Passport photo

[visaveteran 1]

The cost of living in Russia has gone through the roof lately. My wife's mom gets a $100 a month and survives by growing food in her garden and lives in my wife's flat during the winter. We send money to help but not $500 although that would not be a high amount given prices in Russian stores.

As far as filling out forms, you can do that for her by simply asking her for certain line items like her parents names, birthdays etc. that you don't know. But most of the forms you can handle. You can do this easily via email or phone if she speaks English. When the time comes, you can get the finished forms to her for signature where needed. There are also people who will help her in Russia for a fee...probably around $300.

The fact that this has dragged on for a year is troubling. Something is limiting her motivation. If this all goes south, you've wasted a lot of time. At some point you need to decide what are your time limits...and if they are not met, move on.

[baron555 934]

The fact that this has dragged on for a year is

Seems like both of you are not in any hurry to be with each other.

[CamIrwin 0]

Seems like both of you are not in any hurry to be with each other.

Don't know what to do to speed it up. I've written more times than I can count asking for photo and documents. She finally sent G-325s and Fiancee letter of intent to marry. Everyhing is ready to be mailed except a photo. I spent a lot of time trying to make a photo.

[CamIrwin 0]

The cost of living in Russia has gone through the roof lately. My wife's mom gets a $100 a month and survives by growing food in her garden and lives in my wife's flat during the winter. We send money to help but not $500 although that would not be a high amount given prices in Russian stores.

As far as filling out forms, you can do that for her by simply asking her for certain line items like her parents names, birthdays etc. that you don't know. But most of the forms you can handle. You can do this easily via email or phone if she speaks English. When the time comes, you can get the finished forms to her for signature where needed. There are also people who will help her in Russia for a fee...probably around $300.

The fact that this has dragged on for a year is troubling. Something is limiting her motivation. If this all goes south, you've wasted a lot of time. At some point you need to decide what are your time limits...and if they are not met, move on.

My time limit is in about 9 months. Then it will be 2 years since we've been together. I can't spend another $3500 to go there, we will be in a hole we will never get out of. If she got a tourist visa, I guess the clock will start again.

[slim 1,525]

If she gets a tourist visa the buzzer should go off because all the paperwork should be done before she leaves!

[CamIrwin 0]

If she gets a tourist visa the buzzer should go off because all the paperwork should be done before she leaves!

So is a tourist visa a bad idea now?

[slim 1,525]

So is a tourist visa a bad idea now?

No, I mean she should have all the paperwork done before she leaves the U.S. She can come here on a tourist visa and you could do all the paperwork while she's here. A tourist visa is a good idea anytime. Good luck!

[baron555 934]

So is a tourist visa a bad idea now?

How is a tourist visa going to help? You'd still have to fork over the bucks for the airfare, just like if you wen over there.

[sleepy in Seattle 3]

NIce photo by the way,

Edited February 19, 2010 by sleepy in Seattle

[CamIrwin 0]

How is a tourist visa going to help? You'd still have to fork over the bucks for the airfare, just like if you wen over there.

A lot cheaper to bring her here, no Flat for one thing. And I would know she is serious. And she would find out if she likes it here. And maybe I can line up a job for her when she comes to stay. And I just want her here.

NIce photo by the way,

Which photo?

[baron555 934]

And I would know she is serious. And she would find out if she likes it here.

Are there any doubts in this regard? You are supposed to be intending to become married; that's usually viewed as having a serious committment.

No need to answer the question: I'm not intending to question the relationship.