Visa wait times longer for Russian Women than other FSU women?

[Yozhik]

All,

My significant other informed me that in some of the forums she reads, there are reports of women from Ukraine (and another country but my poor short term memory cannot recall it) being granted Fiance visa's to Australia in just a few months whereas Russian women appear to have a 6-12 month time period as standard.

Has anybody else heard/experienced this or is it just a few isolated and lucky cases?

Just curious.

Cheers,
Yozhik

[Serebro]

I have heard of that, too.
I guess it's a political thing as Ukraine has no special rules for a foreigner to enter the country, foreign countries make it easier for Ukrainians to come, too.
Russians are proud and  they have strict rules for foreigners, so the foreign countries are stricter to them, too.

[I/O]

DIMA Processing standards clearly state that up to 10 months is the possible term. Almost all, if not all FSU country's citizens must apply via the Moscow embassy for entry to Australia. A year or so back, I was hearing the opposite, in so far as Ukrainian's and others were complaining of being treated second class.

In our situation it took about 8 months and she is Russian. Kuna's Mrs got through in a couple of weeks or less and she is Ukrainian, so who the hell would know? :noidea: :noidea: :noidea:

I think it has more to do with quotas (Financial year) and timing than anything else.

I/O

[alantodd]

I know right now K-1 is closer to 1 year in USA for California process center do to overload in system.  Has nothing to do with Russian or Ukraine.  I do know the Ukraine US embassy can schedule appointments within 2 days when you call them.  They also are increasing there fees which should cut down on traffic too.

[Bruce]

I have a feeling the times they are achanging.  Here is why:  My sister-in-law, a 22 year old single, never married Russian woman was issued a tourist visa in less than one week.  She had her interview in the Moscow embassy December 18 and she has the visa now.  I have a feeling the numbers of people are way down in Russia wanting to visit the USA so visas are much easier to come by.  I am starting to think guys should just bring over girls on tourist visas that they meet..............but I would rather hear it from the experts like William III before I would advise it for guys in serious relationships with a girl.  Of course, I wrote the invitation letter for my sister in law.  She does have her sister who is married to a US citizen me and she is visiting her niece as well, but still...........22 year old single Russian female.  However, she did work in the USA on two occassions previously and always returned to Russia in time.  Perhaps that is why but still............now to get a cheap flight somehow???

[Yozhik]

However, she did work in the USA on two occassions previously and always returned to Russia in time.  Perhaps that is why but still............

I understand that to be the case in Australia. Once you demonstrate that you will follow the rules, the veil of suspicion gets lifted slightly.

I think it has more to do with quotas (Financial year) and timing than anything else.

I/O

I have heard this from a few different sources and I think you and I even discussed it before. If that is the case, March might not be too bad timing wise to lodge our application? However, as you so eloquently put it..."Who the hell would know?" 

Cheers,
Yozhik

[jj]

My experience in the U.S. was 9 months from k-1 application to moscow interview. I finally hired an american lawyer who works out of Moscow or it may have been longer.   Once it reached embassy they dragged their feet and went into administrative review.  Marina and daughter had even been in US before and returned well before their visa expired.  She was from Russia.  I guess it is luck of the draw, who knows?   I also think it may depends on who is sitting at the desk and what kind of mood they are in that day

[icehockey]

Hi All

I was under the impression that any woman from Ukr or Russ would never get a tourist visa.  But from what Bruce said , it is possible!
I have been writing to a woman and I told her it was impossible for her to visit.  Maybe she can?
Has anyone else heard anything new about the the ability to recieve a tourist visa?  Or is it still wishful thinking?
Maybe the option is there to apply, but in reality, there would be no chance in hell.

[Bruce]

Icehockey, great name.  Reminds me of my old board names.  Anyway, my sister-in-law came on the tourist visa and quickly found a guy who married her.   I would definitely shoot for the J-1 visas for University age girls to meet them first.  Also, if the girl has family support she can apply on her own for a tourist visa.  It does not cost you anything and you may get a nice visit.  If you are serious in this process you should fly to Russia or Ukraine or Belarus etc. on your own or with an agency etc. meet many women and then worry about getting them here.  The safest and most expeditious method is the K-1, but that is only after you find one you intend to marry.