DCF Moscow: I-130 interview experience & advice for cases with "red flags"

[millefleur 5,046]

I wanted to post here about my experience with the first step of DCF in Moscow (filing the I-130). I feel like my case went a little differently from what I've read on this forum and also what was even listed on the official USCIS site. I'm a little worried that we might get an RFE or worse. The whole process from beginning to end took about 2 hours.

 

Firstly, the building/interview area was a little confusing. After entering the Embassy, you go to the USCIS floor and there are a bunch of interview rooms with windows. There was one room with a window and a phone, and you're supposed to pick up the phone and let them you know are there, because there is no sign or anything or anyone there to greet you. The place was empty when we arrived except for another woman waiting for an interview.

 

When you pick up the phone and tell them that you're there, you have to wait in that same room (with the phone) with your spouse. Then the first guy (a soft spoken older Russian man) asks you for documents. They did not ask about a cover letter, so there's no need to bring one.

 

The Russian guy asked for documents individually: Russian visa, passports, my work contract (because I have a work visa), I-130 form, and the other documents related to the case. They did not ask about my US birth certificate, despite that fact that it is listed as required on the website. Strange, but maybe it's not needed anymore?

 

After the Russian guy took our documents, we were told to go to the interview room next door and just wait. I don't remember how long we waited, but it was a while, 20 minutes or more. Some time later, our IO showed up and told us to go pay the fee downstairs. Our IO was a Southeast Asian looking man, probably Indian but I couldn't say for sure. It appeared that he did not speak any Russian at all. So, when you bring evidence documents, EVERYTHING MUST BE TRANSLATED INTO ENGLISH, including tiny things like receipts and price tags. When he started looking at our evidence, he went right to the English translations and didn't even look at the originals in Russian.

 

Another thing that I didn't expected: My husband and I were interviewed together. I thought we would be separated and interviewed one at a time, but for some reason they just did it together. The IO mostly asked my husband the questions and instructed my husband to answer. He also asked me questions, but I feel like most of the time it was my husband that did most of the talking. The typical questions were asked in terms of into on the I-130 and the G-325-A, but the only questions that were asked were connected to that and our relationship, our wedding, and who from each other's families we had met/hadn't met. So, no other questions other than family/wedding things and biographical questions as per what we wrote on the forms. They didn't ask any weird questions about personal habits or hobbies or anything....merely questions related to the I-130 forms and that was it.

 

The IO was very neutral and professional, occasionally he was hard for my husband to understand as he spoke with an accent (he wasn't a native English speaker and as I mentioned, I don't think he spoke any Russian) but I just helped to repeat the question and then it was fine, so no problems at all with the IO, except that it's just surprising that he didn't really speak any Russian.

 

Evidence we were asked for:

 

Photos: bring photos mainly with family members/showing travel together. We had brought lots of typical "couple photos" but the IO didn't seem interested in those. He was more interested in photos with other people in them. He asked in detail about who each person in the photo was and what our relationship to them was, and he took/made notes about that. So, I recommend people not to bring more than maybe three photos tops of "couples" photos if you have other photos with family and friends, focus on those instead and bring as many as you can.

 

Evidence of marriage: If you think your case has red flags or might be questionable, BRING LOTS OF EVIDENCE FROM YOUR WEDDING. This includes: contracts from restaurants, contract from hiring a photographer, contract from renting a car, wedding ring receipts, the wedding dress invoice, 'Congratulations' cards from family and friends, a copy of the wedding invitation, etc....basically almost anything you can think of. And it all has to be translated into English. We also of course included photos from our wedding as well.

 

Evidence of shared financial expenses: This is really important apparently because they asked about it directly after the marriage evidence. We brought as much as we could including: a copy of our apartment lease agreement, my US bank account with my husband listed as an account holder (I included bank statements and a deposit slip showing both of our names), we also brought my husband's last will & testament that listed me as the beneficiary (the Russian guy was pretty surprised by that, I guess it's kind of rare!), bank statements from our Russian bank account (showing purchases made by my card and my husband's card) and copies of our bank cards, US credit cards with my husband as an authorized user (I provided two of such cards) and that was all. We were asked about an insurance policy, but it wasn't possible for us to obtain because I'm not a Russian citizen. So, if you can get an insurance policy, bring that as well.

 

Proof of travel abroad together: We were asked about this during the interview, and I gave them a copy of passport stamps my passport and my husband's showing the countries we had visited together. It seems that passport stamps were enough proof for them, so that was all he took (even though we had brought lots of other evidence). Be prepared to go into detail about what dates you traveled, to where and whom you visited/why you went there together. I got the impression that: the more trips taken together, the better.

 

For divorcees/previous marriages: If either of you is divorced/had previous marriages (especially to another foreigner) be prepared to discuss it but only from a factual standpoint: no questions were asked about the nature of the relationships, just factual questions like "Who/when/where" and so on. I got the feeling during the interview that this was the biggest point of suspicion from the IO. He asked me multiple times if I had ever petitioned for anyone before, and I kept replying "No, never" which I guess they found a bit odd, despite the fact that it's true. If you have divorce documents from another country, the IO will probably be confused about them because the translations can be weird/unclear. The IO in my case was really skeptical about one of foreign divorce papers and said it will be reviewed because it wasn't clear to him. I don't know if I'm going to get an RFE for that and I'm feeling pretty worried about it. This is obviously specific to my case, but if anyone else has a non-American/non-Russian divorce, I'm just warning that it might confuse them so be prepared for that.

 

Evidence that they didn't take: We had prepared a bunch of orders made to our house (food orders, internet orders, etc.) evidence of any shared pets didn't seem to interest them at all and they didn't take it (despite that I read on VJ that sometimes they ask for that), the also didn't take any proof of communication at all (Skype, text messages, etc). The IO asked about our shared gym membership and wrote down the name of it, but he didn't want copies of the contracts/membership cards. He just asked when we joined and for how long (in addition to the name.) And they didn't need any extra travel evidence (tickets, hotel receipts, etc) as I said earlier, because apparently the passport stamps were enough.

 

Apparently with other Moscow DCF cases, this much evidence wasn't needed from what I read here on VJ, but our case has multiple "red flags" so I would recommend anyone who also might have red flags to be as prepared as possible, especially with wedding/financial documents. Our red flags included: very short time of knowing each other before deciding to marry, very short engagement, two previous divorces (including one that had just ended), and an age difference (in addition to being an older woman/younger man couple.)

 

They took down my email address and verified my phone number and said my case will be reviewed further by the higher ups, and that we will hear back a response/decision within 30 days. I will update here once I get a response and let everyone know what happens next. I've heard that it can take longer than 30 days to get a response, but the IO assured me that it should be maximum 30 days before I hear something back.

 

Whew, really glad it's over. I'm now nervously awaiting a response like most of you here!

Edited January 24, 2019 by millefleur

[TBoneTX 45,266]

This is a VERY helpful write-up -- not only for Moscow, but with considerations that might apply elsewhere in the world. Many thanks for your exhaustive effort.

[millefleur 5,046]

This is a VERY helpful write-up -- not only for Moscow, but with considerations that might apply elsewhere in the world. Many thanks for your exhaustive effort.

Thanks TBone! I wasn't sure if I should post this in the DCF forum or the Russia forum, but if it's helpful to anyone else that's good to know.

[TBoneTX 45,266]

Maybe start a thread in DCF in which you say, "See this link for a review of a DCF interview in Russia," and post the link, and leave it at that.

[millefleur 5,046]

Maybe start a thread in DCF in which you say, "See this link for a review of a DCF interview in Russia," and post the link, and leave it at that.

Thanks, I just did so!

[millefleur 5,046]

UPDATE: The I-130 has been approved!! Wow, that was so fast! It took only 9 days, including the day off they had for Xmas. I'm so relieved!!

Now to get started on the second part of the process...

 

 

 

[TBoneTX 45,266]

That's great!

[Dashinka 24,487]

Congrats!

[Tori's mom 0]

Thank you for sharing this! My husband is also getting ready to file I-130 form for me in Moscow and we are getting the documents ready right now. Quick question about translation... We have had our marriage license translated by the translation agency but I also have a degree certifying me to translate documents from English to Russian and visa versa. Can I translate receipts, my husband's registration papers and other little things? Or all the translations should be done by an agency? 

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, Tori's mom said:

Thank you for sharing this! My husband is also getting ready to file I-130 form for me in Moscow and we are getting the documents ready right now. Quick question about translation... We have had our marriage license translated by the translation agency but I also have a degree certifying me to translate documents from English to Russian and visa versa. Can I translate receipts, my husband's registration papers and other little things? Or all the translations should be done by an agency? 

If you know Russian/English well enough to translate it, they will accept it. You just have to attach a separate sheet of paper to each translation saying that you are a competent translator, sign and date it.

 

You can even translate marriage certificates yourself. You can translate everything by yourself if you feel that you are competent enough to do so. We ended up paying for professional translations of some contracts and other really wordy/verbose documents just to save time.

 

If you want, I can copy and paste here the attachment page that I added to my translations.

 

P.S. I noticed that you said your husband is planning to file the I-130 for you....does that mean you won't be accompanying him? If I'm not mistaken, both of you will be required to attend, even for the I-130. You're doing DCF right?

Edited January 7, 2017 by millefleur

[Tori's mom 0]

7 hours ago, millefleur said:

If you know Russian/English well enough to translate it, they will accept it. You just have to attach a separate sheet of paper to each translation saying that you are a competent translator, sign and date it.

 

You can even translate marriage certificates yourself. You can translate everything by yourself if you feel that you are competent enough to do so. We ended up paying for professional translations of some contracts and other really wordy/verbose documents just to save time.

 

If you want, I can copy and paste here the attachment page that I added to my translations.

 

P.S. I noticed that you said your husband is planning to file the I-130 for you....does that mean you won't be accompanying him? If I'm not mistaken, both of you will be required to attend, even for the I-130. You're doing DCF right?

Yes,  can you please copy and paste the attachment page so I will be sure I put the correct information on mine.. 

We've been married for more than 2 years so I don't have to accompany him. The CIS Moscow office confirmed that in one of the emails we received from them. 

[millefleur 5,046]

1 hour ago, Tori's mom said:

Yes,  can you please copy and paste the attachment page so I will be sure I put the correct information on mine.. 

We've been married for more than 2 years so I don't have to accompany him. The CIS Moscow office confirmed that in one of the emails we received from them. 

Oh that's good to know. There was another VJer a while back who did DCF and reported the opposite: that all couples have the go to together regardless of how long they've been married. Convenient to know that it's not always the case! When in doubt, call them and ask like you did. There's so much conflicting info out there.

 

Quote

 

 

I, (FULL NAME), hereby certify that the above is an accurate translation of the original document (INSERT DESCRIPTION OF DOCUMENT) in Russian language and that I am competent in both Russian and English languages to render such translation.

 

Signature___________________________________      Date___________________________                       

 

I also went ahead and got a translation agency that I have connections to verify my translations and put a stamp, but I know others who've done DCF where that wasn't necessary. I was just being paranoid as I'm not a native Russian speaker. If you want, you can add a line about having a university degree in languages/translation. One of my American friends did that (she has a degree in Russian) and it was accepted without problem.

 

 

 

Edited January 8, 2017 by millefleur

[GelendzhikBelle 7]

So.. to all at the I-130 stage...just stay the course. If there are RFE's don't panic..it'll be ok. The USCIS is just covering their behinds in the vetting

process. They are aware that 99% of the applicants are perfectly legal and appropriate because who else would be willing to go through this kind

of examination (torment?) unless it is honest and truthful?? 

I can say now that my wife is about to take her Oath of Allegiance and receive her US Naturalization Certificate, that the waiting games after arriving

in the States is pretty stressful also. It seems like the next official letter will forever be in the mailbox tomorrow..or next day.  There is NOTHING easy

about this process on any family member directly involved, so be as gentle and understanding of each other as possible. Language barriers are very

real challenges. Do your best to suppress your first reactions and consider the meanings of what was said probably are not what you had in mind.

I love my wife with all my heart and we have an incredibly strong marriage but even after 4 years I still must take some time to consider language is

a challenge. Even though I know daily use Russian, and she is about the same level of English, we still have misunderstanding. I have accepted now this

will be a reality in our life together.

 

 For the American husbands or men who are Fiance keep in mind your non native English speaking lady is going to be going through a lot of adjustments

on how American life and systems really work when here. Some of the more difficult are the concepts of private insurance for health, life, or even auto coverage. Taxes (that one is beyond explanation even to most of us born here....the tax codes). Home owners insurance...the list is long...to your new family member

these are all odd and sometimes troubling.

 

 Some amazing everyday things we accept here as "well known" such as how  "drive throughs" are common here. It seems Americans almost "live"

from our cars (not in them..from them)  Do not assume as I did that these adjustments are easy to communicate or for your loved one to understand

at first explanation. I taught my wife to drive here in the States, she failed the practical testing twice and even though I was a tyrant and taskmaster

(worried for her safety while operating a 2 ton powerful machine on the open roads) she passed the third test without a hitch. It was a proud moment for

her and she earned it! It's difficult to do this kind of instruction. One might consider "farming out" this task that will be required for living in the United States.

 

 I do agree that taking every document support to the I-130 is a wise idea. For us on our journey the small fee to pay for the translations with notary (both in Moscow and the US) was worth the assurance of acceptance (we were married in Zags#4 in Moscow and later here in our Russian Orthodox Church in Santa Fe New Mexico). It involved a lot of busy footwork and Metro travel in Moscow. For those at the I-130 just continue to approach this as "us and them" ...go into this together with the singular goal you WILL accomplish this. Don't allow the red tape that seems it wants to pull you apart..make it bind you even stronger together. You'll need that bond for the times to come too.  Keep in mind that you will again need many of these same documents as you move forward to the N-400. DO NOT misplace them.. keep everything in one safe and fireproof location!

 

 We wish all the smoothest possible journey to Naturalization and do remember to contribute to come back to VisaJourney and share your experience. It will contribute to much comfort to others on this incredibly challenging saga we have all embarked on. 

[Tori's mom 0]

I would like to share our experience of filing i-130 petition at USCIS Moscow office. 

My husband (he is the us citizen) and I  got married I little over 3,5 years ago in Russia while he was studying here and have been living in Russia since then. In summer 2015 he got a work visa and is currently still working here. We had a baby in August and started thinking of moving to the US because his job situation is not working in our favor right now. So last week (January 12) he went to Moscow and filed the petition. I didn't have to accompany him since we've married for more than 2 years. We prepared lots of documents and translations and the officer only took all the forms, copies of our passports and our baby's documents, a copy and translation of our marriage license, my husband's work permit and work contract copies and translations. That's it. Guess the baby is enough proof of our relationship. And today (a week later) we received the approval. 

My question is how long it will take the consular section at the Moscow embassy to contact me for further information. 

[millefleur 5,046]

2 hours ago, Tori's mom said:

I would like to share our experience of filing i-130 petition at USCIS Moscow office. 

My husband (he is the us citizen) and I  got married I little over 3,5 years ago in Russia while he was studying here and have been living in Russia since then. In summer 2015 he got a work visa and is currently still working here. We had a baby in August and started thinking of moving to the US because his job situation is not working in our favor right now. So last week (January 12) he went to Moscow and filed the petition. I didn't have to accompany him since we've married for more than 2 years. We prepared lots of documents and translations and the officer only took all the forms, copies of our passports and our baby's documents, a copy and translation of our marriage license, my husband's work permit and work contract copies and translations. That's it. Guess the baby is enough proof of our relationship. And today (a week later) we received the approval. 

My question is how long it will take the consular section at the Moscow embassy to contact me for further information. 

Take a look at my timeline. I just got the email yesterday with the case number and further info on how to schedule the interview.

 

You've only just been approved, wait for about two weeks and you should get something. It was emailed directly to me (the petitioner) but I've heard they can also send it to the beneficiary as well. We're still waiting to get anything in paper via snail mail.

 

We had about a week delay in getting our case number due to the New Year holidays. But from others I've known who did DCF, 2 weeks about the standard time for hearing back from them with the case number.

Edited January 18, 2017 by millefleur