Getting married in Ukraine

[Brianinaz]

Can those out there who have gotten married in Ukraine please provide the details of what is needed (documents, proceedures etc) Thank you

[bgreed]

Hey Brian,

Good to see you post again.  For a tast you might want to read "my wedding trip" it's all about when Lena and I got married in September.

As for what you will need
Appostilled copy of your birth certificate
Appostilled copy of your divorce decree if you were previously married
your passport
A trip for you and your fiance to the US consulate in Kiev to for you to get a certificate of no impediment. (they only do this from 9am-12noon on Fridays)
A trip accross town to the ministry of foreign affairs to fill out another form and pay a fee which basically certifies the certificate of no impediment. (you will be able to pick up your paperwork after 4pm that afternoon)
Trip to RAGS in her city with your paperwork to fill out some more paperwork and pay a fee.
Now here is the tricky part the usual waiting time to get married is 30days unless the lady is pregnant.  However with the correct size "gift" this waiting period can be waved.
They will set a day and time for the ceremony (ours took all of about five minutes) you exchange rings sign the book and your done.  By the way RAGS is the offical legal marriage church wedding is not.
Next you have to go to a different office accross town of which I cannot currently remember the name and register your wedding (another fee another blue stamp)  Then you basically done except for your now wife getting her passport etc. changed to her new name.

So I take it you are considering filing a CR-1 petition?

Hope the information is helpful
Gregg

[philb]

Here is a link from U.S. Embassy in Kiev which outlines the process.  The same as what was posted above.  Worked for my wife and I without any problems.

http://web.usembassy.kiev.ua/amcit_marriage_civil_eng.html

[docetae]

Can those out there who have gotten married in Ukraine please provide the details of what is needed (documents, proceedures etc) Thank you

It is depending of your country of origin too...I will marry as french and must apply first for publication of wedding at french embassy, after they must deliver me a certificate of capacity of wedding and only after we can go to ZAGS. ...One time wedding is done, I will have a french marriage certificate, a ukrainian marriage certificate and will start sponsorship to Canada for my wife... With wedding in september, we target end of march 2009 for her arrival in Canada....

[Brianinaz]

Thanks for the info. Phil thanks for the link. Gregg, nice to hear from you. A very belated congrads. Last I talked to you the Mrs. was still expecting. I kind of got busy and haven't been here in a while.

I just got back from Kharkov. I went in January and met with the lady from Sumy that I talked to you about. If you recall I met her through one of the agency web sites just at the time I had desecided Decided that I was done with agencies. Anyway to make a long story short the OWOT thing for someone I had never met didn’t make much sense to me. I know it worked for you but I think that’s the exception to the rule. I had spoken a couple of times with Slava the fellow Thor recommended. To refresh anyone else’s memory who might read this he does not run an agency, charge for introductions, keep a catalogue of profiles. He puts an ad in the local paper for you, screens the responses, provides translation services, arranges for a flat and ground transportation. He supplements his income as an English professor at the University in Kharkov with the translation services, no more no less. So, I figured I’d try that because I was really done with the agency thing. I spent several days with the young lady from Sumy and she was a really nice girl and I thought things might work out. I also met several girls that answered the news paper add. It was refreshing, they were girls you might meet at work, or the market, or in any other everyday situation. I offered to get each of them a cab home after a meeting and not one of them would accept any money. They either wanted to take the Metro or pay for their own cab. Not the usual yes I’d like a cab and I will tack an extra 20% on the fare for myself. Anyway mid week a lady answers the ad and gives her age, vitals, and a few other things and says if you speak Russian I’d be glad to meet with you. Well I have about a 200 word vocabulary so I figure hey that counts so I say let’s meet and I’m going to bring an interpreter to supplement. I meet this girl and Oh my God. She’s a lawyer 35, lovely, heads up the legal department at a fairly large company, smart as s***, and has a wild sense of humor. I’m floored. I saw her a couple of more times before I left and then had continuous communication (mostly by phone). I went back for 2 weeks and well here I am. It’s kind of a funny story. I have this translation software on the computer that basically does real time translation So, we’re sitting in the apartment taking turns typing into the computer. I am trying to explain that I don’t know how much repeated trips here helps and I think it is important for her to see how and where I live, and that the paperwork takes so long, and maybe we should start on it. I’m just rambling with what’s on my mind and she types in “if you’re asking me to marry you it would be nice to do it in a more romantic way”. I’m sitting there at the keyboard with my mouth open. I had already decided I was going to ask her but I hadn’t formulated a when and were plan. So, thought well there’s no time like the present. I turned and apologized profusely for being so insensitive and properly asked her to marry me.

A day or 2 later with the a translator we sat down to go over the different ways to go-fiancée or spouse visa. She took a while to think about it and decided she would prefer to get married there for her family and all. I had never really looked into the spouse route. I assumed if I finally met someone I would do a fiancée visa. So, I’m trying to get up to speed on the spouse route.

Again congrad’s on your son.   

[ScottinCrimea]

Brian,  I'm trying to avoid offending, but a question came to my mind.  Would those who get engaged to a RW with whom there is a language barrier after only being with them for 2 weeks do the same if it were an AW with whom there is no language barrier?  (Of course disregarding the normal male-female language barrier) What really makes some act so differently?  Is it because of the short term intensity of the relationship? Is it because of the distance and cost involved in spending more time getting to know each other?  Is it because the RW is so crastically different from our previous women that we know immediately?  Do they have the idea that since it takes so long to do the paperwork that they still have time to get to know each other and possibly change their mind?  I'm just curious about the thought process that goes into the quick decision to marry in these cases.

I know I had very strong feelings toward my wife after only a short time, but based on a previous disastrous experience with a "quicky" marriage, I knew the risks of jumping the gun.  It was two years after I met her and three years after we first began corresponding that we finally married.  Nothing about the distance or her being a RW was reason to do things any differently than if she were an AW.

[Brianinaz]

Hey Scott, there's no offending in honest and reasonable questions. I obviously can't speak for others and I don't know if I can adaquately put into words my own thoughts and feelings. Ive had a couple of relationships with women from the FSU. the longest lasted about 2 years and I was never before inclined to a quick decision. This lady and I seem made for each other. We spoke almost daily for the past 4 months after meeting in January. After being with her for a couple of weeks it was just something I knew was right. If I made the trip every 3 months for a year that would be roughly another 4 weeks in each others company. One could make the case that marrying someone you have only spent 4-6 weeks is insane ie anyone who can't move there for a year or 2 is insane to do this. Further not being able to spend a year or so in the environment she will live in makes it even more insane. This is just something that feels right to me. Her English isn't bad we were using the computer to supplement. To a certian degree I think it helps a little. You have to really try to communicate and in doing so are forced to really pay attention to what she is saying and try to understand her thoughts. With an AW it is much easier for what's being said to go in one ear and out the other.

[ScottinCrimea]

Brian,  I appreciate your response.  Sorry to have hijacked your thread but it was something that just came to mind after your post.  From what I gather, you see the cost/travel as a limiting factor in spending more time together to solidify your feelings and are prepared to go with what just feels right, knowing the risks.  Fair enough.  I honestly wish you well.  Sounds good so far.

[bgreed]

Brian,

Great to hear from you again!  Sounds like you had quite the adventure in meeting your fiance   Well I can't say anything about feeling and first meeting because Lena and I were pretty confident of the outcome of our first meeting too.   Sometimes you know that you know that you know without a doubt.

Seva is now a little over six months old, has hi first two teeth and is trying to master crawling   Still in the visa process awaiting our NOA2. Hopefully everything will be ready by the end of the summer.

Glad I could be of service with the info.  I'll attach a pic.

[Mishenka]

Don't forget to plan when you travel,  you need to process a letter of invitation to request a PV visa, (Personal visit visa), you can not get married using a tourist visa. This takes 6 weeks or so to process.

[Brianinaz]

Greg, Cute kid, pretty girl, you're a lucky guy buddy. You'all got married in September and you're still waiting on a visa? Say it isn't so. Mishenka posted above about personal visit visa. You don't need any visa to enter for personal reasons. Is that rining a bell to you?

Scott, no it's not a matter of finances and thanks for the well wishes.

Mishenka thanks for the info I'll check into it.

[Mishenka]

http://www.state.gov/m/a/auth/c16920.htm

you will also need all your documents certified by the Department of State, Best of Luck, Im in the same process now.

[Jumper]

brian,

we knew each other about two years ..and then were married in Ukraine,,
the motivation was similar in having all her friends and family be presnt, and be more of the :"big day" for her than what we could do in any other location.


the outline given above, and on the kiev us embassy website is  good,,

if you were not previuosly married ,youll need a "non impedement to marry"
which the procedure it simple, thru th eus embassy i nkiev and the ministry of foriegn affairs in kiev.and has been outlined a few times here in the visa secation
(as well as the details of marrying there, and filing DCF, (Direct Consulate Filing))


I am so glad we married there for a million different reasons.
(a few pics in the wedding photos gallery)

all the traditions were great.. i wouldnt have had nearly as much fun at a wedding stateside.
also she got to plan and arrange with her mother and sister....look for the perfect dress ,shoes etc..
 as well as have everyone close to her present on the day..
there are just to many reasons to list.
 I think this helped ease the mind of her family who was "losing her" a bit as well.or at least gave the some more family time together  before her relocation.

our time frame after DCF filing was about 3 to 4 months for approval..
however she did not immediately relocate
(i was working all over then, andfshe had details in her city to work out with ther flat and other things)

[Jumper]

as far as what visa you need to be travekling or visting on ,
 to be appropriate with Zags .i am not sure.
i was unaware they had such requirements.


I had a legit 5 year business visa..
and while zags certainy looked over my passport, i do not recall them requiring one type of visa or another.

but certainly thats a detail to be sure about beforehand!

[bgreed]

I don't think that Brian is looking at a DCF type of visa process as currently you have to live in Ukraine under a business type visa for six months in order to qualify. (LivefromUkraine just did this)

Also your documents do not have to be certified by the Department of State.  They do have to be apostilled which done usually at a designated Secretary of State off in your home state.  The only thing that the US consulate is involved in is the certificate of no impediment prior to getting married.

If you plan on being in Ukraine and getting married during the current 90day term of a tourist visa and then filing a K-3 or CR-1 (IMHO CR-1 is the way to go) then no further visa is required.

Thanks for the compliment Brian yeah and once you know her personality she's even more beautiful. As far as the wait goes we weren't able to file as soon after the wedding as we had hoped due to some paperwork being held up due to misinformation given to her by Ukraine officials, then having a baby in November a serious bout of pneaumonia for Lena which slowd her ability to get a couple of documents we had been waiting for so we didn't actuallu get filed until January 7th got our NOA1 on February 16th and have been sitting in the USCIS limbo ever since.  The good news is a couple that we met while at the consulate who got married in Kharkov the day before we did in Sumy got there paperwork filed about a month before ours and received their NOA2 just about a month ago now so we are hoping that anyday now we will get that same notice and be on our way to NVC (national visa center) for further processing which is currently taking about seven weeks.  From there it goes to Kiev with medical exams and the interview  It's an impatient waiting game, but we're hoping that by the end of August early September we all will be together.

Oh to address the personal visit visa I'm not familar with that one.  I didn't know that there was a longer stay visa other than for diplomatic or business reasons.  By the way if you are considering the DCF route with a nice gift a business visa can be arranged.  If you can afford to be out of the country for about seven to eight months.

[Jumper]

By the way if you are considering the DCF route with a nice gift a business visa can be arranged.  If you can afford to be out of the country for about seven to eight months.

along those lines...

it should be noted that in Ukraine, "most " anything can be made to happen
at som e"reasonable fee:" to th erigh tperson.

locating that particular person is the challenge,, not the actual *cough* fee.



there was a certain *lenght of stay* requirment for Zags, when i was married as well.
this was very easily "checked off" if speaking with the right individiual.
(a bottle of vodka with a note attached to the neck)

I am not suggesting you do so.
or that it would help for those particular requirmements or situation.

i am merely addressing the fact that westerners tend to play by western rules in an eastern culture.
while it may be "safe" ,  it is not how the locals play.



as always
Yer' Milage May Very
 

[beachcomber556]

Vika and I were married in Odessa in late August of '06.  We went throught the entire process as outlined, except I had the extra burden of getting all documents from the States arranged through phone calls and emails.  I was in Iraq at the time, travelling to Odessa every two months. 

I agree with all those folks here who say that getting married in Ukraine was a great decision.  I wouldn't have changed a thing, and for all the reasons mentioned.  It really did give her family and friends an opportunity to be a part of the most important day in her life.  Just make certain that you get a great photographer.  The ZAGS photographer in Odessa was OK, but not one that will fill your wedding album with beautiful memories. It is money well spent. And I concur with the comments that just about any issues related to getting married in Ukraine can be effectively made non-issues.  It is just a matter of who, and how much.  The how much really wasn't much, at least in my mind.  Vika handled all those arrangements.

The DCF filing for us was the best since I was not living in the US. We filed the application three days or so after the wedding and she received her CR-1 in early January -- a little more than four months.  If we had to do it all over, I truly would not change a thing.  Good luck to you both. 

[LiveFromUkraine]

Don't forget to plan when you travel,  you need to process a letter of invitation to request a PV visa, (Personal visit visa), you can not get married using a tourist visa. This takes 6 weeks or so to process.

Hmmm,  I married with a tourist visa.  In fact I did the DCF under a tourist visa.  They didn't care since I was able to show I lived here for over 6 months.  Like AJ said, knowing who to pay comes in handy.  I extended my visa several times and didn't have to leave. 

My wife just got her US visa approved.  We are waiting for her passport with visa to be mailed to her.

The interview lasted about 10 minutes and it was mainly questions asked to me.  They swore my wife under oath and then proceeded to ask me questions. lol 

I do think it was easier because she spoke very good English and we had a long history together.  Most of the women we met through the interview and medical couldn't speak much English.

If we didn't travel to India for 3 months it would have taken a month total to get her visa.  Missing winter was well worth the wait.   


I have heard that timeline has changed and the interviews are taking longer to schedule.  It may have something to do with the embassy in Belarus being shut down.  That is only speculation from what I heard from others.



Good luck,



Thomas

[Brianinaz]

It is definitely a different system. Prior to the first 3 or 4 trips over there I would have been uncomfortable  offering a “gift” to get something done. But that is the way things are done. Fortunately for me (I hope…lol) she is a lawyer and understands the system very well and will make all the necessary arrangements so we can get everything done in one trip without waiting the “required” 30 days.   

Thanks to everyone for the help and well wishes.