Let the red tape party begin!

I'm beginning to collect documents for temporary residency (in St. P.) from the U.S. side of things. I'll try to keep a record of everything here. I've seen it on other people's blogs, and it seems helpful. I might repeat myself a bit, but I think it is worth having the steps (as well as thought process) in writing.

Let's begin...

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Step 1) Criminal Background Check

I decided to stroll down to the police station today and see about getting my background checked. My parents had done this when they were adopting Anastasia and Maria (from Russia).

You can get a background check on a local, state, or federal level. I'm not sure which kind, if any, is the standard. I've been visiting a dizzying array of blogs, ex-pat forums, and official websites, trying to get an assessment of what is required in my particular situation. I'm also in touch with a few people who have gone through the process recently, and are able to offer updated information.

For example, one site seemed to imply that the standards are stricter for U.S. citizens, and they should therefore be prepared for extreme measures. I don't know if that's true or not. If it is, I doubt anyone official would admit it.

I got the local check since they do it while you wait. I can tell you right now that it doesn't have enough seals on it for the Russian government. I might be able to just get it "stamped up;" i.e. notarized/apostilled. And that would be sufficient.

If not, I'll look into the state and federal checks. I just might have to plan a little trip to Boston for sightseeing fingerprinting.