Preparing for interview

[Chris_Жанна 11]

OK,

Zhanna's interview is coming up on the the 8th of Dec. Zhanna and I were lucky enough to have her spend 2 1/2 months with me while while we waited for our NoA2. We were able to complete all the required forms for the interview together and compile and organize e-mails, skype chats/calls, snail mail letters/cards, etc...

My concern is (with all the recent AR's happening), that after looking through our I-129F form when it asked how we met, I wrote that we met on Skype, when in fact we met on a chat room on yahoo. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote this, I think that when I filled out the form I was so used to talking on skype that I just automatically wrote that. Will this be a problem? Should I write the embassy about this? If I could kick myself in the ####### I would.

Also, When Zhanna went back to Russia I gave her the second letter of intent. It was short ans simple like the one submitted w/ the I-129F. After reading about Barons debacle at the embassy I have began to worry that I should maybe send another letter or try to e-mail a supplement to the original letter of intent statement.

In our time together Zhanna and I have a good amount of photos with me and with family, extended family, friends. We have also had both our parents send letters that they both approve of our engagement and future marriage.

We both have never been married, neither of us have children, we are the same age (she's a few months older, I call her my babushka which she loves ) and we didn't use a marriage broker. I was just wondering if this will lessen the chances of any red flags from the consul?

We have been rehearsing interview questions, deciding which e-mails/ letters are the best to submit (as well as bringing more just in case they ask)

Is there anything else we can do?

I have bought so much Tums in the last week I could probably be a shareholder at this point. Thanks for any or all advice.

Edited November 24, 2009 by Chris_Жанна

[baron555 934]

My concern is (with all the recent AR's happening), that after looking through our I-129F form when it asked how we met, I wrote that we met on Skype, when in fact we met on a chat room on yahoo. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote this, I think that when I filled out the form I was so used to talking on skype that I just automatically wrote that. Will this be a problem? Should I write the embassy about this? If I could kick myself in the ####### I would.

Maybe you were using Skype chat? Not an issue for sure.

Also, When Zhanna went back to Russia I gave her the second letter of intent. It was short ans simple like the one submitted w/ the I-129F. After reading about Barons debacle at the embassy I have began to worry that I should maybe send another letter or try to e-mail a supplement to the original letter of intent statement.

I would suggest you draft another and send it to her. Sign it and scan it in. I'd suggest she do the same. Statments of your love and committment to each other, blah blah.

In our time together Zhanna and I have a good amount of photos with me and with family, extended family, friends. We have also had both our parents send letters that they both approve of our engagement and future marriage.

We both have never been married, neither of us have children, we are the same age (she's a few months older, I call her my babushka which she loves ) and we didn't use a marriage broker. I was just wondering if this will lessen the chances of any red flags from the consul?

I think you are good to go.

We have been rehearsing interview questions, deciding which e-mails/ letters are the best to submit (as well as bringing more just in case they ask)

Is there anything else we can do?

I'd bring more than less. In my letter I described how our emails showed two people meeting because of common interests, then becoming interested in each other, then asking questions about each other, learning about each other, then becoming more interested and agreeing to meet, planning that meeting, then meeting, then continuing to communicate and learn about each other and then later the love started to occur, then the decision to marry and the K-1 and then planning for the future family, discussing all aspects of life. You should have documentation that supports these statements; like they are reading a happy romantic novel.

I have bought so much Tums in the last week I could probably be a shareholder at this point. Thanks for any or all advice.

Stop, you will be OK!

[1HappyGuy 45]

It sounds like you have covered the bases. That small issue of how you met should not be a problem, especially since you have so many letters, photos, time together, etc. The whole thing about how you met deals with the Marriage broker thing. If she has everything needed, medical, police report, financial support documents and anything else required I would say she's ready.

[Rob_Lesya 4]

As the person who seems to be gaining a reputation as "The Forum Skeptic" -- I'd say you're good to go!

The issue about exactly where you met is no big deal. When she's asked where you met, just have her say it was in an online chat .... it covers both variants without lying.

As for the new statement of intent --- it certainly isn't going to hurt to submit a new one, but I really don't think it's necessary.

The fact that she actually spent 2 1/2 months with you 24/7 --- and is STILL willing to go through with this ---- means that you're golden!.

I seem to recall there being some issues regarding the Affidavit of Support and income --- make sure all of that is squared away.

Other than that, as 1HappyGuy says, make sure she has all of necessary documents --- even after she thinks she has everything, go through the checklist of documents again just to make certain and INSIST that she sit down and go through the checklist of documents again just before she leaves for Moscow just to be certain that she has everything with her.

As I said--- You look good to go!

Good luck!

[CountingDays 0]

OK,

Zhanna's interview is coming up on the the 8th of Dec. Zhanna and I were lucky enough to have her spend 2 1/2 months with me while while we waited for our NoA2. We were able to complete all the required forms for the interview together and compile and organize e-mails, skype chats/calls, snail mail letters/cards, etc...

My concern is (with all the recent AR's happening), that after looking through our I-129F form when it asked how we met, I wrote that we met on Skype, when in fact we met on a chat room on yahoo. I don't know what I was thinking when I wrote this, I think that when I filled out the form I was so used to talking on skype that I just automatically wrote that. Will this be a problem? Should I write the embassy about this? If I could kick myself in the ####### I would.

Also, When Zhanna went back to Russia I gave her the second letter of intent. It was short ans simple like the one submitted w/ the I-129F. After reading about Barons debacle at the embassy I have began to worry that I should maybe send another letter or try to e-mail a supplement to the original letter of intent statement.

In our time together Zhanna and I have a good amount of photos with me and with family, extended family, friends. We have also had both our parents send letters that they both approve of our engagement and future marriage.

We both have never been married, neither of us have children, we are the same age (she's a few months older, I call her my babushka which she loves ) and we didn't use a marriage broker. I was just wondering if this will lessen the chances of any red flags from the consul?

We have been rehearsing interview questions, deciding which e-mails/ letters are the best to submit (as well as bringing more just in case they ask)

Is there anything else we can do?

I have bought so much Tums in the last week I could probably be a shareholder at this point. Thanks for any or all advice.

it sounds to me like you are TOTALLY good to go! Honestly, if you have all your bases covered with the rest of the important paperwork the only thing you could do is hurt yourself with your nervousness! I know I know easier said than done, to stop being nervous-but Zhanna going in there CONFIDENT because your relationship IS real will be a huge help-and will read in tone of her voice,body language etc.

[Rob_Lesya 4]

One more note for you ---- and for others with upcoming interviews ----

Make sure that your fiancee is aware that when she goes to the Embassy there will be many people there applying for other types of visas -- work visas, student visas, tourist visas, etc. Make clear to your fiancee not to listen to or be bothered by any "advice" given by these folks. For example, the day Lesya was there a couple of them told the K1's that they were going to have a lot of trouble and possibly even be denied because they (the K1's) had the wrong waybill. Pony Express, not DHL, is used for the types of visas mentioned above. This didn't bother Lesya because she KNEW she had the right waybill, but a couple of the K1's began freaking out until Lesya was able to calm them down and explain to them that everything was ok.

[CountingDays 0]

One more note for you ---- and for others with upcoming interviews ----

Make sure that your fiancee is aware that when she goes to the Embassy there will be many people there applying for other types of visas -- work visas, student visas, tourist visas, etc. Make clear to your fiancee not to listen to or be bothered by any "advice" given by these folks. For example, the day Lesya was there a couple of them told the K1's that they were going to have a lot of trouble and possibly even be denied because they (the K1's) had the wrong waybill. Pony Express, not DHL, is used for the types of visas mentioned above. This didn't bother Lesya because she KNEW she had the right waybill, but a couple of the K1's began freaking out until Lesya was able to calm them down and explain to them that everything was ok.

ah, excellent advice

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Thanks everyone!

Zhanna and I both appreciate all of your input and advice. Everyone has been so great to us. Thank you.

Rob, yes the affidavit of support is somewhat of a concern to me, more so then anything else.

When I relocated to SC I figured that my professional license would be relatively easy to transfer....big mistake. Even though NY is one of the hardest states to obtain licensure for my field, SC required me to take another test, become nationally certified, and register with the state. All of this took almost 6 months due to the testing facility forgetting to send my results, requesting transcripts from my school, the state of SC taking their sweet azz time processing my info and sending me a license. Dealing with the SC office of the professions has truly been a nightmare and has made the USCIS and NVC look expedient in comparison.

Having said that, I was forced to take work serving tables at local yocal restaurant right outside of Charleston. Right now, in SC unemployment is still higher (I believe) than the natl average and it is nearly impossible to find legit work. So, I took what I can get (restaurant work).

I have all the pay stubs (which is a joke), my tax transcripts from the last 3 years (still a joke because I was a full time student) and didn't make much money the first year out of school (2008). The owner of the restaurant i work at gave me a statement on a company letter head stating I am a full time server and I am projected to make about 20k. The pay stubs however do not reflect what I make because somehow my tips are not factored into the base pay.

Having said all that, I have had to ask my mother to co-sponsor Zhanna. She makes around 80k a year. I have sent Zhanna back to Russia with 3 years of her tax returns, IRS transcripts, copies of the estimated value of my parents house, the mortgage, letter of employment from her job. My mother also included a statement that she would support us after Zhanna's arrival to the US as we will be living with my parents until we are finacialy stable, so that we can have a somewhat normal wedding and reception. I read that I should have a copy of my mothers birth cert. Is this true?

As much as I am grateful my mother is helping us out, it kills me that I have to ask for help. I have always prided myself on taking care of myself and being independant and self surficiant since I was 18. I hope the consul will accept my mothers co-sponsorship.

Again, thank you all for your responses and input. Your patients and knowlege has been such a great asset to us. Thank you.

Chris

[baron555 934]

Did you send an I-134 for yourself AND an I-134 for you cosponsor? You need to send both.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Did you send an I-134 for yourself AND an I-134 for you cosponsor? You need to send both.

Yes, my mother and I have both filled out seperate I-134's.

Edited November 24, 2009 by Chris_Жанна

[slim 1,530]

Chris, you have absolutely no reason to worry. Relax, be patient, and spend these next couple weeks watching football with your buddies.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Chris, you have absolutely no reason to worry. Relax, be patient, and spend these next couple weeks watching football with your buddies.

Hahaha my Jets suck!!!!

You're right. I'm trying to just chill but every once in awhile I go in to freak mode.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Chris, you have absolutely no reason to worry. Relax, be patient, and spend these next couple weeks watching football with your buddies.

Also, I meant to reply to you in Phil's thread but I did not want to go off topic anymore.

I did miss you guys in Chucktown over the summer. I think that's when I was going to NYC to pick Zhanna up from the airport. If you're down in the dirty, dirty again please hit me up. We can grab a beer or 10.....

[slim 1,530]

Chris, you have absolutely no reason to worry. Relax, be patient, and spend these next couple weeks watching football with your buddies.

Also, I meant to reply to you in Phil's thread but I did not want to go off topic anymore.

I did miss you guys in Chucktown over the summer. I think that's when I was going to NYC to pick Zhanna up from the airport. If you're down in the dirty, dirty again please hit me up. We can grab a beer or 10.....

Sounds like a plan. We were just talking about hitting up the Noisy Oyster again as soon as possible.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

Chris, you have absolutely no reason to worry. Relax, be patient, and spend these next couple weeks watching football with your buddies.

Also, I meant to reply to you in Phil's thread but I did not want to go off topic anymore.

I did miss you guys in Chucktown over the summer. I think that's when I was going to NYC to pick Zhanna up from the airport. If you're down in the dirty, dirty again please hit me up. We can grab a beer or 10.....

Sounds like a plan. We were just talking about hitting up the Noisy Oyster again as soon as possible.

lol whenever I think of the noisy oyster I think of that telephone pole right outside of that place with all the gum stuck on it.

Please, next time you're in town let me know.