Received NOA1 - What Now? =)

[banshee 0]

Hi Everyone,

My fiancee is in Russia, and I am in the U.S. I finally received NOA1 and our application is being processed at the Texas Center. I am aware that I have to wait for NOA2, but is there any documentation I should be getting ready while waiting for NOA2?

Also he should be preparing his documentation for the interview in Moscow while we wait, right? Are there any documents he needs that take longer to receive in Russia than others -- as in, is there anything he should be prioritizing working on right now?

We are both upset that he has to fly all the way to Moscow to do the interview and the medical, and I still don't fully understand how that part of this works (how the appointments will be set up, etc.) so we want to be fully prepared for that time.

I know there is a lot of information already on this site, and I have been looking at it, but it helps me to receive fresh info, hear new stories, etc. so thank you very much for your help! =) If anyone else reads this who had a fiancee in Russia (or is waiting on one) like me, I'd be happy to hear from you, too, just for support, etc. =)

~ Samantha

[Misha'sgirl 44]

Follow the Guide: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1guide

And Flowchart: http://www.visajourney.com/content/k1flow

[Misha'sgirl 44]

Hi Everyone,

My fiancee is in Russia, and I am in the U.S. I finally received NOA1 and our application is being processed at the Texas Center. I am aware that I have to wait for NOA2, but is there any documentation I should be getting ready while waiting for NOA2?

Also he should be preparing his documentation for the interview in Moscow while we wait, right? Are there any documents he needs that take longer to receive in Russia than others -- as in, is there anything he should be prioritizing working on right now?

We are both upset that he has to fly all the way to Moscow to do the interview and the medical, and I still don't fully understand how that part of this works (how the appointments will be set up, etc.) so we want to be fully prepared for that time.

I know there is a lot of information already on this site, and I have been looking at it, but it helps me to receive fresh info, hear new stories, etc. so thank you very much for your help! =) If anyone else reads this who had a fiancee in Russia (or is waiting on one) like me, I'd be happy to hear from you, too, just for support, etc. =)

~ Samantha

Congrats, first off! Follow the links I gave above. They will give you the info you need to know.

I understand about being upset about having to fly to Moscow for interview and medical. He should fly two days before his interview, get medical done, wait a day for results if not given right away, and rest, and on the third day, have his interview. That is what My fiance and I are doing. This process is not cheap so get used to that. My fiance and I are going together into his interview and I suggest you do the same. Its allowed in the Moscow embassy.

Glad to help and support!

[banshee 0]

Thanks for the links, and for the information. I didn't know that it was allowed to have a joint interview in Moscow -- that's interesting! It would be expensive to fly there, but I will consider it. =) Is it frowned upon if I am not there -- as in, do the chances of approval decrease if I am not there?

Also I saw you had an RFE on your timeline -- if you don't mind me asking, what was it for? =)

Good luck on your interview! =)

~ Samantha

[Misha'sgirl 44]

Thanks for the links, and for the information. I didn't know that it was allowed to have a joint interview in Moscow -- that's interesting! It would be expensive to fly there, but I will consider it. =) Is it frowned upon if I am not there -- as in, do the chances of approval decrease if I am not there?

Also I saw you had an RFE on your timeline -- if you don't mind me asking, what was it for? =)

Good luck on your interview! =)

~ Samantha

The RFE was for failing to submit a G325a for myself. I did one for my fiance but forgot about myself. It was an easy fix and not a lot of time wasted. But still, don't forget anything!

I've heard some people say its the better deal to be present with your fiance at their interview. I personally feel the same. I also would even suggest you consider living with him in Russia for awhile. It just looks good for the consulate--words from a consulate. I've been living with my fiance for five months and probably will be a nother month or so before we leave for U.S. (if he is approved!) I, and I'm sure others will agree, highly recommend you go with you fiance at least. As I've said before, this process is not cheap.

[banshee 0]

Ahh that sucks that you forgot the G325a for yourself, but it sounds like everything worked out, anyhow. Thanks for sharing.

I could see how it would look better if a person was there with his/her fiancee.

Did your fiancee have any trouble getting his documents prepared for the interview? Did any particular documents take longer than others?

Also when you got your NOA2, did you have to send him documentation or were you already living with him abroad, maybe? That's great that you two were able to stay together in Russia. My fiancee and I have that as a plan b if this visa fails. Where in Russia are you, if you don't mind me asking?

And yes I agree with you -- the whole process is very expensive! But it's worth it. No complaints, really, so long as it all works out.

[Hollyday 122]

Hi Everyone,

My fiancee is in Russia, and I am in the U.S. I finally received NOA1 and our application is being processed at the Texas Center. I am aware that I have to wait for NOA2, but is there any documentation I should be getting ready while waiting for NOA2?

Also he should be preparing his documentation for the interview in Moscow while we wait, right? Are there any documents he needs that take longer to receive in Russia than others -- as in, is there anything he should be prioritizing working on right now?

We are both upset that he has to fly all the way to Moscow to do the interview and the medical, and I still don't fully understand how that part of this works (how the appointments will be set up, etc.) so we want to be fully prepared for that time.

I know there is a lot of information already on this site, and I have been looking at it, but it helps me to receive fresh info, hear new stories, etc. so thank you very much for your help! =) If anyone else reads this who had a fiancee in Russia (or is waiting on one) like me, I'd be happy to hear from you, too, just for support, etc. =)

~ Samantha

Well, recently the NOA1 to NOA2 process for K-1s seemed to be taking a couple of months, so maybe he can start getting the police certificate. If he has the rest of documents, i think that's the thing that takes the longest (a month in Moscow, don't know about other cities). Just my $0.02.

[Misha'sgirl 44]

Ahh that sucks that you forgot the G325a for yourself, but it sounds like everything worked out, anyhow. Thanks for sharing.

I could see how it would look better if a person was there with his/her fiancee.

Did your fiancee have any trouble getting his documents prepared for the interview? Did any particular documents take longer than others?

Also when you got your NOA2, did you have to send him documentation or were you already living with him abroad, maybe? That's great that you two were able to stay together in Russia. My fiancee and I have that as a plan b if this visa fails. Where in Russia are you, if you don't mind me asking?

And yes I agree with you -- the whole process is very expensive! But it's worth it. No complaints, really, so long as it all works out.

Yeah it all worked out so no biggie. It does look better to go together, but only an option. We haven't had a lot of issues with getting docs together.

I would go ahead and make sure you are above the poverty line in order to be legally able to support your fiance when he arrives in the U.S. If you do not meet the requirements, you'll need a co-sponsor. And that could take a while to get if you're unsure of who it could be. For us, My dad is the co-sponsor. And the only reason we need him is because I've lived with my fiance now for five months, so no work for me. I've helped my fiance with the documents, translations, all that jazz and its been much easier for the both of us. We are living in Volgograd.

Also, you might want to tell him to start getting his military record and police record. But make sure the embassy will still accept them if the dates are a little "old" if he gets them now. We waited till adter we scheduled his appoinyment and it worked out okay but might not go so smooth for your man. Especially if he has lived six months or more outside of russia...that means he would need police records from those places as well as where he currently resides. If you don't ming me asking, where does he reside?

Good luck with everything and I hope the region members can also help you out more.

[Neonred 3,581]

I've heard some people say its the better deal to be present with your fiance at their interview. I personally feel the same. I also would even suggest you consider living with him in Russia for awhile. It just looks good for the consulate--words from a consulate. I've been living with my fiance for five months and probably will be a nother month or so before we leave for U.S. (if he is approved!) I, and I'm sure others will agree, highly recommend you go with you fiance at least. As I've said before, this process is not cheap.

Nice if you can do it, but not necessary. I was there, but at that time fiances and spouses could not attend the interview, and had to wait outside.

Moscow is considered an easy embassy for approvals. For all the years I have been on VJ since our interview, I cannot think of any denials. There have been a few requests for additional proof of relationship which were easily fixed.

[Misha'sgirl 44]

Nice if you can do it, but not necessary. I was there, but at that time fiances and spouses could not attend the interview, and had to wait outside.

Moscow is considered an easy embassy for approvals. For all the years I have been on VJ since our interview, I cannot think of any denials. There have been a few requests for additional proof of relationship which were easily fixed.

I really appreciate what you said!

[banshee 0]

Sorry for the late reply! It was a busy week at work, and the weather hasn't been so great here.

@Hollyday: Thanks for the tip! He has already started to get his documents in order regarding the police certificate, and found a place that will give him an official translation. I am glad he is really on top of things, because otherwise, I would be lost. Now I am just concerned about getting my financial support paperwork in order, which I really should look at this weekend.

@ Misha's Girl: Wow, thanks for all of your information and for your help! How is life in Volgograd? I read about the recent terrorist attack there; horrible. I am sure you are getting enough concerns about that from your family stateside, though. When I first traveled to Russia, my family seemed to think I was headed to my imminent doom, haha. Now they're planning their own trips. My fiancee is in Yekaterinburg, actually, and pretty much continually burdened by snow, by his account. I'm definitely above the poverty line, and just need to get started on the financial paperwork. I'm not sure if I should start it now or if I should start it when I get the NOA2. I have to look into it, but if you know anything, please let me know. I would definitely like to be there with him for the interview, but it will depend on timing, because I don't get that much vacation time every year, and it'd be a shame to pay so much money to fly to Moscow (which surprisingly I'm not eager to see -- I'd rather visit him in Yekaterinburg) for only a few days, but if it would make a huge difference, I would do it. I think it's awesome that you get to live with Misha in Russia, and that you get to go to the interview with him. Best of luck.

@Neonred: That is such encouraging news! Thank you!

Now for a separate question: My fiancee wants to change his address / change apartments. Is this going to affect my K-1 visa application? Is there anything I need to file with the government to report this change if and when it happens? I imagine it will happen within the month.

Thank you all so much! ~

~ Samantha

[Hollyday 122]

@Hollyday: Thanks for the tip! He has already started to get his documents in order regarding the police certificate, and found a place that will give him an official translation.

Hi Samantha,

Regarding the translation: it doesn't have to be notarized or anything, the translator just has to attest that he or she has sufficient knowledge of English to facilitate such a translation + contact details (and sign and date, of course). I'm doing mine.

Good luck with the rest of stuff!

Edited January 11, 2014 by Hollyday