My First Visit To Ukraine!

[1American1 0]

Hello guys. I just returned home from my trip to Ukraine. And OMG it was the best time I have ever had in my entire life! She is so amazing. We are so much in love. L'viv is beautiful! We did so many things. We took over 400 pictures, Went to all the best restaurants. I ate so many new and exciting dishes. The opera was phenomenal! Had the best seats in the house (for about $16!) Went to the mountains stayed at a wonderful B&B. Went to a spa, Clock tower, castles, churches, villages, parks, Jazz club, met a lot of her friends, family they all seemed to love me. We even saw the famous "Shroud of Turin"! I tried to blend in, in the city, but with my full sleeve tattoo it was very difficult... lol. but no problem there, she loves it. I brought some DVD's (they didn't work) But her brother was able to copy them onto blank DVD's so that was good.

We are absolutely crazy about each other! We will begin our visa journey ASAP! Everyday there was wonderful except for the final day... It was extremely difficult to leave. One of the hardest things I've ever had to do. We spoke on the webcam earlier, and it is not the same anymore. It was so hard after being able to feel her heart beat, to kiss her, to hold her. Her scent... We cant sleep nor eat.

So now what? What is my first step? I am meeting with an immigration attorney soon. He was referred to me from my brother in law who came from France on a work visa, and is now an official U.S. citizen. He said his lawyer was VERY good, and has an excellent track record. I saved all my receipts, brochures, etc. What is required of me? I know I owe some back taxes... Do I need to get them up to date? I also have a non-violent felony on my record... Will that interfere? Thank you all for your help in advance.

[slim 1,525]

First, drop the attorney and head over to the VJ Guides section. K-1 is a super simple process and you can do it all yourself.

You don't need to worry about your taxes or your record. Simply fill out the paperwork (follow the guides) and stop back here with any questions you may have.

Welcome to our forum and good luck on your Journey!

[Rob and Jill 82]

Use the fee you would pay the attorney and pay your taxes instead

Seriously, the guide here are amazing and will help you with the process. Unless you have some major LEGAL reason you NEED an attorney, I would recommend you try it on your own.

It's nice to hear you had a wonderful trip and confirmed your feelings for each other. It is hard after spending time together in person to go back to Skype and doing things the "old" way, but you'll presevere if that is what you both want to do. It's called Visa Journey for a reason...starting a life together is certainly a journey...and so is the paperwork.

[payxibka 10,045]

the only time taxes come into play is if you have a tax lien and you are not paying or are delinquent on your "workout" plan. This mostly comes into play with the I-864 Affidavit of Support, when applying for a greencard after arrival and marriage.

[1American1 0]

Thanks Guys. I will do some research to see if this is something I can do on my own... I looked at the example forms. Will I need all of them?

P.S. I'm trying to upload a picture of us. Can not seem to...

[Scott and Iryna 2]

As everyone has said, forget the attorney. It will cost you over 2 grand (not including the costs of the actual filing), and they do very little for you. However, if you are like me, and you don't have a lot of time, and you want somebody to personally help you through the journey and give you immediate advice, then there are some very good services out there.

I chose to hire a service to help me through the process, and I am so glad that I did. It only cost me around 500 bucks or so, and they helped me through the whole process, from start to finish.

First, they sent me a kit to take with me on my visit to see her, in preparation for the K-1 Visa. It included detailed instructions (such as precise specifications for the passport-style photos you will both need) and even a questionnaire, written in the Russian language, for your girl to fill out that will provide information to be used when filing. They also include a sample Intent to Marry for her to write and sign, as well as detailed instructions on what evidence you should acquire during your trip.

Then, they will fill out all the forms for you, and will translate all of the necessary documents. All you do is sign them and take them to the Post Office. They will answer all your questions while you wait for approval, and will tell you what comes next.

Most importantly, they will contact your girl directly and, speaking to her in Russian, they will explain the process to her. When you finally get your NOA2, they will discuss the Medical Exam and prep her for her Interview. This step saved me so much stress and worry.

The service I used is called "Nevesta" (Russian for "bride"): Fiancee-Visa-K1.net

They are a married couple (he is American, she is Russian), and they are very helpful and knowledgeable. They were recommended to me by another couple, and I will strongly recommend them to anyone going through this process.

I even used them to provide me with a certified translation of my Prenup Agreement (which is a subject that will cause a LOT of flack on this site)...

In any case, best of luck on your journey!

- Scott

[baron555 934]

Thanks Guys. I will do some research to see if this is something I can do on my own... I looked at the example forms. Will I need all of them?

P.S. I'm trying to upload a picture of us. Can not seem to...

REad the Guides. They will tell you which forms are required. Then use those Example Forms as examples. It's really simple (but in English!!!).

[shikarnov 7]

I agree with the consensus. Get rid of the attorney. I paid one for Ira's K1 process, and he was useless. Moreover, he separated me from the process so I wasn't as well informed about what was happening and when as I should have been. I followed the VJ guides for AOS, and all has been well since.

I'm sure this goes without saying, but save *everything*. Every flight stub, every email, every letter, every card, every rose petal... Take tons of pictures - TOGETHER, with friends, with family, in groups, etc... Seriously, you'll be a pack rat, but you'll have a much easier time at every point during this process, from the visa, to the green card, and so on, if your biggest worry is how large a container you'll need to hold it all.

Good luck, and I'm glad you had a great time in the Ukraine!

Z

[1HappyGuy 45]

The choice of using VJ or an attorney is yours and for some it comes down to affordability. If you choose an attorney, then get one with lots of experience, not one that says he can do that.

The guides on VJ are good and will assist more than you can believe. Be very diligent about all your records and keep things that would not seem important, like money exchange receipts. You will be getting lots of documents for yourself and your fiancee. Get lots of things translated into English now; school documents, shot records, anything that might be useful in the future. The costs are small in comparison to later and will eventually be worth the expense.

Ask a lot of questions, especially in the K-1 forum. Your fiancee will need to know a lot of your background, family stuff, etc. So, keep her informed. Become a well organized person, so that the requirements of the visa application will be more that fulfilled. Make extra copies of everything so that you have a complete set of everything you send to the government.

Most of all, learn patience. This process is slow, agonizing and frustrating. But, it does eventually end and that is the outcome you are looking for. In the end you will be with her and life will be joyous.

[slim 1,525]

Ask a lot of questions, especially in the K-1 forum.

I recommend staying out of the K-1 forum entirely. Russia has some Russia-specific stuff and you'll either be confused or (unintentionally) misled if you get advice in K-1. Sure, there are folks there who'll help, but you'll get more accurate help here and won't need to post questions like "Can I go with her to the interview?" (You can't.)

[Darnell 8,478]

did you come back with a signed G-325A from her?

oh- and did she say anything about yer drinking and ordering a paypal card in her name?

Seriously - NICE TO SEE YOU BACK !!!! That was a great writeup of yer visit !!

Edited May 14, 2010 by Darnell

[Cixelsyd 1]

I recommend staying out of the K-1 forum entirely. Russia has some Russia-specific stuff and you'll either be confused or (unintentionally) misled if you get advice in K-1. Sure, there are folks there who'll help, but you'll get more accurate help here and won't need to post questions like "Can I go with her to the interview?" (You can't.)

This is misleading.

The Russia forum is definitely extremely heavy with k-1 visas, so they'll have some good insight. And when it comes to the actual interview, they'll be your best source.

I followed the same concept that was outlined ("we have all the answers you need") and in the end it cost me a month or more. I am however a non k-1 visa, so take that for what it's worth.

In the end, it's your choice. I say don't put all your vodka in one driver.

Edit:

In case it wasn't clear. I suggest maintaining a presence in both Russia forum and k-1 forum.

Edited May 14, 2010 by Cixelsyd

[slim 1,525]

K-1 is a super simple process. Follow the Guides, ask any questions here in the RUB forum and you'll be fine. The reason I say stay out of the K-1 forum is because folks over there will tell you specific information for their embassy and it's not the same as for Moscow. Also, they'll tell you about "that one time that this one couple that I heard of from a guy who was on here a long time ago, yeah, they did what you're suggesting and they got an RFE and they were delayed about six months. It was horrible."

Look, K-1 is an easy process. There's no need to worry and yes, K-1 visa forum can help you. But, it's like asking everyone in your family if they think your visa is going to go through. They may have an idea, but they don't know for sure. Why not ask someone who knows for sure.

CR-1/IR-1 is, by nature, a "different" type of visa that is unique to each couple. It's not cut and dry like the K-1.

[Brad and Vika 129]

I recommend staying out of the K-1 forum entirely. Russia has some Russia-specific stuff and you'll either be confused or (unintentionally) misled if you get advice in K-1. Sure, there are folks there who'll help, but you'll get more accurate help here and won't need to post questions like "Can I go with her to the interview?" (You can't.)

Sorry buddy - she is interviewing in Kiev. He can go along - I went right up to the window.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I recommend staying out of the K-1 forum entirely. Russia has some Russia-specific stuff and you'll either be confused or (unintentionally) misled if you get advice in K-1. Sure, there are folks there who'll help, but you'll get more accurate help here and won't need to post questions like "Can I go with her to the interview?" (You can't.)

Hmm. Speaking of accurate information...his fiancee is Ukrainian and he CAN go to the interview. In all liklihood anyway. Many of us walked right up with our fiancees and attended the interview, such that it is. Even if you are asked to leave, that means you can and sit in a chair 5 ft. away and listen to everything, which is all you will do anyway.