AP what the hell for? Dont change name!!!!

[slim 1,530]

Hey guys... didn't mean to ruffle any feathers on our friends from "north of the border" and "across the pond." Just expressing my displeasure with what seems to be a disparity in the amount of BS necessary for the Russia visa process compared to the relative ease with which folks from those two countries (Canada/UK) in particular seem to get visas.

Sure everyone has their own problems with USCIS and the whole VisaJourney, and I wish good luck to all... I was just venting some frustration about the large number of "it's so hard.... I haven't seen my fiance in 4 months..." posts that seem to come from the Canada/UK posters. (And once again, not singling anyone out... but there's a reason Russia has a special thread.)

But please, anyone with good advice, keep it coming!!! I'll try my best to help out anyone in need and I'm very lucky I found VJ and for all the people on here who've helpped me out. (Canada/UK included!) Sorry if it sounded like I was blasting on anyone in particular, I just find it hard to feel empathy for those who are going through the visa process from these two countries. (I do feel empathetic to those who are waiting such a long time for their cases to go through... sorry for that ceriserose, hopefully soon you'll get your greencard.)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL ON THE VJ!!!!

[ceriserose 1]

Hey guys... didn't mean to ruffle any feathers on our friends from "north of the border" and "across the pond." Just expressing my displeasure with what seems to be a disparity in the amount of BS necessary for the Russia visa process compared to the relative ease with which folks from those two countries (Canada/UK) in particular seem to get visas.

Sure everyone has their own problems with USCIS and the whole VisaJourney, and I wish good luck to all... I was just venting some frustration about the large number of "it's so hard.... I haven't seen my fiance in 4 months..." posts that seem to come from the Canada/UK posters. (And once again, not singling anyone out... but there's a reason Russia has a special thread.)

But please, anyone with good advice, keep it coming!!! I'll try my best to help out anyone in need and I'm very lucky I found VJ and for all the people on here who've helpped me out. (Canada/UK included!) Sorry if it sounded like I was blasting on anyone in particular, I just find it hard to feel empathy for those who are going through the visa process from these two countries. (I do feel empathetic to those who are waiting such a long time for their cases to go through... sorry for that ceriserose, hopefully soon you'll get your greencard.)

GOOD LUCK TO ALL ON THE VJ!!!!

I appreciate you clarifying it. I share the frustration in watching people who have an expectation of instant gratification during this process, and I do agree that folks from Canada/UK and others similar to those seem to complain when it's much faster. Reminds me of my loooong wait through NSC watching those from VSC. I didn't think there was any of that type of dynamic going on in this thread, however, so as one of only three people posting on this thread, the only one from Canada and the only immigrant, I'm sure you can piece together how it may have felt a little...directed?

As well, since I've been to several of the non-Canada regional forums lately and received a less than happy response at nothing but my good wishes and/or attempt to help, I will admit to having my back up a little from the get-go.

In good news, I got my letter on Saturday...I should have my greencard in my hands in 2-3 weeks.

Thanks for your post.

Edited July 10, 2006 by ceriserose

[meauxna 15]

Hey guys... didn't mean to ruffle any feathers on our friends from "north of the border" and "across the pond." Just expressing my displeasure with what seems to be a disparity in the amount of BS necessary for the Russia visa process compared to the relative ease with which folks from those two countries (Canada/UK) in particular seem to get visas.

And when you think *you* have it the worst, be happy that your SO isn't from China (year long wait common), a spouse from Mexico (one year for an interview) or worst of all, the Dominican Republic (20 months for interview once the case gets to the Consulate). It's all based on the history of past behavior of the residents of the given country.

There's always *someone* worse off than we are.

[slim 1,530]

Awesome news ceriserose!!! And by all means, feel free to keep on posting here in the Russia forum!

Russia is special, and often times there are several posts in the K-1 or K-3 forums where newbies ask a specific question about something, and many people give great advice on how to tackle the issue, but then, come to find out.... Russia does it a little differently. Please read through some of the other threads here on this forum... you may be surprised!!! (We've got the little joke here about "It's Russia." Sometimes things get messed up and make no sense, and the only response that we can get is: "It's Russia.") So, that's why I try to direct the newbies and others to the Russia forum and (sarcasm here) I'm not biased at all!

(You're right meauxna, there always is someone worse off than us! I like to count my blessings, but I also post the occasional "oh shut up already!" too.... guess I'll post one to myself!)

Edited July 10, 2006 by slim

[Satellite 1]

Another key advantage for our Visa Waiver Program countries is that when you are still in the "dating" part of the whole visajourney you can actually come and go as you please. Not to mention you guys actually have jobs with incomes closer to if not higher than what Americans make. Sure makes life a lot easier while you are apart or planning visits. While our mostly "poor" Russian ladies have to decide to marry us without even seeing America. For us that was the biggest barrier to overcome. I can handle the wait apart, but the fact that only I could realistically visit still drives me nuts.

See for example:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21098

But there are plenty of other threads with similar problems in getting a tourist visa.

[meauxna 15]

(You're right meauxna, there always is someone worse off than us! I like to count my blessings, but I also post the occasional "oh shut up already!" too.... guess I'll post one to myself!)

[Marc and Olga 0]

Another key advantage for our Visa Waiver Program countries is that when you are still in the "dating" part of the whole visajourney you can actually come and go as you please. Not to mention you guys actually have jobs with incomes closer to if not higher than what Americans make. Sure makes life a lot easier while you are apart or planning visits. While our mostly "poor" Russian ladies have to decide to marry us without even seeing America. For us that was the biggest barrier to overcome. I can handle the wait apart, but the fact that only I could realistically visit still drives me nuts.

See for example:

http://www.visajourney.com/forums/index.php?showtopic=21098

But there are plenty of other threads with similar problems in getting a tourist visa.

I feel ya there Satellite, my biggest concerns are not ONLY the culture shock of coming to America but the climate shock! Tucson is FAR different from the Russian Far Eat. There was snow on the ground during my trip, the last time Tucson saw snow was something like 1993!

About the income, that also is VERY true, Olga makes 1200 Rubles a MONTH! 1 ruble = about $0.04, how many of the UK/Canadian fiance(e) only make about $50/month? My understanding is outside of Moscow or Pete's, this is about the average income, in Moscow or Pete's it is closer to $300/MONTH! "It's Russia!"

I understand Slim's feelings, I make pretty good money, ESPECIALLY for Tucson but the cost of the trip I took in March was about $3000 (not including spending cash), I still could not afford to do that more then twice a year and the visa means I have to plan well in advance!

Yet, while browsing these forums you can read of people with thoughts such as "We've been apart x weeks and I miss them soo much, I think I will go visit this weekend". I wish I could go for a weekend but if you read my travel plans below, my weekend would be over before I arrived there!

That's it, I just need to win the lottery then all MY troubles would be over...at least were my loved one is concerned!

[John and Anna 0]

Ok so I applied for AP for Natasha, but she took my last name, so how the heck can she travel to Russia???

Her internal and external Russian passports show her maiden name, you can't get consulate to stamp without green card for her new last name!!! AP will show new last name, I just don't understand what name we would buy tickets in and how she can get in and out of Russia and then enter US. And when she has green card how can we get the stamp from consulate? Do we have to go there or can we fed ex everything? This is just a damn mess.

Can she use her maiden name on airline tickets and Russian passport to travel. then show her marriage license etc to get thru INS???

[russ 1]

Can she use her maiden name on airline tickets and Russian passport to travel. then show her marriage license etc to get thru INS???

The potential issue is the name on the Permanent Resident Card. Both the airline and Passport Control may want it to match the passport.

While it is possible to change the name in the passport, it is neither easy or quick. There is a good chace that a bribe may solve these problems.