Interview Date Set

[Turboguy]

I guess I am pretty lucky to have gotten the summer airfare I did.   I wanted my gal here as fast as possible whatever the cost but did get an $ 1110 airfare each.  I checked the july airfare for kiev to you and sure enough came up $ 1800.   I too am going over to bring her back.  Now I just hope the interview goes ok.

[ConnerVT]

A perspective from someone who's been there, done that --

(Discaimer: My experience is with Moscow.  YMMV)

There is little reason to be there for the interview.  They won't allow you even into the building.  If the woman you are going to marry is not confident enough to jump through bureaucratic hoops (a Russian national pastime), sit and wait, then answer some questions honestly, reevaluation of your future plans are in order.

Although YOU have been planning for this moment for many months, it is more than likely that to your woman, this event (actually having to relocate) has seemed like it would never happen.  Americans are optimists, always making plans and schedules.  Many of the Russians I have met don't operate this way.  Perhaps because things usually work as planned in the US, not always the case in Russia.

So while you plan to grab the visa and fly before the ink is dry, she probably has a number of 'loose ends' to tie up.  Things like saying goodbye to her friends and family, filing papers to end employment and secure any pension monies accrued, getting certified copies of vaccination documents, redistribute the wealth of things she owns (which might seem small to you.  To her, they are her worldy possessions.)

I only took Jet's advice half heartedly when he said you would just be in the way during this process.  I should of listened more, as he was 100% correct.  It's a stressful time, and you will be another burden (or at least, distraction) for her to deal with.

I think what works best is to arrive at a mutually agreed on date, likely a few weeks after the interview.  Plan on only spending, at most, a few days in Russia.  I brought several large suitcases with me (I had been leaving one behind each visit).  You can help pack all that she will take (2 x 32Kg checked baggage, 1 x 10Kg carry on) for each person traveling (domestic is less, if you're not ticketed through to your final destination).

Spending only a few days will give you time for last goodbyes and well wishes, and maximize your time together once you arrive in the US.  A much better use of your time and resources.

[wxman]

Sound advice. That is exactly what we are doing. She will have July and August to close loose ends, spend time with her family, etc. I will spend only 2 full days there.  Arrive on a friday afternoon, and leave monday morning. Then I will be able to spend almost 2 weeks with her intially when she and her daughter arrive. I will have set up everything with school for the child ahead of time, so after one week, she will be able to start school as her mother wishes.

[Son of Clyde]

Kiev schedules at 8:45 and the interviewing does not start until 9 am?

Sounds like every woman is scheduled to arrive at 8:45.

[Turboguy]

I think you will find that is correct Son of Clyde.   Moscow schedules all the hopefull fincees at 7:40 and takes them in at 8:00.  

That is one of the reasons I wanted to go to Moscow then.   My fiancee on my first visit was always 15 minutes early for whatever time she told me.   I was a little surpised for a Russian gal.   I thought part of being Russian was never being on time.  

My trips after that have been more normal for a Russian lady.   She is usually somewhere between one and three hours late.    I think when she really has to be somewhere on time she is, but I thought being there might be a good idea just to make sure she gets to the gates on time.    I can see it now.  7:40 with me and her at the gate of the embassy, her over my shoulder kicking, half dressed and eyeliner on one eye, but there on time.

[Son of Clyde]

Turbo,

With some women 7:40 would mean it is when she gets out of bed.

The appointments should then be set for 6:40.