JayFromTexas

If someone enters the US on a tourist visa and then requests asylum, are they held in the same holding facilities? Anybody know?

Thanks TTM and Lynx for your replies. Right or wrong, we don't trust that Putin will obey the constitution. We fear that he will arbitrarily draft classes of men who are not supposed to be eligible for the draft and we're not going to take that chance. I appreciate the comments about the consequences of the decision before this young man. It is a very important decision and he should be 100% on board with it, I agree. But, he needs to make that decision with as much information and counseling as possible, which is why I am here asking. Thanks for taking time to answer.

State University, but we don't trust Putin will keep his word. He said in March there would be no mobilization. What is the 122 hotline? Thanks!

My Russian girlfriend has a son who will be 18 in a month. We are worried that once he is 18, he will be drafted. He is a student in a university in Russia, but we fear that he can be taken, regardless of his status. I've read about the process on different websites, including USCIS.gov. I understand one must be on American soil or a border to request asylum. We're considering the attempt at requesting asylum at the US Mexico border. Here are my questions. If you were in their situation, what would you do? Would you exit the country now or wait until the draft notice is received and exit the country illegally? How would you go about achieving asylum or refugee status? Present yourself at a US border somewhere? Are there other effective ways? Is there a law firm that you would recommend that could increase the chances of being accepted and/or guide us along the way? Thank you!

No Russian citizens can leave to travel anywhere, if what you are saying comes true? What about destinations that don't require a visa?

Others have a lot more knowledge and experience in these matters than I do, Steven, so I can't add much there. But I can tell you I'm thinking of you and I'm sending good positive energy to you and the "good people" at the embassy so that your case will be concluded very very shortly. Jay

Steve and his wife have either made progress and they are making their way back to Russia/America OR Steve is in jail for strangling a consular official! 😅

Any luck, Steve? Give us an update when you can.

Thank you for your reply, but my question is this: is she more likely to get approved visiting as my friend, fiancé or wife? We aren’t going to lie about our status, but we can get engaged or married sooner, if it will help her get approved for a tourist visa. We will also file for a k1 / cr1 when our status changes.

My Russian girlfriend and I will likely get engaged soon, followed by marriage. Everything else being the same, such as ties to her home country, etc., will a B2 applicant that is married or engaged to a US citizen be more or less likely to be approved for a B2 tourist visa, than if she wasn't engaged or married?

What an awful, infuriating situation, Steve. Just when you were nearing the finishing line, they closed the track. I can understand your off the scale frustration. Unfortunately, and I know you know this, anger won't help, even though you are entitled to be very angry. I wish you good luck.

Wow, what a wonderful offer. It is very small and light. I accept your offer! I’ll PM you.

I know this isn't directly related to Visa matters so I hope you don't mind the question. Is it possible to mail a letter to Russia from the US, at this time?

Mike, I thought you and your girl were kaput. Have you reconciled?

I traveled from Dallas TX to Moscow Thursday (July 21) and arrived with zero border issues. I went thru the normal “passport control” kiosk and it only took 2-3 minutes.

Thanks. I saw that thread and commented a couple times already.

I have plans to travel to Moscow next week. Is it reasonably safe for an American to travel to Russia at this time? There’s been at least one incident where an American was interrogated for 3-4 hours, shared in these forums. That person was traveling with a new passport. My passport isn’t new and I was in Russia six months ago. Im looking for advice and opinions. Is it too risky for an US citizen to travel to Russia at this time?

Where? Warsaw? Can you share your details/experience?

Where are you flying out of in the U.S.? I fly out on 7/20, too. Out of DFW.

Mike- I'm still planning on going in July. I found that if I buy my airline tickets separately, a r/t ticket DFW - IST and a separate r/r ticket from IST to VKO, the cost is a lot less. How far in advance you buy has a big impact on the price too. When are you planning on going?

TBoneTX, do you think it is too risky for an American to visit Russia at the present time?

That's a bit worrisome. Which airport? What time did you arrive? My flight is scheduled to arrive very late/early morning at VKO. Do you have any insight as to why they pulled you aside? My plan is to visit my girlfriend for 3 weeks, starting July 21st. Anyone else have recent experiences visiting Russia, especially if American? Are the risks too high?

Thanks for the report Cheddy. I am going to go to Moscow on 7/20 and spend 4 weeks. I hope conditions are the same or better by then.

TTM, are you able to use your credit card(s) in Russia? I am considering visiting my girlfriend in Moscow in a couple months and would like to know what my options are as far as paying for stuff. Is there any advice you think would be helpful for someone traveling to Russia now? Thanks!