The procedure for obtaining a visa in the United States is one of the most controversial for Russians, since it is issued on the basis of a personal interview. Someone is given a visa unexpectedly easily, despite an incomplete package of documents, and someone brings a lot of papers, and still experiences difficulties or receives an unexpectedly short visa.
Preparation of documents
Before collecting and applying for a visa to the United States, you should understand that the main goal of the traveler is to convince the visa officer that you do not intend to leave the country, your ties with your homeland are strong enough, and you have no emigre moods in your head and in sight. All documents need to be prepared, considering them from this point of view, and in the same mood you should come to the interview.
The first step is to fill out the DS-160 form. It is better to prepare a photo in advance, as you will need it in order to upload it while working with the questionnaire. Check if the photo is suitable: go to https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/, select the Start Aplication menu item, then specify the city and country, and then first of all click on Test Foto.). If everything is in order with the picture, start filling out the form. All questions must be answered in English. When done, print out a confirmation that the application has been completed.
Prepare additional documents: passport, photo, invitation or hotel reservation, if any, air tickets, work certificates and bank statements, real estate documents. The US Consulate does not have clear requirements, but it is better to bring more papers, it is not known which of them may be useful. You do not need to translate documents into English. Also pay the visa fee in advance, attach the receipt to the documents. Do not forget about the confirmation that you have filled out the form on the site.
Now take all the prepared documents and take them to the office of the Pony-Express company, there you will be assigned a date for the interview and the address you need to go to. You can find out about the work of the company on their website: www.ponyexpress.ru. In "Pony-Express" you need to give your passport and copies of all documents, and the originals must be taken with you to the interview.
Interview
A personal interview with the US Consul is required for anyone applying for a US visa. Exceptions can be made by those who have already received a US visa and often visit the country. An interview can be scheduled at the Consulate General in the regions of Russia or at the Embassy in Moscow, it depends on where you submitted your documents.
The interview is conducted in Russian. Usually the questions are about the details of the questionnaire. You will probably be asked what is the purpose of the trip, what connects you to your homeland. If you are traveling by invitation, they can clarify where you met the inviting person, and so on.
As a rule, the decision on whether to issue you a visa is made immediately after the interview. You will recognize him immediately. Your passport will be returned to you by the courier service "Pony Express", this happens within a week, but the terms may differ depending on how far away your region is.
