Our Internal Procedures
First, it makes good sense to think about hiring another immigration lawyer or myself before you go on your trip to Russia. I will provide you with a complete package of forms for filing. While you are in Russia, you can have your fiancÈe prepare her part of the forms and you can then bring them back with you and prepare and assemble the paperwork at your leisure.

If you've already been to Russia, no problem! I have made sure that Siberian Partners International has on file in their Novisbirsk office, all the necessary forms that your fiancÈe will need to complete for inclusion with your fiancÈe visa application if more information is needed. When she has a chance, she need only go to the SPI Novisbrisk office and a message will be sent to your fiancÈe to contact SPI office there. After the forms are complete and the additional paperwork has been assembled, the office will send them to you. In the meantime, you will already have the forms you need to complete the application. This will greatly cut down the time it takes for the paperwork to be assembled.

Immigration and Naturalization
Service Procedures
The Department of Justice, Immigration and Naturalization Service is the agency that oversees the issuance of entry visas. This is a very large agency. I assume that I don't have to tell you that when dealing with the federal government, one needs to be sure that each and every item that is needed for an application must be completed before the application can be processed. Filing these forms is similar to your annual tax filing. There is specific information requested and it must be supplied in the necessary format on the appropriate government form. The forms for a fiancÈe visa include the 1229F,2 G325's, and an I-134. In addition, supporting documentation and a photograph of each of you are required. There is also a requirement that you have met face to face in the last 2 years, be sure to take a photo of yourself and your fianc*e. Remember, in addition to all this, there is a filing fee of $95.

These forms are completed by you and your fiancÈe. I will review them and ask for any additional information or documentation prior to filing. I will be acting as your coach. The application is then sent to the INS Service Center, I will tell you which center to apply and I will provide you with an envelope, contact information for the service center, ect. At the INS Service Center an immigration agent reviews each entry for accuracy and compliance. Often, the form is returned for additional information. This is what takes time. This is the game that they play, often an application is returned or a form letter is sent requesting clarification of what seems like a minor detail. In your position, time is of the essence. You fiancÈe is a world away and the communication on her side of the ocean is much more slow and cumbersome. I understand that your goal is to get her to the U.S. as soon as possible so that you can be married. This is why the services of an immigration lawyer and the SPI are important. Having an agent such as myself will likely cut the time for filing and acceptance of your application.

After your fiancÈe is in the U.S., under this type of visa, you have 90 days to marry. Once you have been married, you then file a form I-485, Application to Register Permanent Residence or Adjust Status, along with an Affidavit of Support Under Section 213A and a Form 9003.

Costs and Fees
INS filing fees:
I-129F - $95.00
I-485 (after marriage) - $220.00 (plus $160.00 for a minor child)

SPI services: Attorney - K1 Application (including I-129F, G-325A, review and assistance)
$250.00 (1-485) - $350.00

I hope this information has been useful to you. Once you join, my contact information is in the member section.

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