Success! Tourist Visa Approved!! [merged threads]

[gregoryagu 31]

I cannot believe. But yes, her Tourist Visa was approved today.

The interview was very short. He asked, what is purpose of trip, what about job, where has she been before.

No question was asked about money or bank account.

I think the trip she took to Greece helped.

I also think because it is right before Christmas it helped.

He looked at invitation letter from Church.

Then said approved!!!!

She will come soon.

I am happy man.

[geowrian 22,337]

Congrats!

[gregoryagu 31]

Her Tourist Visa was approved Today Thursday 22 Dec in Moscow , so we are planning trip.

How long does it take to actually get Visa? Is it mailed? Does she go pick it up?

With Christmas coming up soon, is this going to delay actually getting Visa?

Is the Embassy closed over Christmas, New Years?

[ToddB 10]

http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru/ru-niv-visaapply.asp

"Step 5
If your application is approved, your passport and visa will be delivered to you by Pony Express or held for you to pick up at the address you specified when you scheduled your interview. Details on passport delivery are available on this webpage."

[millefleur 5,047]

Congrats! Just curious: did she mention that she is in a relationship with you (US citizen, I'm assuming)?

[millefleur 5,047]

I don't know what the situation in Moscow is, but here (SPB) you can either pick it up in person at a designated pick up point OR they send it via Pony Express. If I remember, it takes about a week or two after the interview.

Yes, there may be delays due to holidays. The Embassy will be closed for New Years Day, Christmas Day, and for Russian New Year holidays. So, you might want to anticipate a delay of an extra week or two.

Holidays/closures listed on the official site: https://moscow.usembassy.gov/holidays.html

Edited December 22, 2016 by millefleur

[TBoneTX 45,497]

Two threads on the topic have been merged.

[gregoryagu 31]

Congrats! Just curious: did she mention that she is in a relationship with you (US citizen, I'm assuming)?

Thanks Millefleur!

On the relationship, she was not asked about it, so the subject did not come up. The entire interview was 3 minutes, so not much ground was covered. I am guessing there was a holiday crunch on Visa's.

Another friend did an interview the same week, and her qualifications were near zero - no trips, no bank account, no strong ties, not even a steady job. But it was approved and she is flying to the US on Monday. I really didn't see that coming.

Greg

[millefleur 5,047]

Thanks Millefleur!

On the relationship, she was not asked about it, so the subject did not come up. The entire interview was 3 minutes, so not much ground was covered. I am guessing there was a holiday crunch on Visa's.

Another friend did an interview the same week, and her qualifications were near zero - no trips, no bank account, no strong ties, not even a steady job. But it was approved and she is flying to the US on Monday. I really didn't see that coming.

Greg

Sounds like Moscow was being generous due to the holiday spirit!