If friends or acquaintances have invited you to visit the United States, this is great, because you get the opportunity to have a good rest, get acquainted with the culture and life of people of an interesting, developed state. But in order for this acquaintance to take place, a visa is required. Sometimes it’s not easy to get it. To do this, you need to collect all the required documents and successfully pass an interview at the US consulate.
Instructions
Step 1
To get a visitor visa to the United States, first of all, you need the invitation itself from a person you know. This paper is drawn up by hand, in any form, you do not need to certify it by a notary. The invitation must indicate who is inviting (name of the US citizen and his address, telephone), who is invited (name, date of birth), when and for what period. It is also indicated by whom this trip (and medical insurance) is financed, and where the invitee will live. This invitation can be sent either by mail, via the Internet or by fax.
Step 2
After you receive the invitation, you will need to fill out the appropriate form. Samples of the questionnaire and examples of how to fill it out can be found on the website of the US Embassy or from companies that provide intermediary services (this will cost you more).
Step 3
To fill out a questionnaire in Russia, you can use the Pony Express service (there are branches in many regional centers of Russia). You go there and receive a blank application form. Fill it out in Russian and give it to the operator, who will correctly translate it into English and enter it into the database on the embassy's website. After that, you will need to pay for a visa, Pony Express services and present your passport and photographs. You will receive receipts and the date and time of your consulate interview.
Step 4
Your passport must be valid for at least six months from the date you intend to enter the United States. The requirements for photography are as follows. The size is 5x5 cm, the face occupies half the area of the photo, you look directly into the camera, do not cover your ears.
Step 5
Collect as many documents as possible while you wait for your interview. They may not always be useful, but it is still better if you can present them if necessary. You need a certificate from the place of work, which indicates your position, length of service (from what time you have been working) and monthly income. It is better if you indicate your real income. A brochure from the firm you work for can be of great help. It would also be nice to have old passports that have stamps about previous trips to the United States or other countries. Take with you photocopies of marriage certificates, birth certificates of children, documents of real estate ownership. In addition to photocopies, you must also have original documents with you. Also, do not forget about your bank statement. But remember that you need to give all this to the consular officer only if he shows a desire to see any papers.
Step 6
When interviewing, behave modestly and calmly, answer sincerely and in Russian. Too good knowledge of the English language can cause unnecessary questions and doubts.
Step 7
If your conversation with the consular officer is successful, you will be asked what kind of visa you want - for one or two years (you have to pay extra for a two-year visa). Then they will take your fingerprints and offer to wait for a call with a message when you should come for a passport with a visa affixed.
Step 8
In addition, a visa must be applied for a month or two before travel, and it would be better if this date does not coincide with the peak of the holiday season. In general, if your invitation is not fake, and you are not going to leave for the States in order to illegally gain a foothold there, then do not be afraid that you will be denied a visa. Nobody is going to create artificial obstacles for you to visit this country.
