tourist visa for a doctor-psychatrist

[phantom]

Hello,

Here's a question I have.  I've been doing some corresponding with a young woman (27), she's a doctor psychatrist, if I can't get away this year to travel to the Ukriane to meet with her, I was wondering because of her status as a doctor, would it be difficult for her to get a tourist visa to the usa?  She works in a hospital, so she has obligations there.  Does anyone know?

[Phil dAmore]

I don't know for certain but since Ukraine now has visa-free entry for US citizens, I imagine that there would be a reciprocity pact for a Ukrainian citizen to travel to the US.

[Mir]

There is no reciprocity pact between Ukraine and US or any other Western country.
Ukraine lifted visa restrictions unitarily.
Her best bet is to contact US consulate in Kiev and ask what she needs for a tourist visa. Get all the papers ready and apply for the visa and hope for the best.

[aikorob]

Maybe she could try for an educational visa (J type, I think). You know, come here for a short time to study the latest techniques. BUT, I think there is a time limit after you return before she can apply to come back. Going by memory here, so don't quote me.

[William3rd]

Criteria for tourist visas-

Purpose of the visit to the US?
Relationships of contacts in the US?
Has she travelled anywhere else? When, Where? Did she get visas for the travel?
What does she own?
What does she have to come back to? Family, occupation?
Does she have adequate resources to fund her trip?
Is it likely that she will work or attempt to change visa status if allowed to enter the US?
Is it likely that she will remain past her authorized period of stay if allowed to enter the United States?
What have other applicants done who are similarly situated?

J would not be appropriate on these facts. Non waivable J carries a 2 year return home requirement. It is also not something that she can just run out and get

Perhaps if her hospital were to request her participation in an actual medical program here.

Keep in mind- there is nothing new under the sun in the land of immigration and the consular officers were not born yesterday.

How about you interrupt your busy schedule and meet her in central america?

[phantom]

I wouldn't be able to get to the Ukriane, but what about the bahamas?  Is it easy for her to get a tourist visa there?  I could make a two day trip there, just not a trip to the Ukriane.  She really has not mentioned meeting yet, but I'm getting prepared with all this stuff.  She did say, she does not want multiple meetings though.  So, I thought of the bahamas, would that work then.  She's only been to Russia, and she lives with her parents.

[groovlstk]

I wouldn't be able to get to the Ukriane, but what about the bahamas?  Is it easy for her to get a tourist visa there?

Here's an easy way to determine where you can easily meet your girl:
http://www.delta.com/planning_reservations/plan_flight/international_travel_information/visa_passport_information/index.jsp

 
She did say, she does not want multiple meetings though.  So, I thought of the bahamas, would that work then.  She's only been to Russia, and she lives with her parents.

Not sure if I understand this correctly, but if she's inferring that she wants to meet you once or twice and then expects you to propose marriage, you'd do best to give her the boot now before you invest any more time and money on her.

[Sohkay]

phantom,

It is "Ukraine"...not, "the Ukraine".

Foreign woman dating 101. Call her country by its correct name.

[William3rd]

That "Visas For Dummies" link is a great reference tool. . . . .

[BC]

phantom,

I'm sure she will enjoy the Bahamas..

I'm with groovlstk for the rest..

FWIW

[jb]

I wouldn't be able to get to the Ukriane, but what about the bahamas?

If you have neither the time or the resources to invest in several trips to her home country while you build a solid relationship, (and I mean weeks in-country, not a few days), then you are barking up the wrong tree... A FSUW is not for you.

I don't wish you ill, but I see some bad things written on the wall here.  I wrote fairly extensively about tourist visas in the FAQ section, you might want to give it a glance.  http://www.russianwomendiscussion.com/index.php?pid=11

[Globetrotter]

Phantom, a tourist visa for a young FSU girl is difficult to impossible no matter what her education.  I was able to have my doc squeeze get a business visa here because I found a medical conference for her to attend.  Cost of conference, $500, cost of air fare, $1000, cost while she was here...alot.  Also, she needed a credit card (debit card for her) a letter from her hospital director saying they were footing the bills, she needed to show she had a mortgage on her flat, employment history (doc for 15 years)...etc., etc., then go to Moscow for the visa interview.  Because I had her transfer funds from the Bank of Russia (although I WU'd the cash) my fingerprints were nowhere to be found.  Very difficult, but possible.  Mind you, I also told her to dress like a babushka for her interview.  Unlike yours, mine is much older, owns her flat, has a car, etc. 

So, ask yourself how inventive you can be and how much you are willing to spend.  Mind you, she got a one year multi entry visa.  Now that she's come and gone, her next will probably be a 5 year, but we will see.  Good luck.

[Globetrotter]

Oh, and one more thing, because she was attending an American conference in America, her English needed to be pretty good (which it is) or it would have been thumbs down for that alone!

[phantom]

Thanks for the replies to this one.  JB, I have the resources, I'll just have to make the time.  Ukraine visit will be have to be made, or a few weeks together in the Bahamas, which sounds nice for both.  On the multiple visit thing, I think I miss understood her.  Here's quote what she said: "As due to the letters, we are able to get to know even more, than during several meetings." 
I think that I misubderstood her.

[Jet]

I wouldn't be able to get to the Ukriane, but what about the bahamas? 

Visa to Bahamas is roughly equal to getting a visa to Great Britain. Dominican republic would be a better choice in that part of the  Caribbean, but still not as good a choice as closer to her home. I agree w/ jb, if you really think this path is the one you want to go down, you're gonna need to MAKE the time (not a slam, just an observation from someone who's been through it)

[phantom]

Okay, this is the path I've chosen too take, I'll make the time.  Instead of a few weeks in the Bahamas, I'll spend them in Ukraine.     I'll see when I can do this.  But, a couple of questions 1. When should I apply for my visa to Ukraine?  2.  If we decide to get married, how long does the K-1 visa take to get?

Just some questions.

[catzenmouse]

Okay, this is the path I've chosen too take, I'll make the time.  Instead of a few weeks in the Bahamas, I'll spend them in Ukraine.     I'll see when I can do this.  But, a couple of questions 1. When should I apply for my visa to Ukraine?  2.  If we decide to get married, how long does the K-1 visa take to get?

Just some questions.

Dude,

 The last thing you should be thinking of or worrying about is the K-1! You have not met her yet, have not spent time with her or her family and you don't really have a clue how you will react to each other in person.

 Make the trip, see how it goes, make another trip in 6 months, see how it is still going, then decide together if you want to pursue a life time commitment. Turn down the throttle, take the time to do it right or you will be spending the rest of your life paying for it.

[phantom]

I have no intention of rushing into this.  I was just curious.  But, what about me getting a visa to go there?  When should I apply?  Even if it don't go, I've had a nice trip anyway.  I'll probably be going in about 2-4 months, so when do I need to apply for the visa to Ukraine?  Now, is a apartment, or hotel better?

[Daveman]

Okay, this is the path I've chosen too take, I'll make the time.  Instead of a few weeks in the Bahamas, I'll spend them in Ukraine.     I'll see when I can do this.  But, a couple of questions 1. When should I apply for my visa to Ukraine?  2.  If we decide to get married, how long does the K-1 visa take to get?

Just some questions.

1) you don't need a visa to travel to Ukraine if your stay is less than 90 days.
2) Read Catz' post again... and the time varies depending on the speed of government and the number of applications, if there are any mistakes, etc. I've heard anywhere from 4 months to a year sometimes.

[groovlstk]

Okay, this is the path I've chosen too take, I'll make the time.  Instead of a few weeks in the Bahamas, I'll spend them in Ukraine.     I'll see when I can do this.  But, a couple of questions 1. When should I apply for my visa to Ukraine?  2.  If we decide to get married, how long does the K-1 visa take to get?

Just some questions.

1. If you're an American citizen you don't need a visa to visit Ukraine, just a passport.

2. Much longer and more complicated than it takes to commit yourself to Creedmore Psychiatric Facility.

FWIW, my K1 took just over 3 months from time of filing to my wife's interview.

[Daveman]

Now, is a apartment, or hotel better?

If you are going to meet ONE girl, and if you trust her, and you are wanting to stay a little longer, or just want a better deal, you can let her rent a flat for you.. I got a nice two room flat in Kharkov for two months at a total of $800 USD (about 4 blocks from Independence square near that big statue of Lenin).  Beats the heck out of $50.00 - $75.00 or more a night.  But, your girl will have to rent it for you...  Many on here say do NOT let a girl rent a flat for you.  I have had wonderful luck all three times letting the girl handle the flat for me, but obviously this method will not work for a visit many trip unless the girl renting the flat knows all about it.

I much prefer flats to hotels, but that's me, opinions will vary.

Dave

[Globetrotter]

Man, let me get this straight...you have not yet met her, don't know you don't need a visa for Ukraine, and are worrying about how long a K-1 takes to process?  Pal, get your house and life in order first.  Even though these may be impoverished girls by our financial standards, they've all graduated from the "school of hard knocks" and if you're not on their level in every way imaginable, you will be "cat food".  They can smell desperation from several kilometers away.  If you are not capable of picking your target, you will become one!  My advice to you...stay home until you know....nah, just stay home!

[jb]

I ain't saying this is true for phantom, but I've noticed over time there is a tangible fear on some men's part about travel "behind the Iron Curtain"...  It is as if they are afraid/apt to be swallowed up by a big black hole, never to be seen or heard from again.

If this board does nothing else other than to dispell the fears some men have regarding travel to Russia and the other FSU countries, then we will have performed a beneficial service.  Although I don't expect the mice to grow balls and take on the adventure in a single bound, it would sure be nice if they at least stopped posting that fearful crap around the boards.

[William3rd]

But JB, the mice heard from fat Yuri that the streets are full of mafia and terrorists just waiting to kill them if they come over to the FSU. Some of those letters that I have seen would make me think that most downtown areas are like Fallujah in the springtime.

You dont really expect them to take the plunge- or grow huevos, do you?

[Daveman]

Man, let me get this straight...you have not yet met her, don't know you don't need a visa for Ukraine, and are worrying about how long a K-1 takes to process? 

Well, gathering information is a good thing.  Information breeds relaxation.  Just because he asks the question doesn't mean he's planning to file with a woman he's yet to meet, but knowing as much as he can going into the process will certainly make him more at ease when traveling and meeting.

This is the place to be to get those starry eyed dreamy notions knocked completely out of one's head so the pursuit can be relaxed and level headed.  Plus, you have to remember, he still has to convince them to live with a Pet Rat... which should slow down the process considerably    (Sorry Phantom, couldn't resist).

As far as the travel paranoia... I felt/feel safer walking the streets in Ukraine or Russia than I do in my home city.  I can hardly wait to go back on another visit/trip.  There is simply nothing to it.  Dive in and take the plunge - you'll thoroughly enjoy the trip and meeting a lady or two will just be icing on the cake of a great adventure.

Dave