bready99

On the DS-156k it lists that "Evidence of Engagement" is needed. What kind of evidence did everyone attach, if any? We don't have an engagement ring, because first of all this isn't a Russian tradition, and secondly for either of us this isn't a tradition. Any ideas?

Thanks in advance.

-Milena

Milena,

One of the things I think may help you is your documentation of relationship, such as, emails, letters, cards, and phone bills. I printed out some of our emails. In those emails that I printed out I deleted some of the more "personal" sentences that I felt they did not need to read. Any evidence you can show about your love for each other will help and the relationship you have.

Basil

Hi Everyone,

I thought i would let you know my first year in Houston has gone very well.

My AOS is still pending. Awaiting on name check.

I have my Second Ead on the way.

Also i have my Travel Permit Approved.

I have a good job at Macys.

I am really happy.

So the first year has been really good for me. So its not all bad. Houston is wonderful.

Kasth58

Hi, I saw your post and I am glad all is well for you in your first year in Houston. My fiance', now my wife, arrived from Russia 3 July 07 and is adjusting very well. But I'd still like to communicate with you and get an idea of what we will have to go through to continue our process of getting work and green card and any other things that might pop up along the way.

Thanks, Basul

They had quite a journey to get here. They took a train from their town in Belarus to Moscow. From there they flew to Frankfurt, Germany for a short 1 1/2 hours layover before flying non-stop to Houston.

I've been on those "train" rides in Russia. Not a comfortable experience at all.

Add me to the list.

I was once told that the couples communicate through sex, but that must be a joke!

Definitely a joke!

You think it would be appropriate to start a topic with a question about it in the title? Or would it be tactless?

I think this would be a good topic under the general forum... It is always good to see how different people go about answering the age old question of how they go about communicating their love for one another... I think in all of cases

(people with foreign partners) , we tend to have to rely on more then just talking, which I think may helps us in making our relationships more fuller... but that is my personal opinion.

I have a hard time understanding how you can fall in love with a person if you don't speak a common language fluently, but there's lots of things I don't understand, so I better shut up

This question is pretty simple to answer for me. There is more to loving each other then speaking a common language fluently. If it was that simple (just language) then there would not be so many divorces or break-ups in this country (U.S.A.) or even in the world.

To answer the question for us, it is the way we look at each other, the way we treat each other, the way she laughs or smiles at the things I do. It is how we are able to hug each other after being so frustrated with some of the things we do or say or can't say to each other. We communicate in many ways with each other and, for the most part, it is all enjoyable. We do talk to each other and we do help each other in many ways. I think being in love is all about how each person "completes" the other person. It's not just about talking and it's not all about sex, it's all about how well two people are able to relate to each other and feel good in that relationship. Love is all about feelings and emotions and how two people are able to share and communicate those feelings. Speaking a similar language is just one way of communicating those emotions. I think those of you who havedifficulty understanding how two people can be in love without spaeking a common language fluently will also have difficulty in understanding those people who can fall in love at first sight, but that's another topic.

Tell them, welcome to America. I hope you have the time to let her rest and adjust her body clock. She will need about two weeks as a minimum and a couple of months to feel really normal. If you don't have a good electronic translator, then get one. It will pay off in the long run. Be patient and don't assume she understands everything just because she said Da.

My wife speaks very good English and we still have miscommunication problems after 1 1/2 years of marriage. So be patient, speak slowly and clearly, avoid slang and whenever possible, speak the King's English. Americans speak a different English than the British.

Thanks for the CONGRATs.. The one thing I have learned very quickly is to speak SLOWLY and clearly... The other night I was cooking dinner and she wanted to help... I asked her to cut up some meat in small pieces for me for dinner and put into a bowl... when she finished and presented it to me I saw that she cut up the meat and put it in the cat's bowl. She misunderstood what I said, she thought I said "cat" not "cut".. All I could do was smile and kiss her.

Just wanted to give a brief update on my fiance's experience POE into Houston, TX....

After my Fiance's visa was approved, it took about a week for her to receive it at her home town. I sent her the immigrations forms that you receive on the airplane already completed so she would not have any trouble in getting them filled out since she cannot speak much English. She was able to pack and leave within 10 days of receiving the approved visa.

She arrived at Bush International Airport. Her flight was on schedule from Japan to Houston. She had no issues during the trip. It took her 2 hours 20 minutes to get through customs. No issues, it was just a long wait because of the number of immigrants coming through at the time she arrived....

Not knowing what was going on, after about an hour, I used the airport phone to call immigrations to find out if there were any problems... They informed me that she had arrived, she was in the computer, and she was currently in the waiting area. They could not give me any specifics other then her location...

Anna later told me that they only asked her two questions, (1) Had she ever been in the U.S. before and (2) what date she was planning on getting married? They did not have a Russian speaking person at the office but I was told they had a person available in the airport if needed.

So far Anna and her son are adapting to living in the U.S. We have had some funny experiences happen because of cultural differences and translation issues but those stories can be told as another topic.. I'd like to thank everyone for all their comments. This site has been great. I hope other people use it as much as possible during their VISA Journey.

Basil

Just wanted to give a brief update on my fiance's expereince POE into Houston, TX.... She arrived at Bush International Airport. Her flight was on schedule from Japan to Houston. She had no issues during the trip. It took her 2 hours 20 minutes to get through customs. No issues, it was just a long wait because of the number of immigrants coming through at the time she arrived....

Not knowing what was going on, after about an hour, I used the airport phone to call immigrations to find out if there were any problems... They informed me that she had arrived, she was in the computer, and she was currently in the waiting area. They could not give me any specifics other then her location...

Anna later told me that they only asked her two questions, (1) Had she ever been in the U.S. before and (2) what date she was planning on getting married? They did not have a Russian speaking person at the office but I was told they had a person available in the airport if needed.

Morning,

Read about the ups and downs, but it seems like all worked out for the good. Happy to hear all is moving fowards.

Good luck to you both.

David

David,

Thank you for the words of encouragement. I too hope all will go well between us. I just confirmed all airline ticket reservations today. She should be arriving 3 July 2007.

Basil

B,

I will be curious to read your POE report once your fiancee arrives in Houston. I also live here and my fiance will be coming soon (I hope ). I'm just starting to price tickets....trying to see what is the best option. My fiance also speaks very little english and I would prefer to be there at the airport. For me, the POE for my fiance will definitely depend on the price of the ticket. If flying into Dallas is significantly cheaper than Houston, I'll go with that option. Since Dallas is not so very far away, I will just drive there...meet him and perhaps stay the night there. We can drive back the next day.

Please post your SO's experience arriving in Houston, when you get a chance.

Thanks much!

-P

P,

I will let you know once she arrives. Hopefully, she will be here 3 July 2007. I will post it then and send you an email.

Basil

My husband cleared Houston POE and customs in just under an hour back in February. He had no problems, but told me they did ask a lot of questions (like the consulate interview) and moved a bit slower than the normal human being (LOL).

Thanks for the information. I will make sure my fiance is aware that she may have to go through some more questioning when she arrives in country. I don't know how much they will be able to ask her and expect her to respond if she can only speak very little English. They will have to get someone who speaks Russian. If they do that then that will actually be a blessing.

Thanks again,

Basil

Hello,

I work in DFW airport, I manage 6 stores in the airport. My fiancess point of entry was San Francisco, but I do know a lot of immigration officers at DFW and they are very easy going. If by chance you are not meeting your fiancee at her POE in Dallas and you think she will need help getting to her connecting flight, just let me know and I'm sure I can make sure she gets to the right place with no problems.

Bryan & Marie

Bryan,

Thank you very much for that offer. I really do appreciate it. I have already decided to bring her through Houston and have made airplane reservation. I just figured that I needed to be there in case anything happens. Plus she speaks very little English. I know from personal experience that the immigration officers are better at DFW. I live in Houston and hate going through that place when I fly internationally. But I will have her go through this for now. Once again I really appreciate your offer. If there is anything I can do for you here in Houston, please let me know.

Basil

Congratulations! I am glad that everything worked out! Good Luck!

Thank you very much... I hope all goes well with you also.

Well, I wish I could say I had good news about my Fiance's interview. But I do not know the outcome of her 13 June 07 interview. My fiance arrrived in Moscow this past Friday night. She was going to use the weekend and Monday and Tuesday to take care of her medical exam and DHL requirements. Unfortunately when she went to the medical clinics they were all closed due to the Russian holiday. This is hard for me to imagine, from an American perspective, that medical clinics would be closed due to a holiday but that is Russia for you.

We attempted to contact the Embassy to find out what she could do so that she could possibly have a sussessful interview and not have it rescheduled but they were closed as well. She was upset, as was I, but we agreed that she would go to her interview and try to work through the issues with the Consulate. I was hoping to receive an email from her today but so far I have not heard anything. Maybe, no news is good news.

Basil

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THIS IS AN UPDATE TO ALL......................

Just talked with my Fiance. SHE has been APPROVED!!!!! They allowed her to have another day to get her medical exam completed and they interviewed her again, this morning Thursday, Moscow time. Alll went well. Hopefully she will be here at the end of this month.

They asked her about 10 or 12 questions and looked at her documentation of our courtship. Her son was with her and they were satisfied with everything.

So you get an "approval pending medical results".... no biggy.

Knock it out, finish it all up, and she's on the way! Good luck with everything. Hope you hear some good news soon!

HEY SLIM,

Just received update from my Fiance. SHE has been APPROVED!!!!! They allowed her to have another day to get her medical exam completed and they interviewed her again, this morning Thursday, Moscow time. Alll went well. Hopefully she will be here at the end of this month.

I want to thank you. You have been so helpful to me. Thanks again.

Basil

She didn't call ahead and make an appointment for her medical? That was a mistake. Sorry she is having this problem.

According to her she did call ahead to find out the cost of the exam and confirm date she would be there. This was done a couple of months ago and I don't know if no one realized then that the facility would be closed. We had been making plans for her travel to Moscow since early March, so it is possible she did make the call in March or April. This is all very frustrating.

Well, I wish I could say I had good news about my Fiance's interview. But I do not know the outcome of her 13 June 07 interview. My fiance arrrived in Moscow this past Friday night. She was going to use the weekend and Monday and Tuesday to take care of her medical exam and DHL requirements. Unfortunately when she went to the medical clinics they were all closed due to the Russian holiday. This is hard for me to imagine, from an American perspective, that medical clinics would be closed due to a holiday but that is Russia for you.

We attempted to contact the Embassy to find out what she could do so that she could possibly have a sussessful interview and not have it rescheduled but they were closed as well. She was upset, as was I, but we agreed that she would go to her interview and try to work through the issues with the Consulate. I was hoping to receive an email from her today but so far I have not heard anything. Maybe, no news is good news.

Basil

Well the medical was a breeze.

She had her exam, a check here, an x-ray there. and then she had to wait three hours for the results.

All very simple and nothing to worry about.....

They did also give her a few injections...And she left with a smile on her face.

The last step will be next week.

I am soo excited, but also very nervous. It will all come down to this day and if we can convince the interviewer that this relationship is a serious and committed bond betweeen two people.

Hi David,

Good to hear the medical exam went well. My Fiance flew to Moscow last night. She will get her medical exam Monday and will take the results with her to her interview on June 13th. It seems like it has taken forever to get to this point. I hope all goes well for you and your Fiance.

Basil

Has anyone had expereince that they can share with their Fiance entering the U.S. through Dallas or Houston, Texas?

nessa went thru houston, it wasn't too bad. took about a half hour i'd guess.

Hard to believe, but not unexpected, the wide range in different amounts of time to get through immigration... any where between 1/2 hour and 3 hours... I'll prepare myself for the worst and hope for the best..

Welcome to VJ and good luck on your journey ...

You're right about the amount of information that can be provided by the members here.... Not only will they provide great insight but will also help in keeping you calm during this long drawn out process..

My wife (then fiancee) and her daughter arrived at Houston POE in 2004. The ICE / Customs people were polite, but it took almost 2 hours for them to be processed. I had to use the phone posted at the exit of the customs area to call inside to find out where they were when they didn't exit with the other passengers after the flight had arrived over an hour. All they would tell me was that they were there and being processed.

They finally came out about 2 hours after the flight landed. They did get the EAD stamp on their I-94 and passports. My stepdaughter even got an EAD stamp even though as a K-2 she was not eligible for it.

Later, my wife told me they spent a lot of time just sitting while the ICE people were busy questioning some guy from the Middle East.

It is good to hear someone having a good experience. It is good to know that they are at least being polite. My wife does not speak a lot of English and I am sure that can be frustrating at times.

Do you know if they will allow her to use the phone? I have given her a cell phone so she can use once she lands, just in case she needs to call me. But I don't know if they will allow her to use it.

No visa POE experience, but the immigration officers at DFW are usually pretty laid-back. Much more so than Newark or Boston.

Yes, I have heard DFW is much better. I have personally gone through both places and prefer DFW. I am thinking about sending my Fiancee through DFW because of their better attitude but the problem is that I will not be there if something goes wrong. Thank you for your information

Has anyone had expereince that they can share with their Fiance entering the U.S. through Dallas or Houston, Texas?

I am 51 and she is 37.... 14 year difference

I am 51 and she is 37..... 14 year difference

Milena,

No need to apologize for all the questions, that is what we are all here for to ask questions and to share our expereince with others. There are many people on this site that have already gone through this stage of the process and I am sure can give you the correct information. My fiancee's interview is June 13th and I can give you my understanding of what is needed from your questions.

1. DHL - There are designated DHL offices that the Embassy resommends near the Embassy office in Moscow. You should go to one of those offices to get your prepaid DHL airbill. You must present this at the time of the interview. It is my understanding that they will not send your visa, if you do not have the prepaid DHL airbill. I do not know the cost of DHL.

2. Translated documents - The Embassy website states "Copies and translations of each document into English are required. Translations must be notarized only when the original is in a language OTHER than Russian. (e.g. a translation from Ukrainian into English must be notarized, translation from Russian into English does not need to be notarized). " The only document that I know of that is required to be other then English is Supplement DS-156K form. The form must be filled out in Russian. DO NOT SIGN DS-156K. No DS-156K supplement is required for immigrating child.

3. Police certificate - This should be stamped by the preparing agency.

I hope this answers your questions. I am sure others who have already been through this will give you more information.

Basil