Mother-In-Law Visa?

[JohnG]

This message is directed to those who like myself have been married to a Russian woman. My wife would like her mother to visit us later this year, probably around the holidays. Does anyone know the procedures to accomplish this, or can you direct me to a website that has this information? It seems the old INS websites have since changed. I believe she would have to apply in Moscow and will be going there next week to see my wife off when she returns. Her father will remain behind in the apartment they own. I understand that this is an important factor too.

Thanks in advace,

John

[SteveM]

... in response to Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by JohnG on Jun 23, 2003

John,

The other replies notwithstanding, it is not at all easy for many mother-in-laws to get visas.  Fortunately, it sounds like the cards are stacked in your favor--husband staying there, own apartment, good employment--but make sure you have all this mentioned in the letter and documented.  Also, if your wife has siblings still living in Russia, make sure to provide copies of passports--having other children in Russia is considered the second best single predictor of returning, after previous foreign travel.

Good luck,

Steve M.

[KenC]

... in response to Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by JohnG on Jun 23, 2003

Rick,
A simple letter explaining that you and your wife would like to formally invite the Mom.  The purpose of the visit and the return date is important.  I know that RW said documents weren't necessary, but I would suggest having proof of employment and flat ownership.  I feel that it is better to show strong reasons for returning than not.  My mother in law has been here twice, once last year with my father in law.  Best of luck to you.
KenC

[RW]

... in response to Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by JohnG on Jun 23, 2003

My Mother and sister just received visas (they applied to the Consulate in Vladivostok). All they needed was invitation from us. Mom also brought to interview papers to show that she is still employed and that they own apartment. It actually was not needed.

[RickM]

... in response to Re: Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by RW on Jun 23, 2003

Would you mind to post a "sample" letter ?

[RW]

... in response to Re: Re: Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by RickM on Jun 23, 2003

Here is a letter. It is very simple and written according to our situation. Two years ago and last year when my Mother came on her own and then my sister came on her own I just inviuted them over to "visit us during summer vacation".

Hubby and Elena
--------
Seattle, WA
(206) --------

May 10, 2003

U.S. Consulate General
32 Pushkinskaya Street
Vladivostok
Russia 690001

Dear Sir/Madam

We would like to invite Elena’s Mother and sister, ----------------, to visit us in United States of America for the summer period, May 31 through September 15th, 2003.

On April 23rd Elena gave birth to a baby girl, Natasha.  We would very much enjoy having --------------- visit us to see the new baby girl.

-------------- will stay with us in our house at the following address:
------------ Ave SW, Seattle, WA 98116.  Furthermore we will take care of all their expenses during their stay as well as their travel expenses to and from the United States of America. You can reach us at 206---------- if you need any additional information or via e-mail -------------------------.

Thank you very much for your consideration and we really hope ------------------- can come and see their new family member and us this summer.

Sincerely,

[Dan]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by RW on Jun 24, 2003

Elena,

Did you send the invitation letter directly to the Embassy - or did you send it to your Mom and let her take it to the Embassy when she had the visa interview?

- Dan

[T P Cornholio]

... in response to Send Direct to the Embassy - or , posted by Dan on Jun 24, 2003

For Ukraine, check the below link and look to the right under SERVICES, there you will find the application and an on-line appointment link among others helpful items.

http://usinfo.usemb.kiev.ua/visa_eng.html

[Jack]

... in response to Send Direct to the Embassy - or , posted by Dan on Jun 24, 2003

Hello there Dan. Are you a new guy to the board?  What part of the country do you live in? Are you just beginning your search or have you already found a dreambride?

[Dan]

... in response to Re: Send Direct to the Embassy - or , posted by Jack on Jun 25, 2003

Jack,

I'll not be around here much from now on.

Things have deteriorated in a way I never imagined - and I am still trying to reel it all in.

That's all I'll say.

Things look bleak.

- Dan

[RW]

... in response to Send Direct to the Embassy - or , posted by Dan on Jun 24, 2003

[This message has been edited by RW]

Dan,

I mailed original to Mom and she took it to the interview with her (that's why I stated very broad range for their visit -  we weren't sure when they will come). Previous years I sent it to my parents by FAX. In our situation I also included pictures of the baby and the birth documents they gave us at the hospital (did not have birth certificate yet). I also sent Invitation letter to Mom by e-mail to take with them when they go on the trip (Consulate keeps the original)- they can give it to the Immigration guy at the airport and won't have to explain purpose of the trip, etc + it has our phone numbers and contact information.

PS The situation might be different for other Consulates. In Vladivostok you come for the interview in the morning and if you get Visa you pick it up the same day after 4pm. I know at other Consulates you have to get appointment date and time, etc. - so the best would be to check with the Consulate. But... in any case if you have to FAX it to the Embassy, make sure to send a copy to your in-laws anyways. Just to make sure it is there when they come for interview.

[T P Cornholio]

... in response to Re: Re: Re: Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by RW on Jun 24, 2003

The "covering expenses" part is important, and it also helps to  specifically include that you will cover any emergency expenses, in the event they are required.

Also include their International passport numbers with their current address and phone number(s).  You might do something like this at the bottom of the invite:

Hosts
Mr. & Mrs. U.R. Coming
1234 South St.
Anytown, PA  01234
Ph:
Email:

Guest(s)
I.M. Invited
ul. Lenina 10/123
Moscow, Russia 99999
Ph:
email:
Passport # 123-456-789
Birthdate: Month day, year

M.E. Invited
ul. Lenina 10/123
Moscow, Russia 99999
Ph:
email:
Passport # 789-123-456
Birthdate: Month day, year

[tfcrew]

... in response to Mother-In-Law Visa?, posted by JohnG on Jun 23, 2003

[This message has been edited by tfcrew]

Svetlana's aunt (from Kiev) comes every year.
She stays (up to 6 months !!) with her son  in California.
So it can be done.

The links for non-immigrant visas should be on  the board toolbars...
I'll take a look...I also think think that Dan or KenC knows the ins and outs on this one.
Karl

PS See Service guides on the left of the forum..click immigration..the first service listed is Apex...they do relative of spouse visas.