kylejb

Most people get the packet after a few weeks, and some never get it. Everything you need is online at the embassy website. Time to get the police certificate now if you haven't done so already, and schedule the medical as soon as you know the interview date.

Our interview was displayed on the Embassy website one week prior to her receiving the packet and she lives in Lobnya, just north of Moscow. Mail times are probably longer the further away you are.

Ours is not on the website yet, but they have not updated the website in 2 weeks now. I emailed them and they gave me the interview date so it was one week ago today that I got a reply stating when it was, so hopefully in the next few days she will get the packet.

We recieved an email last week (week ago on Friday) from the consolute that the interview date had been scheduled and the packet mailed out. However, we have not received the packet yet. How long does this normally take to get there?

We are going thru the Embassy in Moscow.

Thanks for any help.

Is it safe to say that they are booked until the end of November? I got my cases finished recently by NVC (IR1 & IR2) and NVC will be scheduling the interview for them during the second week of October. When should I expect the interview will be approximately?

I would say to email them a week after you know they (The embassy) has received the petition, and ask them for the interview date.

I had the following email today:

We've scheduled her visa interview for November 20, at 8 am. The packet was mailed

Sincerely,

Public Liaison Unit

Consular Section

US Embassy, Moscow

GOD IS SO GREAT! I can't believe it! It is really happening!

I know it is 2 months yet, but at least there is a date now. I know we still have an interview to go thru yet, but it really is unbelievable.

Congrats! When was your case completed? Currently the last date on the online interview date list is Nov 10.

I emailed them and got the information. They do not seem to update the website every week as stated, so I decided to email and ask. Took them a copule of days to respond, but that was how I got the information.

Does anyone know where to get the police certificate? My SO lives (and has always lived) in Moscow, in the SAME PLACE since she was 16. Where can we get the police certificate? Do you kjnow how long it takes to get?

I was told this place. Main Information Center of MVD Rossii (ul. Novocheryomushkinskaya 67), is this correct?

Thank for the help.

That is great! Hope your together soon.

I had the following email today:

We've scheduled her visa interview for November 20, at 8 am. The packet was mailed

Sincerely,

Public Liaison Unit

Consular Section

US Embassy, Moscow

GOD IS SO GREAT! I can't believe it! It is really happening!

I know it is 2 months yet, but at least there is a date now. I know we still have an interview to go thru yet, but it really is unbelievable.

I recently retained a lawyer for the K1 Process, as we've been through two visitor visa denials, and want to do everything we can to make sure the K1 is not denied. The lawyer said we could most likely get through everything quickly and would take about 3 months.

In everything I have read, it seems like it is taking 5 months or more just to get to the point where the information is sent to the Consulate in the beneficiaries home country. I don't want to think my lawyer is just telling me what I want to hear, but it sure seems like it is going to take a lot longer than we thought.

Did anyone use a lawyer and find things went pretty quickly? I read one post where someone said it seemed to take them longer with the use of a lawyer. I know we could do this on our own, but we really think it's smarter to use a lawyer because of the other visa denials. FYI.. reason for denials was not being able to show enough proof of reason to return.

I do not think it takes any longer with or without an attorney. It will take 5-8 months... I used an attorney for the same reason you did. Also, just to make sure ALL the forms were filled out and they were correct. I just felt more comfortable. I know I didn't have to use one, as there is a ton of information here, but it is what I decided. I don't know why your attorney will tell you 3 months, I doubt that will happen. 6 months is about right.

Well, I did find one that was signed for on the 1st of Sept. Then one on the 2nd of Sept. I was just thinking that one of them was mine. I still think I will email the Embassy and ask.. can't hurt I guess.

Except, what do I ask them? Just for a status update on our case #?

I know that the wait is frustrating, but frankly, I think it''s still a little early to be asking them about the status of your case. Wait until the next round of interview appointments are posted (which should be any day now).... and if you're not on that list then maybe shoot them an e-mail.

I think your right. I will wait until the next posting. There have been a total of 6 packets delivered since 8/28 until like the end of last week. So hopefully we are both covered in there.

I looked it up again, with the date of EXP 28 AUG 2009B and there is only 1 delivered to Moscow. What was the date you used?

Sorry, I gave you the wrong date. As far as I can tell, our case left NVC on Aug 27th and arrived in Moscow on the 31st. Sep 2nd was the date that I received the notice in the mail from NVC.

Well, I did find one that was signed for on the 1st of Sept. Then one on the 2nd of Sept. I was just thinking that one of them was mine. I still think I will email the Embassy and ask.. can't hurt I guess.

Except, what do I ask them? Just for a status update on our case #?

There have been 5 other packets delivered since the 31st of Aug then. I am going to email the Embassy to just find out.

When did your package get delivered to the Embassy? Ours was delivered on September 2nd.

I won't say we are in a hurry, but our packet (or petition I guess) expires in December, so I hope we get the interview before then.

Our packet was also delivered September 2nd. I would say it is almost certain that you'll have an interview in November. But having them here by Thanksgiving may be cutting it close.

The petition expiring in December is not an issue. If for some reason you don't have an interview date by then, the Embassy will simply extend the validity dates of the petition.

I looked it up again, with the date of EXP 28 AUG 2009B and there is only 1 delivered to Moscow. What was the date you used?

When did your package get delivered to the Embassy? Ours was delivered on September 2nd.

I won't say we are in a hurry, but our packet (or petition I guess) expires in December, so I hope we get the interview before then.

Our packet was also delivered September 2nd. I would say it is almost certain that you'll have an interview in November. But having them here by Thanksgiving may be cutting it close.

The petition expiring in December is not an issue. If for some reason you don't have an interview date by then, the Embassy will simply extend the validity dates of the petition.

Hmm.. I wonder if the DHL receipt I looked at was yours then instead of ours??? EEEK!! I don't remember how I looked it up now... I will have to look again. I hope the BOTH were delivered. ... I know that Thankgiving is pushing it.. but I can hope. For sure by the beginning of December, so we can have the b-day party together...and also, it will be nice to get married on New Years Eve.

Rob, have you got an interview date yet? Have you emailed the Embassy? Just curious how much further ahead of us you guys are.

No interview date yet. What about you?

I'm not really concerned about it because we're not in any particular hurry. Lesya won't be finished with her Dissertation defense until next Spring, so she won't be able to come here until then anyway.

I did e-mail the Embassy regarding another issue --- her patrynomic was misspelled on the NVC notice and I wanted to double-check that that was an issue they could easily correct at the Embassy. Got a reply after about 5 days and yes, it is something they will easily correct when she comes in for the interview.

No not yet. There has not been an update to the website yet, so I was going to email the Embassy after the update if we are not on it. When did your package get delivered to the Embassy? Ours was delivered on September 2nd.

I won't say we are in a hurry, but our packet (or petition I guess) expires in December, so I hope we get the interview before then. I know this is only September, but on the website they are already at Nov 11th for interviews. That would put us after that then. I was hoping we would be able to spend Thanksgiving together.. what a great way to celebrate what we are thankful for... and her son's b-day is first part of December.. he will be 4. So I was hoping we can spend that together as well.

I guess I am just a worry-wort... I just don't want there to be any delays or any problems along the way.

Rob, have you got an interview date yet? Have you emailed the Embassy? Just curious how much further ahead of us you guys are.

I have sold a couple of Iphone 2G and Iphone 3G in Russia. Get a good price for them as well. All I did was use the Russian software (same as the US software, but obviously in Russian) and unlock them. They work without any issues.

I guess I meant JFK and typed DC. It will be into JFK. She might be bringing her dog, so I need an airline that we can bring pets on. That complicates things somewhat, but hey, it is ok. I would rather have this problem than her not coming at all.

The dog doesn't really complicate things too much. It just means that you need to book early, since most airlines limit the number of pets allowed in the cabin and it is on a first-come first-served basis. So BE SURE to tell them about the pet when you make the reservation. This might be one time when it's a good idea to plan the flights online, but do the actual reservations over the phone.

AA seems to be the only airline that doesn't allow any pets on transatlantic flights, so Delta is still an option. Aeroflot is the most generous when it comes to pets in the cabin and usually has fairly low fares SVO-JFK. So this might be a situation where it might be advantageous to book as 2 seperate tickets -- SVO-JFK on Aeroflot, then JFK to your final destination on whatever airline is less expensive. The only complicating factor in doing that these days is the baggage allowance. On most airlines, you'll be given a fairly generous baggage allowance for the transatlantic flight. But if the domestic segements are flown on a separate ticket, then the domestic (much less generous) baggage allowances will apply and you may have to pay some baggage fees.

Also keep in mind that many of the international flights into JFK arrive fairly late in the day. So depending on your final destination, you might have an overnight layover at JFK. Which means you'll need to find a hotel that will also accept pets.

Lesya's also planning on bring a pet with her (cat). However, she will need to remain in Russia through the winter to finish up the defense of her PHD. So we'll be able to wait until Delta resumes their SVO-ATL route, which (hopefully!) will make things a little simpler for us (i.e., no need for an overnight layover)

Well, I was looking at United, and they seem to allow the best for dogs. However, her dog will have to go as checked baggage. It is a Jack Russell. It will not fit under the seat in front of her so there is no way it can go in the cabin. The carry on cage is too big.

So I know that complicates it a bit, but it is what it is. Can't leave "Buster" behind...

I know it will cost me close to $500 to bring him here, but oh well. She will be flying out of DME, which is closer to where she lives. I will have to look at what is the best for the situation. I wish the direct flight was still there, then I could have driven to Chicago and picked her up and drove home from there, but JFK is pretty far for me to drive to. So it will have to be a connecting flight. The flight to final destination is only a couple of hours, so not that bad. And there is nothing over night.

I already called the airline and they said that I have to call them ahead of time when we are closer to ready to leave. I am not going to purchase ANY tickets though until we have VISA IN HAND.

I am just praying that all goes well and we get the interview date soon.

Well, she plans on flying into DC and then to me!!! Providing we get the visa of course.

Where are you finding flights for $700? I can't find anything cheaper than $900 - $1300 now. I don't really want her to fly into like Germany then to US. I would prefer to US, then to final destination.

I'm seeing these on Delta and some of the usual sites (Travelocity, Expedia, Orbitz), etc. I'm assuming your final destination is ORD. I'm seeing SVO-JFK-ORD for about $750 in November traveling mid-week and avoiding the Thanksgiving frenzy.

Of course, since you don't even have an interview date yet, who knows when the actual travel dates will be.

Is there any reason why she HAS to fly into DC? JFK is generally going to be a more direct (and therefore less expensive) routing.

I guess I meant JFK and typed DC. It will be into JFK. She might be bringing her dog, so I need an airline that we can bring pets on. That complicates things somewhat, but hey, it is ok. I would rather have this problem than her not coming at all.

I have been looking at ticket prices for airfare from Moscow to US, and it is not cheap. My fiance has a son, so it will cost me around $1500 or so. Plus the direct flight that used to be from Moscow to Chicago does not exist any longer. She will have to fly into DC or something.

Actually airfares right now are about the cheapest they've ever been. I just returned a little over a week ago from a trip to Moscow ($650 round trip). Looking at flights in November, I'm still seeing fares less than $700 round trip.

Of course, yes... if you're having to buy multiple tickets the costs can add up very quickly. And we are beginning to enter the "winter schedules" now, so the number of flights will be reduced. For example, Delta will cut their SVO-ATL route for the winter.

As for the POE, as long as she's processed at one of the POE's actually in the US, there's no problem with leaving the terminal afterward. For example, it's not uncommon for the fiancee to fly into JFK, be processed, then go to a hotel for the night and return to the airport the next morning to catch the flight to their final destination. As long as she doesn't get on a flight to another country, she's ok. There are a FEW airports where it is possible to go through US Immigration even though the airport is not a US airport. In those few instances, it would not be a good idea to leave the terminal.

Well, she plans on flying into DC and then to me!!! Providing we get the visa of course.

Where are you finding flights for $700? I can't find anything cheaper than $900 - $1300 now. I don't really want her to fly into like Germany then to US. I would prefer to US, then to final destination.

We're a few days ahead of you and also aren't on the list yet, either.

Forget what the website says about being updated on Mondays. It generally seems to happen only once a week, but not necessarily on Mondays --- last week it was on Tuesday.

OIC, ok, well, let me know when you get your date. I would appreciate it. I will do the same.

I have been looking at ticket prices for airfare from Moscow to US, and it is not cheap. My fiance has a son, so it will cost me around $1500 or so. Plus the direct flight that used to be from Moscow to Chicago does not exist any longer. She will have to fly into DC or something.

I wonder how it is going to work since really the POE will be someplace else, like DC or Atlanta or whatever. I guess as long as she does not leave the terminal it will be ok.

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MagicJack - Buy your love one one of these for $20 a year. As long as they have internet access, you can TALK FOR FREE as much as you want.

Google Magicjack.

The Moscow embassy has had our packet from NVC since Sept 2. So only one week. So from what I am reading, it normally takes 2-3 weeks to get the interview date? Is this correct? Since Monday was a holiday, I was not going to call them yet. What is the email address to ask them about the interview date? I will wait until next week to email them I guess.

Thanks for any help.

I'm assuming you've checked the interview list today. It was updated today at about 3pm Central Time. There are quite a few Russian filers from the forum who've received their NOA2s the past few weeks who are also waiting for interview dates.

As you've suggested, it normally takes a few weeks, so no reason for any undue concern just yet.

Yes, we recieved our NOA2 on the 28th of August I think. I tracked the package and it was delivered to them on the 2nd of Sept. I did check the interview list today, and we were not there.... Normally I think the website said they update the list on Mondays, but since Monday was a holiday, I guess they were behind. So I figure by the 21st or so we should know a date. If I don't see it by next week, then I will email them.

This has been such a long journey, as I know it has for everyone. I just hope and pray it goes smooth from here.

The Moscow embassy has had our packet from NVC since Sept 2. So only one week. So from what I am reading, it normally takes 2-3 weeks to get the interview date? Is this correct? Since Monday was a holiday, I was not going to call them yet. What is the email address to ask them about the interview date? I will wait until next week to email them I guess.

Thanks for any help.

Ok, my fiance has a child. So when she is filing out the DS-156 online, there is a button that says generate family duplicate. Does she press this button BEFORE she would click the CONTINUE button?

Also, a question about item #36 - Has Anyone Ever Filed an Immigrant Visa Petition on Your Behalf?

This is both our first K1 visa. So do we answer no to this or yes, and she would put my name?

How long does it take before they give you an interview date? I looked at the flowchart, but it does not really say. The embassy has had the packet for a week as of today. I know, maybe that is not long enough. It has come this far, and I guess I am just paranoid that something will go wrong.

As many of you are in the same situation, it is difficult waiting... this is OUR LIFE! And just knowing is very difficult.

Thanks for any help.

Ours was about two or three weeks. The online interview date listing was updated about a week before she received her packet.

So in about 2 or 3 weeks then we should get a interview date? So how long in the future was the date? Meaning if they had it for 2-3 weeks, then how much longer did you have to wait until the actual interview?