golfnut63

We sent wife's N-400 application August 18th to Nebraska Service Center, I will keepyou up to date on progress

I wanted to offer some advice to others since my wife has been here a little over a year now, this may or may apply to all but hope it helps some.

1. They need to learn English a much as possible before arriving. Use the time waiting to arrive to take formal classes. My wife can speak English but is not fluent. She regrets not taking her English lasses more seriously and using the time to do learn. This is important for many reasons because after then newness and excitment of moving to America wears off the reality of life moves in and your spouse will want to fit in and become part of normal life. Also, if they plan to attend college there will be TOFEL to test their level of English, it must be more than conversational to get in to college. English is also important if they plan to work anytime in the future.

2. Driving...if your future spouse does not drive then have them take local driving lessons before they arrive. If you think teaching a 15 year old is difficult try teaching someone who does not speak perfect English and most likely did not grow up as a passenger as you did. My wife took driving lessons before she arrived and I know it has saved our marriage and possibly our and other lives. I cannot imagine how this would have been had she never been behind the wheel. Another great reason to learn perfect English as well, the driving test is in English, the driving evaluator expects her to speak and understand English.

3. Academic evaluation. We had to have her documents professionally translated and also had a company evaluate her degree to an America equivelancy for her to enter school. She has a medical degree but it is difficult to get a medical license without extensive re-training. So she is going to change medical fields in order to work in America.

4. When we applied for AOS we also applied for Advance Parole (ability to leave/re-enter US without Green Card). At the time we applied for the AOS we were planning to go on a cruise for Christmas, since that was March we thought she would have a green Card by then but went ahead and spent the $170 just in case, well the Green Card did not happen and thankfully we had the AP. It would also be helpful if she had a family emergency we would have the AP in hand.

5. We use a lot of phone cards for her to call home at any time. I think this helps her deal with the family separation and major change. She never experienced depression that I could tell but I think it is because she is in her 30's and lived away from home for 6 years when she went to school. We are in the process of getting her mother to visit late this summer if we can get her a tourist visit. One thing that has help as well is we have Direct TV Russian channels so she still has a link to her culture and can hear her language daily. We also rent Russian movies through the Internet and go to an international market that sells Russian food and Baltica beer.

I will try to add more later but hope this helps.

Natalia received her Green Card today finally. It took a few phone calls and a letter to USCIS to help keep it on track. She had her biometrics last July and interview in September. It seems she has two A #'s and the USCIS was confused. But now it is settled. Now we wait two years and start again.

Warren

Hello,

I am submitting my wife's AOS documents and additionally the I-131 AP form.

For the AOS forms I understand I must submit 2 passport photos, $325 and $70 dollars for the biometrics.

Since I am adding the AP form do I need to submit more passport photos and another $170?

Thank you!

Warren

I had the same question as I filled out the I-485 (under a K-1) so I called USCIS and was told my wife does not have a A # (alien number) yet and to put "NONE" in the box. I did this so I will see what happens.

Good luck, Warren

We met in Dominican Republic and had a great time with no problems, the all-inclusive resorts are worth the money if you like to drink. The beaches are great too.

Hello,

We are just starting the AOS process and had a few questions.....

On the I-485, G-325 forms...

1. Now that my wife is married to me do I still use her maiden name on the areas that ask for family name or do I put her new married name?

2. Is the vaccination supplement required without exception? Reason I am asking is two of her friends have received their Green Cards and never submitted vaccination form.

Thank you, Warren

Thanks everyone. I thought about complaining but didn't know who to complain to and didn't want to make things worse while we were waiting. After that I just wanted to make our next connection.

A friend came in through Chicago bringing in his girl on a K-1 about a month ago and he said it was great there. Took him a half an hour from the time they got to the customs officer 'till they were in the parking lot ready to go home. If you can do it that sounds like the place to enter.

Sorry to hear you had a terrible experience with Atlanta as your POE. As I wrote before, Natalia took about 2 and half hours from the time she landed. Since I was not with her I am not certain if her delay was based on the number of people in line or laziness of the Customs personnel. But based on your e-mail I am sure it was the latter. But for us Atlanta was the best POE for our situation since I was driving from Florida.

Sorry I have not written much more on our experiences but since she has been her I seldom even log on to the computer. Before her arrival I was on Visa Journey 2 or 3 hours a day reading as much as possible to make the process easier. Now I find myself on the AOS forum more often. But I will check this forum more often to see if I can offer others any advice. Usually many others have already offered advice.

But I will say this experience has been well worth the effort and we are very happy.

Warren

Hello,

Natalia is here!!!!!, I will give details of Atlanta experience tomorrow. But her customs took 2 hours 30 minutes from the time she landed. But what is a few hours whe when have waited so long already.

Warren

Yes, I will post an e-mail of how the POE process went for both of us. The Atlanta Hartsfield Airport has a great web-site with information (video and maps) for international arrivals:

http://www.atlanta-airport.com/Default.asp...vice/cspage.htm

This site should get you close but it is in the Customer Service area and then click International Passengers. Chose your language (Russian is not a choice yet) and you can watch a Flash video. It does help a little.

But the main point is she will receive her luggage at the immigration point and then re-check it and it will be sent through the airport to the normal baggage claim for all flights. So, worst case if you know her Flight number you can be at baggage claim waiting for her. I plan to intercept her before that point if possible.

I also e-mailed her an AT&T pre-paid phone card codes so she can go to any pay phone and dial the numbers and my cell phone so first I will know she is in the airport and if necessary. I explained in detail how to use it. This should help too.

I smiled when she said "I had no problem finding you at SVO II airport in Moscow and it was very large, we will find each other at Atlanta" I told her wait until you see Atlanta's airport and you must walk a mile or take a 5 minute underground train to baggage claim from Concourse E. Plus there are 10 times the amount of people. And I am sure I stuck out like every other American at SVO II (also at St. Petersburg's airport) so I was easy to find. Somehow they know I was American even when I try not to look American. Natalia said I smiled too much!

I also remember at SVO II she went to the cafe and ordered 2 coffees and we somehow paid $14.00 for 2 very small cups of coffee (there was no menu or prices listed anywhere) I thought Starbucks was high. I will never complain about a 3 dollar cup (large) of coffee again at the airport.

Until next time, Warren

Hello everyone,

Just an update to pass on good news,

Natalia is in Moscow today and has received her K-1 Visa at DHL. It was delivered from the Embassy on Tuesday and we had arranged for DHL to hold it until she travelled back through Moscow, we didn't want to take a chance it would be lost in route to her city.

She will fly tomorrow to Atlanta. The most difficult part of this journey is almost over. Now the AOS journey begins but at least she will be here.

It seems all are having success as well and I am sure it is because of the experiences and advice posted. Can you imagine doing this without an Internet. (I suppose it is because of Al Gore )

Good luck to all,

Warren

Is the I-134 even required?

I pulled this from the American Embassy Moscow webite on interview requirements......

This is number 10.

Financial documentation from the petitioner may include but is not limited to employment letter for the petitioner with salary information and/or a copy of tax returns (Form 1040) for the last year, bank statement, W-2s. I-134 Affidavit of Support is not required but may be requested by a consular officer.

I provided I-134, 2004 Form 1040 tax return, last 3 years of W-2's, bank statement of last 12 months on bank letterhead, and my salary on employer letterhead.

Natalia said they did take it but it was not discussed.

I know it seems every Embassy does it different but this is straight from Moscow's website. You can always call or e-mail the Embassy too.

Warren

Congratulations!!! i like hearing good news!!!

I'll also have my interview on 27 Feb... so nervous now. Hope i'll also meet someone nice there.

Hm... since you have just had your interview.. i'd like to know if they asked anything in detail about your wedding plan? I ask this cuz we dont really have any detailed plan. i just wonder if what they'll react.

For all the others who have had interview... pls kindly give me any opinions about the interview. i'm just so nervous.

THANKS!!!

Sleepybears

She was asked about when she planned to fly to U.S. and when we planned to marry. She told the ConOff that she was flying on the 25th and we planned to marry sometime in April in Las Vegas. The ConOff also asked about her engagement ring that Natalia was wearing. Other than that no firm details on the wedding plans because we weren't sure if she was coming since the interview is not always successful.

Hope that helps you!

Warren

Hello,

I just received phone call from Natalia, she was successful at her interview!!!!!!!!

She called me at 2:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. Moscow time) and I could tell by her voice she was very happy.

She said she was first in line this morning. When they let her in the embassy she went through security similar to an airport process but they kept some of her items especially cell phone until her departure.

Then she took a number (number 1) and waited. When she was called she went to a window and gave a man documents (her DS-156, medical etc, my I-134 with 2004 taxes and 3 previous W-2's, bank and work statements, and he asked for only one photo of us together). Then she sat again.

She was called again and begain her interview, she said she had a nice younger woman that was very pleasant. Natalia said she had the interview primarily in English but sometimes in Russian when the ConOff needed to explain something precisely. She was asked:

Are you married?

Do you have children?

Tell me about your fiance' (Natalia said this led to a few other general questions as if two qirlfriends were talking together so I suppose as Natalia explained our past, present and future she answered the standard questions about how we met and trips together and our future, but it was not so formal and ridgid.

She said they also discussed my divorce, my child, my job, when she plans to travel to America and when and where we plan to marry. She said they never asked for phone records, ticket stubs, more photos, or anything out of the ordinary.

Natalia said it was very easy and she felt at ease after if began. She said the ConOff told her she would have the Visa by February 22 and DHL Moscow. She said the woman was very, very nice. She asked me if American people were always this friendly and helpful, I smiled and said no unfortunately not always.

She also said she did not notice if any other women were successful or not since she was first. But when she was finished and walked back to the waiting area she said the other women were very interested in her experience with the ConOff.

In all I think she was in the embassy about 2 hours. She said now she needs to sit and relax over a coffee.

Looking back this seems very easy and anti-climatic but I know it is because of this website and all of you helping each of us with your experiences. I doubt I could have done this as quickly or error free. I think if I had to just read the directions on the USCIS forms we would have made some mistakes and forgot something. And as we begin the next phase of the paperwork I will continue to read the forum postings.

I smile now because I remember when I started this process I would be in the K-1 forum every few hours to analyze other's timelines (from CA Service Center via TSC) to try and predict when I would receive the NOA2. And I am sure if I returned I would see the typical e-mails of people complaining about the slow processing time of CSC. It was only a few months ago but seems like forever.

Thanks to all of you for your help,

Warren and Natalia

Hello,

I just received phone call from Natalia, she was successful at her interview!!!!!!!!

She called me at 2:30 a.m. (10:30 a.m. Moscow time) and I could tell by her voice she was very happy.

She said she was first in line this morning. When they let her in the embassy she went through security similar to an airport process but they kept some of her items especially cell phone until her departure.

Then she took a number (number 1) and waited. When she was called she went to a window and gave a man documents (her DS-156, medical etc, my I-134 with 2004 taxes and 3 previous W-2's, bank and work statements, and he asked for only one photo of us together). Then she sat again.

She was called again and begain her interview, she said she had a nice younger woman that was very pleasant. Natalia said she had the interview primarily in English but sometimes in Russian when the ConOff needed to explain something precisely. She was asked:

Are you married?

Do you have children?

Tell me about your fiance' (Natalia said this led to a few other general questions as if two qirlfriends were talking together so I suppose as Natalia explained our past, present and future she answered the standard questions about how we met and trips together and our future, but it was not so formal and ridgid.

She said they also discussed my divorce, my child, my job, when she plans to travel to America and when and where we plan to marry. She said they never asked for phone records, ticket stubs, more photos, or anything out of the ordinary.

Natalia said it was very easy and she felt at ease after if began. She said the ConOff told her she would have the Visa by February 22 and DHL Moscow. She said the woman was very, very nice. She asked me if American people were always this friendly and helpful, I smiled and said no unfortunately not always.

She also said she did not notice if any other women were successful or not since she was first. But when she was finished and walked back to the waiting area she said the other women were very interested in her experience with the ConOff.

In all I think she was in the embassy about 2 hours. She said now she needs to sit and relax over a coffee.

Looking back this seems very easy and anti-climatic but I know it is because of this website and all of you helping each of us with your experiences. I doubt I could have done this as quickly or error free. I think if I had to just read the directions on the USCIS forms we would have made some mistakes and forgot something. And as we begin the next phase of the paperwork I will continue to read the forum postings.

I smile now because I remember when I started this process I would be in the K-1 forum every few hours to analyze other's timelines (from CA Service Center via TSC) to try and predict when I would receive the NOA2. And I am sure if I returned I would see the typical e-mails of people complaining about the slow processing time of CSC. It was only a few months ago but seems like forever.

Thanks to all of you for your help,

Warren and Natalia

Great news!! I am very happy for both of you!

Natalia's interview is tomorrow and I hope we have the same results!

I am a little worried about receiving our Visa in time for her flight on the 25th. As I said before she will return to Moscow on the 24th and go to DHL and receive her Visa, I was sure 8 days would be enough but now I have been told the Embassy will not have courier service 22, 23, and 24th because of Russian holidays. And I also realized Monday is a US holiday. So, unless they go to DHL on Tuesday I am not sure if it can be processed that quickly, I am not sure what the Embassy does after the Visa has been approved.

Worst case is I will move her ticket to the right. The important thing is she receives approval tomorrow.

I will also post her questions.

Thanks, Warren

OK so this has been discussed, but as you know the old threads are a mess. I am sending Natasha to get the cash for the ticket. So where to get them, one way or round trip, etc. If you have any links to the old threads it would help. I can't search now here at work but will later tonight. Just wanted to see if anyone has anymore relevant info at this time. Thanks

I went with the round trip only because it was cheaper than one-way for the exact flight I wanted for Natalia (Delta Moscow to Atlanta non-stop for $800.00) because I will drive and meet her there.

I am sure I could have found a cheaper one-way to JFK but then I would still need a connecting flight to Atlanta etc. I also did not want her to have to deal with a connecting flight.

When I spoke to the Delta rep on the phone I explained the K-1 Visa situation one-way vs. round trip legalities but she was not exactly sure how the USCIS looked at this but I know if I would have found a cheaper one-way ticket to Atlanta I would have taken it.

Not sure if this helps but I have never seen a requirement for someone traveling on a K-1 to have a return flight and I do not see this in the VJ guides either.

Good luck,

Warren

Hi,

I was wondering if someone can tell me what Natalia can expect at the airport when she arrives. I know she will have a sealed packet to give to the customs officer. I wanted to prepare her as much as possible. Her POE will be Atlanta.

Thanks, Warren

Cliff,

I am not sure if she will receive her Visa through DHL that quickly but it possible based on some VJ experiences I have read.

Natalia is going to tell DHL to hold her Visa until she returns to Moscow Friday Feb 24. This gives them 8 days to receive it. Then she will depart to Atlanta on the following day.

Does Ksenia plan to fly through Moscow again prior to her flight to US? If so, does she have time to go to DHL if she asks them to hold it. But if you plan to have it sent to her city by the 26th I think it will make it but I do not know if you can intercept it at the Moscow DHL office unless you ask them the possibilty when you pay the fee.

Medical was very easy, I am not sure which hospital Natalia went to but I was with her and I remember we walked by the Moscow Zoo and then later by a DHL office. The hospital was very nice, clean, and modern. She had no problems receiving her results the next day about 2 p.m. Her fee was 100 dollars. She did not feel degraded in any way. Natalia is also a doctor and felt very comfortable. I have read of other women having a problem at some exams.

I believe there are 2 DHL offices (maybe more) but this particular one had great hours (late) and was also open on Saturday.

We have not planned our wedding date yet, we know it will most likely be in April and in Las Vegas. We decided to do it this way because she would not have family here and she wants to eventually visit famous american cities, so might as well start now. We also have plan to visit Universal Studios Orlando March 1st. She said she likes roller coasters, we will see.

I hope I did not forget something too, the only thing I worry about is that the embassy will want something in original that I do not have in original (divorce paper, only certified copy). I provided the I-134, letter from my work on letterhead, bank history on letterhead, 2004 taxes, last 3 years of W-2's, phone records, etc, etc. (Also a full copy of I what I sent to CSC and I even updated my letter of intent to marry). But luckily it is not a Monday interview date so maybe the interviewer will be in a pleasant mood.

Natalia is also worried about her English, she asked me what language to use at the interview. I told her she speaks English very well (about 7 out of 10) but if she feels more comfortable ask to speak in Russian but I am sure she will use both languages.

Good luck, I know you will do fine, keep in touch, Warren

Hello,

Natalia's interview is Next Thursday (Feb 16) and she is extremely nervous, I tried to calm her but she goes to Russian forums similar to this but mainly populated with other women applying for K-Visas. But in these forums they are mostly negative from women who were denied a Visa. And in this forum she says the questions the women were asked during were sometimes personal in nature for example....

How do you know you are in love with him?

How do you know you are the correct woman for him?

How do you know he is correct for you?

Why was he divorced before?

etc, etc

I told here to answer correctly and how she feels and that the interviewers only want to determine if you know the person you are marrying and you have a true relationship. I told her we have tons of photos from three separate meetings, phone records of calling 2 times each day for the past 15 months, and about 400 e-mails each to chose from. And of course the required documents (I hope).

I also told her the people that are usually denied a Visa are the ones that do not have the proper documents asked for in the instructions and checklist. For example, in all the places (during driving school in her small city) she met a girl that was also appying for a K-1 and has an interview in February, so Natalia thought what a great opportunity to compare notes to make sure they were preparing the same, etc. etc. But she soon found out that her new friend was far from ready. Her friend had not applied for her police report nor did she really understand the medical exam process. And she learned her new friend's fiance' was using lawyers to assit them through this process. Natalia was shocked to learn this and helped her and now she believes her friend will be ready for her Feb 15 interview.

I told Natalia these are the exact people who you read the sad stories about, they are denied because the they were not ready for some reason. The did not follow directions or their high paid lawyers did not set them up for success. I told there is always a chance we will not receive our K-1 Visa but I think we have prepared very well and I believe it from reading helpful e-mails from positive people on VJ and VJ's guides.

I told her to be organized, answer correctly and honestly and that is the best I can ask from her. I told her it is 6 months on pain for a 10-15 minute interview (no pressure). I told her she will be successful and celebrating that afternoon with her new favorite drink a "Margarita".

I want to thank everyone who has posted their experiences on VJ, I know we would not have gotten this far without it. I will post our interview experiences and questions asked during the interviw.

Good luck to all, Warren