Girlfriend's Tourist Visa from RU to USA Denied - I need some advice

[scafidi454]

My girlfriend and I have been together sine June 2010. We lived together for four months here in the US before she went back to Russia. We met by chance; however, we've been trying to coordinate a visit for her to come back over here since then. She's young, "single," and doesn't have real-estate or children. So, the consul denied her touristic visa. I cannot visit her for six more months, because I am in school and I work full-time.
 
I thought about going the K1 route, but we've not had a chance to discuss everything since we got the news (two days ago), and I am really disappointed about this news.
 
I wanted to wait to propose until I saw her in person again. I don't want to propose over Skype. Also, I don't want to attempt K1 just because she didn't get the tourist visa.

Also, if we were to be engaged, we wouldn't get married until I finished school, and I'd be the one moving over there, most likely.
 
Has anyone else had this situation, and if so, how did you cope?

[GoodOlBoy]

Welcome to RWD Scafidi454.
Really sorry to hear about your troubles.
You need to take a deep breath and step back for awhile, away from all of this.
JMO, but doing a K1 right now would probably be a disastrous idea.
You really need to finish college first and then explore your options.
How many years do you have left before you graduate?
Just curious, but how did your RW handle the news?
I know it has only been 2 days since you received the bad news, but you really need to just settle down and take it one day at a time.
You have your whole life ahead of you and if things were meant to be between you and your RW she will wait.
I really wish you the best of luck!
 
GOB

[tfcrew]

... because she didn't get the tourist visa.

 
 Try again.
Isn't the application free?

-Karl

[scafidi454]

I have just 9 more months until I get my Bachelors. I am going to visit her in December, during my break, if I can get the visa. Once I finish my Bachelors, in May, I plan on entering into a Master's degree that is completely online. That way, I can live there if I choose. She's already told me that she is going to wait, but we haven't discussed the K1 visa part. I was just wondering about other options. I know we could both visit each other in Canada, or any other country that doesn't require a visa.
 
My girlfriend was not found through this website, but through another Russian friend I have. My girlfriend told me that her chances were not very good to get the visa, but she still is upset about this too.
 

[scafidi454]

 Try again.
Isn't the application free?

-Karl

It's about $150.00 per application. They told her that she will need to visit some more countries, and build some history at work before she can get the visa. She has only ever been to the USA.

[ECOCKS]

I have just 9 more months until I get my Bachelors. I am going to visit her in December, during my break, if I can get the visa. Once I finish my Bachelors, in May, I plan on entering into a Master's degree that is completely online. That way, I can live there if I choose. She's already told me that she is going to wait, but we haven't discussed the K1 visa part. I was just wondering about other options. I know we could both visit each other in Canada, or any other country that doesn't require a visa.
 
My girlfriend was not found through this website, but through another Russian friend I have. My girlfriend told me that her chances were not very good to get the visa, but she still is upset about this too.

You'll have little trouble getting a visa later so don't sweat that one.

Be careful about the online Masters degree. I'd advise you to simply say that you'll be traveling (not living) while pursuing the degree and get their assurance that won't be a problem.

Do some research on countries which do not require a visa for your GF, the list is not that long.

It is natural that she's upset, no one likes being told they're denied something they wanted. Just be supportive and realistic. I wouldn't waste time applying for additional visas unless something substantially changes in her situation or circumstances.

[scafidi454]

I have already talked with the university that I am going to be attending about this very case. They kicked my question upstairs, and I was told that it would not be a problem. Also, they have a study abroad program. Anyway, I think she mentioned once about moving to Maldova, Croatia, or some other territory close to Russia that is cheap and doesn't require a visa. She and I are pretty serious about keeping the relationship, but it's just so hard to know that it will be at least 6 more months before I see here (totalling 13 months apart).

[Faux Pas]

You'll have little trouble getting a visa later so don't sweat that one.

It is natural that she's upset, no one likes being told they're denied something they wanted. Just be supportive and realistic. I wouldn't waste time applying for additional visas unless something substantially changes in her situation or circumstances.

I know you're busy slinging hash guy but, you should at least try to make more contributions here. This is good stuff 

[chivo]

My girlfriend and I have been together sine June 2010. We lived together for four months here in the US before she went back to Russia. We met by chance; however, we've been trying to coordinate a visit for her to come back over here since then. She's young, "single," and doesn't have real-estate or children. So, the consul denied her touristic visa. I cannot visit her for six more months, because I am in school and I work full-time.
 
I thought about going the K1 route, but we've not had a chance to discuss everything since we got the news (two days ago), and I am really disappointed about this news.
 
I wanted to wait to propose until I saw her in person again. I don't want to propose over Skype. Also, I don't want to attempt K1 just because she didn't get the tourist visa.

I'm assuming she came on a student visa initially, or possibly a 4-6 month work visa. My question is why didn't you go this route again?
 
I'm also assuming she's under 25 and that being the case she will still be eligible for a student visa which would be much easier for her to get, albeit more expensive. I know people here (single RW under 25 with little travel experience and no assets) who have done this easily and successfully. It's worth a look see before you do something out of desperation. Good luck.
 
 

[scafidi454]

She finished her diploma last year.

[chivo]

Ok. Did you read the part where I said if she is still under 25 she is still eligible? Doesn't matter if she has already graduated as she can take extra courses in the USA. I know others whom have done it and I asked the same question to them and they told me it's possible up to age 25. Give it a look see. 

[LAman]

A friend of mine had a girl from moscow come 3 straight summers here, all on work visas.
 
I am too wondering how girl got first tourist visa.
Here is a site to see where visas are needed for:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Russian_citizens 
 
As far as 'living' abroad with this girl....did your earnings ever come into mind?

[scafidi454]

Ok. Did you read the part where I said if she is still under 25 she is still eligible? Doesn't matter if she has already graduated as she can take extra courses in the USA. I know others whom have done it and I asked the same question to them and they told me it's possible up to age 25. Give it a look see.

I think she has to pass the TOEFL to study in the USA.

[scafidi454]

A friend of mine had a girl from moscow come 3 straight summers here, all on work visas.
 
I am too wondering how girl got first tourist visa.
Here is a site to see where visas are needed for:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Visa_requirements_for_Russian_citizens 
 
As far as 'living' abroad with this girl....did your earnings ever come into mind?

Yes; being that I'm racking up some college debt, I have considered my required monthly income and jobs that can support that need.


I am getting my degree in Project Management and Acquisitions (US Government Acq.'s) - Another reason for my trip in December is to talk to a few companies over there about opportunities for me so that when I return in the summer of 2012, I will be able to start.

[chivo]

I think she has to pass the TOEFL to study in the USA.

I think only if she's planning on entering University, not if she's going to study say, English. Different universities have different required levels of English, this I do know. For instance, you have to have a higher tested level to enter Stanford as opposed to a community college .
 
I work next to a company that handles these things and I'll see what exactly is possible if I can. The people in the states that I know at the moment didn't have to meet this requirement, but yes, I'm not 100% sure.
 
It might not matter though as it seems you have other plans. At least from reading your other thread.

[scafidi454]

I think only if she's planning on entering University, not if she's going to study say, English. Different universities have different required levels of English, this I do know. For instance, you have to have a higher tested level to enter Stanford as opposed to a community college .
 
I work next to a company that handles these things and I'll see what exactly is possible if I can. The people in the states that I know at the moment didn't have to meet this requirement, but yes, I'm not 100% sure.
 
It might not matter though as it seems you have other plans. At least from reading your other thread.

I am open to all possibilities. Frankly, I'd rather have her here in my apartment. We don't need to go to a resort, we just want to be together. We can do something wherever we go.

[Sailor291]

Meet her in Ukraine.  Neither one of you need a visa to vitit there.