or more business days to get a reply...

I already have a ticket for Aug 24th (I bought it before we got our NOA2) and it would be SO great (and lucky) if I could be there at the same time...mostly we'd just like to know WHEN the interview will be :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-20 16:04:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
Thanks Russ, I will give that a try!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-20 11:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belaruswhats the website?
He is, maybe he could make our number appear on the list right now? :( Guess we'll have to wait til the next update...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-20 11:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusThe Packet
That's great Bill, we got our packet yesterday. It was sent on the 20th and just now arrived which considering he lives in Moscow is really crazy to me...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-04 12:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMoscow Interview
Congratulations! I am glad that everything worked out! Good Luck!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-14 11:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusD-156K and K3 and Moscow
I am not applying for a K-3, and am no expert. But I understand that the DS-156k would just be for k-1 ppl, since if you are married (in the US for instance) not divorced then you couldn't marry the other person when they got to the US, so I doubt that people who are already married and applying for a k-3 would have to fill this out. Someone correct me if I am wrong...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-06 10:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusCongratulations, Turboguy
YAY TURBOGUY!!!! Such great news! Hopefully the rest of the process goes much faster!!! Good Luck!!!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-07 03:05:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSmooth as Silk
Congratulations, glad to hear that everything went so well. Good luck to you both!

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-06 03:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa application fee in Moscow
It does cost $100 or you can pay in the ruble equivalent, but has to be in cash. The medical price varies, by clinic, and I am not sure how much it will cost for DHL to your address, it probably depends where you live, someone who has already been through the interview can tell you from experience.

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-10 12:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFrom Russia with Love
Congratulations on her arrival in the US, and wishing you both the best of luck! Glad she made it through Immigration with no problems! Hoping to see some updates later :)

Edited by Milenka, 11 July 2007 - 10:01 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-11 10:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence of Engagement
Thanks, everyone :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-19 05:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusEvidence of Engagement
On the DS-156k it lists that "Evidence of Engagement" is needed. What kind of evidence did everyone attach, if any? We don't have an engagement ring, because first of all this isn't a Russian tradition, and secondly for either of us this isn't a tradition. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-17 06:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAOS Approved
Congratulations to both of you! Wonderful news! I'm glad it went so well :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-11 00:49:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusMedical Exam
Thanks for the info, Bill. We are going to the same place actually, but in a few weeks, so we'll let you know how it is on the inside :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-11 00:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusImportant Locations In Moscow
Thanks!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-19 05:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWish us luck
Great news! Congratulations... :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-27 07:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWish us luck
Congratulations!!!! Great news, and thanks for the review!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-20 07:08:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWish us luck
What is the address of this DHL where it can be held? On Tverskaya-Yamskaya?
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-19 05:28:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWish us luck
Good Luck!!!! Waiting to see the "approved" post!!! :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-17 06:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAbout the medical..........
Sergey had his exam at MOM last Friday, and I got an sms that said he "passed" but we haven't had times to get details yet, since his laptop is out of service right now...He lives in Moscow, so he just called a few days ahead...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-07-30 11:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinding Out the Embassy Interview Date
As far as I understand it, they first send the application (or some part of it?) electronically to Moscow, then via DHL. So they will assign it probably sooner than it arrives, but I am not 100% clear on the details of how that works. Better to call the DOS, and ask them about it.

Edited by Milenka, 13 August 2007 - 02:36 PM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-13 14:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinding Out the Embassy Interview Date

According to the FAQs, Moscow does not send a packet 3 and nothing is required onthe part of the petitioners in order to schedule the interview. I think I am interpreting this correctly.


Moscow is NOT the same as most consulates! Russ's FAQ is obviously correct :) So there is just one packet, and you don't send anything back in advance. If you know that your application is already at the consulate, you can call the DOS, using the number YuAndDan posted, and they should be able to tell you. I found that much sooner, than waiting for the Consulate website to update.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-13 13:15:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny documents given at the end of interview?
Sergey has his interview on the 23rd so I can't help you with the receipt part but, CONGRATULATIONS on her visa getting approved :) Good luck to you both in the future!

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-08 04:50:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey
Our birthdays are also 3 days apart Nov 20 and 23rd :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-30 12:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAge difference survey
Milena: 21 Sergey: 25
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-29 08:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend

What percentage of these ladies that meet an American man through a "marriage agency" or online would you say have these evil intentions from the beginning? Do you think it's more then a third? Or maybe as high as 50%? Unfortunately I think it's quite a high percentage.

I think it is even higher, probably 75% if not more. Mostly because, placing yourself on some online agency is stating to the world that (1) you are for sale, (2) you are seeking a better life and a way out of Russia.

I agree 200%.

And the whole story of the Russian men being drunkards and losers was invented by online dating agencies as some sort of reassurance for American men that these ladies really want to "marry a nice guy", and not just immigrate. I think it's BS, and I too hope I'm not offending anyone.


Not to get off topic, but I am glad that someone finally said that Jewel, since my fiance is a Russian guy. He doesn't even drink at all! I have heard that story too many times...It's very sad what's happened to skinsfan, and to anyone else in the same situation. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-31 04:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarussad weekend
I am very sorry to hear about your situation! I hope you will get justice in court...Good luck!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-30 17:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning my 3rd trip to Russia since January
It's true to go to Ukraine you don't need a visa, as long as you aren't staying longer than 90 days:

http://www.mfa.gov.ua/usa/en/1609.htm

Obviously you couldn't work or anything :) But it sure makes it easier to visit, than having to apply for a Russian visa...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-08 13:11:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPlanning my 3rd trip to Russia since January
I'm not sure how they look at it when you apply from the US for a Russian visa, since I only did that twice with student visas. Since I finished studying in Moscow, I've been going to Russia every three months, usually on tourist visas since it's the fastest and easiest for the short trips I make. I have been applying recently only from Poland. Last week when I applied for my visa to go to Russia Aug 22-27, they were asking me all sorts of questions (in Poland you have to apply in person), and were curious why I kept going so often, using a tourist visa and not a homestay visa from my family or friends. In the end it worked out, but you should keep in mind that they could start to get suspicious. Hopefully you won't have any problems though...Though it's true that the more trips, the better, as far as evidence of your relationship goes.

Milena

Edited by Milenka, 07 August 2007 - 11:24 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-07 11:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa Approved and Received
Congratulations!!!!!! kicking.gif kicking.gif kicking.gif
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-28 08:45:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInterview Scheduled - Hooray!
Congratulations! This is great news! I have to agree with Kotenochek. The US Embassy in Moscow is great! the guy who interviewed Sergey was very nice and polite, as well as professional. Good luck in the rest of the journey, looking forward to your, "approved" post smile.gif
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-28 09:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGreetings to all!
Welcome to VJ and the "Russia" Forum, Steven! Good luck to you and Liliana! Hope to see you around smile.gif

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-08-28 09:02:00