I very often come across the same questions, because the information online is contradictory, so let's sort it out!

Do translations of documents need to be notarized, and are apostilles needed?

No! All you need is a certified translation that shows the translator's full name, the date of the translation and the translator's signature (a stamp is not even necessarily required), and a statement that the translator knows the language and guarantees that the translation is accurate.

Will I need translations of documents at all, and if so, where?

Yes! Once you arrive in the U.S., you will need a translation of your birth certificate for your SSN (Social Security number) and for your change of status in the U.S.

In the petition I gave an address where I no longer live. What do I write in the DS?

Write the address where you live now. In English, of course. You can find out how to write your address correctly in English using Google Maps

I was refused a tourist/work/student visa. Does this affect a K1/CR1/IR1?

No! All previous petitions must be listed in the forms where they ask for them (for example, the DS), and you may be asked about them at the interview, BUT this will not affect your visa in any way if you did not lie and did not break the rules of those visas.

Our income is not enough. What do we do?

Get a Joint or Household sponsor. That is a long conversation, and it will be a separate article.

Do we need to bring the children to the interview?

Only those who are already 14 or older!

Where do I find the Priority Date?

On the NOA1. Where it says Received Date

When should I expect the letter with my number from the NVC?

The NVC has 60 days from the date the case is approved (NOA2) before they may assign the case a number. I would start calling them as early as 2 weeks after the petition is approved. NVC numbers: +16033340700 or +16033340888

Ask NVC form: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/ask-nvc.html

Can I transfer my case to another country?

At the moment (2021), because of the Covid-19 pandemic, almost all embassies accept case transfers only for citizens and residents! The only exception at the moment is Poland.

Do I need to write my patronymic in any of the applications and forms?

No! Only if they ask you to (and they don't). The U.S. has no patronymics, and the CIS countries have no middle names. So write your name the way it is in your international passport.