Nightmare in Moscow!

[SochiJon]

My wife had her interview on Nov 7th. Everything was fine until they got to my Tax returns! I had lived in Russia for 15 or 16 months and was told I did not need to report income from overseas since I lived there that long.... BUT..... not so.. so, my income from the US in 2004 was only $15,000..... just short of the $16,000 I needed....  So, they didn't deny her.. they said I could get a co-sponsor!!!  

 

I have nobody who can co-sponsor. After speaking with both Immigration and Tax attorneys... I was told my tax returns were incorrect and I had to amend my tax returns...  I did that as well as make a new Affidavit of support showing the earnings were $27k.....  so now Moscow Embassy said it will take 2 weeks for them to decide our fate. I even sent PROOF of the added income. I had the PayStubs, well, the deposits from my employer, into my paypal account., Thank God he sent the payments to Paypal by some e-check or something... so it showed his company name! 

 

I am hoping and praying this is settled fast, but I worry.... 

 

Oh yeah, by the way.... my current employer who is also my past employer from before I moved to Russia, sent sworn statements saying my wages will exceed $50k per year.. but the Embassy ignored that and just looked at the Tax returns!!! 

 

It's difficult being seperated so long.. we have been together every day since early January and I had to return to the US in late August....  I hope this is fixed fast.

I may be forced to move back there if they deny the new papers!!!  I'm a bit cracked over it. It's VERY stressful to say the least.

[al-c]

You are doing something that does not follow the script.  So the bureaucrats don't quite know how to handle it and are winging it instead of letting it go with the flow.

Have some patience.  I know it is tough, but it will work.

BTW, as a U.S. citizen, your worldwide income is subject to U.S. taxation.  You get a credit for foreign taxes paid, but it all needs to get reported on your 1040.

Don't let your employer contradict your 1040 because that will just cause more delays.  You want your visa app to blend in with the rest of them so yours can go with the flow.  Red flags are a big no-no.

You should really consult with an immigration attorney.  His help will be worth its weight in gold, much more than whatever his fee is.

 

[SochiJon]

Yes I did speak with an Immigration attorney and that is why after learning the errors of my tax filing ways, I re-did the taxes AND the Affidavit of Support. He said "they can't legally refuse" it.... so we'll see. I know my wife is really upset and it is a real stressful deal... but i hope it will soon be over and approved.

The good sign is they did NOT return her passport... they held it and said they would send it by (our prepaid) DHL as soon as all is well.

I'm hoping it is like yesterday!!!

[KenC]

They can only judge you on the information offered and that didn't meet standards.  Never try to confuse a government employee with common sense and logic, because they are taught otherwise.  Hope everything works out for you.

KenC

[SochiJon]

They can only judge you on the information offered and that didn't meet standards.  Never try to confuse a government employee with common sense and logic, because they are taught otherwise.  Hope everything works out for you.

KenC

 

You nailed that one! Well, I think we got it all ironed out! I will know on Monday or Tuesday. They emailed me this monring and asked for one more item which i have.... so, it should be ok!!  I am getting happier!

[SochiJon]

Good news.. she got the Visa! They took there time.. but after the papers sat there 12 days... they finally approved it and she will be here soon.

[alenika]

Hi Jon : ) Congratulations with marriage  I am glad you have found the one with whom you are happy. Wish you long happy life together :angel:

me_al/ Alena