Inviting the in-laws - questions

[schlegs]

Has anyone invited BOTH Russian parents over for a visit?  We are working on the papers and are looking at how to be the most successful at the endeavor.  Any suggestions and pointers are most welcome.

I am going to provide an I-134 Aff of Support for both of them.  Do I need separate invitation letters for each?  We are going to use the Pony Express representative in their hometown to assist them with their Spravka and other documents.

How can they show they still have two other children in Russia as well as grandchildren. 

They are both retired and receive pensions, so no job to return for, does that help/hurt?  What about bank accounts?

Thanks to all who respond!

[ccarten]

I don't know how relevent it is, but my wife and I have had both parents in the US at the same time.  However, they came five months apart, one was leaving a week to go back home as one was arriving. 

Second, they are from Ukraine, as far as I know it is a little easier for Ukrainians because of the recent agreement between the US and Ukraine about visas. 

And third, my wife's dad is still working, though he was out of work when he came over.  Lastly, my wife's brother still lived at home back in Ukraine, but he is 21 years old, so he is legally old enough not to be considered a dependent I guess.

We supplied 3 years of tax returns, a letter stating the purpose, etc.  My wife did the forms, so not sure which forms she filled out.

Clay

[KenC]

schlegs,
We have had both of Lena's parents here together to visit three times now.  They are both still working and own real estate in Russia, but they don't have any other children there.  I provided them with a letter stating the purpose and duration of their visit as well as that I would be financially responsible for them while here.  My MIL visited by herself twice before my FIL joined her and she had had a few stamps in her passport prior to visiting us.  He had never been out of the country before. I kind of look at this in a plus minus way:
Your situation
Own RE, has other children in Russia, grandchildren in Russia, bank accounts in Russia (all pluses)
Retired, never been out of the country (negatives)

Our situation
Own RE, have jobs in Russia, MIL left & returned to Russia (positives)
FIL never out of country, no other children in Russia (negative)

My guess is that you should be fine.  Hope this helps.
KenC

[Doug S]

schlegs,

As you know, Olga and I applied for visas for both her parents and we got lucky (or unlucky, depending on how you view outlaws ;-) Although we did not ask for anything more than standard visas, the Consulate not only approved those but offered them 5-year multiple entry visas for just a little more money. Of course, we accepted that generous offer. Thanks Mr. Consulate, now don't do me any more favors.

I forget if we wrote separate letters for each parent, will check with "the boss' on that and get back to you.

Try to get xerox copies of their other children and grandchildren's Russian birth certificates and internal passports. These will prove that they exist, and show where they currently live.

You are correct in that being pensioners without jobs to return to isn't going to help. I guess you just try not to draw attention to that by omitting any statements about it. Of course, the Consulate will probably ask.

Yes, if they have money in a Russian bank, show the account statements. A letter from the bank, saying they have been banking with them for a long time, are valued customers, etc. would be good, too.

DS

[Jet]

The pony express folks are actually pretty good at what they do, and will give tips and pointers to your in-laws to steer them in a favorable direction as far as documentation. We had Lil's grandmother over, she was 78 at the time, a pensioner with very modest real estate to her name and no living immediate relatives other than Lil and the little guy. Lil's mom was her only child, and had passed away before grandmother applied for the visa. We provided the I-134 / taxes / invite & translation etc...Pony Express helped out with the rest. No problem at all at the Embassy and the visa was issued after only 2 or 3 questions. The only snag in the whole proccess came in Miami, when they couldn't read her fingerprints at the airport. (She did truthfully state that she planned to stay for 2 to 3 months, and it was no problem at the Embassy or the Point of Entry.)

[schlegs]

I want to thank all of you who have responded!   Great ideas from each of you!

I am looking forward to her parent's visit.  I always enjoy time with them.

Can't wait for some of Pop's blini