Tourist Visa - A miracle

[Hammer2722]

Doug, you have my cell. Call me on Skype or cell. let me know when you will arrive. Maybe we can get together on Sunday afternoon or evening.

[Gator]

That's just not true cal. In the past it was a very different matter, not so much nowadays. 5-6 years ago these things started easing in a dramatic fashion. Prior to that a single woman who met all of the requirements most likely would have been denied and no reason given. Travel history and reason to return are the biggest factors as I understand it. Presently, most who qualify are approved. Why the change of heart I have no idea but, I know personally a few RW who travel to the U.S, and were approved the first time.

Tourist visas have been "readily" issued to unmarried RW for a few years now provided the RW have a compelling case to return to Russia.  I have no experience with UW; however, I had the impression UW were being denied more than accepted.  Has the situation now changed for UW?

[Faux Pas]

Tourist visas have been "readily" issued to unmarried RW for a few years now provided the RW have a compelling case to return to Russia.  I have no experience with UW; however, I had the impression UW were being denied more than accepted.  Has the situation now changed for UW?

Only a guess but, I would venture that more UW are denied because of not qualifying rather than RW being somehow preferred over UW. I suppose it's back to economics where Russia is enjoying a better economy (for some) whereas Ukraine is having massive problems. There may also be more UW applying than RW. All of this is only a guess on my part.

[calmissile]

That's just not true cal. In the past it was a very different matter, not so much nowadays. 5-6 years ago these things started easing in a dramatic fashion. Prior to that a single woman who met all of the requirements most likely would have been denied and no reason given. Travel history and reason to return are the biggest factors as I understand it. Presently, most who qualify are approved. Why the change of heart I have no idea but, I know personally a few RW who travel to the U.S, and were approved the first time.

I should have indicated UA women rather than FSUW.  As I understand it, for some reason Russian women are approved much more frequently than UA single women.

There is no question in our minds about the routine denials of UA women just like you described the situtation in the past.

My wife has been to now 3 interviews and has witnessed and talked to many that are there and almost all were denied.  Not arguing the issue, just reporting what she has witnesed over the past 6 months.

Our Congressman's office also stated the same thing just as Larissa experienced it.

Sounds like the Russians have it better now and it is clear that different countries are treated differently for tourist visas.

[calmissile]

Congrats to Larisa on her visa Doug!    and I am very happy for you that you are going to spend the holidays together! 
 
As a holder of a 10 years multiple entry visa to the U.S., I, too, can go and come home almost as many times as I want. However, that does not save me from an interview with a U.S. officer right on the border, and from an obligation to provide a plausible information about what is the purpose of my every visit and the address where I am going to stay in the U.S. Even a holder of a valid visa can face a situation when she or he is denied entry to the U.S. if the border officer is not satisfied with the information.
The border officers can deny you admission at any time.
 
Luckily my Canadia citizenship is on its way to me    Curious whether the Canadians are being asked the same questions and may be denied as well...

Thanks for the congrats.   Perhpaps in this case, being married might be an advantage at the border.  My wife was not even asked why she is visiting.  I think it's obvious.     
Once I told the border agent it was my wife, all she did is check passports and visa.

[calmissile]

Tourist visas have been "readily" issued to unmarried RW for a few years now provided the RW have a compelling case to return to Russia.  I have no experience with UW; however, I had the impression UW were being denied more than accepted.  Has the situation now changed for UW?

As I indicated in earlier posts, my wife said that nearly everyone was routinely denied tourist visas from the UA in the 3 interviews she attended.  Out of about 35 this last time, she thinks she might be the only one that was approved.   Looking at the faces of the gals coming out of the embassy that morning I suspect that she may be correct.   I have no info about visas for Russian women but understand they have a much higher success rate based on what I have read on the forum and web.

[GQBlues]

Only a guess but, I would venture that more UW are denied because of not qualifying rather than RW being somehow preferred over UW. I suppose it's back to economics where Russia is enjoying a better economy (for some) whereas Ukraine is having massive problems. There may also be more UW applying than RW. All of this is only a guess on my part.

Pretty much on the money. There ain't no conspiracy scenario going on here other than what you stated. Exorcise any notion this is some kind of crapshoot circus, mafias, political connections, Thor, Dexter or Jack Snowden...

Additionally, you are also correct in the disparity rates of rejections.

For example, in 2012, B-visas rate of rejection for Ukraine was in the sub 27% while Russians were rejected at the rate of less than 10%. Rates based on % and not actual numbers. Final and actual numbers based on applications received in the subject year/s.

Looking at this glass half-full (translated: optimistically): the very vast majority of tourist visa applicants are largely approved. Russia almost have a 90% approval rate last year while Ukraine had a whopping 73% approval rate.

[calmissile]

Pretty much on the money. There ain't no conspiracy scenario going on here other than what you stated. Exorcise any notion this is some kind of crapshoot circus, mafias, political connections, Thor, Dexter or Jack Snowden...

Additionally, you are also correct in the disparity rates of rejections.

For example, in 2012, B-visas rate of rejection for Ukraine was in the sub 27% while Russians were rejected at the rate of less than 10%. Rates based on % and not actual numbers. Final and actual numbers based on applications received in the subject year/s.

Looking at this glass half-full (translated: optimistically): the very vast majority of tourist visa applicants are largely approved. Russia almost have a 90% approval rate last year while Ukraine had a whopping 73% approval rate.

I would like to see where you statistics come from concerning Ukraine tourist visas.  Your figures not only contradict what we have personally observed, but also what we were told by the embassy, and our congressman's office.  I don't believe the numbers you posted, but obviously don't have any way to disprove them other than by observation.

I don't have an axe to grind either way.  It is no longer important to us.  It took three tries and nearly everyone attending interviews were denied.  I guess I should have gotten out of the car and interviewed all the women coming out of the embassy that my wife said were rejected.  Somehow I have to respect her opinion since she was there and talked to many of them.  Besides that...... the women own the sports equipment and it is not wise to argue with them.     

When in my Congressman's office today it was reaffirmed that very few single women get tourist visas approved from Ukraine.  Perhaps your numbers include family members that are approved or something else that skews the numbers.  It's not worth arguing for us.  We are simply trying to convey what we witnessed and was confirmed by our embassy staff and congressional staff.  I am not going to justify it further.   We do not care!  Larissa has a 5 year, multi-entry visa that she will not abuse.  Best of luck to others trying to get Tourist Visas for single UA women.

[calmissile]

OMG.... the adjustment period.   I feel very lucky to have found such a wonderful woman with a great personality.   She can take in all in stride and laugh about almost everything she has witnessed.

Fist comment......why are there so many fat American women.

Today was a good example of what others may experience the first day their wife/fiance arrives in the USA.   I introduced her to many of my personal and professional freinds.   
That all went very well.  The most common comment was that I was a very lucky guy for finding such a beautiful wife.  I agree.

We went shopping for groceries for the first time.  I expected that Larissa was going to pick out the ingredients for Ukrainian food that she knows how to make.  Mistake #1.  She kept asking what I wanted.  My answer was "Whatever you know how to cook".  By isle #4 this is turning into a nightmare!  It's clear she is trying to please me, but I dont' have a clue what to tell her.  I can eat almost anything, and dont want to suggest something that she does not know how to prepare.  By the time we get to produce, I can tell she is in her element.  All the intgredients for borscht.  Yep, every one of them.  She knows I like like it so the shopping  went fairly well at this point.

When she indicated we needed meat for it, I suggested we go back to the meat counter.  I asked the  butcher what to do about meat for borscht.  He suggested stew meat already packaged.  Great, another problem solved!

I picked up a few generic household items including paper towels,  napkins, air freshener ( often not purchased by bachelors) and off we went to the checkout stand.  All went well.  We are on our way home for my first wife-cooked home meal. We unloaded the truck and Larissa began  putting everything away in the frig and cupboards.   I was a little worried, so I left the den and decided to monitor the  storage of the goodies we bought.

Surprise!  She was putting the aerosol fragrance dispensers I bought into the refrigerator!  I asked what she is doing and she replied "They look just like the Coffee-Mate I bought for my coffee".

OMG!  This is going to be a fun experience.   

In order to protect my health I decided to monitor her cooking dinner.  I did not want to get poisoned on our first home cooked dinner together!  She actually did a fantastic job on dinner, cooking some fish we bought and supplementing it with a pasta salad that she asked whether to heat up or eat cold.

We laughed for a long time about the room freshner going into the frig.   There is one thing I really love about this woman.   She takes it all in stride and can laugh about her own mistakes (as well as the ones I make when I am in Ukraine).

The lesson I learned from my previous train wreck is that patience pays off..and waiting until you find someone with the right personality and compatibility is much more important than all the sexy, hot attributes that most of us start out searching for.  It's now midnight and I am stll alive after dinner.   

An hour in the hot tub and she says she is ready to awake me in time to go to work.  It doesn't get much better than this!

[JayH]

Have to keep saying it-- very ,very nice  to hear you so happy.

[calmissile]

That's just not true cal. In the past it was a very different matter, not so much nowadays. 5-6 years ago these things started easing in a dramatic fashion. Prior to that a single woman who met all of the requirements most likely would have been denied and no reason given. Travel history and reason to return are the biggest factors as I understand it. Presently, most who qualify are approved. Why the change of heart I have no idea but, I know personally a few RW who travel to the U.S, and were approved the first time.

For Ukraine single women, it is true.  I have no reason to doubt what my wife witnessed 3 times over the past 6 months (I don't mean her earlier denials, but the other 35 or so in the room that were all denied).  I think you are correct for Russian single women based on what I have heard, but have no idea why the discrimination to UA women.

[calmissile]

The first 2 weeks of Larissa's 'adjustment' to the US has been interesting to say the least.  So far, no issues.  It is great to have a mate with a great sense of humor that can laugh about her mistakes (and mine).

I was going to make a list to share later of all the crazy things that happen.  For example, the air freshner is in a similar container as the coffeemate she bought at the store.  I found the air freshner in the refrigerator.  Thankfully, she did not try it in her coffee.     

We managed to go out dancing a couple times with my friends and their wives.  OMG, this cute, quiet, little gal has some awsome moves on the dancefloor.

I also noticed that her hesitancy to speak English is greatly reduced after a cocktail in the jacuzzi.  Learned a lot about her childhood and pranks with girlfriends while in college.  I even understood about 90% of what she said.

Saturday we went to Big Bear Lake.   Photo is attached.  Had to show her that not only Kiev has snow.   

Tonight we went to Medieval Times in Buena Park.  The show and the food was great.  Photo attached.

The home cooking is great.  I am getting spoiled!

[GQBlues]

Doug-

I've turned a new leaf and I just really wanted to let you know how happy I am to see the beauty and the fruit of your devotion. Congratulations with everything! You both seemed very happy and maybe the reason why this may be a bit more significant with me is because I was one of your doubters. But, seeing your saga unfold the way it has, I've nothing but admiration for you.

Congratulations! I am personally celebrating your success! may you both have years of happiness! You are the shining example of what can be achieved with these incredible women of the FSU. You always knew that, even in times of numerous assault from doubters like me. Somehow I wish you'd accept that apology.

I now realize all of these women have wanted nothing more than to have a loving relationships and men who can appreciate the type of women these FSUWs are. They are pragmatic indeed. I questioned these before in the same magnitude I questioned many of the men. I was wrong.

I know you'll be busy these next few days, what with such a lovely woman in your company, but I hope you'll be more active in coming around and sharing with us some important things newbies and lurkers alike need to know before they embark on their own adventures! Adventures full of excitement, fun, challenges, trials and tribulations, emotions and seemingly endless energy, but as you well know as I do, the success you achieve in the end is far more gratifying than one can ever imagined.

Lastly, yes you are right. I was just making up the visa statistics. For whatever reason, Ukranians, especially the women, are unfairly discriminated and often times face rejections with the visa process. Something needs to be done with this.

Congratulations again Doug! I wish you both endless happiness! Men will be served well to heed your (soon-to-be) shared experiences and insights.

[fathertime]

The first 2 weeks of Larissa's 'adjustment' to the US has been interesting to say the least.  So far, no issues.  It is great to have a mate with a great sense of humor that can laugh about her mistakes (and mine).

I was going to make a list to share later of all the crazy things that happen.  For example, the air freshner is in a similar container as the coffeemate she bought at the store.  I found the air freshner in the refrigerator.  Thankfully, she did not try it in her coffee.     

We managed to go out dancing a couple times with my friends and their wives.  OMG, this cute, quiet, little gal has some awsome moves on the dancefloor.

I also noticed that her hesitancy to speak English is greatly reduced after a cocktail in the jacuzzi.  Learned a lot about her childhood and pranks with girlfriends while in college.  I even understood about 90% of what she said.

Saturday we went to Big Bear Lake.   Photo is attached.  Had to show her that not only Kiev has snow.   

Tonight we went to Medieval Times in Buena Park.  The show and the food was great.  Photo attached.

The home cooking is great.  I am getting spoiled!

Hey Calmissle,
THanks for sharing those photos...it sounds like you are having a great time thus far...hopefully the good times just keep on a rollin! I'm guessing you have a lot of freedom and it should be nice to have a beautiful traveling companion.


Fathertime! 

[calmissile]

Hey Calmissle,
THanks for sharing those photos...it sounds like you are having a great time thus far...hopefully the good times just keep on a rollin! I'm guessing you have a lot of freedom and it should be nice to have a beautiful traveling companion.


Fathertime!

Thanks for the nice comments.  We feel like we are on a honeymoon. 

[ML]

Thanks for the nice comments.  We feel like we are on a honeymoon.

Well, you are!!

I mostly feel like Ochka and I are still on a honeymoon after nearly 3 years . . . and we aren't even married; maybe that's why.

[jazztropy]

Mr. Calmissile,

From what you describe of your wife in your writing and then the pictures, it's clear she is quite a catch!  Congratulations to you both.

[calmissile]

Mr. Calmissile,

From what you describe of your wife in your writing and then the pictures, it's clear she is quite a catch!  Congratulations to you both.

Thank you.  I wish we had met at least 10 years earlier.

Having had one train wreck earlier (my own fault), I can only suggest to be patient and get to know someone very well before making a commitment.  The true jewels are still out there, but having too many stringent requirements causes one to pass over many of them (such as language barriers).  If they love you, they will learn the language, etc.

[GQBlues]

Thank you.  I wish we had met at least 10 years earlier.

Having had one train wreck earlier (my own fault), I can only suggest to be patient and get to know someone very well before making a commitment.  The true jewels are still out there, but having too many stringent requirements causes one to pass over many of them (such as language barriers).  If they love you, they will learn the language, etc.

Truer words were never spoken!

My hope is that men realizes the gems they pass up amongst non-English women. A little patience and stewardship and these resilient women will undoubtedly learn languages their respective men speak in no time. Yet, one must treat these moments as humble beginnings for any couple in love. Laying witness upon inspired growth filled with emotional yearning to be understood.

To pass up a woman simply because she doesn't speak English may well be passing up your soul mate that had spent a lifetime waiting to rest upon your arms. Think about that.

Words are never necessary when you know deep in your heart - 'she's the one!'. Only you will know. That's the universal language of love everyone must understand but often dismiss and shun away. Pity.

[calmissile]

Finally a day off work and no projects that have to be done!  While watching TV, I was reminded how well Larissa has taken over the kitchen.  I noticed  that she was making something so strolled over to take a look.

It's old hat for the veterans, but thought the newbies might enjoy seeing what she is making.  I had to get her to write down the name of it.  It is called Pelmeny.  It was one of my favorites at many of the restaurants I frequented in Ukraine.

Prior to leaving on our trip back to the US, we were shopping for gifts for friends and she picked up an item out of the kitchen goods.  I had no idea what it was, but she told me to wait and see.  Today I got to see what it is for.  It is a blue, flat plastic plate with many holes in it.  There are short standoff legs on one side.

The sequence of photos shows:
1.  A dough ball she had made and a container of ground meat with onions and who knows what else.
2.  The dough is spread and rolled flat over the plastic plate.  Note the little pieces of meat over each hole.
3.  Another layer of dough is placed on top of the meat.
4.  The roller is used on the top layer
5.  Rolling is continued until the skeleton of the plastic plate is visible.
6.  The plate is flipped over and the little Pelmeny pop out the bottom.
7.  And here they are ready to be placed in a glass pan for boiling in hot water.

It appears that she has made enough for several meals and is refrigerating them.  I suspect she will pull them out as needed and cook only what is needed.

I have seen both wife and MIL make them by hand without the plastic plate, however I suspect that with working full time and taking care of a 5 year old (and husband) there is probably a time advantage in using the tool.

[Daveman]

Great shots.. lucky dog.. someone I know refuses to make these because of the PIA factor.  So I am stuck buying bags of the "unhealthy" version from the (not so) local International Market.

sooo... what time is dinner??

[calmissile]

Great shots.. lucky dog.. someone I know refuses to make these because of the PIA factor.  So I am stuck buying bags of the "unhealthy" version from the (not so) local International Market.

sooo... what time is dinner??

Whenever your in the neighborhood.     

[Daveman]

Whenever your in the neighborhood.     

Cool deal!  but, I gotta wait until "Boxing Santa" goes back into his postseason coffin... that thing is scary... heh

[Lily]

Sooo nice! Larisa looks great on the photos. My holiday cheers to her!

[Gator]

Taking over the kitchen is a good sign.  One problem - she will probably rearrange everything.  I have lived in my house 19 years and for 18 of those years nothing had changed.  The wine tools were always in the third drawer, dish towels in another stack of drawers, etc.  Now I am totally lost and having to learn a new system. 

Another change.  Everything is cleaner, much cleaner.  The palmetto bugs are suffering from starvation as their forage areas have all but disappeared.  That is no way to treat Florida's state bird.