WELCOME TO RUSSIAN WOMEN ABROAD LEGAL CLUB ! This page has ONLY informative character.  Any serious legal issues should be addressed to the proper legal authorities and lawyers Many Russian women who came for permanent residence abroad have a very vague knowledge regarding numerous legal issues, which can be vitally important for their future in this country.

 At some point they may realize, that due to the lack of information, they are months and even years late to file with the INS (the Immigration and Naturalization Service) some very important papers, which give them an opportunity to legalize their status in the foreign country, provide them with a right to work, to study, to travel outside the country, to open a bank account, to receive a loan or any other credit, etc. Specially, this concerns women who came by K-1 (Fiancée) Visa. Provided all necessary documents are filed with the INS as soon as their marriage tales place, they are eligible for Permanent Residence or "Green Card".

Unfortunately, not everyone becomes informed about the necessary steps they need to undertake to secure their future. A friend of mine told me a story, which may sound even funny, would it not be a reflection of a real situation for many Russian women who have recently moved to the USA:

My friend came to America in the beginning of 1999 via Fiancée Visa. She timely applied for a Green Card. Since then she has been patiently waiting for the interview with the INS to get legal status in the country. A month ago she met a girl from Ukraine who came three months ago by the same kind of visa. When my friend mentioned that she would probably get her Green Card at any time, this girl assured her that she had already become an American citizen just because "she got married to an American..." Surprisingly enough, she was provided with this information by her older husband. It is not very difficult to imagine the future of the 23-year-old woman who is totally dependent upon her husband, who has preferred not to reveal to his wife the truth about her legal situation in this country.

The Legal Page has been recently opened in order to help Russian women living abroad to get some information regarding the legal side of their life abroad. This page has ONLY informative character. There is a probability of cooperation between Russian Woman Abroad and an Immigration lawyer.