ForumTitleContentMemberSexCountryDate/Time
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusK1 visa interview done

*** Thread moved from K-1 Process forum to the Russia/Ukraine/Belarus regional subforum, for country-specific input. ***


TBoneTXMaleEcuador2014-10-22 23:07:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian T.V. in the USA
I absolutely refuse to have Russian TV in my house. If she's in America, she can watch American TV in English.

Not to be a complete hardass on the subject, but the more you "smoothly transition" her life, the longer it'll take for her to get acclimated.
slimMale02009-12-22 03:26:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

Most of the folks in this forum completed the visa process 5 or more years ago. Perhaps it's time for a "new" FAQ? I'd bet most of the stuff has changed. But, then again, "it's Russia" so maybe it hasn't. 


slimMale02013-06-10 21:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

Wow....that is amazing. She didn't want the big wedding?

Nope. And the icing on the cake is she doesn't want children either.

In the past some girls never received the packet. Does not really matter as all the information is listed on the embassy website. If she receives the packet 10 days prior to the interview and has not done most of the prep work there will be trouble, or at least some panic and tense moments.

She can log onto the embassy's website and accomplish all the forms she needs to do prior to receiving the packet. As Neon's pointed out, sometimes they don't even get the packet at all.
slimMale02011-02-16 08:02:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

the first time i arrived at Domodedovo and the guys at the ticket counter were sleeping

Kinda like when I was boarding at SVO and they pulled Crocodile Dundee's knife out of one guy's carry-on.

save money for the wedding

We got married at the court house, my mom took pictures of us in the park, and then her and I had dinner at a nice restaraunt - just the two of us. Total cost for the whole affair was under $200.

i should probably enjoy my sports games now before it's too late lol.

You'll still be able to enjoy them after she's here... but it'll cost you!
slimMale02011-02-12 22:32:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

Actually, the online interview schedule on the Moscow Embassy website hasn't worked for about a year now, maybe even longer. The best way to find out your interview date (other than waiting from some correspondence intitiated from the Embassy) is to e-mail them about 2-3 weeks after your case has supposedly arrived at the Embassy.

That's good to know!
slimMale02011-02-10 21:23:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

Is it true that the interviews are about 1-2 months after the embassy receives the case from NVC? I'm really hoping to see Dinara a lot sooner than that.

That's about right.

It arrives in Moscow and spends a week or two in the mail room downstairs. Then after an American holiday, a Russian holiday, a sick day to recover from the holiday and then another Russian holiday (and sick day to recover) the mail clerk walks it up the steps. Then, it goes through the same process on someone's desk. Because they're all drunk, it'll be "forwarded" to the bottom of the stack and start all over and then finally, it'll be scheduled and entered into the system.

The tech guy that does the webpage updates also has holidays and sick days so it'll take another few weeks for that. Then, finally, someday around that time (about three weeks to a month after arrival) you'll finally see it on the website. It'll be scheduled for about six weeks after it first shows up. You're looking at a grand total of between two and three months from arrival at Moscow embassy.

Unfortunately if you want to see her, you'll have to use Skype or fly over there yourself.

However... the next two to three months are going to be your last as a single dude. Use them to the fullest! Go out and drink some beer. Eat some chicken wings. Watch some games on TV and enjoy not having to sit through romantic comedies and sift through 38 feminine products just to use your own shower. Be glad to be a man!
slimMale02011-02-10 15:37:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

I have flown from Houston to Domodedovo (direct flight) on Singapore airlines for under 800 dollar round trip and it was much nicer than Delta, Aeroflot

Singapore was rated #1 in customer satisfaction. (Also hottest attendants, but that's neither here nor there.)

All of the links i've clicked concerning the interview schedules are no longer working. Anyone have a link that works?

It goes down for a few days at a time. Try again tomorrow.

Unfortunately there's really no other site to check. You guys should be getting pretty close now, right?

ETA - just noticed you've only recently received the NOA2. It'll take a few weeks to clear NVC (you'll get another notice) then be received by Moscow. A few weeks after that till the date is scheduled. You're probably looking more like March 1st before you see the date on the website.

Edited by slim, 08 February 2011 - 12:25 PM.

slimMale02011-02-08 12:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ
She can request to have her visa held by the DHL office. Part of the interview process is for the interviewee to pay for a DHL airbill that they take with them to the interview and that's what the passport is shipped in. If she simply purchases one from the DHL office that says, "hold at office" or whatever, then they'll ship it from the embassy to the office and hold it until she can come pick it up.

As for making sense for her to fly to Moscow, fly home, fly back through Moscow on the way to the U.S., well, there are several variables. If she has a good place to stay in Moscow and will be ready to go to the U.S. a few days after her interview, then sure, it makes sense. But, if she has to pay (or you have to pay) for a hotel in Moscow for a few extra days, maybe flying home would be cheaper. Maybe she has some "unfinished business" to take care of. What if she gets denied for some reason? What if the plane tickets are for Thursday and she doesn't get the visa til Friday?

Who knows what's going to happen. If you plan it out ahead of time and she's ready to go, then it could make sense. If you have a lot of money, by all means, time it down to the exact second where she can grab the passport and boogy on out of there. But, if you don't have thousands of dollars to waste, maybe she should go home first.
slimMale02009-09-04 21:31:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhen to fill DS-160 and schedule Interview

~Moved from K1 Process to RUB Regional Forum~

~At this stage of the process instructions/requirements are generally embassy-specific~


A&BMaleChina2014-10-15 21:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice clearance in Ukraine

~Moved from K1 Process to RUB Regional Forum~

~Inquiry is country-specific~


A&BMaleChina2014-10-07 14:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusIs Ukraine Brides Agency a marriage broker? [split topic]

Most likely not.  No harm in listing them as such on the 129f though.


baron555MaleRussia2014-10-14 11:58:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGetting bigger items from Russia to the U.S.?

He doesn't want to sell it. It's less than a year old & very expensive. It's a huge flat screen 3D TV. If anything, we'll leave it at his house. It will be our summer home.

That's the best idea.

 

But he wants to try to bring it if he can. The computer tower is what he's throwing a fit over having to bring.

Towers with power supplies are very cheap (TigerDirect.com), so have him remove the components, pack those well in a box and send that via DHL or something like that.

 


Edited by baron555, 05 October 2014 - 08:29 AM.

baron555MaleRussia2014-10-05 08:29:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice clearance in Ukraine

I heard that some people pay for its expediting but I failed, nobody wants to expedite in a town where i live.

 

 

Then you can email contact the Embassy and reschedule the interview.  The police certificate requirement should have been known for a long time and is valid for a year.
 


baron555MaleRussia2014-10-07 14:55:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInfo Please on Moscow

Hi we need a little help please. My mother in law is planning on a visit to the our Florida home and must travel to Moscow from Belarus. She will arrive by train at the Belorussky Station (train) at about 0840 and must go to the US Embassy. Can someone please tell us how far this is and how long it will take to get there? We understand they only interview until 1030 mornings so if she has to far to travel to make a early appointment can someone please advise a clean hotel or place to stay for a elderly lady that has a small budget?

Thank everyone for their help.

 

Read the Sticky Notes at the top of this regional forum.  There's a picture map showing the Embassy location.


baron555MaleRussia2014-10-14 11:59:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusK1 visa interview done

About 7 working days.


baron555MaleRussia2014-10-23 07:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian T.V. in the USA
QUOTE (Oksana81 @ Dec 22 2009, 08:50 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Thank God I have a Russian husband! We don't have a Russian TV per se, but we do enjoy pre-recorded comedy and modern detectives movies, especially about Russian milicia (police).



I'm Russian too, but I hate Russian TV with passion. She's not here yet, but we've discussed the whole Russian TV dilemma. We agreed that we will download whatever shows/movies we want to watch, at first, and once her English gets good we can have Russian TV in our house. However, I am pretty sure by that time she won't even want it smile.gif
MartyshkMaleUkraine2009-12-22 12:01:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian T.V. in the USA
Just watch it on vkontakte.ru. There's no need to pay money for it.
eekeeFemaleRussia2009-12-22 12:22:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusGetting bigger items from Russia to the U.S.?
TV leave at the house. Computer he can take some of the components out of the tower and just buy a new tower and stick them in.
eekeeFemaleRussia2014-10-09 11:35:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

 
Is this at a retail location? From checking their site they charge different fees depending on the amount you want to send (some sort of percentage scale).


Yes, this is at Walmart. An ATM ate my bank card, so for a while I was getting lots of money sent. Unless it's changed since February, it's a flat fee from Walmart.

eekeeFemaleRussia2014-04-18 03:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?
I wouldn't use Western Union because you have to pay a percentage, whereas Moneygram's fee is a flat $7.
eekeeFemaleRussia2014-04-17 12:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?
Seems like it's probably Walmart's bank blocking it. I use a US ATM card all the time with no problems. I would also suggest money gram though; you can send it all Walmart and she can pick it up at Sberbank.
eekeeFemaleRussia2014-04-16 04:44:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian T.V. in the USA
QUOTE (slim @ Dec 22 2009, 03:26 AM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
I absolutely refuse to have Russian TV in my house. If she's in America, she can watch American TV in English.

Not to be a complete hardass on the subject, but the more you "smoothly transition" her life, the longer it'll take for her to get acclimated.


Ditto. No Russian TV at our house. Wife did not want it anyway. She knew she would improve her English much quicker listening to American TV. She actually prefers to read so we are buying good books in Russian, and she is reading the Russian news on the internet. I'm probably the one that should be watching Russian TV to improve my Russian.
NeonredMaleRussia2009-12-22 06:09:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

No she still hasn't recieved it. According to a russian forum she reads some of the other girls have been saying they recieved their packages about 10 days prior to the interview, but who knows i'm still holding out hope it will be in the mail soon so we can get everything together.


In the past some girls never received the packet. Does not really matter as all the information is listed on the embassy website. If she receives the packet 10 days prior to the interview and has not done most of the prep work there will be trouble, or at least some panic and tense moments.
NeonredMaleRussia2011-02-15 13:36:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

Hey folks,

 

We have been sending small amounts of money to my MIL on a Walmart/GreenDot money card. It's a 'student pack' so there are two cards with the same #. It has worked well for the last 3 years. 

 

Now it won't work since the US blocked a Russian bank. Not sure if it's Russia retaliating or other banks being careful, but they won't let her withdraw money. They can see balance, and charge for the privilege, but she can't withdraw. Called GreenDot and all they said was ty other banks. Did that and it didn't work.

 

Any ideas that are still easy? Western Union would probably work, but it's a hassle since neither of us have a convenient Western Union.

 

Thanks!

 

Adam

 

I have been using Western Union for years and it seems to have gotten cheaper.  I sent $600 to my brother in law in Ukraine for $24 for the money in minutes service.  He had to search for a bank that would accept in when he was in Odessa shortly after the invasion of Crimea.  His money from Russia and credit cards no longer work and he was desperate.  The whole credit card thing is intended to put a crimp on Russian uses throughout the world but Western Union still works as it represents real money to the bank.  You should check the Western Union website for locations near you.  I use the local Safeway market.

 

 


1HappyGuyMaleUkraine2014-04-18 10:39:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

The ATM card my step-son has still works fine.  He's in Novosibirsk.


Edited by mendeleev, 19 April 2014 - 06:11 PM.

mendeleevNot TellingRussia2014-04-19 18:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInfo Please on Moscow

Hi we need a little help please. My mother in law is planning on a visit to the our Florida home and must travel to Moscow from Belarus. She will arrive by train at the Belorussky Station (train) at about 0840 and must go to the US Embassy. Can someone please tell us how far this is and how long it will take to get there? We understand they only interview until 1030 mornings so if she has to far to travel to make a early appointment can someone please advise a clean hotel or place to stay for a elderly lady that has a small budget?

Thank everyone for their help.

 

Also, keep in mind, if she has any luggage she needs to deposit it in a security deposit box or deliver to her hotel or something, you're not allowed to bring large bags / suitcases / etc. into the embassy itself.


HollydayFemaleRussia2014-10-21 04:40:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa

Congats!

 

Just out of curiousity: was the attorney supporting the whole process or just some part of it? I'm surprised the questionnaire for the son wasn't filled if an attorney was in fact involved.


HollydayFemaleRussia2014-10-21 04:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusA Wonderful Wedding Day!

Congratulations! :)


HollydayFemaleRussia2014-10-21 04:43:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

 

I thought the NVC would let me know when the interview is.  I schedule it, for sure?

 

I think for K-1 you schedule it (non-immigrant visa with an DS-160), for CR-1/IR-1 they schedule it for the person.


HollydayFemaleRussia2013-11-25 10:16:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusVisa

Congrats!


KASH2011MaleUganda2014-09-29 07:10:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusBest way to ship 15 KG of winter clothes from Ukraine to USA?

Ship via Ukrposhta, all packages from Ukraine arrived without any problems whatsoever in about a week and half from Dnipropetrovsk to NYC by us. Or you can use Meest, but that will probably be more expensive (still a lot cheaper than DHL or FedEx or UPS).


vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-10-14 09:51:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusPolice clearance in Ukraine

I know everyone in Ukraine say that it's valid for a month, but as far as the consulate is concerned, it's valid for a full year. In Dnipropetrovsk, my fiancee paid to have it expedited and got it within a week.


vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-10-08 08:33:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

The big question is if those Russian banks are open, do you specify the receiving country as Ukraine or Russia?

 

Heh, that's a good question. Western Union in the US should recognize Crimea as Ukraine as per US laws, and Russian banks there will recognize it as Russia as per Russian law. Does it even make a difference what country you specify it as? Will they decline to give you money if you specified the wrong country if you have the transfer number, and sender info, and receiver ID matches?


vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-04-23 09:52:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

I wouldn't use Western Union because you have to pay a percentage, whereas Moneygram's fee is a flat $7.

 

Is this at a retail location? From checking their site they charge different fees depending on the amount you want to send (some sort of percentage scale).


vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-04-17 15:38:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusSending money to Russia since Crimea situation?

Use either MoneyGram of Western Union. You can send from their sites without ever leaving the house (do not use a credit card, it's considered a cash withdrawal and you will be charged for the privilege, use a bank debit card).

There should be MoneyGram or Western Union locations all over Russia where they can receive the money (try the local banks).


vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-04-17 08:13:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusWhen to fill DS-160 and schedule Interview after NOA2

Yes, wait until it says ready at the Dept of State site. You can fill out the DS-160 and pay for the visa before that though (payment is valid for a year, not sure on DS-160 but should be a while too). Also get the police certificate ahead of time (also valid for a year). Do not schedule interview until it says ready though. There is no packet 3 in Ukraine. For the medical, you can do it the day before the interview if you want or do it early (valid for 6 months I believe, you will need the KEV number to do it though).


Edited by vbtwo, 20 October 2014 - 08:54 AM.

vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-10-20 08:54:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusInfo Please on Moscow

Use Yandex maps: you can get there by 1 stop on the Metro and a bit of walking, should take about 20 minutes:

http://maps.yandex.com/-/CVvv40jn

 

Or take a cab, less than 2 miles.


Edited by vbtwo, 14 October 2014 - 09:44 AM.

vbtwoMaleUkraine2014-10-14 09:42:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussia Specific FAQ

Q. How do I know when the interview will be?

A. For Moscow the online K-1 Visa Schedule is at http://moscow.usemba...r/wwwhci10.html

 

when I clicked the link...PAGE NOT FOUND!!

 

You schedule the interview online now at http://www.ustraveld...ml?firstTime=No

So you know when you schedule it for.


vbtwoMaleUkraine2013-11-15 16:12:00
Russia, Ukraine and BelarusRussian fiancé has started freaking out

I would be willing to talk to him, but if Misha's girl would like to talk to him it would probably be better as they went through the Russian consulate. I went through the Canadian Consulate. 


CDN(ON)-USA(VT)MaleCanada2014-10-21 23:05:00