ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
Well I finally called NVC today for the first time, and it turns out they got our case on June 4. I only had to wait about 5 minutes to talk to an operator, I guess I got very lucky...It's still there, but hopefully it will go to Moscow in a few days :) Thanks for the info about tracking the case to the consulate, I will give it a try...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-07 12:21:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
Congrats to everyone who has made it to NVC! Great news, and I hope you all get in and out ASAP :) Good luck!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-06-05 02:38:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
That's great Paula! You're moving right along...Before you know it you'll be having the interview! Hopefully my case will get to NVC soon...

-Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-31 16:11:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
I am definitely convinced now too that we are in the same pile! So, let's hope that we are on our way to NVC already! Or maybe we made it to NVC? Is that being too hopeful? If you hear something, please keep me updated :) I will do the same :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-31 05:01:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
Glad to see some good news! I've had touches the last two days, but no status change since when they sent NOA2 (which hasn't made it to us yet) I hope that soon I'll hear those magic words from NVC!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-30 15:49:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
I sent an e-mail yesterday to NVC, no reply yet though. I checked the USCIS website, and I got another touch yesterday, so I am not sure where my case is now, if it is just being sent to NVC or what. We were approved on the 22nd.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-30 12:14:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
That wouldn't suprise me :) But that's good news, at least we know our notices were sent. Hope you get the paper copy asap! I am not sure how many touches I have gotten since the 22nd, but at least one on the 25th and then the 28th (wasn't that a holiday in the US?) I am gonna e-mail NVC today, and only start calling in a week or so...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-29 08:38:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
I haven't tried calling NVC yet, I am gonna wait a little longer, BUT I did get an e-mail today from USCIS saying that on the 25th a notice was mailed to me saying that our case was approved...and we were approved on the 22nd...I don't know what's going on with everyone elses case, I just hope everyone gets their NOA2s, and NO WAY should anyone have to pay for that!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-27 15:45:00
National Visa Center (Dept of State)February Filers Goin To NVC
I finally made it here! I just got off the phone with CSC, and we were approved on the 22nd in turns out :) so pretty soon I am gonna start calling NVC :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-25 17:14:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support...
Hi everyone. I already have the I-134 all figured out, but now I have a few qeuestions about some documents needed for the interview. On the Moscow embassy website, it says we need an original DHL airbill, do we need to just get this from a DHL office? Or do they send us one already filled out? Does it need to be pre-paid in some way before the interview? Just curious how that works...also does the police certificate need an apostil stamp? Does anything else? So far everything else for the interview I understand :) Thanks in advance. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-08 00:33:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support...
Thanks for the advice so far everyone! I think that a decent co-sponsor, plus showing them my fiance's assets will help (even though I am the USC). When I called the consulate, they didn't say YOU NEED A SPONSOR and/or CO-SPONSOR for your fiance...I told her my situation (that I am a student, don't work, don't live in the US, don't files taxes etc.) She told me that I should just write a letter showing assets that he has, and they could decide from this. I am not sure if this has anything to do with that he is a guy, who has a good salary in Russia, or what...either way I am filling out the I-134 just to be safe, but I am not worried at all...

Edited by Milenka, 20 March 2007 - 05:51 PM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-20 17:46:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support...

Milenka,

The law says that the visa applicant must demonstrate to the satisfaction of the consular officer that they will not become a public charge after entering the USA. If you have a job in the USA, document the job and the income it provides. If you have savings that will last 6 months document it. If you have family member who will support your fiance if need be then document their financial resources.

I-134 is not a requirement, its use is optional at the discretion of the consular officers. But the anecdotal evidence clearly demonstrates that, when a sponsor is required, an I-134 is almost always asked for. It provides a convenient and consistent format for a sponsor to identify their income and assets to the consular officer.

Yodrak

If the embassy requires the I-134, and Moscow does in most cases, you will need to do one even if your income is $0. But they will need a co-sponsor who does meet the requirements. Otherwise it's an uphill battle meeting the public charge requirement of the INA.


I don't understand the last part of this, we don't want him to be a "public charge", and that won't happen, it's just that there is not one person I know that can co sponsor him. We will have enough money saved to last 6 months, and will be applying for the EAD right away. We are selling his car as well, and staying with my family. I just want to know if anyone has had this situation, and if they can offer some advice. Our situation is different, since I haven't been living in the US for 2 years, and before that I was still in high school, and then was an exchange student in Russia...So, any advice? Thanks.


OK, so then on the I-134 What do I put in the "relationship to sponsor" box, it's MY aunt, who will be my co-sponsor for my fiance? Thanks!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-20 01:54:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support...

If the embassy requires the I-134, and Moscow does in most cases, you will need to do one even if your income is $0. But they will need a co-sponsor who does meet the requirements. Otherwise it's an uphill battle meeting the public charge requirement of the INA.


I don't understand the last part of this, we don't want him to be a "public charge", and that won't happen, it's just that there is not one person I know that can co sponsor him. We will have enough money saved to last 6 months, and will be applying for the EAD right away. We are selling his car as well, and staying with my family. I just want to know if anyone has had this situation, and if they can offer some advice. Our situation is different, since I haven't been living in the US for 2 years, and before that I was still in high school, and then was an exchange student in Russia...So, any advice? Thanks.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-19 03:22:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionAffadavit of Support...
Since I have so much time while waiting for our NOA2 (darn CSC) I am trying to organize all the documents for the interview. I have a list from the Moscow Embassy website. The biggest problem is this affadavit of support. On the site they say "Financial documents from the petitioner – a US citizen: please note, that Affidavit of Support (form I-134) is not required, but may be requested." I have a rather strange situation: I have lived abroad for almost 2 years now, working unofficially. I can't really file this I-134. I called the embassy and the woman who I spoke with, says I should just write a letter of explanation, just stating our situation, that we will be staying with relatives until we have work, etc. They will also be helping us, but it won't just be ONE specific person. So we don't have anyone to be a "co-sponsor" By the time we get to the interview we will have a large amount of money saved as well. Has anyone ever had any experience with a similar situation? I am a little nervous that is won't be enough. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-18 12:04:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice certificate for K1 interview?
:unsure: whoops, sorry...either way, good luck!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-16 11:29:00
US Embassy and Consulate DiscussionPolice certificate for K1 interview?
We are waiting for NOA2 as well, but we are applying for the police certificate this week. Sergey lives in Moscow, better to be prepared now, than to run out of time....We got our NOA1 just two days after you, so I'll be watching to see when you get NOA2, GOOD LUCK! Milena.

Edited by Milenka, 16 May 2007 - 06:40 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-16 06:38:00
USCIS Service CentersAbout csc

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.


I haven't heard that. But I did hear that there is a backlog of work visas, which was affecting people getting NOA1s...Not sure if that will affect your NOA2 though...Good Luck!
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-31 04:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Fiance
We just sent our I-129F today, we are both already nervous. I am just hoping it makes it from Poland to California in one piece :) But it's a great feeling to know it's done and sent, now comes the big wait.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-02-21 13:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Fiance
Thanks for your input :) I will definitly keep you all updated, as it seems I am one of the only ones! I was also thinking about the sterotypes...sad, but true...Good luck to everyone though! Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-02-12 13:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian Fiance
Hi, We are just now sending our I-129F, but I have been reading through this forum, and haven't come across anyone who is marrying a Russian guy, it's always the other way around...

We are wondering about the interview process, since I have a feeling it might be different for men rather than women (because of the huge difference in number of applicants?)

So, if anyone has been in this situation, we would be interested in knowing what kind of questions they ask, how the people at the consulate were, etc. Any information would be greatly appreciated :) Thanks. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-02-12 09:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA1 Received
Thanks Slim! :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-16 05:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA1 Received
Thanks for the help, and congratulations! :) Milena
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-15 03:18:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNOA1 Received
Hi Everyone!

Well it seems our application made it safely across the ocean, we mailed it on the 21st and our NOA1 was dated as the 28th...Who else has filed at the California Service Center recently? When did you get your NOA2? Also, how do you get your timeline to be shown each time you post, on the bottom? Thanks in advance! Milena :)
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-03-14 17:24:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusNew Russian Visa registration forms
I actually wrote this on the "Coming to America" thread, or something like that. When I was on my student visa to Russia they registered for me, and it was just 25 rubles. After I finished school last year I have been back 4 times on just regular tourist visas, and have NEVER registered. Not that I recommend that, I've never had any problems, they've never even asked to see any kind of registration at the airport. I've also never bought separate insurance, although I have also never stayed in a hotel there either...I am not sure if they single out Americans when they see they don't speak Russian, I see that they do that in a lot of other ways while you stay there, though that goes for foreigners in general. My mother is Russian, so it's my second language, and I look Russian...but I don't know how much difference that makes...anyway, that's just my experience.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-06 12:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow did you meet?

I'm just curious if I'm the only one here who didn't meet my husband through a marriage broker/mail order arrangement. I'm also curious if you and your Rissian fiancee had a language barrier.

No, there is nothing special about you. For instance, I met my wife in Cairo, while on vacation in Egypt, on my way back from climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Since she probably speaks better English than you do, there was no language barrier.

Do you have any more snooty questions?

Cheers!
AKDiver


I agree a VERY snooty question. My mother is Russian and my father Ukrainian, so I always wanted to visit Russia. I met my fiance online, but not a "marriage broker/mail order" After we met I moved to Moscow for university, and after a while I moved from my relatives place to his place. After going back and forth from Moscow for awhile, Sergey proposed to me, and now here we are. I agree this is the 21st century, people meet in all kinds of ways, what's important is what the relationship is after that...Russian is my second language so never had any problems, although Sergey speaks English wonderfully :)


I also want to add that, having both parents who do not know English as their first language, with language barriers, I think patience is the most important, and not taking everything so literally :) Often times, it's fun :)

Edited by Milenka, 06 April 2007 - 09:31 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-06 09:30:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow did you meet?

I'm just curious if I'm the only one here who didn't meet my husband through a marriage broker/mail order arrangement. I'm also curious if you and your Rissian fiancee had a language barrier.

No, there is nothing special about you. For instance, I met my wife in Cairo, while on vacation in Egypt, on my way back from climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Since she probably speaks better English than you do, there was no language barrier.

Do you have any more snooty questions?

Cheers!
AKDiver


I agree a VERY snooty question. My mother is Russian and my father Ukrainian, so I always wanted to visit Russia. I met my fiance online, but not a "marriage broker/mail order" After we met I moved to Moscow for university, and after a while I moved from my relatives place to his place. After going back and forth from Moscow for awhile, Sergey proposed to me, and now here we are. I agree this is the 21st century, people meet in all kinds of ways, what's important is what the relationship is after that...Russian is my second language so never had any problems, although Sergey speaks English wonderfully :)

Edited by Milenka, 06 April 2007 - 09:26 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-06 09:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusHow did you meet?
Hi, I am an American girl, who is engaged to a Russian guy. We met online at a site for people studying Russian. Then I went to university in Moscow. Clearly I learned Russian well, and my mother is Russian, so we never had any language barriers. Though from my parents I learned that not taking everything literally helps, and always keeping in mind that if someone is directly translating from one language to another, it might mean something other than you think...I don't know if this helps, but good luck to everyone in this process. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-02-12 14:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusComing to America

Well, unless one of you guys goes and returns before I do the first of May, then when I get home on the 15th I'll tell you all about it :thumbs:

Got my plane tickets, got my visa, got an aparment in Moscow rented, fiance got our train tickets in hand, got our transfers set...hallalulah! I'll be seeng my girls (L) in a few more weeks !!!...all donations accepted for this po white trash redneck hilliblly :lol:
bruc


I just wanted to weigh in on the whole "registration thing" most of the time I was on a student visa, so the university registered for me, but after I finished I was only using tourist visas. I have never stayed in a hotel, and I've never registered. I've been in and out four times, and they've never even asked to see any registration card, or anything. I do speak Russian fluently, and look pretty Russian, but either way, I've never had any problems. As long as you didn't overstay the visa, and the trip wasn't that long, I think you should be fine. I am also going back on May 4th. :dance:
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-06 08:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusFinally here
Wonderful news. Congratulations! And best of luck to you both in the future :) Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-26 02:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGoing Home!
Hi Russ! I agree that July or August is the best time to go to Sochi...I have been there as well, but we rented a room from some grandmother :) I am not sure where you have been in Russia, but if you haven't been to Peter yet, you should definitely go. It's my mom's hometown. Her name is also Galina, so I always smile when I read your posts :) As I am sure you have heard, the architecture is very beautiful, and there are tones of art museums, the hermitage for example. Where ever you go I hope you have a great time, and improve your Russian!

Edited by Milenka, 29 April 2007 - 09:58 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-04-29 09:57:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBrining my Mom to the USA
Congratulations Annabelle, on both your baby and your mom getting a visa! It's so great she will get to be there in time. So in the end, what did she do differently? Would be good for all of us to keep in mind :) Good Luck! Milena :)

Edited by Milenka, 08 May 2007 - 12:01 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-08 00:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSmall question about documents for interview...
actually we didn't get any packet from the embassy yet, because we are waiting for our NOA2. I am just trying to get all the documents together, because I have some free time, and like to be prepared in advance...so, thanks for any advice :) Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-15 11:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSmall question about documents for interview...
Hi everyone. I already have the I-134 all figured out, but now I have a few qeuestions about some documents needed for the interview. On the Moscow embassy website, it says we need an original DHL airbill, do we need to just get this from a DHL office? Does anyone know how much it will cost to send it to a Moscow address? Does it need to be pre-paid in some way before the interview? Just curious how that works...also does the police certificate need an apostil stamp? Does anything else need it? Which documents need to be translated? And can we do it ourselves? Sorry for so many questions! Thanks in advance. Milena.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-11 05:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusinterview

So, if you live in Moscow, or nearby you are allowed to pick it up at the embassy? Would be nice not to be ripped of by DHL, I am not a big fan of DHL in general, but that is a long story...Best of luck at the interview

No. You still have to pay DHL, but you can have them hold it at the DHL station for pickup, right there. Helps you get your package a lot faster, avoid having it lost somewhere, etc. etc. My wife did this. It was available for pickup either the day after the interview, or the day after that, I don't remember. 1-2 days after interview. It worked out great.

Honestly though - man, you have so many expenses ahead of you, you just have no idea. You definitely should not be sweeting the $35 (or whatever) DHL fee. Just pay the money and go your merry way.

Cheers!
AKDiver


Who's sweating? :) Just figured the embassy is in Moscow, Sergey works in Moscow, why not at least ask if we could avoid DHL :) anyway I think we will have them hold it at the DHL office, wouldn't want to risk having it get lost, so thanks for the advice. My Dad sent me a package from the US to Poland using his corporate account, and they made me pay $100 to pick it up (to DHL) for that, plus fill out a form to and write every item that was in the package and fax it to them, it was just clothes and my books from home...a similar package sent via USPS and I didn't pay anything...that was the first and last time I used DHL...

Edited by Milenka, 15 May 2007 - 01:58 PM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-15 13:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and Belarusinterview

560 is okay for 4 nights.

DHL is a ripoff (about $35), since they will be taking it across the street for you. Having it held in Moscow is ideal. It was about $50 last year to Липецк.

Ilyana arrived in moscow this morning. Medical Tuesday, interview Friday. We got the apartment from moscow Rick. 560 dollars for 4 nights 100 for train station pick up and early arrival. 5:30 a.m. Includes computer and internet.
What should she expect to pay for the DHL. It varies right. She lives in stavropol.
Her 15 year old daughter is with her. All suggestions welcome.
Thanks


Russ, are you saying, if you live in Moscow, or nearby you are allowed to pick it up at the embassy? Would be nice not to be ripped of by DHL, I am not a big fan of DHL in general, but that is a long story...Best of luck at the interview!

Edited by Milenka, 15 May 2007 - 01:06 PM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-15 13:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusAny K3 filers?.......
Slim, don't worry Moo-Moo is still there, and they are building more :) They even built one in Zelenograd, where Seryozha lives (a region of Moscow, about 1 hour from the center) We went there when I was there from May 4-9...I would also recommend it for anyone going to Moscow.

Edited by Milenka, 21 May 2007 - 05:30 AM.

MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-21 05:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm in Russia

My wife didn't register when she came to Russia. The visa company she used never said a word to her about it. I wonder if they pre-registered her like Galina? We are getting ready to go back and now she is worried b/c she is getting ready to apply for another visa. Can it be problem??


I've been in and out 4 times on tourist visas without registering, they've never even asked me about it...


Sometimes in my business I have to travel to foreign countries...I try to follow all their visiting rules and my registration "was" checked when I was leaving Moscow yesterday.
My fiance told me a few minutes ago that she went back to the post office where I registered, gave her the paper she had, the girl went to the computer entered something and said everything was fine and she thanked my fiance.
I can't speak for any other cities, visas or persons, but when I return again I will follow the process that Russia ask for at that given time.

bruc


I am not sure if they "pre-registered" me or not, since I also use a visa company. When I studied there, every year the university registered for me. Also they do have that whole 72 hrs thing, which excludes weekends and holidays...Last time I was only in Moscow for 5 days, so there were 2 days with the weekend, plus Victory Day...I wouldn't recommend breaking the rules, but I think it also depends on how long you stay. My visas are always for specific days, and I never stay longer, and am going again in 3 months. If I went to another country I would always follow the rules, that's for sure. But for Boris' wife, I wouldn't worry about not having registered last time, I've used a visa company each time, and have never gotten denied.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-17 04:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusI'm in Russia

My wife didn't register when she came to Russia. The visa company she used never said a word to her about it. I wonder if they pre-registered her like Galina? We are getting ready to go back and now she is worried b/c she is getting ready to apply for another visa. Can it be problem??


I've been in and out 4 times on tourist visas without registering, they've never even asked me about it...
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-16 11:56:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...
You are just twisting my words, I was confused about what you meant my ownership, but nothing else has changed. All we want is to keep the Russia forum on Russian related topics. If you come here by accident, read the top of the screen, it tells you where you are. We don't need people just coming in to "throw popcorn", be negative, and irritate people. I never use these "recent topic, new posts, etc" for the very reason that I am not going to just post on any old topic, because I have nothing better to do. The topic was posted here because Galina is Russian, and because Russ posted his info here on the Russia thread. Phila, they haven't been helping anyone here, and that's the problem. It's good if you can benefit reading all threads, but coming and then started arguments is something else. You guys are just going back and forth trying to see who can be meaner. I am done with the drama.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-21 16:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusTo whom it may consern...
Ok, BUT she posted it on the Russia thread, as did Russ when he was writing. If she had wanted EVERYONE to see it, has been said, it would have been posted elsewhere.
MilenkaFemaleRussia2007-05-21 16:08:00