Okay, so I met a girl in Russia over the past summer (I worked at a summer camp there teaching children English) and now she and I are in a relationship. Obviously, this means that we have met and this is NOT through a dating agency. First question, what are the chances of her obtaining a visitor visa? I want to bring her over here because I want to make sure she is comfortable with the culture here before we move towards the next step (engagement/marriage). She is young (21) and I am also young (20). I have been told to not worry about our ages when applying for a visitor visa, she will be denied no matter how old she is. Now I would really like to do this legally too, not using loop-holes because if she was ever caught, I doubt they would appreciate her trying to come back into the U.S. as my wife. I want her to visit this summer (of 2008) but I am hearing so many different opinions about it.
Second visa question, pertaining to the marriage visa. Now if she comes here and loves it and everything between us works beautifully until we both graduate from University, and I decide I want to get married in 2009, what are the chances of us being denied because of age? I have heard from attorneys "no! absolutely not! they will not discriminate on age!" Let's be honest here...everyone has an issue with something, and maybe they don't like the idea of a 22 year old woman from Russia marrying a 22 year old man from the U.S. (yep, I will be 22 when I graduate). I know the $14,000 a year requirement of salary or whatever the number is, but does anyone have feedback on this issue? Or any ideas about the visitor visa and how to "prompt" those fun-loving at the embassy in Moscow (I have had the joy of speaking with them multiple times).
i dont know if she will be given a US visitor visa (hoenstly, i doubt it if only she has much money with the bank)but she can obtain a visa J1 rather easily if she is a student. she may go to the US on a student program "work and travel" and stay there up to 4 months. but its a work program, so she has to find a job in the US before she applies for a visa.
but i think it s too late to apply for that program in december...
anyway, if u r interested u may learn more abt that program on the internet.
On a related question, whats the score with British residents needing a visa to get into Russia. I know I dont need one for Ukraine as I have been several times, but considering heading into Russia.
A visitors visa is almost impossible, you have to prove that she has a reason to return and not overstay the visa. When I brought my in-laws over we brought them one at a time. The remaining one was the reason they would return. We paid for 5 year visa's so now they can come together next time. Returning when you say they will also helps assure ICE. The work visa is possible. You have to have an employer be able to say they cannot find someone in the US fill the job. This is usually used for seasonal summer jobs. You might have to settle for you visiting her a couple times. When you bring her on a K-1 visa that is good for 6 month's, but if you decide to get married you only have 90 days for the task. Billo