Sorry to annoy, but how long does it typically take from interview to visa?

[Percival504 0]

I think my fiancee should get an interview in late May or very early June based on the VJ Timelines. The problem is, I actually have to be in Paris for a trade mission 06/18 - 06/24. I wondering whether she will get her K1 visa in time (assuming she interviews sometime between May 24 and June 7) to get her K1 visa. We will then meet in Paris (she will get a tourist or transit visa to France) and return to the USA together from there. The thing is, I really want to be with her at POE -- I don't want her to have any problems and if she does I want to be there to help. Any thoughts are appreciated in advance of course.

[John and Anna 0]

About a week...

[mountainlover534 0]

HI,

OURS TOOK EXACTLY 10 DAYS

GOOD LUCK

SIE US

[1HappyGuy 45]

You do understand that the visa is good for six months. So, even though you might be pretty close to her at the time of the interview, the chances of everything going exactly as you want is pretty small. I think it is a better plan for you to return to USA and make all the special preparations for her arrival.

Understand that being at her POE is important because if any difficulties arise, you are at the same airport. I agree whole heartedly with you on that. But, it is going to be more important that you have things prepared at home. She is in for a huge culture shock, not to mention the exhaustion of the trip and the tremendously difficult adjustment of time zones.

You need to be prepared to let her rest for a minimum of two weeks, preferably longer, to adjust to living in America. I usually recommend finding some stores that carry Russian goods as a nice outing a few weeks after her arrival. Some familiarity to home is always reassuring.

So, now that you are so close in your final steps, use a little more patience. We all understand about the heartache of being apart, but pretty soon that will be just a memory. Use your time to prepare your home for her arrival. Some new paint, carpet cleaning, new dressers for hers and your clothing, etc. will all be useful. You don't want to be doing these things when she's here.

Good luck

[Percival504 0]

Thanks for all of the replies. I do understand that the visa is good for six months. My wife lived with me at my home in the States over the summer and has a very good idea of what to expect (everyone in my community is waiting for her to come back -- she is beloved). Frankly, the most shocking thing for her was the VIP treatment we get everywhere in my local city. As far as clothes go, we bought Polo, Armani, Mahnolo Blahnik, etc while she was here and over christmas (she never asked me for anything, so I try to give her everything). Clothes are not an issue. I really don't mean to be short or bragadocious, I appreciate all replies, but I'm looking for answers to my question -- not red herrings. No offense, but I recognize (as does my Fiancee) that she is moving to an entirely different culture.

The issue here is that I am going on a trade mission for my local government, EADS/Northrop and others to the Paris Airshow (involving both France and Spain). Yes, I miss her terribly, but for these sorts of functions (dinners with CEOs, Ambassadors of France, Spain and various UN people), you definitely want to have the right companion. My Fiancee, who is studying for her Master's in International relations and who had been hand picked for a job with the Russian government as a diplomat, speaks six languages, including French and Spanish -- oh yeah, she is also stunningly beautiful and just as charming in an "I'm totally hot, young and brilliant and we both know it" sort of way (like everyone else's SO I'm sure). I need her to be on this trip. My clients need her to be on this trip.

So the nature of my question isn't: "oh, I can't wait to see her and we'll be so close" (in fact, I'm leaving to see her again on Valentine's Day -- I was last there from 11/15-12/03): I need her to be my companion at these business functions and I'm trying to avoid the obvious inefficiency of her having to travel to Moscow just to return to the States a few days later (besides, my company will pay for her tickets if she goes on the trip). What I'm wondering is -- how do I do it? Can I have the embassy send us her visa at the hotel in France? Do I have to have my Congressman and Senator (who are also involved with this trade mission) send some sort of request/demand to the Embassy?

[BradLuvsMaria 0]

No advice here. had more to say but decided not to indulge.

[Neonred 3,569]

You can have the visa held at the DHL office in Moscow and she can pick it up there 3 or 4 days after the interview. That's what we did. My (now) wife's interview was on a Friday and the consul said it would go out Monday or Tuesday. We left Moscow for a little more than a week and returned to pick up the visa the day before we flew out. Remember the US embassy will take away her passport to place the visa in it so she will not be able to travel on to France until after she receives her passport with US visa inside.

I guess until you know the date of her interview you can't really make a firm decision. Provided everything is fine at the interview she can leave 3 or 4 days later....if all goes well. Visas and travel arrangements to other countries are another matter. I have no information about that.

[slim 1,525]

You've got the general idea.

Here's what you must do:

Wait.

You must wait for an interview date from the embassy. If her interview is at least a week or two before the Paris mission, you'll be fine. If it's close, like the same week, you'll be able to have the embassy send her passport with visa directly to the DHL office in Moscow where she can pick it up two or three days after the interview. She can fly out that week, or even that day. (Usually two business days after the interview.) If it's scheduled for after Paris, you need to make a solid contact at the office of your Senator/Congressman that's involved with the business deal, and get them to pull a few strings for you. (It's amazing how quickly things can get done when a Senator calls someone.)

If you're involved in a trade mission with EADS/Northrop... what are the ramifications of marrying a foreign national? (Especially a Russian.) I know on the one hand it's good ("intelligent eye candy" is excellent for business deals, not to mention the fact that she makes you look more worldly, and therefore a better business contact), but on the other, it could negatively affect your clearance (if you have one). Have you checked? I've known several guys that could not be granted specific clearances or assigned to particular tasks because of being married to a foreigner. They were all in the military, which tends to be a bit more strict about clearances and access to classified, etc., but I've heard of civilians being denied jobs (on specific projects) because of their spouse's nationality. If they're encouraging you to ensure she accompanies you to Paris, that's probably not an issue. However, if it's you that has visions of a "James Bond" type scenario where you're schmoozing possible business clients with your new gorgeous fiancee that speaks six languages... maybe you want to run it by the boss first.

Not knocking it.... I think it's awesome (that's why I've got one too!) just trying to play devil's advocate here a little bit. I know sometimes they say "you can bring your wives/girlfriends/whatever with you or have them meet you there for all the formal functions, dinners, etc.," and you're thinking, "wow, wouldn't it be awesome to have my fiancee meet me in Paris so she can really make me look good in front of the big wigs and clients, etc." when really the bosses are thinking, "Cool. All of our fat wives that have been sitting at home watching Oprah and bitching about us never taking them anywhere, well... now we can take them to Paris on the company's dime."

Just get your ducks in a row at work first. Remember, having a foreign wife is a sensitive thing for Uncle Sugar. Sometimes they don't see the beauty in it the way we do.

If I'm way off-base here, good luck, have fun, and make sure you post some pictures when you get back!

[Turboguy 6]

If your timeline is up to date you are still waiting for your NOA-2. It is too early to do much but wait. Talking to the Senators office before the file is in Moscow is not going to do you much good. Wait until you at least have the Moscow case file number.

[John and Anna 0]

No advice here. had more to say but decided not to indulge.

Me too (but I can not resist)

But being the worldly beautiful person she is and the important person you are, she should have a Schengen visa. I am sure your company will pay for it. If she does not she may not be able to get her masters if travel. She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy. I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants. But her American visa is no good to her in France. For a couple of dollars she can meet you in France and Spain without it. If not, I am sure that your local Congressman and Senator will be more than willing to get involved with some immigration matters (does she speak Spanish?). You should get her a platinum American Express card so that she does not have to bother you with her shopping needs. Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy. Good luck in your journey I am sure it will be very special.

[Percival504 0]

First: an apology to 1Happyguy -- I understand and understood that you were giving advice and I appreciate(d) it; I was genuine when I said in advance that I meant no offense. It is members like you that make this board such an amazing resource. I cannot apologize enough if I offended you.

Next, John and Anna: like you, I cannot resist. My reply to 1Happyguy's psot was written hastily and was, in retrospect, ill-considered. As for your questions and comments:

"But being the worldly beautiful person she is and the important person you are, she should have a Schengen visa." The question was not about getting her Schengen Visa (we've already taken care of that) and in any event, you are right my firm has already paid for it.

"If she does not she may not be able to get her masters if travel. [sic]" I have already said that she does now have her Schengen visa, but you apparently did not read the part of my post where I explained that she spent the summer with me in the States -- one could infer from that fact that she has travelled internationally at least once.

"She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy." Again, this is not an issue but yes she travels first class.

"I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants." She wears Armani (and Prada and Dolce and Gabanna and Ann Taylor and whatever other kinds/brands women normally wear) dresses; I wear the Armani suits. But, yes, unfortunately, people are much, much more helpful when I am in an Armani suit than when I'm in jeans (which I wear more than anything else). In any event, she always does get whatever she wants.

"But her American visa is no good to her in France." Really? Where did you get the impression that she already has her K1 visa?

"For a couple of dollars she can meet you in France and Spain without it." Without what? An American visa? Does it cost more to visit France or Spain without an American visa?

"If not, I am sure that your local Congressman and Senator will be more than willing to get involved with some immigration matters" Yes, much of what you have written is correct, and my Fiancee is not likely to have any problems getting her American Visa (or any other visa for that matter) -- and yes, if she does have any problems, I will have any army of Senators and Congressmen (and women) to assist (many have already said that we will do whatever is necessary).

"does she speak Spanish?" Yes.

"You should get her a platinum American Express card so that she does not have to bother you with her shopping needs." Why do that when your debit card is just as good? She knows the numbers, so she does not have to bother me with her shopping needs. I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice. I'm sure your wife enjoys the platinum American Express card you gave her when she got to America.

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy." I've seen pictures of other members' wives, including your own, and they are all beautiful. I doubt anyone will be in awe or envy -- except obviously you.

"Good luck in your journey I am sure it will be very special." It already has been very special, but, then again, GOD has blessed me in so many ways, I will be happy whatever my final destinantion.

It is sometimes difficult to restrain oneself -- I am proud of my accomplishments and I am more than excited to have met such an exceptional woman. I apologized for any bragging and I won't apologize again. Like 1Happyguy, you are long time member so I will restrain from a further hostile response. Rather than indulge my immature desire to rant further, I'm going to go pick up my fiancee's new Saab (1Happyguy, I really do realize that there are lots of little things that she will need and even though she's been in the States before and has many friends here, it will require adjustment and adaptation).

Nevertheless, again, I apologize to any I offended and thank everyone who ignored my apparently irksome remarks and provided the answer(s) that I was looking for (or tried -- thanks, again, 1happyguy).

[Satellite 1]

The question was not about getting her Schengen Visa (we've already taken care of that) and in any event, you are right my firm has already paid for it.

I explained that she spent the summer with me in the States -- one could infer from that fact that she has traveled internationally at least once.

"She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy." Again, this is not an issue but yes she travels first class.

"I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants." She wears Armani (and Prada and Dolce and Gabanna and Ann Taylor and whatever other kinds/brands women normally wear) dresses; I wear the Armani suits....In any event, she always does get whatever she wants.

I am proud of my accomplishments and I am more than excited to have met such an exceptional woman. I apologized for any bragging and I won't apologize again... I'm going to go pick up my fiancee's new Saab

As a poor law student I'm envious. Based on the luxurious treatment you have provided, what woman wouldn't want to marry you?

if she does have any problems, I will have any army of Senators and Congressmen (and women) to assist (many have already said that we will do whatever is necessary).

If this is true, why not have your army congress pass a private bill making your fiancee a US citizen and not waste time with the immigration processes? By army I am assuming at least 2/3 majority to overwrite a president's veto.

I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice.

Credit cards ironically can help you build your credit history which will enable you to have access to other capital which is essential to building wealth in this country. Also some credit card companies give you rewards in miles or cash and assuming you pay your bills on time, this reward does enhance your wealth without costing you anything.

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy."

I'd rather see pictures of the men. All the Russian ladies are beautiful, it's just a question of how much of a sacrifice the Russian lady made. Sorry for being cynical. Edited January 24, 2007 by Satellite

[John and Anna 0]

First: an apology to 1Happyguy -- I understand and understood that you were giving advice and I appreciate(d) it; I was genuine when I said in advance that I meant no offense. It is members like you that make this board such an amazing resource. I cannot apologize enough if I offended you.

Next, John and Anna: like you, I cannot resist. My reply to 1Happyguy's psot was written hastily and was, in retrospect, ill-considered. As for your questions and comments:

"But being the worldly beautiful person she is and the important person you are, she should have a Schengen visa." The question was not about getting her Schengen Visa (we've already taken care of that) and in any event, you are right my firm has already paid for it.

"If she does not she may not be able to get her masters if travel. [sic]" I have already said that she does now have her Schengen visa, but you apparently did not read the part of my post where I explained that she spent the summer with me in the States -- one could infer from that fact that she has travelled internationally at least once.

"She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy." Again, this is not an issue but yes she travels first class.

"I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants." She wears Armani (and Prada and Dolce and Gabanna and Ann Taylor and whatever other kinds/brands women normally wear) dresses; I wear the Armani suits. But, yes, unfortunately, people are much, much more helpful when I am in an Armani suit than when I'm in jeans (which I wear more than anything else). In any event, she always does get whatever she wants.

"But her American visa is no good to her in France." Really? Where did you get the impression that she already has her K1 visa?

"For a couple of dollars she can meet you in France and Spain without it." Without what? An American visa? Does it cost more to visit France or Spain without an American visa?

"If not, I am sure that your local Congressman and Senator will be more than willing to get involved with some immigration matters" Yes, much of what you have written is correct, and my Fiancee is not likely to have any problems getting her American Visa (or any other visa for that matter) -- and yes, if she does have any problems, I will have any army of Senators and Congressmen (and women) to assist (many have already said that we will do whatever is necessary).

"does she speak Spanish?" Yes.

"You should get her a platinum American Express card so that she does not have to bother you with her shopping needs." Why do that when your debit card is just as good? She knows the numbers, so she does not have to bother me with her shopping needs. I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice. I'm sure your wife enjoys the platinum American Express card you gave her when she got to America.

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy." I've seen pictures of other members' wives, including your own, and they are all beautiful. I doubt anyone will be in awe or envy -- except obviously you.

"Good luck in your journey I am sure it will be very special." It already has been very special, but, then again, GOD has blessed me in so many ways, I will be happy whatever my final destinantion.

It is sometimes difficult to restrain oneself -- I am proud of my accomplishments and I am more than excited to have met such an exceptional woman. I apologized for any bragging and I won't apologize again. Like 1Happyguy, you are long time member so I will restrain from a further hostile response. Rather than indulge my immature desire to rant further, I'm going to go pick up my fiancee's new Saab (1Happyguy, I really do realize that there are lots of little things that she will need and even though she's been in the States before and has many friends here, it will require adjustment and adaptation).

Nevertheless, again, I apologize to any I offended and thank everyone who ignored my apparently irksome remarks and provided the answer(s) that I was looking for (or tried -- thanks, again, 1happyguy).

Please as a courtesy update your time line.

I she your wife or fiancé?

I do not understand why the visa (K3/K1) is so important to you for her to go to France / Spain if she has a Schengen visa? When does Schengen expire? How many days does she have let on it?

I she going to travel with all her belongings to Spain / Paris? Would not it be better for her to do the business travel with you then go home and set her affairs in order? ESP if it is K1

I she going to live with you in the states all the time?

“"does she speak Spanish?" Yes.” Maybe you can fly back to MX and drive her up? Better yet rent a limo.

quote name='Percival504' post='679640' date='Jan 23 2007, 03:26 PM']I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice.

I guess you purchased the car with cash?

I that case my friend why would you be asking us amateurs (no offense meant to anyone here) about you “wife’s” immigration case “ Hire a team of lawyers and stop just bragging.

[John and Anna 0]

"But being the worldly beautiful person she is and the important person you are, she should have a Schengen visa." The question was not about getting her Schengen Visa (we've already taken care of that) and in any event, you are right my firm has already paid for it.

"If she does not she may not be able to get her masters in travel. [sic]" I have already said that she does now have her Schengen visa, but you apparently did not read the part of my post where I explained that she spent the summer with me in the States -- one could infer from that fact that she has travelled internationally at least once.

"She can always get a visa if you show first class tickets (sic) to Paris at the French embassy." Again, this is not an issue but yes she travels first class.

"I am sure that wearing her Armani suit and beautiful smile will get her anything she wants." She wears Armani (and Prada and Dolce and Gabanna and Ann Taylor and whatever other kinds/brands women normally wear) dresses; I wear the Armani suits. But, yes, unfortunately, people are much, much more helpful when I am in an Armani suit than when I'm in jeans (which I wear more than anything else). In any event, she always does get whatever she wants.

"But her American visa is no good to her in France." Really? Where did you get the impression that she already has her K1 visa?

"For a couple of dollars she can meet you in France and Spain without it." Without what? An American visa? Does it cost more to visit France or Spain without an American visa?

"If not, I am sure that your local Congressman and Senator will be more than willing to get involved with some immigration matters" Yes, much of what you have written is correct, and my Fiancee is not likely to have any problems getting her American Visa (or any other visa for that matter) -- and yes, if she does have any problems, I will have any army of Senators and Congressmen (and women) to assist (many have already said that we will do whatever is necessary).

"does she speak Spanish?" Yes.

"You should get her a platinum American Express card so that she does not have to bother you with her shopping needs." Why do that when your debit card is just as good? She knows the numbers, so she does not have to bother me with her shopping needs. I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice. I'm sure your wife enjoys the platinum American Express card you gave her when she got to America.

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy." I've seen pictures of other members' wives, including your own, and they are all beautiful. I doubt anyone will be in awe or envy -- except obviously you.

"Good luck in your journey I am sure it will be very special." It already has been very special, but, then again, GOD has blessed me in so many ways, I will be happy whatever my final destinantion.

It is sometimes difficult to restrain oneself -- I am proud of my accomplishments and I am more than excited to have met such an exceptional woman. I apologized for any bragging and I won't apologize again. Like 1Happyguy, you are long time member so I will restrain from a further hostile response. Rather than indulge my immature desire to rant further, I'm going to go pick up my fiancee's new Saab (1Happyguy, I really do realize that there are lots of little things that she will need and even though she's been in the States before and has many friends here, it will require adjustment and adaptation).

Nevertheless, again, I apologize to any I offended and thank everyone who ignored my apparently irksome remarks and provided the answer(s) that I was looking for (or tried -- thanks, again, 1happyguy).

Please as a courtesy update your time line. It helps.

Is she your wife or fiancé? "My Fiancee, who is studying for her Master's in International relations and who had been hand picked for a job with the Russian government as a diplomat,"

I do not understand why the visa (K3/K1) is so important to you for her to go to France / Spain if she has a Schengen visa? When does Schengen expire? How many days does she have let on it?

Is she going to travel with all her belongings to Spain / Paris? Would be better for her to do the business travel with you then go home and set her affairs in order? ESP if it is K1

Is she going to live with you in the states all the time? As a diplomat won't she need to stay in Russia.

“"does she speak Spanish?" Yes.” Maybe you can fly back to MX and drive her up? Better yet rent a limo.

quote name='Percival504' post='679640' date='Jan 23 2007, 03:26 PM']I don't borrow money or use credit cards (not great tools for building wealth) but thanks for the advice.

I guess you purchased the car with cash?

I that case my friend why would you be asking us amateurs (no offense meant to anyone here) about you “wife’s” immigration case “ Go away Hire a team of lawyers, we can't - just stop just bragging.

[slim 1,525]

"Please post some pictures so we can all be in awe and envy."

I'd rather see pictures of the men. All the Russian ladies are beautiful, it's just a question of how much of a sacrifice the Russian lady made. Sorry for being cynical.

That's funny..... and true!