K-1 Konfusion!

[jmana]

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? 

[Hammer2722]

As far as I remember, they will send your fiance a packet with documents for her to fill out and bring with her.  She will also be directed to set up her medical and her interview which I imagine both will be done in Moscow. At this time you should have sent her a Identical copy of the paperwork you sent to USCIS for her to take to the interview as well.

[lordtiberius]

Has the shutdown affected processing these VISAs?  Immigration transferred our petition to the NVC.  That was August 21st.  they said they needed 2 months to receive the paperwork.  Is that normal?

[GQBlues]

Embassies will continue to serve the needs of Americans abroad. All applications for visas will continue it's scheduled progression due in large part the fees received with the applications finances the cost of its processing.

"...The State Department will continue processing foreign applications for visas and US applications for passports, since fees are collected to finance those services. Embassies and consulates overseas will continue to provide services to American citizens...."

I thought it will only be 2 more weeks for you/her after she got her alien number? It's been way past that, isn't it? 

[lordtiberius]

I was on hold for 16 minutes without a human voice on the "customer" service line before I hung up.

From: NVC Inquiry <NVCInquiry@state.gov>
To: ZZZZZ@yahoo.com>
Sent: Friday, October 11, 2013 4:12 AM
Subject: RE: WAC139045XXXX



Dear Sir/Madam:

                             

Thank you for your inquiry. The National Visa Center (NVC) has not
received your petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS). Please allow at least eight weeks from the date USCIS approved
your petition for us to receive it.


Case Number:                  WAC139045XXXX

                             


Misty

National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
Serco Inc, Support Contractor

NVCInquiry@state.gov

This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions
provided in 12 FAM 540.
Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or
refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be
considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) [8 US C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such
information must be solely for the formulation, amendment,
administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and
other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM
guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review,
retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance
upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.


-----Original Message-----
From: ZZZ@yahoo.com]
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 11:53 AM
To: NVC Inquiry
Subject: Re: WAC139045XXX

Dear State Department,

Can someone other than an intern or low level employee with something
more complete identifier than a first name tell me definitively what the
Sam Hill is going with my K1 visa for Betsy  (Axxxxx
060, Born 08-14-1904)?  Enclosed is the I-797 from USCIS approving my
petition.  We are waiting you.  My WAC number is WAC13904xxxxxx.  I was
born 09-12-1901.  My complete name is Knucklehead.  So you
have enough information to do your job.  So will you please do your job
and tell me what is going on with my case?  Thank you.

ZZZ


From: NVC Inquiry <NVCInquiry@state.gov>
To: ZZZZ@yahoo.com>
Sent: Monday, September 30, 2013 7:26 AM
Subject: RE: WAC139045XXXX


Dear Sir/Madam:

Thank you for your inquiry. The National Visa Center (NVC) has not
received your petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS). Please allow at least eight weeks from the date USCIS approved
your petition for us to receive it.

Thank you for your inquiry. The National Visa Center has not received
your petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).
Please scan and email your I-797 or I-171 Notice of Action to
nvcresearch@state.gov. Type the receipt number in the subject line of
your email. We will contact USCIS on your behalf to find your petition.

If your I-797 or I-171 Notice of Action does not indicate USCIS approved
your petition and sent it to the Department of State, please contact
USCIS for a status update.

USCIS Contact Information
Telephone: 1-800-375-5283
Website: www.uscis.gov

The Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) is committed to the
protection of personal information of visa applicants and their
petitioners. To ensure the confidentiality of visa files and to prevent
the unauthorized release of personal information, the NVC requires that
the following information be provided with each inquiry:
Name of the person submitting the inquiry
NVC case number or USCIS receipt number
Petitioner's name and date of birth
Principal Applicant's name and date of birth

NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based (I-140), include the
employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name
and date of birth.

Unfortunately, your inquiry did not contain ALL of the above
information. Please resubmit your inquiry with the above information so
we may update our records accordingly and provide you with a specific
response.



Autumn

National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
Serco Inc, Support Contractor

NVCInquiry@state.gov

This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions
provided in 12 FAM 540.
Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or
refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be
considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) [8 US C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such
information must be solely for the formulation, amendment,
administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and
other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM
guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review,
retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance
upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.


From: ZZZZ@yahoo.com]
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 6:31 PM
To: NVC Inquiry
Subject: Re: WAC139045XXX

I provided all that information in the original attachment.  please see
the original attachment and answer my original question  Thank you

ZZZZ@yahoo.com

From: NVC Inquiry <NVCInquiry@state.gov>
To: ZZZZZ@yahoo.com>
Sent: Wednesday, September 18, 2013 9:52 AM
Subject: RE: WAC139045XXX

Dear Sir/Madam:

The Department of State's National Visa Center (NVC) is committed to the
protection of personal information of visa applicants and their
petitioners. To ensure the confidentiality of visa files and to prevent
the unauthorized release of personal information, the NVC requires that
the following information be provided with each inquiry:

Name of the person submitting the inquiry
NVC case number or USCIS receipt number
Petitioner's name and date of birth
Principal Applicant's name and date of birth

NOTE: If the visa petition is employment-based (I-140), include the
employer's company/organization name instead of the petitioner's name
and date of birth.

Unfortunately, your inquiry did not contain ALL of the above
information. Please resubmit your inquiry with the above information so
we may update our records accordingly and provide you with a specific
response.

Thank you for your inquiry. The National Visa Center (NVC) has not
received your petition from U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services
(USCIS). Please allow at least eight weeks from the date USCIS approved
your petition for us to receive it.

Sincerely,


Sophia
National Visa Center
Written Inquiry Unit
Serco Inc, Support Contractor

NVCInquiry@state.gov

This email is Sensitive but Unclassified based on the definitions
provided in 12 FAM 540.
Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or
refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be
considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and
Nationality Act (INA) [8 US C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such
information must be solely for the formulation, amendment,
administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and
other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM
guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review,
retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance
upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.


-----Original Message-----
From: ZZZZ@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, September 05, 2013 12:52 PM
To: NVC Inquiry
Cc: Kyiv, Webmaster; ZZZZ@meta.ua
Subject: Fw: USCIS Acceptance Confirmation

To Whom It May Concern,

Please let me know when I can schedule our interview with the consul
regarding my case.  Thank you.

ZZZZZZ@yahoo.com



----- Forwarded Message -----
From: "Do_Not_Reply_Lockbox@dhs.gov" <Do_Not_Reply_Lockbox@dhs.gov>
To: ZZZZZ@YAHOO.COM
Sent: Monday, April 8, 2013 12:49 PM
Subject: USCIS Acceptance Confirmation


Your case has been accepted and routed to the USCIS California Service
Center for processing. Within 7-10 days by standard mail you will
receive your official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) with your Receipt
Number WAC139045XXXX. With the official Receipt Notice (Form I-797) you
may visit http://www.uscis.gov/ where you can check the status of your
case
using My Case Status. We suggest you wait until you have received your
Form I-797 before checking My Case Status.

This confirmation provides notification of the date USCIS received your
case.  This notice does NOT grant any immigration status or benefit. You
MAY NOT present this notice as evidence that you have been granted any
immigration status or benefit. Further, this notice does NOT constitute
evidence that your case remains pending with USCIS. The current status
of your case must be verified with USCIS.

PLEASE DO NOT REPLY TO THIS MESSAGE

I would welcome any advice from almost anyone at this point

[GQBlues]

LOL

...Any information in this transmission pertaining to the issuance or refusal of visas or permits to enter the United States shall be considered confidential under Section 222(f) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) [8 US C. Section 1202]. Access to and use of such information must be solely for the formulation, amendment, administration, or enforcement of the immigration, nationality, and other laws of the United States under INA 222(f) and as specified in FAM guidance. If you have received such information in error, do not review, retransmit, disclose, disseminate, use, or take any action in reliance upon this information, and contact the sender as soon as possible.

I think maybe you ought to at least go back and scratch-out the personal information in your post.

As for anyone helping you, the only person I believe that can specifically help you with this (other than Pat of course) is *MUZH* 

But seriously man. it looks to me like they haven't yet finished your petition to be ready to send it to NVC. 2 months is the normal processing period from USCIS to NC. More than likely, beause of the recent immigration reform, they're likely inundated processing Jose and Rosa's documents first. So add whatever else delayed time with the 2 months.

From there, it goes to the Embassy and they do their diligence.

 

[lordtiberius]

As for anyone helping you, the only person I believe that can specifically help you with this (other than Pat of course) is *MUZH* 

Oh snap!

2 months is the normal processing period from USCIS to NC. More than likely, beause of the recent immigration reform, they're likely inundated processing Jose and Rosa's documents first. So add whatever else delayed time with the 2 months

Thank you for the feedback.  No one else around me is going though what I am going through and to hear from someone who has been there and done that, helps.  Thank you.

[Faux Pas]

I was on hold for 16 minutes without a human voice on the "customer" service line before I hung up.

I would welcome any advice from almost anyone at this point

Work on your tact and patience. You'll discover that they work at their pace and there is nothing (at all) you can do to change that but piss them off and, extend your wait. Be particularly careful when you do wait the obligatory 45-90 minutes on hold before you speak to them on the phone. Yes, you will get low level phone peeps and have to get "escalated" before you can actually speak to someone who can make notes in your file.

How long has it been since you filed and have you received a NOA2 yet?

[jmana]

I was on hold for 16 minutes without a human voice on the "customer" service line before I hung up.

I would welcome any advice from almost anyone at this point

Have you tried the DOS?  Their number is 202-485-7600.  Press 1 and then 0 after they answer and you should almost immediately reach a person.  BUT be nice to them, don't be rude, they are nice people at the DOS!!

[lonedrake]

Can someone other than an intern or low level employee with something
more complete identifier than a first name tell me definitively what the
Sam Hill is going with my K1 visa for [generic Fiancee Name] (XXXXXX, Born 08-14-1983)?  Enclosed is the I-797 from USCIS approving my
petition.  We are waiting you.  My WAC number is XXXXXXXXXXXXX.  I was
born 09-12-1973.  My complete name is [Generic Sponsor Name].  So you
have enough information to do your job.  So will you please do your job
and tell me what is going on with my case?  Thank you.

 LOL....You have to be kidding Only an idiot would write a letter like that!  Funny though....I thought it was a real letter for a while  

[GQBlues]

...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?

I'm not sure why would they tell you to go to ustraveldocs.com if you've petitioned someone for a fiancee visa. That directive, IINM, are for aliens wanting to apply for a visa to the US.

If you did petitioned someone via 129f (K-1) and the paperwork already arrived in Moscow, the embassy will send her a packet with all the documents she will need to have with her once her interview date is set.

In the meantime, you'll need to send her the proper paperwork, for instance:

An original letter of intent to marry (from you and the gal)
G325 - Bios from both of you (IINM).
Affidavit of Support (I-134) along with copies of bank statements, savings, piggy banks, baseball trading cards, etc..
Proof of employment, i.e. recent pay stubs and a 'letter from your employer.
Proof of relationship: emails, pictures, phone/skypelogs, etc.
Recent tax filings from, IIRC 3 copies of each.

You can sign up on the embassy website so you can periodically 'check' if they've scheduled her interview yet. You will receive a designated number based on your case filing.

As for the medical check-up, as far as I can remember, it's up to the embassy where to appoint her to get her examination. If her interview is in Moscow, the she needs to be examined the day before and likely one closest to the Moscow embassy.

You should read either Visa Journey or USCIS that details all the required processing steps.

You once said she's only visiting you as a tourist so you can take her for a test drive, why the 129f filing? Are you really this confused? I hope you're not using the K visa as a pseudo-tourist visa like some have done before you.

 

[jmana]

I'm not sure why would they tell you to go to ustraveldocs.com if you've petitioned someone for a fiancee visa. That directive, IINM, are for aliens wanting to apply for a visa to the US.

If you did petitioned someone via 129f (K-1) and the paperwork already arrived in Moscow, the embassy will send her a packet with all the documents she will need to have with her once her interview date is set.

In the meantime, you'll need to send her the proper paperwork, for instance:

An original letter of intent to marry (from you and the gal)
G325 - Bios from both of you (IINM).
Affidavit of Support (I-134) along with copies of bank statements, savings, piggy banks, baseball trading cards, etc..
Proof of employment, i.e. recent pay stubs and a 'letter from your employer.
Proof of relationship: emails, pictures, phone/skypelogs, etc.
Recent tax filings from, IIRC 3 copies of each.

You can sign up on the embassy website so you can periodically 'check' if they've scheduled her interview yet. You will receive a designated number based on your case filing.

As for the medical check-up, as far as I can remember, it's up to the embassy where to appoint her to get her examination. If her interview is in Moscow, the she needs to be examined the day before and likely one closest to the Moscow embassy.

You should read either Visa Journey or USCIS that details all the required processing steps.

You once said she's only visiting you as a tourist so you can take her for a test drive, why the 129f filing? Are you really this confused? I hope you're not using the K visa as a pseudo-tourist visa like some have done before you.

 

I got the info from the embassy website: "Applicants who were not scheduled for an interview by NVC (i.e., fiancé(e)s and immigrant visa applicants whose cases were approved by USCIS in Moscow) should visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ to schedule an interview and arrange for delivery of visa documents. For assistance with this system, refer to our Instructions for IV applicants using www.ustraveldocs.com."
Considering the NVC didn't schedule the interview (according to the DOS when I called), I assumed this applied to me?
And really I would prefer to do a tourist visa for her to come here so we could have more time to really figure this relationship out, but from everything I've read it's nearly impossible for someone with no assets to get one.  I did have one girl from Moscow visit me on a tourist visa once, but she actually made more money than me    I've known Alina now for 11 months, granted 98% of that time has been an online relationship, but we are both single parents and I think at a point in our lives where we are willing to give it a try because what other options do we have?  I can't travel there often enough to really develop a real relationship.  It's either we do this, or we both walk away.

[Anotherkiwi]

...And really I would prefer to do a tourist visa for her to come here so we could have more time to really figure this relationship out, but from everything I've read it's nearly impossible for someone with no assets to get one.  I did have one girl from Moscow visit me on a tourist visa once, but she actually made more money than me    I've known Alina now for 11 months, granted 98% of that time has been an online relationship, but we are both single parents and I think at a point in our lives where we are willing to give it a try because what other options do we have?  I can't travel there often enough to really develop a real relationship.  It's either we do this, or we both walk away.

I think that this is the crux of the whole matter.  Obviously I can't comment on the application forms or processing side of things because I'm not from the USA but, to me, this paragraph says it all.  If you both really think that you could be "the one" for each other, you MUST make the effort to spend time with her.  Trying to circumvent the true intent of the K-1 process (which you appear to be doing) is, as so many others have posted here, an absolute no-no.  If you get caught, which seems likely, not only will she be deported but she'll never be allowed back.  Unless you're a mass-murderer on parole, you can get a Russian visa with no problems at all, whereas she almost certainly can't get even a tourist visa for the US.  Therefore, you HAVE to go to Russia.  Apart from anything else, there will be a lot less in travel costs, which also appears to be a major consideration in your life (and I'm not talking about the "greedy" element here).
 
You say that you "can't travel there often enough to really develop a real relationship."  If that's the case, you only have one choice if you still want to make this work - go and spend at least a month with her.  I don't know how much vacation time you get - if it's the standard USA two weeks, get down on your knees to your boss and ask for extra time off without pay, or as time in lieu for extra hours that you've worked, and make it clear that this is your one shot at real happiness.  Unless your boss is made of ice, I would hope that he or she will be sympathetic enough to help you.  Hopefully your savings can cover unpaid leave - if not, you're doomed anyway, because you won't be able to afford to bring a fiancée and child to your country.
 
A week, even two, won't show you enough, because she and her daughter will both be able to be on their best behaviour for that time.  By the end of a month, the cracks (if any) will be well and truly showing unless they are both Oscar-winning actresses.  If there aren't any warning signs by that stage then I think we can assume that you most likely HAVE found someone who is really worthy of your attention.  That is the time that you start thinking about a K-1 visa - not before.
 
The other thing to consider, if you are really serious about being together, is whether or not she works.  Is she a stay-at-home mum, looking after her daughter?  Or does she work, leaving her daughter with her mother or in a childcare facility of some sort?  If she works, and you do go to visit her, she will have to schedule a reasonable amount of her own vacation time to be with you as much as possible.  It will also be instructive to see her in a normal work pattern - i.e. meeting her after she's finished in the office or factory.  What does she normally do at the end of the day - have a drink with workmates, or go straight home to cook dinner and spend time with her daughter?  Whichever is the case, she will NOT be working when she gets to the USA.  No matter how good her English is, she will have to take time to get used to the monumental changes in her and her daughter's lives.
 
If you can't manage to do this, then the last clause in your last sentence applies - "we both walk away."
 
Whatever the outcome, I wish you the very best of luck with your endeavours.

[calmissile]

Jmana,

I wish there was a more favorable solution to your problem.  I have to agree with everything up thread.  Using a K-1 to get acquainted is very time consuming and expensive with only a small/moderate chance of success.  Stop and think about it.  You will likely take 8-12 months for her to get a K-1 (if granted).  You have lost a year of your life waiting for someone you have not even met in person.  The expenses also add up quickly.  This is somewhat a minefield to try it this way.  She may not be the right partner for you.  She might not like your country.  She might change her mind, etc.

As others have suggested, you need to find a way to live together for at least a month before even considering a future together.  It seems you are between a rock and a hard place.  Don't let that frustration cause you to make a decision you might regret later.  Work on a solution to be together first.  There are many ways people can come to the US besides Fiance Visas.  You might want to explore some of them with her and see if any of those options will work for you both.

Good luck in whatever path you choose.  Finding that perfect partner is worth the effort, but you better make sure that the two of you feel the same way after being together for a while.

[GQBlues]

...And really I would prefer to do a tourist visa for her to come here so we could have more time to really figure this relationship out, but from everything I've read it's nearly impossible for someone with no assets to get one.  I did have one girl from Moscow visit me on a tourist visa once, but she actually made more money than me    I've known Alina now for 11 months, granted 98% of that time has been an online relationship, but we are both single parents and I think at a point in our lives where we are willing to give it a try because what other options do we have?  I can't travel there often enough to really develop a real relationship.  It's either we do this, or we both walk away.

You know, It's good RWD have a policy not to openly call someone an IDIOT on the board. Because had there been no such policy, I would've taken the liberty of loudly calling you one. But since they do, I'll just think it.
 
::::::thinking:::::

 
You work for the government and your first impulse when it's convenient for you is to commit perjury. I hope they catch your butt, and people like you, and really exercise that silly threat of 6 months jail time AND/OR $100,000.00 fine.
 
I'm not afraid to say I wish you and your likes get tagged every time this sh!t happens.

[jmana]

You know, It's good RWD have a policy not to openly call someone an IDIOT on the board. Because had there been no such policy, I would've taken the liberty of loudly calling you one. But since they do, I'll just think it.
 
::::::thinking:::::

 
You work for the government and your first impulse when it's convenient for you is to commit perjury. I hope they catch your butt, and people like you, and really exercise that silly threat of 6 months jail time AND/OR $100,000.00 fine.
 
I'm not afraid to say I wish you and your likes get tagged every time this sh!t happens.

Why are you such a dick??  Seriously.  It would be nice if this were a forum where people could openly talk about things without being attacked for being honest, but no such luck I guess.  I'd love to know how I am committing perjury?  Are you honestly saying that EVERYONE who gets engaged is madly in love with each other and knows everything about the other person??  Hell I've known friends of mine who got married to women here they barely knew, certainly not for 11 months!  And they are still together except one of them.  I've done everything required by law to obtain a K-1 visa, so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your mouth shut from now on.  I've not lied once on any form I've sent to the government, and they approved everything so far with no questions asked, so obviously they are fine with whatever level of relationship I have with her. 

[jmana]

Jmana,

I wish there was a more favorable solution to your problem.  I have to agree with everything up thread.  Using a K-1 to get acquainted is very time consuming and expensive with only a small/moderate chance of success.  Stop and think about it.  You will likely take 8-12 months for her to get a K-1 (if granted).  You have lost a year of your life waiting for someone you have not even met in person.  The expenses also add up quickly.  This is somewhat a minefield to try it this way.  She may not be the right partner for you.  She might not like your country.  She might change her mind, etc.

As others have suggested, you need to find a way to live together for at least a month before even considering a future together.  It seems you are between a rock and a hard place.  Don't let that frustration cause you to make a decision you might regret later.  Work on a solution to be together first.  There are many ways people can come to the US besides Fiance Visas.  You might want to explore some of them with her and see if any of those options will work for you both.

Good luck in whatever path you choose.  Finding that perfect partner is worth the effort, but you better make sure that the two of you feel the same way after being together for a while.

I actually have met her in person, I spent 9 days with her in June.  I would love to spend a month there, and financially I could do it, and I have a month of vacation time saved up, but that's not the issue.  The issue is I'm a full time single dad and I can't exactly leave my son with someone for a month while I go off to another country.  My closest relative is 9 hours away.  Nor could I pull him out of school to take him along, even though I'd love to take him there someday.  And he goes to a year round school, so no, he didn't have all summer off. 

[jmana]

I think that this is the crux of the whole matter.  Obviously I can't comment on the application forms or processing side of things because I'm not from the USA but, to me, this paragraph says it all.  If you both really think that you could be "the one" for each other, you MUST make the effort to spend time with her.  Trying to circumvent the true intent of the K-1 process (which you appear to be doing) is, as so many others have posted here, an absolute no-no.  If you get caught, which seems likely, not only will she be deported but she'll never be allowed back.  Unless you're a mass-murderer on parole, you can get a Russian visa with no problems at all, whereas she almost certainly can't get even a tourist visa for the US.  Therefore, you HAVE to go to Russia.  Apart from anything else, there will be a lot less in travel costs, which also appears to be a major consideration in your life (and I'm not talking about the "greedy" element here).
 
You say that you "can't travel there often enough to really develop a real relationship."  If that's the case, you only have one choice if you still want to make this work - go and spend at least a month with her.  I don't know how much vacation time you get - if it's the standard USA two weeks, get down on your knees to your boss and ask for extra time off without pay, or as time in lieu for extra hours that you've worked, and make it clear that this is your one shot at real happiness.  Unless your boss is made of ice, I would hope that he or she will be sympathetic enough to help you.  Hopefully your savings can cover unpaid leave - if not, you're doomed anyway, because you won't be able to afford to bring a fiancée and child to your country.
 
A week, even two, won't show you enough, because she and her daughter will both be able to be on their best behaviour for that time.  By the end of a month, the cracks (if any) will be well and truly showing unless they are both Oscar-winning actresses.  If there aren't any warning signs by that stage then I think we can assume that you most likely HAVE found someone who is really worthy of your attention.  That is the time that you start thinking about a K-1 visa - not before.
 
The other thing to consider, if you are really serious about being together, is whether or not she works.  Is she a stay-at-home mum, looking after her daughter?  Or does she work, leaving her daughter with her mother or in a childcare facility of some sort?  If she works, and you do go to visit her, she will have to schedule a reasonable amount of her own vacation time to be with you as much as possible.  It will also be instructive to see her in a normal work pattern - i.e. meeting her after she's finished in the office or factory.  What does she normally do at the end of the day - have a drink with workmates, or go straight home to cook dinner and spend time with her daughter?  Whichever is the case, she will NOT be working when she gets to the USA.  No matter how good her English is, she will have to take time to get used to the monumental changes in her and her daughter's lives.
 
If you can't manage to do this, then the last clause in your last sentence applies - "we both walk away."
 
Whatever the outcome, I wish you the very best of luck with your endeavours.

I wish I knew why I keep reading that it's a month that is the right amount of time to get to know someone.  Hell, I was married to my ex for 3 years before her act wore off and her true colors came out! She deserves an Oscar for that performance!  But seriously, in the 9 days I was with her neither she nor her daughter were acting, and that's why I feel hopeful about this whole thing.  When I was with her those 9 days she definitely wasn't putting on an act faking things that weren't there, it was like I was on a date with someone here.  I read so many accounts on this site of people that within an hour of meeting are off in a hotel room having sex, yeah like that is natural.  But over those 9 days we definitely grew closer and after meeting her family (who were really nice and not typical Russians) I really felt like she is someone that I could spend the rest of my life with.  And I can say that I didn't see just the good side either, her daughter is only 3 so she can't exactly put on an act.  She had her moments, luckily I've already dealt with that kind of stuff with my son so it's not like I haven't been there before.  And the good thing about her misbehavior is I got to see how Alina dealt with it, and for the most part I agreed with how she handled the situation. 
Oh, and she did take off 7 of the 9 days I was there, but she did work the other 2.  I visited her at work the one day, she seemed to be really dedicated to her job!  She works 12 hour days and it takes over an hour each way to get there so she doesn't do anything in between except sleep.  It's a 2 day on, 2 day off schedule.  On her days off she takes her daughter to the park and cooks, cleans, etc... 
I know she won't be working when she comes here, I don't think it would be a great idea for her to work until her daughter goes to school, which is at least a year away.  In the meantime if she wants to do something to earn her own keep I suppose she could babysit, I live in a nice development where people pay insane amounts for sitters

[calmissile]

Jmana,
Don't let the negative comments get you down.  There are a lot of members here that have become infatuated/in love in a very short time and got burned because they did not know their fiance nearly as well as they thought in the begining.  I was one of those members.  In my case it was very fortunate that I terminated the K-1 prior to marriage.

It sounds like your gal has welcomed you into her life.  Especially with the contact with her daughter and parents.  You may be way ahead of many others in a very compressed time frame.  IMO it is unusual for her to be granted a K-1 until you establish a longer lasting relationsip together.  Somewhere, anywhere!  I understand your dilemma.  It would be nice if a US citizen could invite a G/F to the US and live together for a while and see if marriage is in the cards  Unfortunately, so many FSUW have overstayed their visas that immigration singles out FSUW for special scruitny.

You can continue to try the K-1 to have time together, but don't be dissapointed if it is denied.  Sometimes crazy things happen and you might get lucky. It might actually be easier for her to seek a different visa including student, business, lottery, etc.  The fiance visa is one of the most difficult.  If she is as much into you, are you are into her she might need to make some adjustments to her life to accomodate a different approach.  Since you have stated that it is impossible for you to go to her for any length of time, you are going to have to get creative.

If you both get convinced that you want to be together, you might consider marriage in her country.  The spousal visas are seldom denied unless it is a sham.

Good luck.

[jmana]

Jmana,
Don't let the negative comments get you down.  There are a lot of members here that have become infatuated/in love in a very short time and got burned because they did not know their fiance nearly as well as they thought in the begining.  I was one of those members.  In my case it was very fortunate that I terminated the K-1 prior to marriage.

It sounds like your gal has welcomed you into her life.  Especially with the contact with her daughter and parents.  You may be way ahead of many others in a very compressed time frame.  IMO it is unusual for her to be granted a K-1 until you establish a longer lasting relationsip together.  Somewhere, anywhere!  I understand your dilemma.  It would be nice if a US citizen could invite a G/F to the US and live together for a while and see if marriage is in the cards  Unfortunately, so many FSUW have overstayed their visas that immigration singles out FSUW for special scruitny.

You can continue to try the K-1 to have time together, but don't be dissapointed if it is denied.  Sometimes crazy things happen and you might get lucky. It might actually be easier for her to seek a different visa including student, business, lottery, etc.  The fiance visa is one of the most difficult.  If she is as much into you, are you are into her she might need to make some adjustments to her life to accomodate a different approach.  Since you have stated that it is impossible for you to go to her for any length of time, you are going to have to get creative.

If you both get convinced that you want to be together, you might consider marriage in her country.  The spousal visas are seldom denied unless it is a sham.

Good luck.

I am really confused when you state that "I might get lucky" and the k1 be approved.  I haven't really seen anyone get denied, and I've seen people apply for ones that literally met the girl one month, went to see her for a week the next month, applied for the k1, got approved, and got married as soon as she came here.  In fact the one guy I was talking to married a girl who didn't speak hardly any English!  Those are the ones I don't get.  At least Alina and I are able to communicate, and have been for nearly a year.  And when they ask for proof of a relationship, they really don't require much at all.  If you look at the requirements, they don't specify that you've been there for a specific number of days, or that you've been there more than once.  Nor do they want you to print out every email you've ever sent to each other, or every photo of each other.  What they ask for is actually a very basic amount of info to prove a. that you've met in person, and b. that you have an ongoing relationship.  Do they hook you up to a "love meter" to see if you are infatuated with the person and have an undying love for him or her?  Nope.  I do love Alina and she loves me, but not in the traditional sense where two people have the benefit of being able to spend every day together and go on dates and such.  Does that mean we have any less of a legitimate relationship or less legitimate desire to be together?  No.  We both miss each other very much and hate the distance between us. 

[calmissile]

I am really confused when you state that "I might get lucky" and the k1 be approved.  I haven't really seen anyone get denied, and I've seen people apply for ones that literally met the girl one month, went to see her for a week the next month, applied for the k1, got approved, and got married as soon as she came here.  In fact the one guy I was talking to married a girl who didn't speak hardly any English!  Those are the ones I don't get.  At least Alina and I are able to communicate, and have been for nearly a year.  And when they ask for proof of a relationship, they really don't require much at all.  If you look at the requirements, they don't specify that you've been there for a specific number of days, or that you've been there more than once.  Nor do they want you to print out every email you've ever sent to each other, or every photo of each other.  What they ask for is actually a very basic amount of info to prove a. that you've met in person, and b. that you have an ongoing relationship.  Do they hook you up to a "love meter" to see if you are infatuated with the person and have an undying love for him or her?  Nope.  I do love Alina and she loves me, but not in the traditional sense where two people have the benefit of being able to spend every day together and go on dates and such.  Does that mean we have any less of a legitimate relationship or less legitimate desire to be together?  No.  We both miss each other very much and hate the distance between us.

You are correct, the specifications for proof of a genuine realationship is very vague.  In addition those that review your documents and make the approval decision are very subjective.  You are correct, we have all had friends that got approved with very little data supplied and others that were denied without any good reason when the proof was overwhelming.  It's not fair and it isn't good policy but it is what it is.

My reference to getting lucky was with respect to your getting approved with the minimal time together, that's all.

My wife was refused a tourist visa a several months ago (she was my fiance at the time).  She stated that to show her intentions to return, she was leaving her 4 year old daughter behind with her mother, had a very good job to return to, and owned multiple properties in Ukraine.  They denied the visa stating that she had not provided adaquate proof she will return to Ukraine.  Go figure!!   That's just how it is with immigration.

She is now trying again as my wife for a tourist visa.  We will see if we chose a 'lucky day' to submit the application.  We also learned that the interviews are mostly a formality.  The decision was made by some monkey before the interview even happens.  The interviewer already has the decision before you even meet.

Currently there seems to be a problem with processing the on-line application.  You get part way through it and there is a 'technical error' message that states that it is the web sites problem and they are sorry.  LOL   Perhaps the government employees turned off the server.

[Daveman]

... We also learned that the interviews are mostly a formality.  The decision was made by some monkey before the interview even happens.  The interviewer already has the decision before you even meet.

Now this is interesting. How/where did you discover this? 

[calmissile]

By comments from several women that went through the interview process.  The denial was already pre-printed and given at the end of the interviews.  It seemed obvious that the denials and approvals were made prior to the interviews.  I supect that there is also a vetting at the interview to catch some fraud, etc., but is seems that the review of the documentation strongly influences the decision and this is done prior to the interview.   Just an observation.

[GQBlues]

Why are you such a dick??  Seriously.  It would be nice if this were a forum where people could openly talk about things without being attacked for being honest, but no such luck I guess.  I'd love to know how I am committing perjury?  Are you honestly saying that EVERYONE who gets engaged is madly in love with each other and knows everything about the other person??  Hell I've known friends of mine who got married to women here they barely knew, certainly not for 11 months!  And they are still together except one of them.  I've done everything required by law to obtain a K-1 visa, so I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your mouth shut from now on.  I've not lied once on any form I've sent to the government, and they approved everything so far with no questions asked, so obviously they are fine with whatever level of relationship I have with her.

Because of morons like you.
 
You keep saying you're going to take this woman for 'test drive' to find out if she's someone you'd actually like to marry, if not she's off to grace in wherever pasture is left for her to do so.
 
You keep making stupid excuses why YOU can't get your butt on the plane and spend time with her BEFORE making plans and filing a visa you know yourself you're not completely convince you wanna do.
 
Is it money? Well, in case YOU didn't know, it'll cost you an additional (at least) another 3-4 grand in 90 days after she arrives just to adjust her and her child's status. That's in addition to the thousand of dollars you would've already spent just getting them here and footing the related expense for that 90 days PLUS whatever else traveling needs that comes to play. No, they don't accept used phones credits as payment for tickets.
 
Further, in case you didn't know you likely stand to *negotiate* with the child's dear ol' dad (if he's still alive) just to get him to sign on the dotted line. These are expenses that are just the tip of the iceberg.
 
The worst part of all these is the fact you're going to uproot not only the woman's life but also her child over something you admitted you're not even sure of. To even imply you haven't perjure yourself is being a *dick* because you know full well if she doesn't make the grade - she's on her way back to Russia. Think beyond YOURSELF dickhead.

[GQBlues]

By comments from several women that went through the interview process.  The denial was already pre-printed and given at the end of the interviews.  It seemed obvious that the denials and approvals were made prior to the interviews.  I supect that there is also a vetting at the interview to catch some fraud, etc., but is seems that the review of the documentation strongly influences the decision and this is done prior to the interview.   Just an observation.

So what you're really saying is you have absolutely no idea but instead choose to make it sound like you do just to hear yourself talk..