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Visiting Russian Spouse

 
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mark1960
Just Starting


Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Tue Oct 26, 2004 8:04 pm    Post subject: Visiting Russian Spouse Reply with quote

I am a US citizen married to a Russian Woman who had to return to Russia to fulfill her "2-year" residency requirement. What is the best way for me to be able to visit her, possibly twice a year? Which visa should I apply for ? I don't want to do anything that may jeopardize her being able to come back to the US.
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UsualSuspect
WayToRussified


Joined: 08 May 2003
Posts: 324
Location: The Land of Oz

PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 3:36 am    Post subject: Visa type Reply with quote

Hi,
Business Visa if you don't have much time, Private Visa if you do.
Both allow more freedom of movement.
If she's in Moscow/St P or a major city I'd go for a business visa.

If she's in an out of the way place go for the Private Visa as you won't require accommodation vouchers etc. The downside is mainly for your girl trying to get everything together and organised with OVIR as well as having to send the Priglashenie to you before you can apply for the visa.

Being from the US you may have a hoop or two more to jump through but you should be OK.

Regards
Usualsuspect
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mark1960
Just Starting


Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Wed Oct 27, 2004 10:46 am    Post subject: Thanks for the reply, lounge lizard Reply with quote

Thanks for the reply. Actually we do have a slight bit of time, I am thinking in the Spring..She is in Moscow, and has her own Apt. which, of course I plan to stay THERE. Am I going to have to have an "invitation" to stay with my own WIFE??? (Thats rediculous to me) If so, how do we go about all of this? And if there is anyone else out there that has had this similar circumstance, we'de love to hear your advice...Thanx again
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UsualSuspect
WayToRussified


Joined: 08 May 2003
Posts: 324
Location: The Land of Oz

PostPosted: Fri Oct 29, 2004 3:27 am    Post subject: A Private Invitation spiel Reply with quote

Mark,
Done this four times so I'll rate myself as suitably qualified to answer. Unfortunately she is a Russian citizen (I assume!)and you are a US citizen. The Visa is citizenship based. You are a foreigner in Russia despite being married to a Russian.

She should ring her district OVIR office and find out all the paperwork required and whether they or another district office handles invitations for foreigners. The rules 'n' regs seem to change every 6 months. She will positively need to provide the deed of ownership to her flat, or a letter from the owner stating they are OK with your visit. You should provide her with a photocopy (a legible one) of your passport cover and the inside pages where your personal details are.
After she manages to gather the required doco she submits it to OVIR who then forward your stuff to the FSB. They have a 30 day turnaround (The FSB that is) and ship it back to OVIR who then finish the process and issue a Priglashenie. Your wife must send this to you as the Russian Embassy will accept ONLY THE ORIGINAL. You then apply in the normal fashion just writing your wifes address as place you're staying. The Russian Embassy can help fill out the rest of it. Pay your money and away you go. When you get there, you must register at the OVIR office that issued the invitation and pay about 20 roubles. They register it for the entire length of the Visa. After many vodichkas and ciggies to get over the experience you are left to you own devices.

Lastly, read the Visa section on this site as well.


Regards
Usualsuspect
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mark1960
Just Starting


Joined: 20 Oct 2004
Posts: 3

PostPosted: Wed Nov 03, 2004 7:17 pm    Post subject: Thanx UsualSuspect Reply with quote

Thanx for the reply, I am sure that my Wife is not going to be too excited about dealing with this OVIR. Sad And YES She is a Russian citizen, and I am American. Thanx for your helpful advice, I will have her read this and we will go from there. Any other advice will also be appreciated.

Sincerely, Mark
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