Consulate of the United States

Preparing Your Documents

Applying for a U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa 

When applying for a U.S. Non-Immigrant Visa, each applicant should bring the following required documents:

• Valid travel passport;
• Completed and signed DS-156 application form;
• DS-157 supplemental form (for male applicants ages 16 to 45);
• One recent 2”x2” color photo taken within the last six months, not attached to application;
• Notarized permission from parents (for minor children to travel abroad);
• Non-refundable application fee of $131.

U.S. law presumes “every alien…to be an immigrant until he establishes to the satisfaction of the consular officer, at the time of application for a visa…that he is entitled to a non-immigrant status.” Applicants may establish eligibility for a Non-Immigrant Visa by presenting evidence of strong family, social, and economic ties to a permanent residence abroad. No list of documents is required to meet these criteria, but accompanying materials are strongly recommended and might include the following:

• Proof of constant employment and/or stable family income;
• Previous passports (to show evidence of prior travel);
• Russian government-issued internal passport;
• Proof of current enrollment at university or in school;
• For scientists: forms DS-156, DS-157 (regardless of age and gender) and DS-158 (if applicable) in the English language; a list of publications and CV in the English language.

Although a notarized invitation is not required, each applicant is strongly recommended to present a letter (or faxed copy) from friends, relatives, or business partners in the U.S., describing the applicant’s relationship and details of the proposed trip. Applicants with family members in the U.S. may be asked to provide documentary proof of their relatives' legal status in the U.S. and should bring copies of pertinent U.S. passports, “green cards” or visas. Applicants for business visas should be able to explain the purpose and financing of their trip. Documents should not be sent to the Consulate directly; rather they should be presented by the applicant on the day of the interview. NOTE: THE PRESENTATION OF FALSE INFORMATION AND/OR FALSE DOCUMENTS MAY RESULT IN PERMANENT INELIGIBILITY FOR A VISA.

Russian nationals must pay the following additional fees at the Consulate after the interview (fees and visa validity may vary according to the applicant’s nationality):