Brad and Vika

Congratulations to you!!!

It's true that this process is just a small piece of time in comparison to the wonderful lifetime ahead together. Good thing I'm a very patient kind of guy I talk to my lady daily by sms, email and sometimes phone so it helps too!

JULY IS OUR TIME FOLKS!!

A very nice thought for those of us a few months behind you in the process. Thanks!! I talk to my fiance' daily as well, and find that it does me a world of good. She tells me that the frequent contact helps her to stay sane, and I know that her kind words are the high point of my day.

Thanks again every one for the good information! I will just keep my fingers crossed at this point, I suppose

My first time to Odessa, I was the last guy through customs. I was made to count out my pocket cash, fill out a declarations form (even though it was just a couple of thousand), and then told that I was bringing in too much money and would have to surrender it. I told the agent that I was familiar with the currency limits, and he could arrest me if he wanted but I wasn't surrendering a cent. Needless to say I was warned earlier by some one with more experience in Ukraine to "never lie, or back down" in this situation. They eventually let me go when it became clear that I wasn't going to give them my currency without a hassle. No trouble at all leaving.

The second trip ended about three weeks ago. No trouble going in this time, but on the way out when I answered the agents question about currency, I found myself in a separate queue of Americans, Canadians, Brits, etc. Again the declaration form, then I had to count the money. The purpose of the form was clearly to check my honesty, and presumably carrying more currency than I disclosed would have resulted in another tourist fleecing. I had no trouble, but the guy in front of me told them that he never carries cash, and only had an ATM card. They turned his luggage inside-out. Customs agents were obviously profiling for men from english-speaking countries (even when traveling with their families).

Sorry, what I really wanted to know is if the VIP pickup services get you through customs with less hassle than the regular route.

Congrats to you, and I think good luck to the rest of us trying to strike that kind of connection with a rep. Does any one have any secrets for upgrades that use points but don't keep one waiting until the last minute? Or better yet, a way around the baggage, fuel, airport, etc. surcharges?

Thanks Mags, for finally putting up the site with ranks and explanation. I just registered the other day, and wondered what the boxes and hearts were all about.

I sent standard 3x5s, since the instructions didn't specify (except passport photos of course). I tried to send a variety of places/dates, and included some pictures with Vika's family also. Do put date, place, and names of people on the back of each photo - I was told.

Hi all,

I am a new member, and I am not sure this is the correct forum for this question, but here goes.... I have been to Ukraine twice so far, since my fiance' moved back to Kherson. Our interview will of course be in Kiev, and I have had a HUGE hassle every time I have been through Ukrainian customs (usually about money). I normally fly into Odessa, but will no doubt go to Kiev directly for the interview. Several transport services online in both cities off VIP airport pickup for around $100. Is this worth the cost? If the $60-$80 of that fee that goes to the airport reduces the entrepenurial activity of the customs agents it seems a bargain. Has any one tried VIP pickup? What was the experience like?

Thanks

Thanks again folks. Yes, I did read the I-129 carefully, thus I did not send the form and proof of support. My buddy specifically made reference to tax returns, and spooked me into thinking I made a mistake. I feel better about it now - but still wonder how his stuff wen't through. Our tax dollars at work I guess!!

Thanks for the info. But my friend's application apparently was ok sending it early. Did USCIS just send it all to the embassy? USCIS told me on the phone that the National Center needs that stuff, and would send a request. VJ seems full of posts about bad information from the phone reps at USCIS though.

I recently sent the K-1 visa application, and received NOA1 from USCIS. As the form did not tell me to include the Affadavit of Support and supporting documents, I did not do so. I have a friend who went through the process a year ago, and he sent everything at once. Am I going to get an RFE now? I am just concerned that I cost us some time.