DCF Moscow

[AmyWrites 593]

So I want to DCF in Moscow, and can't quite find the answers I need on the embassy site.

1. How soon after we're married can we apply?

2. What US documents do I need? I mean, besides the obvious ones, does the Moscow embassy have any specific requirements?

3. Can I get a co-sponsor? I'm a student, and have some money, but still below the poverty guidelines.

4. Apparently, my SO's cash doesn't matter. Can I include proof of at all somewhere in the documents? He has a lot of savings, enough to not have to work in the States for over a year. We wouldn't need a co-sponsor if this was possible.

5. How long can I expect it to take? If all goes well I need to be back in the States by August.

6. How can I get the apostille stamp in Moscow?

Thanks

[AmyWrites 593]

And also do we need our birth certificates? I read so in the guide but am unsure if it's his or mine or both....

[Brad and Vika 129]

Amy I have never been to Russia, so can't really help - just wanted to wish you luck.

[Derek & Rita 6]

So I want to DCF in Moscow, and can't quite find the answers I need on the embassy site.

1. How soon after we're married can we apply?

2. What US documents do I need? I mean, besides the obvious ones, does the Moscow embassy have any specific requirements?

3. Can I get a co-sponsor? I'm a student, and have some money, but still below the poverty guidelines.

4. Apparently, my SO's cash doesn't matter. Can I include proof of at all somewhere in the documents? He has a lot of savings, enough to not have to work in the States for over a year. We wouldn't need a co-sponsor if this was possible.

5. How long can I expect it to take? If all goes well I need to be back in the States by August.

6. How can I get the apostille stamp in Moscow?

Thanks

1. The day you have all your marriage paperwork done.

2. No idea.

3. For the I-134, yes they will allow a co-sponsor.

4. It probably won't matter. You can submit the documents. That I-134 is for ten years support at twice the current poverty level.

5. August is very possible.

6. I believe the place is called MID. Ministry of International Documents or something like that. USA doesn't require apostilled marriage certificates.

[AmyWrites 593]

Thanks to both of you!

Mods... isn't this better in the DCF forums? The RUB forums... most people here used the K1 method, no?

[Brad and Vika 129]

Topic moved from RUB forum to DCF at OP request.

[Slade&Natasha 7]

1. How soon after we're married can we apply?

immediately

2. What US documents do I need? I mean, besides the obvious ones, does the Moscow embassy have any specific requirements?

same as you'd require for non-DCF I-130 -- just read the directions for that form

3. Can I get a co-sponsor? I'm a student, and have some money, but still below the poverty guidelines.

if you don't make the cut, then yes, you'll need a co-sponsor

4. Apparently, my SO's cash doesn't matter. Can I include proof of at all somewhere in the documents? He has a lot of savings, enough to not have to work in the States for over a year. We wouldn't need a co-sponsor if this was possible.

SO's? Who is the USC? The petitioner can qualify on assets instead of income, but they'll need a good amount (IIRC, around 5x of the salary requirements).

5. How long can I expect it to take? If all goes well I need to be back in the States by August.

DCF is the fastest route you can go. Likely in two months or less if you have your documents together in advance.

6. How can I get the apostille stamp in Moscow?

And why would you need an apostille? Neither USCIS nor the Consular Branch requires an apostille on any of the documents they list, AFAIK.

[AmyWrites 593]

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/marriage.html According to here I do need an apostille stamp? Or is that only for people who have been divorced and so on before?

Also, I have no children or job in the US, but I am a student, and will continue my studies there. Is that enough for intent to establish domicile? What else can I add to the intent to establish domicile thing?

[AmyWrites 593]

And also... must I submit my passport to the Civil Registry Office? I seem to never have my passport while in Russia >:-|

[Slade&Natasha 7]

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/marriage.html According to here I do need an apostille stamp? Or is that only for people who have been divorced and so on before?

It says there that the RUSSIAN government demands an Apostille. Not the US. For Russian documents, just provide a translation. And you can do it yourself if you're suitably proficient in Russian and English.

Also, I have no children or job in the US, but I am a student, and will continue my studies there. Is that enough for intent to establish domicile? What else can I add to the intent to establish domicile thing?

In essence, the US government wants to be assured that the person that you're sponsoring will not become a public charge (ie financial burden on the government). I hadn't lived in the US for almost 10 years, had no property in the US, no children in the US, and it was never even mentioned. As long as you can prove that you (or your sponsor) has a job which will provide enough for your beneficiary to live in the US above the poverty level, you should be okay. If you can't do that, you will definitely have issues.

And also... must I submit my passport to the Civil Registry Office? I seem to never have my passport while in Russia >:-|

For what purpose? To get married in Russia? Certainly not for your I-130.

[AmyWrites 593]

It says there that the RUSSIAN government demands an Apostille. Not the US. For Russian documents, just provide a translation. And you can do it yourself if you're suitably proficient in Russian and English.

For what purpose? To get married in Russia? Certainly not for your I-130.

Yep, I mean, for folks who got married in Russia... are these docs needed?

So a co-sponsor and my bank account/student status in the US should be enough proof of intent to establish domicile?

[Slade&Natasha 7]

Yep, I mean, for folks who got married in Russia... are these docs needed?

If you want to get married in Russia, you will need to follow the directions on that website. And yes, you will need an Apostille for any document issued outside of Russia. But that is only for the Russian government. Again, the US (USCIS or anything else) does not seem to care about Apostilles.

So a co-sponsor and my bank account/student status in the US should be enough proof of intent to establish domicile?

Should be. But be aware that there are several threads on VJ regarding this, so I'd recommend you search and read those. Just to be fully informed.

[Ryan H 3,812]

3. For the I-134, yes they will allow a co-sponsor.

4. It probably won't matter. You can submit the documents. That I-134 is for ten years support at twice the current poverty level.

Regarding the statement I put in bold, when an immigrant visa is being sought, joint sponsors are allowed by law. The statement as written would imply the Embassy has discretion when in reality, they follow the law.

Furthermore, the references to the I-134 are not applicable to the OP's case. The Embassy will require an I-864 from the OP and the OP's joint sponsor.