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Immigration/Paperwork, Etc...
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Posted by: Lonestar

Privet, all.

First post, I'm a newbie here.

First of all, my sincerest appreciation to Khashyar for putting this site together. I found RMP while researching things Russian. I've been bouncing back and forth between threads, trying to take in as much as I can; there is a lot of information here!

Like many here, I too have been corresponding with a lady in Russia for some months now. Galina and I have become very comfortable with each other, albeit in E-Mail, Yahoo IM, and Postal letters. We have exchanged gifts, usually without any "hint" one for the other -- it's been spontaneous, and from the heart.

It's probably a little soon to begin considering anything as earth-shattering as one of us moving to the other's country. Both of us are working, divorced parents of teenagers [aspirin alert!], and so money tends to be scrimped and saved as much as possible. We do very much want to be together, one day.

What I've noticed here, is the situation of a Russian lady coming to live in the United States with her American boyfriend/fiance'/husband. My question is this: Is there anyone here, for whom the reverse has occurred -- irregardless of the differences in economies between Russia and America? At first blush, I might consider living in Russia, myself [although I know that this sentiment is more from the romantic notion than from reality]. Of late it seems, the US government has become a bit anal [forgive me] with processing visa-requests for those traveling from Russia to America; how so is it for Americans wanting to visit Russia?

Posted by: Emetsky

Yes, my Aunt's ex-husband is now living with his new Russian wife in Lithuania. He's already retired in his 60's and I believe he's just living off his SS. Over there, he can get more out of his dollars since the cost of living over there is cheaper.

As far as I know, American citizens can live anywhere in the world.

*** Quote ***

What I've noticed here, is the situation of a Russian lady coming to live in the United States with her American boyfriend/fiance'/husband. My question is this: Is there anyone here, for which the reverse has occurred -- irregardless of the differences in economies between Russia and America? At first blush, I might consider living in Russia, myself [although I know that this sentiment is more from the romantic notion than from reality]. late it seems, the US government has become a bit anal [forgive me] with processing visa-requests for those traveling from Russia to America; how so is it for Americans wanting to visit Russia?[/color] [/B][/QUOTE]

Posted by: Kalexandra

I am currently living in Moscow with my Russian husband, and have been here for almost 2 years already. I came here on a 1 year multiple entry visa, and renewed it last year with no trouble. I have never had any problems as far as documents, going in and out of Russia during the year or anything like that.

Posted by: ConnerVT

I personally know at least one person who has done so. After losing his job, having his car stolen, and his condo burning down, decided to take the money and run.

As you pointed out, the issue is really one of income. If that is guaranteed (like getting Social Security, pension, etc), what would be too little to live here in the US will let you live comfortably in the FSU. But for the rest of us, it’s much more difficult.

Jobs are typically hard to find in the FSU, even for the citizens who live there. Now add that you are a foreigner, and probably don’t speak Russian very well (if at all). In most of the world, it’s also a matter of networking – you don’t get a job because what you know, you get a job because who you know. Adding all of these things together, you can see that earning a livable wage can be next to impossible. I’m not saying it can’t be done, but you are going to need one patient woman beside you to be able to pull it off!

As far as visiting Russia, it's no problem at all to obtain a tourist visa. In December, I will be making my fourth trip this year.

Posted by: Castlestormer

Can it be? Is there finally another Texan on this board? Yeeehaw! Welcome to this great forum LoneStar! If you live in the Dallas area, PM me. Maybe we can meet for lunch. I'm in Arlington.

There is a great Russian community here. We just had a Russian/American picnic in Plano last weekend, and the turnout was great. I don't post on things like that because I didn't think there were any other Texans here.

As far as living over there, I am considering the possibility. I am starting a business which will take me there 6-8 times a year; so considering the possibilities just makes sense' especially since there are so few over there I can actually trust. There are many expats living there who love it though. Maybe I will find the love of my life and that decision will cosmically be made for me.

Either way....WELCOME!

Posted by: Lonestar

Well...it looks as if I've started a thread here!

Thanks to all for the responses.

Yes, Emetsky, I'd read and heard [such as from the Voice Of Russia shortwave service, I'm a radio hobbyist] that the cost-of-living is somewhat lower in the FSU compared to America. Which means that I'd only save money, as I don't lead an extravagant lifestyle anyway.

But, you are right, Conner, about jobs being difficult for even the locals to obtain. My Galina has just found a publishing job of a sort, after some time out of "regular" work [she was doing contract work at home; translations, etc.]. I can just see me going there "cold;" not having any real business contacts, and being a foreigner to boot.

Along this line, Kalexandra -- how are Americans perceived in Russia at the moment, given the, ah, current events?

And, CastleStormer...I just may take you up on the lunch offer. I live south of Mesquite, and currently work in Carrollton [for those not familiar with Texas, these are suburbs of Dallas]. I'm just becoming familiar with the Russian/American community here; have you been to the Russian Island Gift Shop at the North Dallas Galleria? Very nice place. Do post on anything happening in the community; I'm sure that I'm not the only one who'd love to hear about it.

Posted by: vaprman

Hi, folks.
The Galleria store is nice, but priced way outta sight. Pick up the same things in Russia for next to nothing.
I'm the proud and darned lucky husband of a Russian lady from Ekaterinburg. We live in Mabank -- southeast of Dallas, near Cedar Creek Lake.
As you develope information or experience on living in Russia, please let us know. Though I've spent a few weeks in-country, I'd still like to learn more as we wrestle with the thought.

Posted by: Lonestar

Quote:

Originally posted by vaprman:
The Galleria store is nice, but priced way outta sight. Pick up the same things in Russia for next to nothing.

Da, I agree. Very nice, but rather firmly packed, and the prices could be a little lower. But then again, it's in North Dallas, where items tend to be exorbitant.

Quote:

Originally posted by vaprman:
I'm the proud and darned lucky husband of a Russian lady from Ekaterinburg. We live in Mabank -- southeast of Dallas, near Cedar Creek Lake.

Mercy! Ekaterinbirg to Mabank is quite a stretch. And quite a culture-shock for her, I'm sure. [We Texicans tend to do things differently, don't we?]

Quote:

Originally posted by vaprman:
As you develop information or experience on living in Russia, please let us know. Though I've spent a few weeks in-country, I'd still like to learn more as we wrestle with the thought.

When I get the money, I'm definitely heading for Moscow. And, my Galina [see posts above] is being rather patient -- she knows how it is with finances, and with the, ahem, travel situation at present.

Wow...I'd thought this thread had completely died, until I received an E-Mail notification of your post, Vaprman.

Posted by: vaprman

Culture shock? For Texans, yep!
She adjusted nicely, and is now teaching 2nd grade in Athens. Now, teaching her to drive was a shock! The cows in my pasture had suffered through my son and my daughter, but they almost didn't survive Irina.
As for the idea of living in Russia, it looks better every time I see Bush on television. I'm a retired federal employee and disabled vet, so my income is stable and would go further in Russia.
Ran across a considerable ex-patriate crowd in Ekat -- even went to a party at the US consulate there. Nice folks, all.