Interview coming. Your thoughts?

[dmdaisey 0]

My paperwork got to my fiance', so she's 100% ready for her interview September 22nd at Moscow. I want to get a feel for what you all think on the situation and if you think we'll get approved.

She applied for a J-1 visa back in December and January. She had an internship job set up but unfortunately she got denied. The internship was a big deal, but we also were hoping we'd date during that time.. Unfortunately she wasn't approved.

I proposed in March because I really just couldn't bare waiting any longer. We sent in our paperwork and all that stuff. I've sent her my I-134 (Last years income, I made plenty for poverty, but this year I was in college so I only made about 18k.) I had a co-sponsor sign (she owns 4 franchise stores) So I'm sure her income should suffice, got my employer letter, pay stubs, ALL the skype IMs over the last 2 years, bank stuff, etc. I sent it all. She has all her stuff, and she's had a pre-med check up and she's fine. She speaks English VERY well, as we've talked on skype by video for over a year and a half almost daily, so there is no barrier in communication. She knows EVERYTHING about me, that they could possibly know or ask. I haven't been able to be with her since 2 years... College and lack of money kept me from traveling. I'm visiting a week after her interview to meet her parents and such. We're bringing my plane tickets, a copy of my visa for coming, the hotel confirmation, so it proves I WILL be going.

What do you think? You think we have a legitimate shot? I know it's up to the embassy, but we covered every base we could think of, and I really do love her. I bought her engagement ring.n I had to propose online.. but first thing I do when I see her in the airport, I will drop to one knee and do the whole "in person proposal".

[slim 1,530]

What do you think? You think we have a legitimate shot? I know it's up to the embassy, but we covered every base we could think of, and I really do love her. I bought her engagement ring.n I had to propose online.. but first thing I do when I see her in the airport, I will drop to one knee and do the whole "in person proposal".

I think she'll be approved for the visa no problem. Sounds like you've jumped through all the appropriate hoops.

As for the dropping down on one knee thing... that's for the movies. You guys are already engaged. Russians don't typically do an engagement with a ring and all so you'd be better off hocking that sucker and taking her to the Caribbean instead. Trust me.

[Chris_Жанна 11]

I'd place a bet in your favor. I was a nervous wreck before my interview (Ask Slim.).

I had a co-sponsor last year because I was having trouble finding work, as long as you have your sh!t together you should be good to go. Sounds like you do. Best of luck!

[slim 1,530]

Yep. We all get more worried than we should. They have very simple rules and requirements and provided you meet them all (whether that's barely meet or far exceed - doesn't matter) you will be approved.

So, relax. Go get some chicken wings. Drink some beer. And watch some football. You won't be doing much of that after she gets here!

[Chris_Жанна 11]

So, relax. Go get some chicken wings. Drink some beer. And watch some football. You won't be doing much of that after she gets here!

For real, you're gonna be thrown into a world of bacteria milk, buckwheat, warm drinks..... the real question is, you sure you really want this???? J/K.

But seriously, relax because once she gets here you're gonna be scrambling to get your wedding plans and aos stuff in order.

[dmdaisey 0]

I appreciate your input! I'm being positive. She bought a refundable ticket (in case she's denied) to fly back with me October 8th.. 16 days after her interview. We're anxiously waiting for the approval. We'll be able to relax for a couple weeks after the approval...Then yes.. getting married, and preparing for the other paperwork. It's the beginning of the end of the first process... But thank you so much for the support. You can imagine how after all this time, it all comes down to this!

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I think she'll be approved for the visa no problem. Sounds like you've jumped through all the appropriate hoops.

As for the dropping down on one knee thing... that's for the movies. You guys are already engaged. Russians don't typically do an engagement with a ring and all so you'd be better off hocking that sucker and taking her to the Caribbean instead. Trust me.

Agreed. Alla didn't even want a ring, and FWIW we went around to the jewelry stores in Ukraine and couldn't even find what we would consider an "engagement ring" She has a simple gold band wedding ring we bought after she arrived. In Eastern European tradition, it is worn on the RIGHT hand ring finger.

As for the interview, you sound good to go. So were we, and we still didn't sleep the night before we got approved with no questions asked. It is normal.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

I think she'll be approved for the visa no problem. Sounds like you've jumped through all the appropriate hoops.

As for the dropping down on one knee thing... that's for the movies. You guys are already engaged. Russians don't typically do an engagement with a ring and all so you'd be better off hocking that sucker and taking her to the Caribbean instead. Trust me.

FYI, she is a K-1. Be careful which Caribbena island you take her to. Better be the US Virgin Islands.

[dmdaisey 0]

Haha, I will keep all that in mind. She told me she wants me to propose on one knee. She likes the "old fashioned way". I already bought the ring, (which she liked.. I had to show a picture.. I have no idea how my tastes are in jewelry) She knows I'll officially do it in Russia, she just doesn't know where, and I thought, why not catch her off guard right from the get-go.

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Haha, I will keep all that in mind. She told me she wants me to propose on one knee. She likes the "old fashioned way". I already bought the ring, (which she liked.. I had to show a picture.. I have no idea how my tastes are in jewelry) She knows I'll officially do it in Russia, she just doesn't know where, and I thought, why not catch her off guard right from the get-go.

She likes the American way. The "Old fashioned way" in Russia would mean her father would tell her who she was marrying and she would do so. There would be no rings. And the choice would likely be made as to what was most favorable for her father, not for her. And he wouldn't choose an American.

Do not expect her preference for old fashioned American diamond rings to extend to food, drink, air conditioning, wearing shoes in the house or various noises emitting from your body.

Edited September 7, 2010 by Gary and Alla

[dmdaisey 0]

She likes the American way. The "Old fashioned way" in Russia would mean her father would tell her who she was marrying and she would do so. There would be no rings. And the choice would likely be made as to what was most favorable for her father, not for her. And he wouldn't choose an American.

Do not expect her preference for old fashioned American diamond rings to extend to food, drink, air conditioning, wearing shoes in the house or various noises emitting from your body.

Oh no... We've discussed all that a thousand times over. I don't want to turn her into "American". I want her to be who she is, and bring her culture with her. When ever we have kids, I really want to instill the cultural differences and all that good stuff.

She's not a materialist, and the simple things in life make her the happiest. Besides.. I could learn a thing or two about eating healthy once she gets here. I've learned how to make a couple fresh vegetable stews while she was on the phone with me

[Gary and Alla 3,694]

Oh no... We've discussed all that a thousand times over. I don't want to turn her into "American". I want her to be who she is, and bring her culture with her. When ever we have kids, I really want to instill the cultural differences and all that good stuff.

She's not a materialist, and the simple things in life make her the happiest. Besides.. I could learn a thing or two about eating healthy once she gets here. I've learned how to make a couple fresh vegetable stews while she was on the phone with me

No worries. It goes without saying you do not want her to "turn into an American" why else would you marry an FSU girl? American women are a dime a dozen around here. You get what you pay for!

[dmdaisey 0]

No worries. It goes without saying you do not want her to "turn into an American" why else would you marry an FSU girl? American women are a dime a dozen around here. You get what you pay for!

Absolutely. I've dated far too many American girls... And eh.. there's so much about the culture here that makes them materialistic zombies.. I've been working with Russians/Ukranians for a few years, and I've always gotten along a lot better with the girls from there. I can't really explain it.. But Marina (that's my fiance's name) is just so supportive and grounded and realistic. But has one of the biggest hearts I know.

I'm a singer/songwriter, and while I've had some success getting music in tv shows and such, It's the kind of career I can't sit around waiting for things to happen. A lot of previous girlfriends just weren't supportive enough, and always wondering when I'd get a "real job", when I went to school for this. I've won awards and such. After I met Marina (in person, at an old job of mine) she jumped right in and started helping. She got some of my music played on a few radio stations in Russia and the Ukraine. She promoted and did everything in her power to help me. We're even moving to one of the large music centers (LA, NYC, or Nashville) so that I can be where I need to be. She's a translator, so a big city is perfect for her as well. But it's so rare to find someone who would give up everything to come and be with you.

She has a good job and she LOVES Saint Petersburg. She tried to get me to move there for the last year, but I couldn't have a music career there. I did, however, tell her if she doesn't get approved, then I will do my best to move there. If she's willing to give it all up, I got to be willing as well...

I'm just happy we're almost there!

[slim 1,530]

FYI, she is a K-1. Be careful which Caribbena island you take her to. Better be the US Virgin Islands.

Go there en route. Or, wait till after AOS and save more in the mean time!

she wants me to propose on one knee. She likes the "old fashioned way".

AKA she likes big shiny rocks.

She likes the American way. The "Old fashioned way" in Russia would mean her father would tell her who she was marrying and she would do so. There would be no rings. And the choice would likely be made as to what was most favorable for her father, not for her. And he wouldn't choose an American.

Do not expect her preference for old fashioned American diamond rings to extend to food, drink, air conditioning, wearing shoes in the house or various noises emitting from your body.

Yeah, run that "old fashioned way" by her and see if she'd still like it!

Oh no... We've discussed all that a thousand times over. I don't want to turn her into "American". I want her to be who she is, and bring her culture with her. When ever we have kids, I really want to instill the cultural differences and all that good stuff.

She's not a materialist, and the simple things in life make her the happiest. Besides.. I could learn a thing or two about eating healthy once she gets here. I've learned how to make a couple fresh vegetable stews while she was on the phone with me

Noted.

I'll see how this goes in about two years. "I miss gamboorgers!"

[SMR 368]

My paperwork got to my fiance', so she's 100% ready for her interview September 22nd at Moscow. I want to get a feel for what you all think on the situation and if you think we'll get approved.

She applied for a J-1 visa back in December and January. She had an internship job set up but unfortunately she got denied. The internship was a big deal, but we also were hoping we'd date during that time.. Unfortunately she wasn't approved.

I proposed in March because I really just couldn't bare waiting any longer. We sent in our paperwork and all that stuff. I've sent her my I-134 (Last years income, I made plenty for poverty, but this year I was in college so I only made about 18k.) I had a co-sponsor sign (she owns 4 franchise stores) So I'm sure her income should suffice, got my employer letter, pay stubs, ALL the skype IMs over the last 2 years, bank stuff, etc. I sent it all. She has all her stuff, and she's had a pre-med check up and she's fine. She speaks English VERY well, as we've talked on skype by video for over a year and a half almost daily, so there is no barrier in communication. She knows EVERYTHING about me, that they could possibly know or ask. I haven't been able to be with her since 2 years... College and lack of money kept me from traveling. I'm visiting a week after her interview to meet her parents and such. We're bringing my plane tickets, a copy of my visa for coming, the hotel confirmation, so it proves I WILL be going.

What do you think? You think we have a legitimate shot? I know it's up to the embassy, but we covered every base we could think of, and I really do love her. I bought her engagement ring.n I had to propose online.. but first thing I do when I see her in the airport, I will drop to one knee and do the whole "in person proposal".

Not to nit-pick, but don't you have to have seen each other in the last two years to apply for a K-1? Or how did that work out?