Time to schedule an interview?

[joshnmil 0]

Somewhere around two weeks is probably pretty accurate. Give or take a month or two. That's just how it works in Russia.

If your S/O hasn't received it within 45 days of the interview date, I'd start e-mailing. If you're only about 30 days out, I'd start calling. If it's only going to be a week or two, and you still don't have the packet... just print the forms out from the website and fill them in yourself. Call and confirm the time/date and let the embassy know no packet was receieved but the interview will go on as scheduled.

Well, our interview is November 1st and no packet as of yet. I called the embassy today and was told that these packets often don't come at all, "just read the instructions on the website, download the forms and come to the interview" - that's what I was told. But I am just wondering - are you supposed to mail them a checklist prior to the interview? Or you don't have to mail anything in Russia, just show up with all the documents on the scheduled day? I am a bit confused now...

You don't mail them anything. The packet is just copies of forms and instructions in Russian. Download the forms from the website and thats it. Our packet arrived just a few weeks before the interview date.

[Turboguy 6]

There is one form that they want filled out on line and then printed out, signed and brought to the interview. I Believe is is the DS-230. You can find it on the embasssy website to complete it.

[dkrivosheyev 0]

There is one form that they want filled out on line and then printed out, signed and brought to the interview. I Believe is is the DS-230. You can find it on the embasssy website to complete it.

Well, it's October now and my fiancee has not received the packet yet. So I guess we just have to print the forms from the embassy website, fill them out and come to the interview. Do they check some type of "invitation letter" before they let you into the embassy? If no invitation came in the mail, how would they allow her inside?

[Satellite 1]

Do they check some type of "invitation letter" before they let you into the embassy?

Yes, based on personal experience, ours was checked.

If no invitation came in the mail, how would they allow her inside?

Can't say, didn't have this issue, others will reply who have.

[Turboguy 6]

I believe they have a list of women who are supposed to be there. You could try calling or e-mailing the embassy to be safe.

[mendeleev 68]

Thank you! This is a very interesting theory, I never see this before. However, I don't think it works all the time - how about something like this: MOS2007573*** - the date cannot be 5/73... I guess we just wait for now.

I think there is an expression about being in the right church but the wrong pew. You guys are close but no brass ring.

You asked about MOS2007573??? That number was processed on March 14th.

This is how it works.

...

Perhaps that is why I ended up in Administrative Review. My last three numbers were 007

Hmmm, Turboguy. Maybe you're onto something.

My Aeroflot frequent flyer number starts off 0007. Maybe we were in Administrative Review for only a month because we had the extra leading zero. I've been told that the FSB is interested in me, too...

[mendeleev 68]

My wife lives in Novosibirsk. Her packet 3/4 took a month to arrive. At the two-week point, I emailed the embassy and they told me, as they told you, dkrivosheyev, that everything is on the website.

As for the invitation -- I think Turboguy's idea is a good one. Let us know what they say.

[dkrivosheyev 0]

My wife lives in Novosibirsk. Her packet 3/4 took a month to arrive. At the two-week point, I emailed the embassy and they told me, as they told you, dkrivosheyev, that everything is on the website.

As for the invitation -- I think Turboguy's idea is a good one. Let us know what they say.

My fiancee is in Yekaterinburg, which is a bit closer to Moscow than Novosibirsk. I sent an e-mail to Embassy asking about the invitation and how to get in if she does not have one. Will see what they say.

Thank you!