Frequently asked questions
Short answers, with the guide that gives the full reasoning and sources. This is general information, not legal advice.
Are Russian women really more interested in marrying foreigners?
No dataset says so. Women are about 53.6 % of Russia’s population (World Bank, 2025), which is a demographic fact, not a measure of motives. See the guide on seven myths.
What does “mail-order bride” actually mean?
The phrase dates from nineteenth-century newspaper matches in the American West. US law now uses the term “international marriage broker” for a fee-charging service that introduces Americans and foreign nationals.
What is IMBRA?
The International Marriage Broker Regulation Act, 8 U.S.C. § 1375a, signed on 5 January 2006. Covered brokers must collect background information on the American client and give it to the woman in her own language before releasing her contact details.
Does IMBRA mean an agency has verified the woman?
No. It requires proof of age and a process of disclosure and consent. It does not oblige a broker to verify that every profile is accurate.
Can I petition for as many fiancées as I like?
No. Under 8 U.S.C. § 1184(d), a petition generally cannot be approved if you have previously petitioned for two or more applicants, or if a prior approved petition was filed less than two years earlier, unless the government grants a waiver.
Do we have to meet in person before a K-1 petition?
Yes. The statute requires evidence that the couple has met in person within the two years before filing the petition.
How long do we have to marry after she arrives on a K-1?
USCIS states that the couple must intend to marry within 90 days of the fiancé(e) entering the United States. Check the current USCIS page, which we last saw reviewed on 23 March 2018.
Is it true that Russian women do not want children?
The total fertility rate was about 1.34 in 2004 and about 1.42 in 2024 (World Bank). It is low, and so is the rate in many countries. It tells you about averages, not about any individual’s wishes.
Are the photos on dating sites reliable?
Not by themselves. Photos can be old, retouched, professional or stolen. A live video call is the best test, and a reverse image search is a quick first check.
Is it normal to be asked for money by someone I have never met?
It is the central pattern of romance fraud. Do not send money. In the United States you can report it at ReportFraud.ftc.gov or the FBI’s IC3.gov.
How do I test an agency’s claims?
Turn each phrase into a question: what exactly is verified, by whom, out of how many clients, and under which law? The toolkit has a table of phrases and the questions that test them.
What should I do before I commit to someone abroad?
Speak live many times over months, meet in person, never be pressed for money or a quick decision, read the official visa rules and tell a friend. The checklist in the guide on realistic expectations has eight points.
Who runs this site, and do you sell introductions?
The publisher is Agence CQMI. This site is an information resource: it has no profiles and does not sell introductions. See the about page.