Russia Visa

[skiwithme 0]

Can someone clarify with me the actual process in order for someone I have met in Russia that wishes to visit me here in the USA. Is a "Visa" as a tourist possible? I am hearing that it is very hard to obtain a Visa to the USA for Russian women? Do I first have to travel there?

[Mew 0]

Here, check these out: http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consu...record_id=visas

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consu..._id=nivapplying

and

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consu...ecord_id=nivfaq

Basically, you'd have to show proof of strong ties to Russia so you can get a visa. Even if granted one, you could still have your entry denied if they consider that you're coming in order to immigrate.

[Saddle Bronc 124]

Throw in my old adage: have you considered meeting in Canada?

[Chuckles 0]

Chances are very, very, very slim a single woman from Russia can obtain a tourist visa for USA or Canada. You are better off to assume no.

If you want to meet somewhere other then Russia consider any of the European Schengen visa countries. She will have an easier time obtaining a visa for them, although it is still difficult for Russian Citizens. The only 'easy' places I have heard of for Russian citizens and American citizens to visit together are Egypt, Turkey, and Ukraine. There are probably a few more, but take more word for it, it is a small list.

I know people have recieved tourist visa's... I am not saying it is impossible... just improbable.

[mendeleev 68]

Not exactly relevant to this site -- since we are interested in family-based visas here. But perhaps this is relevant experience to this post: I have a business colleague in Russia who was doing contract research for us -- and we needed him to demonstrate his experimental progress at our site in the USA. Our company invited him twice, with increasingly active legal support for corporate headquarters, and The US Embassy in Moscow refused to grant a business visa twice. He's a mid-career scientist, married, two kids in school, owns property in his home city, had a letter of support from my company and a letter of leave from his Institute, a requirement to return to resume teaching duties. Yet Moscow refused his business visa twice. We got it the third time -- he applied at the US Consulate in Ekaterinburg. Moscow is tough on Russians after business or tourist visas!

Edited July 21, 2006 by novotul

[CraigUSA 0]

If she is able to get a visa to the USA beware....She will most likely be red flagged at that point and getting a visa again would be next to impossible. I, personally would not wast the time or effort for her to attempt to come to the USA unless it would be on a legimate work visa. Like some of the other comments before me have said that she would have a better chance to go to countries like Turkey or Ukraine. But, by the time you do that you might as well meet in RUS. If you nervous about meeting in her home country dont. Moscow for the most part is not too bad to get around. Plus you will have a native with you so there should be little to no issues. The main thing i recommed is to do what you can so that you can focus on the relationship and not the logistics. Plus to me it would be a bounus to see her culture and where she come from. For Americans gettting a Russia Tourist Visa or Homestay visa is no big deal. Cost is about 100.00 usd. In a nutshell, dont attempt an Amercian Visa for Russian and just get yourself a RUS Visa and go meet the girl of your dreams. Oh, I will say that you would not want to do anything in regards to trying to get her a Visa because if yoiu apply for the K-1 that could come back to haunt you. Especially if she is denied a visa.

Good Travels.

Craig

If she is able to get a visa to the USA beware....She will most likely be red flagged at that point and getting a visa again would be next to impossible. I, personally would not wast the time or effort for her to attempt to come to the USA unless it would be on a legimate work visa. Like some of the other comments before me have said that she would have a better chance to go to countries like Turkey or Ukraine. But, by the time you do that you might as well meet in RUS. If you nervous about meeting in her home country dont. Moscow for the most part is not too bad to get around. Plus you will have a native with you so there should be little to no issues. The main thing i recommed is to do what you can so that you can focus on the relationship and not the logistics. Plus to me it would be a bounus to see her culture and where she come from. For Americans gettting a Russia Tourist Visa or Homestay visa is no big deal. Cost is about 100.00 usd. In a nutshell, dont attempt an Amercian Visa for Russian and just get yourself a RUS Visa and go meet the girl of your dreams. Oh, I will say that you would not want to do anything in regards to trying to get her a Visa because if yoiu apply for the K-1 that could come back to haunt you. Especially if she is denied a visa.

Good Travels.

Craig

[workin4somethin 0]

Can someone clarify with me the actual process in order for someone I have met in Russia that wishes to visit me here in the USA. Is a "Visa" as a tourist possible? I am hearing that it is very hard to obtain a Visa to the USA for Russian women? Do I first have to travel there?

Maybe you also have some questions about entering Russia (yourself) on a Russian visa. If you have not yet done it, it is not too difficult. Perhaps more of us can share experiences with you in this regard, if you are interested. And there may be some shortcuts available to you depending on what city you would be staying in while in Russia.

Welcome to VJ!

[Satellite 1]

Oh, I will say that you would not want to do anything in regards to trying to get her a Visa because if yoiu apply for the K-1 that could come back to haunt you. Especially if she is denied a visa.

Are you saying this based on experience or other people's accounts?

If so please share.

Otherwise you are completely wrong. The B2 tourist visa is completely different from the K1/K3 visas. One is about proving ties to Russia which is the biggest burden versus the K visas where immigrant intent is actually a requirement. My fiance was denied a tourist visa. And was easily granted a K visa without any mention of the denial. Which as I heard is true of most cases. In very rare circumstances where someone lied on their visitor's visa application would it possibly come back to haunt them on any future visa.

[Neonred 3,564]

Oh, I will say that you would not want to do anything in regards to trying to get her a Visa because if yoiu apply for the K-1 that could come back to haunt you. Especially if she is denied a visa.

Are you saying this based on experience or other people's accounts?

If so please share.

Otherwise you are completely wrong. The B2 tourist visa is completely different from the K1/K3 visas. One is about proving ties to Russia which is the biggest burden versus the K visas where immigrant intent is actually a requirement. My fiance was denied a tourist visa. And was easily granted a K visa without any mention of the denial. Which as I heard is true of most cases. In very rare circumstances where someone lied on their visitor's visa application would it possibly come back to haunt them on any future visa.

This is the same I have heard. The tourist visa or refusal has NO bearing on the ability to get the K-1. I asked this question at the embassy in Moscow.

[slim 1,525]

If you're attempting an initial meeting with a lady, going there is your best option. If she can work the tourist visa.... good. However, probably not likely.

So, start planning on going there. It's actually a relatively easy (although somewhat costly) process. Check through the old threads here. Basically it goes like this:

Buy plane ticket

Reserve motel/house/apartment (or obtain invitation letter from her)

Get visa through internet "visa service"

That's about the easiest way to do all of this. There are other ways (ask Satellite about the homestay and going through the Russian consulate here in the States) that will save you money, but if you're a newbie or first-timer to this whole process, your best bet is to just follow this process. ($2000+ so get out your checkbook)

[Marc and Olga 0]

Go there to meet her, yes you can meet in another country but I recommend visiting Russia, it is truely a beautiful country with wonderful people!

I enjoyed the fact that I was able to:

Meet Olga's family

See her town

See her work

See how she lives

Experience the Russian culture

However, depending on where she lives the cost can be quite different! Slim mentioned $2000+ for a trip, I WISH my trip was ONLY $2000!

My total:

$1695 airfare to VVO (Vladivostok)

$950 Hotel (very nice hotel though! =)

$170 Russian Tourist Visa

$1300 spending cash

$4115 total

My next trip, probably in Feb 2007 will be less expensive as I will apply for the visa through the consulate in San Fran, instead of using the online visa service ($70 savings) and I won't take as much spending cash, that was far more then was actually needed! =)

Edited July 21, 2006 by Marc and Olga

[Thomas-n-Elena 0]

My advice would be to travel there, first it shows great intent if you contiue through the K1 process plus you will have a wonderful adventure. I have traveled 2 times to Irkutsk and the cities are wonderful and the country side is beautiful. You can immerse yourself in her culture and meet her family which will also go a long way to alleviate her parents fears. The first time I traveled I stayed in a hotel and the second time Elena's mother insisted that I stay in their home. I slept on the floor in Elena's room and we spent 4 days at the lake. It was amazing, both times. Plus the benefit for you will be that you will spend a lot of time together and she will be more comfortable, remember if you continue through to the K1 process she will be making a huge life change and you traveling to see her will show her how much she means. Take the first step, save your pennies and find one of the many travel services that can find you airfare, hotel and visa help for your trip they are everywhere. I used www.gotorussia.com for my trips, the visa app cost is a little higher but I am nowhere near a consulate.