Thank you for your reply. She already speaks English at an intermediate level, she is taking an English class, and we talk every week for 30-45 minutes in English on the phone. I would like to learn more Russian, I have several books, the Oxford Russian course, and some online material. I'd really like to hear the language spoken by a native that can teach me more in a one on one environment.

My fiance received her visa from the courier yesterday. Her interview was on the 24th of September and the interviewing officer told her it would arrive in a week. It arrived exactly 1 week later. The embassy stated the visa was issued on the 26th and sent out. We thought it would have taken longer since she lives in Sevastopol which isnt exactly close to Kiev.

CONGRATULATIONS

TONY and TANYA!

And what about the birth and marriage certificates. Is notarization of these documents required or not?

Notarization of what signature?

Congratulations!!!

Notarization of our Ukrainian marriage certificate and my birth certificate translated by an official translator.
They (Embassy people) told Natashenika that no notarization needed for police certificate translation. And what about the rest of translations, namely our marriage and my birth certificate translations.

Let's take a look at what they said to Natashenika... (I added some definition and emphasis)



Seems pretty clear to me .....

Fwaguy,
Thanks alot!

Hi folks,
Just a short note to inform you of our post-marriage USCIS involvement:

N. received her approved AP papers on the 20th of last month; along with a notice that her greencard interview was scheduled for Nov. 14 (4 months exactly since we filed the papers). Monday we received a notice that her EAD card was approved and mailed. This seemed fast even though we had 2 RFEs--first was because I did not send copies of my W-2 with tax return; second was because they could not find records of her medical exam from Kiev.

The EAD card will allow her to get her driver's license here which will give her mobility, and allow her to look for a job. Now all we have to do is pass the interview hurdle next month.

Not sure if anyone finds this info useful... Just FYI..
Our baby boy's SSN just arrived to my hubby's address in US. Though we filed for it in Kiev Embassy in March 2007, then refiled in July 2007. so we have been waiting for that SSN to come for half a year. They say that if you file it from US and NOT from the embassy abroad it ussually takes ONLY 2 weeks to be ready.

Ok Gang, I'm going to lament some more.

I just called the call center. Our petition was sent out by NVC on 9/26 after the 5 week delay/processing time. First thing I tried was to use the PIN number that we had purchased in late July when I was in Kyiv. It didn't work. So, I bought a new one and after waiting a couple of minutes, got the operator. I told him that I wanted to schedule an interview appointment and he apologized saying that they were having some sort of "Data Processing" problems and I had to call back "tomorrow". I reminded him that tomorrow is Saturday, and he said to call back on Monday. I then reminded him that Monday is a US Federal Holiday (Colombus Day) and was told that the call center will be open on that day for scheduling interviews (not certain if that is true, but I'll try nonetheless).

So, does anyone have any tips on how to lose this cloud of bad luck that seems to follow us everywhere we go?

You could always try what superstitious Ukrainians supposedly do - turn and spit over your left shoulder 3 times to try and keep bad luck from happening (lol). Seriously, I hope the process goes smoother for you. I just got started, but I anticipate hitting some bumps in the road too. Hopefully none will be two big. GOOD LUCK the rest of the way!

Our life is like a zebra. After having a black stripe period there will be a white one for sure. so after having some bad luck get ready to meet and welcome your good luck!

I thought that was only if a black cat crossed in front of you? In any case I'll try it.

I know that we were an exception as far as NVC goes. Most are in and out of there within 9 days. There must have been a near hit on her name or who knows, maybe it was because we filed a congressional. In any case we sure were glad to get the hell out of there. Given the delay at NVC I warned my fiancee to be ready to provide fingerprints at the Embassy because that seems common after delays. I just hope they give the approval on sight, and allow us to get our life going together.

Normally I would say buck up buddy and grow some skin... but maybe in your case all you need is to grow some hair!!!!

Just because I'm "Follically Challenged" doesn't give you the right.....

A question on DS-230.

Point 25 namely. I had R (C1/D class) visa -this type of visa is issued to crewmembers who work on cruise ships. Should I indicate that type of visa in my DS-230? 'cause I entered US using that visa but I lived 6 months on a cruise ship not actually in the US

Yes I would list it... enter the actual dates of entry into the US (if known) not the dates of your employment on the ship...

You're right. Check my timeline. We're both shocked. Someone must have cancelled and I called at the right time I guess.

Nice! Congratulations!

Congratulations!!! Did you end up spitting over your left shoulder 3 times? If so, maybe that's what did it.

No, but I certainly prayed alot and have been asking family to do the same. I'll make it a habit to do the spitting when I leave for work tomorrow.

Thanks for the Congrats, we can't wait for this to end and to start our life together.

Better get the house clean... Oh wait, it won't matter, cuz no matter how well you do it it won't be good enough....

I am a little confused on a few things and I would greatly appreciate a little help.

Have my NOA2 and I guess my petition is on it's way to the NVC or is there and they have not told me or whatever.
I think the NVC provides the KEV number when they send it to the Embassy, is that right?
Do you need the KEV number for the Medical? (I know you need it before calling to schedule an interview.)

The Guides here say you need the I-134 Affidavit of Support for a K-1 and the I-864 Affidavit of Support is for a K-3; however, the info in the download of Packet 3 from the Embassy website has a checklist with both the I-134 and I-864 on it. That's confusing to me???

Many thanks!

yes you certanly need your KEV number for medical
but it doesen't take that log to make an appointment Called for mine a week in advance
Just make sure you have all the shots and recent Rubella

The checklist is a dual purpose checklist for the non-immigrant visa K-1/K-3/\ and the immigrant visa IR(CR)1 so you will need to read it carefully and look for the qualifiers. For example,

3. . evidence of support for K visa applicants - from your American fiancé(e)/spouse – tax returns, pay stubs, letters from employers, bank statements, Affidavit of Support I-134;

4. . for immigrant visa applicants – I-864 Affidavit of Support

So for K-1/K-3 the I-134 is the form, for the IR(CR)1 then the i-864 is the form.

Thank you, I have a problem with that immigrant / non-immigrant language... I appreciate the clarification.

Actually I'm moving, so there will be plenty of work for me to do, but I agree, it will probably not be good enough. I have even been told the white glove treatment will given

I need a quick opinion here from those who have been through the interview. Is it safe to say that when the Embassy says we have an approved Visa, that we could book a flight 2 weeks from that date? I figure that since she interviews on a Monday, that she'll have the passports back by the end of the following week.

Also, what is everyone's experience at booking flights on short notice? Can I assume that it will be cheaper to book a flight at least one week in advance of departure, or would it be better still to book two weeks or more in advance.

Thanks in Advance

As far as I can tell... All visa approvals for a week are "batched" together and printed and couriered the following Monday. So in a perfect world with a Monday interview approval she should see her visa in 10 days (since Lena is in Kiev I would say 1 day sooner). The courier will only deliver the package to the named addressee on the package so Lena will be "home" stricken until the visa arrives. We had Sveta's package delivered to a friend who we knew would be at work when the package was delivered. This allowed Sveta the opportunity to go and visit her parents and was not "stuck" at home waiting.

As far as tix pricing, late October and early November is a good time to travel. Whatever you do about a tix before the visa is in hand is a risky proposition. I did what you are thinking and I sweated bullets until that package arrived. Lena should try to source her tickets locally and then compare to what you can do yourself.

Thanks I'll do that (check locally and over there). We did stop at a travel agency in August and have some ideas on prices for the two of them, it seemed about the same cost as I would pay here.

So, if Lena has a family member at her place, they will they still deliver and not require just "her" signature? She may be more in the mood for not working during that week anyway, she has things she has to take care of prior to departure.

Maybe others will comment but my understanding is the package is delivered to the named addressee only and ID is required to be shown...

As for tickets pricing - check out Expedia site. You can compare prices for Nov and Oct there.
The link is:
expedia.com

my hubby always buys airplane tickets through expedia.com

Just FYI, I bought my tickets directly through NWA but they used their partner KLM. It seemed that I got about the same price as going through Orbitz...Orbitz didn't offer the ability to buy a ticket originating from Ukraine...that's why I went through NWA directly. My roundtrip ticket was about $800. For her ticket 1-way from Kyiv, they wanted $2,500. I asked if I could just get her a roundtrip ticket like mine but just not use the first half. They said no...they would cancel if she didn't show up on the way over. So finally I told them to make a roundtrip ticket starting in Ukraine and then returning later on in the year even though she probably won't use it. That dropped the price down to about $800. Ah...the silly games airlines play. My guess is you can probably get even cheaper tickets...I was too busy working on other things to shop around more. Hope this helps someone.


Oh one more thing. Anyone know a cheap way to ship things to the USA from Ukraine? My wife is an avid reader and doesn't want to leave her books behind! hahaha She's got 100-200 kilograms worth which could get expensive transporting as luggage. She thinks she may have a company that will do it for about $3/kg but am just curious to see if anyone knows a cheaper way. Thanks!

We will book her flight on KLM as well. We want the Amsterdam connection to O'Hare because that is within decent (<2 1/2 hrs) driving distance for me to pick them up. I'm trying to avoid more than the one flight change once in the states so they don't have to mess with the POE and catching another flight. I wish I had the vacation time to fly over and accompany them, but that was burned up already in 2 previous trips over there.

That's what we did too. We are going from Kyiv to Amsterdam, then to Atlanta which is our POE and final destination. I figured that was better than risking missing a connecting flight. We're also bringing a cat and dog! hahaha

Have her come to MSP... we are a friendly place....

I am the only immigrant (CR-1 visa) as our baby was issued an amrecina passport. What type of affidavit of support does my hubby need to fill out and send?
Is it I-864EZ or I-864?

The I-864 EZ has limited criteria but if you qualify then why not...

Criteria are:
1. You are the person who filed or is filing the Form I-130, Petition for Alien Relative, for a relative being sponsored;
2. The relative you are sponsoring is the only person listed onthe Form I-130 petition;
3. The income you are using to qualify is based entirely on your salary or pension and is shown on one or more Forms W-2 provided by your employer(s) or former employer(s).

I sense from your post that item #1 (the sponsor is your petitioner husband) & 2 (only one alien is being sponsored...you) have been met..... If salaried income is the only thing being considered for the financial side then looks good to me.

FWAGUY, THANK YOU !!!

And what if my husband needs a joint sponsor. Is I-864 EZ still ok for him to use? And what form should sponsor fill out?

I think you hubby can still use EZ but the joint sponsor has no choice but to use the standard I-864.

Do we need a joint sponsor if my hubby was making over poverty but under 125% last year (as he spent 5 months with me in Ukraine not working)??

Too long of drive, besides the bridges aren't safe up there.

Received my NOA1 today via snail mail. Now the real fun begins.

Can he demonstrate current earnings capacity in excess of the threshold? Regardless of the answer, I would still have a joint sponsor in my back pocket just in case

From my travel experience to the Ukraine, there are two great sites out there for USA / Ukraine travel:

1. mobissimo.com - it searches nearly all other engines and many the other foreign airlines / engines / consolidators your expedias and orbits don't. Plus there are no issues buying tickets that don't originate in the US. You will usually get the best price here compared to anywhere on the net.

2. bt-store.com - it is consolidator and standard flight search engine, and occasionally the consolidator prices are quite low. I went roundtrip with one layover from SFO to KBP for just over $600 this year. They have a special thing with KLM/NWA where they buy in bulk and then resell them to the public, which is almost always below what you'd find in a regular search engine, even the airlines search engine. I've booked two trips here on KLM/NWA.

There may be others, but I've been about five times in the last year and these have consistenly worked out the best for me.

Good luck and happy flying.

Fwaguy!

I am sure tha you heard it alot already but still - YOU ARE EXTREMELY HELPFUL!

We have the same problem---my wife wants her stuff from Odessa also. There is a company called Meest---but if I remember correctly, the prices they quote on shipping by sea are from the docks in Odessa to their terminal in Jersey--you are responsible for getting it delivered down here. Have you really looked at paying the "extra baggage" fee from the airlines? Or you could possibly find someone else visiting Lviv to act as your mule. Right now our plan is: on her next visit back to Odessa (probably in April) I am going to accompany her also, and we will pack the maximum allowed in the luggage to bring back here.