Russian Women Discussion

RWD Discussion Groups => Immigration and Visas => Topic started by: eich on May 10, 2018, 02:52:59 PM

Title: A visa to Russia issue
Post by: eich on May 10, 2018, 02:52:59 PM
A Russian woman I am writing to online told me that it was not a problem for her to get a visa to the US sometime ago. I thought it was still difficult. Additionally I have heard that it could be difficult for me to get one to Russia this summer due to the current political climate. But the info seems rather vague to me
Title: Re: A visa to Russia issue
Post by: krimster2 on May 10, 2018, 03:21:59 PM
my whole family just got 3 multi-entry visas a couple of months ago
 
Title: Re: A visa to Russia issue
Post by: DaveNY on May 10, 2018, 03:23:58 PM
eich it's not that it's more difficult it's simply that Russia is now requiring more information. It's a bit more paperwork. Get a service to advice
you. It costs a few dollars but is worth it.

I'm married to a RW, have lived and worked in Russia and been there quite a few times. IMO, it is best to get advice from a service on how to fill out the paperwork or from someone who is knowledgeable and has done it a number of times.

http://ru.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/russian-visas/
http://www.russianembassy.org/page/important-visa-information
http://www.wanderlustingk.com/travel-blog/russian-visa-for-americans-guide

As for the chances of a RW getting a visitor's visa to the US, it's possible. My wife visited the US in the 90s however when we were married and living in Moscow she was refused a visa to visit the US with me in 2004. Why? We never found out. She had no criminal record. She never served in the Russian/USSR military. She wasn't a former KGB agent. She owned property, had a job, had money in the bank.

When we finally moved to the US there were no problems. I had hired an immigration lawyer and she said it's not uncommon for foreign spouses to be denied a visa when the couple lives abroad.

The refusal rate for US visas for Russians is about 11.61%. It's lower than for citizens of China, India and the Philippines.

http://travel.state.gov/content/dam/visas/Statistics/Non-Immigrant-Statistics/RefusalRates/FY17.pdf
Title: Re: A visa to Russia issue
Post by: whynotme on May 11, 2018, 03:21:18 AM
Not anymore.  Almost impossible to schedule interview appointment in Russia now days,  it shows 250 days to wait in Moscow. I have no idea how long it will take to get Russian visa for husband,  we'll know next week. 
Title: Re: A visa to Russia issue
Post by: krimster2 on May 11, 2018, 04:50:00 AM
here in the states getting a visa to Russia is pretty fast and easy
I have a "fixer" in the Russian consulate  in Florida
who deals with all the oligarch's living in Mimai
took about a week to get four 3-year multi-entry visas for my family
cost was crazy though!!!
I filled out the visa applications in Russian without my wife's help!!!