please help!

[zane7570 1]

We were married in January of this year in Russia. I'm a lifelong North Carolinian from the US and she's a lifelong Russian. I have so many questions and I'm sure they have been addressed somewhere on this forum but I get so confused by all the different information and questions.

I know there has been something in the news that on Sept. 9 there restrictions for visas from visiting US citizens are supposed to be eased so that we can visit more easily. My wife will find out information about what she must to in order to make it easier for me to remain in Russia for longer visits. I need to know information about her visiting here. What steps I must take, what forms, estimated cost, what she must do, how long is she allowed to stay, etc. I'm not sure if there is some sort of restriction about length of time we have been married. I know that people are suspicious of couples who are recently wed and are trying to travel from place to place.

We are undecided if we will end up here or there but once she visits here...if she decides she would like to live here permanently, what are the requirements? What steps and forms must I do and must she do? In general how long would this process take and what is an estimated cost?

I may have many more questions. I will talk to her all about this on Skype and then she will let me know what else she needs to know. I appreciate any and all assistance.

[Jasontnyc 9]

For the second part of your question, start here:

http://www.visajourney.com/content/i130guide1

Then ask specific questions in this part of the forum when it comes to your specific situation.

I don't know Russian specific VISA requirements when it comes to tourist VISAs but there are Regional forums here which are probably a better help.

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/forum/98-russia-ukraine-and-belarus/

Edited August 21, 2012 by Jasontnyc

[Treva 3]

Hi,

You ask how long is she allowed to stay in the USA? If you apply for her to get a tourist visa, it will be limited. But, you can apply for her to get an immigrant visa (CR-1 visa) since she is your spouse. Once the immigrant visa is approved, she will be a legal permanent resident who may stay as long as she wants.

Getting the CR-1 visa approved is a longer and more involved process than a tourist visa, and more expensive. Filing fees for all the paperwork come to about $730 in all, and the wait time is approximately six months if you've done everything right. For many, it takes much longer. There is no restriction regarding how long you have been married; however, you will need to show some evidence that you are in a bona fide marriage/relationship.

Edited August 21, 2012 by Treva