K-1 Konfusion!

[Daveman]

Maybe you should check it out before you go spouting off nonsense? 

Actually, jmana, none of your antagonists in this thread have been spouting nonsense. 


You are doing something which is goofily risky at best, and could be dangerously risky to two children at worst.  You then rationalize away the risks as they are enumerated.  Members here have seen this scenario more than thrice.  Often it has a less than stellar fruition.


Granted, fewer superlatives could have been used in this dialogue while still delivering the same message, but I can understand why some were harsh. You seem to be either oblivious to the obvious or too self absorbed to care.  Whether true or not, this is how you come across -- rationalizing away anything counter to what you want.  Of course you will continue your present course because you are indeed the exception and obviously know exactly what you are doing, but everyone else is too dense to comprehend that.   


So, my advice would be to stop rationalizing and defending the situation. It *is* more risky than most. Instead, use that energy to devise realistic plans to build the family, mitigate inherent problems of the Blended Family and Immigrant Effect, as well as identify and plan to alleviate potential deleterious effects of the most risky outcome scenarios. 

[GQBlues]

...Oh, and hopefully you read my last post regarding that website and my mistake of which one I met her on.  I do wonder though if they ask her and she gives them that website name if they aren't familiar with it, they might think it's a paid site that falls under IMBRA?  And to be honest I can't even be sure if that's the site.  I emailed her to see if she remembers which one it was.  I know I had a couple profiles on dating sites from all over the place, I wasn't specifically looking for a Russian woman, or particularly looking to get married either.  I was just seeing what was out there and Alina really impressed me and the more I talked to her the more I fell for her.

First off, rely more strongly on IMBRA's definition what an IMB is to base your judgment process. The law clearly defines that.

As for whatever site you actually met on, as long as it doesn't fall within what IMBRA defines, then more power to you. Just make VERY sure you're both in perfect harmony with this information. Otherwise, they'll gladly scream 'NEXT' and usher your inamorata to the exit door.

[Turboguy]

If it was a site that falls under IMBRA that shouldn't present any problems for you.  Just try to be honest and consistent and it should go fine. 

[tfcrew]

What's your point about it being a non-immigrant visa?

A temporary [conditional] visa.

[TomT]

I already looked into it.  Basically all your Skype history is stored locally by device.  For example, even if you have 2 laptops and you only used one to Skype on, you would not be able to pull up the history on the other.  I think they changed it this way so that people who steal passwords at least can't pull up previous private conversations.  Now you can be logged in to 2 devices at the same time and it will store it on both devices, but I wasn't aware of this.

That's too bad. That leaves with you with finding a tech who can do it or having no evidence of the bulk of your communication. Perhaps a local phone store might be able to make a referral.

[Daveman]

I already looked into it.  Basically all your Skype history is stored locally by device. For example, even if you have 2 laptops and you only used one to Skype on, you would not be able to pull up the history on the other.  I think they changed it this way so that people who steal passwords at least can't pull up previous private conversations.  Now you can be logged in to 2 devices at the same time and it will store it on both devices, but I wasn't aware of this.

I didn't use a phone, but rather used a desktop, notebook, and netbook to talk/chat at skype and all would magically synch the histories of the call logs and chats just by having them logged on simultaneously.


Are you indicating that this history synch functionality has indeed been removed and now when two devices are logged on simultaneously that only real time info is synched?  Perhaps you could contact skype tech support to see if there is a work around to synch it?


Also, I didn't do screen captures, I merely copied/pasted/saved everything as DOC format and printed them - so you may be able to merge them that way as well.  There are android apps to accomplish most office related functions so copy/paste should work in your phone as well then paste the content from all devices into one document in chronological order.

[jmana]

I didn't use a phone, but rather used a desktop, notebook, and netbook to talk/chat at skype and all would magically synch the histories of the call logs and chats just by having them logged on simultaneously.


Are you indicating that this history synch functionality has indeed been removed and now when two devices are logged on simultaneously that only real time info is synched?  Perhaps you could contact skype tech support to see if there is a work around to synch it?


Also, I didn't do screen captures, I merely copied/pasted/saved everything as DOC format and printed them - so you may be able to merge them that way as well.  There are android apps to accomplish most office related functions so copy/paste should work in your phone as well then paste the content from all devices into one document in chronological order.

Yeah Skype has changed a lot.  You can be logged into 2 computer and as long as both computers have skype open it will show and record the chats on both computers.  If only one is logged in, you won't be able to view that conversation on the other computer.  It states this on the Skype FAQ's and I tested it and it's true (and very bizarre).  I always thought the conversations were stored on a remote server, but it seems that they are either stored locally on the computer, or somehow it knows not to allow access to conversations not performed on that local computer.  When using a phone it's completely different, at least on Android using the official Skype app.  I know some of the time I was logged into my computer when using my phone, yet it still never showed up on the computer.  And there is no way to even copy and paste anything while in the Skype app, trust me I tried.  Luckily we emailed a lot more than Skyped anyway because of the time difference and during the week it's nearly impossible to skype due to our work schedules.  So I printed out lots of pages of emails, and even did a search for her name and then printed out the screenshot showing how many emails came up.  And I am going to switch to using my computer for skype so between now and her interview, which will be at least a month away, I will be able to document something at least.

[Daveman]

... which will be at least a month away, I will be able to document something at least.

Yeah, you are closer to interview time than I realized. I must have missed that.  Tom is, of course, correct then about the "support" -- not enough time left for consistent linear evidence.  A transfer or two would at least be something for additional corroborating evidence between now and the interview.


Did you send SMS's much?  Type out as many as you still have with dates/times.  The emails should suffice for the timeline. Just add in anything else you can.


What about family info??  Does she know a little about your family history, relatives, friends, key birthdays, etc? 


Some applicants have intensively grilling interviews while others don't.  While no normal, sane individual can comprehend bureaucratic logic, whether one falls into the yin or yang style interview is probably related to the amount and quality of physical evidence presented.  Since you don't have as much evidence as some, definitely make sure she is familiar with the typical interview questions and go over them with her until she can absentmindedly bang out the answers.

[flitabout62]

Okay, so the steps up to getting the 129F processed and approved have been straightforward and fairly painless, but now everything has been transferred to the US embassy in Moscow and I am beyond confused!  I called the DOS thinking I'd get some clarification, but what they told me conflicts with what the embassy website says.  So I'm hoping someone has gone through this process recently and can help me out.  Here are the issues I am having.  First, the medical exam.  On the website it only lists ONE location, being in Moscow.  That's not exactly close to St. Pete where she lives, and it would seem like there should be a doctor closer that could do the exam.  Second, when I talked to the DOS, they said the embassy would be sending her a package with information and an interview date, however that is in conflict with what the embassy site says, which is to go to ustraveldocs.com and do it from there.  Third is regarding visa fees.  I know it's $240 for her, is it the same for her 3 year old daughter?

Packet three letter (Email attachment, actually)  And if there's a conflict in advice, go with the embassy website information.

Dear Applicant:

We are pleased to inform you that the Immigrant Visa Unit of U.S. Embassy Moscow has received your approved visa petition and that your case is ready for processing.

You should now visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru to complete the following steps: 1) arrange payment of the $240 visa fee (for each applicant); 2) enter an address to which the visa will be delivered; and 3) schedule your interview appointment.  Once you pay the fee and specify the delivery address, you may schedule your interview for any available appointment slot.  Please ensure that the date you select falls within four months of the date on which the visa petition was approved.  Failure to do so may impact the validity of your visa petition.

All applicants for fiancé (e) visas must comply with the processing requirements detailed at http://moscow.usembassy.gov/iv-fiancee.html .This page provides the most accurate and complete information needed to prepare for your interview including a list of required documents. 

Please contact the Call Center at + 7 (495) 745 3388 (local) or 8 800 100 2554 (ITFN) or 1-(703) - 745 5474 from the U.S. or via email (support-russia@ustraveldocs.com) if you have any problems accessing the appointment system. Thank you.

Уважаемый заявитель:

Мы рады сообщить, что Отдел иммиграционных виз Посольства США в Москве получил Вашу одобренную петицию и готов продолжить рассмотрение Вашего дела.

Пожалуйста, зайдите на сайт http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru ,  чтобы узнать, как: 1) оплатить визовый сбор $240; 2) указать адрес, по которому будут доставлены Ваши визовые документы и 3) назначить собеседование. После оплаты и регистрации адреса доставки Вы сможете выбрать любую доступную дату собеседования в течение четырех месяцев  со дня одобрения петиции.

Заявители, назначенные на собеседование, должны придерживаться правил и инструкций, которые можно найти на сайте http://russian.moscow.usembassy.gov/iv-fiancee.html. Эта страница содержит наиболее полную и точную информацию, включая список требуемых документов.

Если у Вас возникнут сложности или вопросы по использованию системы назначения на собеседование  online, обращайтесь в Call центр по телефонам + 7 (495) 745 3388 (московский номер), 8 800 100 2554, из США 1-(703)- 745 5474 или по электронной почте
(support-russia@ustraveldocs.com).