Way to Russia Talk Lounge

ssokol91 · Just Starting Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 7

I just got off the phone with a person that does Tourist Visas for me for the last 10 years and she said that there is new requirement for US Citizens that immigrated from USSR before 1991. The Consulate requires you to submit a copy of your Arrival Entry Card (I-94) when you first entered US soil. I came here in 1989, I sure hope my parents kept that thing.

She gave me some weird reason that they are trying to keep track of past Soviet citizens that are going back to live or work in Russia. I have my own thought on why this is done, but I'll keep it to myself. Very Happy

Anybody ever heard of this?

ssokol91 · Just Starting Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 7

Well, I am answering my own question here based on personal experience.

It is true right now that if you were born in USSR and emigrated to US before 1991, you have to bring some kind of proof that you entered the country. If you don't have it, they are willing to take anything that proves that you were in US in those years. A lady told me that even High School Diploma would do. Fortunately, my parents saved our entry card when we entered US in 1989.

This kind of procedure used to only apply in New York office, but right now it applies everywhere.

spiff56747 · Just Starting Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

HI ssokol91,

thanks for posting this, I am dealing with the same thing right now... I came with my parents and sister in 1990, and my parents do have a copy of the I-94 card in my moms passport, which me and my sister were written into.. I really hope this works because I already bought tickets to Russia and never had this problem before.. Did you go through a travel agency?

ssokol91 · Just Starting Joined: 16 Jun 2009 Posts: 7

I didn't go through a travel agency. I bought my tickets straight from Air France website. Then I applied for visa directly at the Russian Embassy in DC.
Bring a copy of all the old documents that you have where it shows that you and your family entered US soil.

I've never had any problems before as well, but that's the new procedure now. Thank our parents for keeping those old documents. Smile

spiff56747 · Just Starting Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

Thanks for your reply.. One travel agency told me "there is a very high chance my visa application will be rejected by consulate", and another said "no way to get visa", even after showing my mom's old passport, because it only has "nonimmigrant visa" and I-94 form in it, and does not prove we left permanently.. I also still have propiska in my grandparents house in moscow... I guess I kind of screwed myself on this one..

I tried calling consulate and always get put on hold... nearest one is in NYC, I am in Boston..

tomka21 · Just Starting Joined: 05 Aug 2009 Posts: 4

I stumbled on this post when trying to search for an answer to my own questions on visa support, and now I'm worried. I was born in the former USSR - in Moscow, Russia and my family immigrated to the US in 1985. I have a US passport obviously..but will I need the I-94 card as well? Didn't even realize that this could be a problem! I just bought my plane ticket and am leaving in less than three weeks, and now am really worried. Please help!

stanj · Posted: Wed Aug 05, 2009 12:13 pm Post subject:

From what I have seen, any proof of long term residence in the foreign country will work. Other than Seattle, no consulates answer the phone so you will have to go visit them to ask for details.
There has been a upswing in past citizens to move back to Russia, I meet them everyday. They are also cutting way back on foreign citizen work permits due to higher unemployment in Russia. That includes the requirement of a college or university graduation, in any field even if unrelated to the job being offered. With 12,500,000 foreign workers in Russia now, they want to prioritize the permits to those who have a stronger claim due to past citizenship.

spiff56747 · Just Starting Joined: 29 Jul 2009 Posts: 3

I ended up having to cancel my plane tickets to russia and pay cancellation fee. I talked to a guy who makes Visas for an "extra fee" and even he said the consulate would reject my application.. I have to renounce my Russian citizenship first.. Takes 4-5 months.. The I-94 card is not proof of permanent move to USA. Maybe others will have better luck than me.