I'm freakin out man....

[mox 298]

Wait a second! You mean...you mean...POE was no big deal?!?!?! She didn't have to down a bottle of mouthwash or wear a formal dress to impress the officer enough to let her through?!?! I can't believe it!!!

Seriously, congrats on the reunion. So few of us get this opportunity while waiting, so I'm always glad when somebody does. Enjoy your time together!

Edited August 6, 2009 by mox

[L179 1]

Best of luck!

just relax

[slim 1,530]

I'm holding down Charleston while you're gone. Everything's OK here, so enjoy NYC (mets? How can anyone enjoy the freakin mets?) and you can have it back when I leave.

See folks, POE aint a bad thing. And if any of you get the chance, Charleston is an awesome place to visit. Just don't check MLS listings for Battery St. Well, don't check them with the expectation that maybe you can afford something there - because you can't.

[SuperDuper! 230]

I am happy to report that Janna landed at JFK yesterday at 18:15 and was in my arms by 18:45. I don't think we stopped kissing and saying "I love you" until the airport security asked us to move haha. She said the the CBP officer only asked why she had returned back to America after only being away for 3 months, in which she replied "I just wanted to see all the things I didn't have time to see last time, and go to the beach." That was it!!! We prepared like it was check point charlie. She said he was very nice and gave her a a stamp until FEB 4th!! She did mention that two people (A man and a woman) were pulled into a secondary security area.

Today we're going to go hang out in central park and catch a Mets game (Yes, I am a Mets fan, and yes, I know they suck.) Janna has never been to a baseball game so it should be fun. Besides that, we've been making up for lost time hehe

I just wanted to thank everyone in the Russian portal and others who gave their support. I was really going crazy for the last few days, Your support really helped me when I needed it the most. I can finally relax and we can spend out time together until we get our NoA2 (hopefully). You guys have been great. thank you so very much.

Thanks again,

Chris & Janna

You Russian-Bride guys are lucky. Your girl can pretty much hop on a plane and come visit you in the good 'ol USA anytime. We hope you are having a more than wonderful time.

[AKguy 1]

You Russian-Bride guys are lucky. Your girl can pretty much hop on a plane and come visit you in the good 'ol USA anytime. We hope you are having a more than wonderful time.[/size]

From my understanding it didn't used to be like this up until recently.

[SuperDuper! 230]

You Russian-Bride guys are lucky. Your girl can pretty much hop on a plane and come visit you in the good 'ol USA anytime. We hope you are having a more than wonderful time.[/size]

From my understanding it didn't used to be like this up until recently.

Indeed, but then for someone going to Russia from the US, getting/paying for the visa ahead of time is a pain, and takes a long time, and can create a cliff-hanging drama in terms of timing your visa with your flight date unless you pay for the expedited processing. My friend has to do it all the time.

In this respect, going to visit one's sweety in SE Asia is easier, as just a passport is required. How nice it would be to just send her a plane ticket and have her come visit me, though, but alas.

So you guys have a major advantage while waiting for the USCIS to do their job and make things permanent. Sweety can come visit you and ease the pain of waiting, can personally apply a soothing balm to your aching heart...

[clueless_in_usa 8]

Indeed, but then for someone going to Russia from the US, getting/paying for the visa ahead of time is a pain, and takes a long time, and can create a cliff-hanging drama in terms of timing your visa with your flight date unless you pay for the expedited processing. My friend has to do it all the time.

In this respect, going to visit one's sweety in SE Asia is easier, as just a passport is required. How nice it would be to just send her a plane ticket and have her come visit me, though, but alas.

So you guys have a major advantage while waiting for the USCIS to do their job and make things permanent. Sweety can come visit you and ease the pain of waiting, can personally apply a soothing balm to your aching heart...

I wish it were that simple. Before she met me, my SO tried to get a J-1 visa (Work sponsored program) and she was ...

...DENIED!!!

In Russia they seem to have a set of rules:

any woman ...

1) Single

2) Under 30

3) Without children

... gets denied, especially if she is at all attractive (model-type need not apply).

Therefore, my only option to see my SO is for me to get off the couch and get into the plane. It helps tp get a business visa ahead of time and then you have a full year to plan flights and hotels without the need to paying for expedites or not knowing if the visa was approved till the last minute.

[SuperDuper! 230]

Indeed, but then for someone going to Russia from the US, getting/paying for the visa ahead of time is a pain, and takes a long time, and can create a cliff-hanging drama in terms of timing your visa with your flight date unless you pay for the expedited processing. My friend has to do it all the time.

In this respect, going to visit one's sweety in SE Asia is easier, as just a passport is required. How nice it would be to just send her a plane ticket and have her come visit me, though, but alas.

So you guys have a major advantage while waiting for the USCIS to do their job and make things permanent. Sweety can come visit you and ease the pain of waiting, can personally apply a soothing balm to your aching heart...

I wish it were that simple. Before she met me, my SO tried to get a J-1 visa (Work sponsored program) and she was ...

...DENIED!!!

In Russia they seem to have a set of rules:

any woman ...

1) Single

2) Under 30

3) Without children

... gets denied, especially if she is at all attractive (model-type need not apply).

Therefore, my only option to see my SO is for me to get off the couch and get into the plane. It helps tp get a business visa ahead of time and then you have a full year to plan flights and hotels without the need to paying for expedites or not knowing if the visa was approved till the last minute.

But I thought Russia and US have inter-travel agreements, much like US and Europe and most developed countries, that allow the citizens to visit each other's country pretty much on a restriction-free basis?

But you seem to indicate there is something more subjective going on for the final approval of a Russian visiting the US.

Very interesting.

[AKguy 1]

1) Single

2) Under 30

3) Without children

... gets denied, especially if she is at all attractive (model-type need not apply).

Well, not that I'm trying to ruin my SO's luck... She's been to Alaska 3 previous times on J visas (might be an H visa in there somewhere) and will be coming here next Tuesday on a tourist visa. We don't have a pending K-1 as of yet. I'll be taking care of that last bit while she's here. She's under 30, "single" and no kids and I happen to think she's looks pretty good too.

Sorry to hear your SO struck out like that though...

[Rob_Lesya 4]

Indeed, but then for someone going to Russia from the US, getting/paying for the visa ahead of time is a pain, and takes a long time, and can create a cliff-hanging drama in terms of timing your visa with your flight date unless you pay for the expedited processing. My friend has to do it all the time.

It's not a problem for anyone who puts the slightest bit of planning into their travel arrangements. The time between sending in the application to receiving the visa in hand is generally about 7 days for me-- WITHOUT expedited processing. And once you've been approved for a visa to Russia, any subsequent denials are EXTREMELY rare.

As has been mentioned, business visas make life a little simpler for those who plan on doing multiple trips in the course of a year.

I've been following the progress of the proposed 5-year visa which hopefully will come up for a vote in the Duma later this month. Considering the type of work I do in Russia (when I'm there for work), I think I would be a good candidate for it.

[Kailey 3]

I am happy to report that Janna landed at JFK yesterday at 18:15 and was in my arms by 18:45. I don't think we stopped kissing and saying "I love you" until the airport security asked us to move haha. She said the the CBP officer only asked why she had returned back to America after only being away for 3 months, in which she replied "I just wanted to see all the things I didn't have time to see last time, and go to the beach." That was it!!! We prepared like it was check point charlie. She said he was very nice and gave her a a stamp until FEB 4th!! She did mention that two people (A man and a woman) were pulled into a secondary security area.

Today we're going to go hang out in central park and catch a Mets game (Yes, I am a Mets fan, and yes, I know they suck.) Janna has never been to a baseball game so it should be fun. Besides that, we've been making up for lost time hehe

I just wanted to thank everyone in the Russian portal and others who gave their support. I was really going crazy for the last few days, Your support really helped me when I needed it the most. I can finally relax and we can spend out time together until we get our NoA2 (hopefully). You guys have been great. thank you so very much.

Thanks again,

Chris & Janna

And did she say she came to see her fiancé or only mentioned sight-seeing and beach? (she has arrived using her b1/b2 multi entry visa, right?)

+ have fun, NY is a great place on Earth.

[Kailey 3]

But I thought Russia and US have inter-travel agreements, much like US and Europe and most developed countries, that allow the citizens to visit each other's country pretty much on a restriction-free basis?

But you seem to indicate there is something more subjective going on for the final approval of a Russian visiting the US.

Very interesting.

ehm.. interesting? Russians can't go almost anywhere without processing a visa to that country! and to process a visa they must (shortened list):

1) for USA and Shengen go to an interview where an officer will look into your eyes, ask you questions about your trip and goals and just.. kinda check if you are an ok guy or not.

2) present letters from work showing they have proper salaries and not going to start washing dishes and be happy about that instead of returning to their homeland and go on as an engineer/doctor/teacher/etc ...

3) show a private invitation or a tourist agency schedule - both to confirm they do have a reason to go to that country. Russians of course can try to say "I just want to land in Frankfurt and then i will see what i will do.." but... that's risky and depends..

4) present medical inssuarance confirming this Russian has a med coverage outside Russia, fill in and submit a special questionnary (similar to I-129 petition)

5) pay for the visa - but that's fun, that means you are given one .

but that's surely getting better.. and one day.. there will be inter-travel agreements and Earth will become a parardise I beleive

[mendeleev 68]

Congratulations, Chris Janna on a happy reunion. I think all of us sweet those first entries. I sure did, even though I was travelling with my fiance (or with my wife when we did the K3). Its great that, usually, they are no problem at all. I'm very glad you had the easy experience you did.

Have more good times, now!

[SuperDuper! 230]

But I thought Russia and US have inter-travel agreements, much like US and Europe and most developed countries, that allow the citizens to visit each other's country pretty much on a restriction-free basis?

But you seem to indicate there is something more subjective going on for the final approval of a Russian visiting the US.

Very interesting.

ehm.. interesting? Russians can't go almost anywhere without processing a visa to that country! and to process a visa they must (shortened list):

1) for USA and Shengen go to an interview where an officer will look into your eyes, ask you questions about your trip and goals and just.. kinda check if you are an ok guy or not.

2) present letters from work showing they have proper salaries and not going to start washing dishes and be happy about that instead of returning to their homeland and go on as an engineer/doctor/teacher/etc ...

3) show a private invitation or a tourist agency schedule - both to confirm they do have a reason to go to that country. Russians of course can try to say "I just want to land in Frankfurt and then i will see what i will do.." but... that's risky and depends..

4) present medical inssuarance confirming this Russian has a med coverage outside Russia, fill in and submit a special questionnary (similar to I-129 petition)

5) pay for the visa - but that's fun, that means you are given one .

but that's surely getting better.. and one day.. there will be inter-travel agreements and Earth will become a parardise I beleive

I appreciate the info. Sheesh, I had the understanding that it was a simpler process.

Congratz again to the OP's homecoming.

[Brian&Naty 0]

There really is no rhyme or reason to this post, just need to vent. Janna is coming to visit this Tues. I'm taking a train to NYC from Charleston to meet her at JFK. After reading all the stories of different PoE experiences I'm just a little overwhelmed. I'm just scared if she is harassed by CBP and put back on the next plane or even worse is detained for hours or days. How will I even know if this happens besides waiting around for hours and she doesn't appear?

As like everyone else here we miss each other like crazy. We decided to roll the dice on a visit. She'll have tons of documents for ties to Russia and our NoA1 and a copy of I-129F, I'm just freaking out. I mean, all we want to do is spend sometime together, not break any rules or laws, just spend time together like normal couples do. I know I shouldn't complain because I am fortunate to have the opportunity for my S/O visit when many other people do not have this luxury.

I just want to be with my girl. I haven't been able to sleep or eat the last few days/nights with the anxiety and anticipation of this. Anyways, sorry, I need some kinda catharsis and it's hard to talk to fam and friends about this at times because they can't really relate to this experience. I wish that someone would just be able to say "Everything will be ok" But I know that is not the reality of this situation. I just pray that she has a nice CBP officer. Ok I've gone on enough. If you're still around thanks for reading.

Yea. My Naty is arriving next Tuesday on her K-1 and I have had most of the same thoughts. The what ifs and so on. Relax, its gonna be ok bro. Enjoy.