For some, obtaining a visa is an absolutely ordinary situation, while for others it is a complex process that requires preparation. This article will help beginners in obtaining a visa to the United States.
Appointment for an interview
Having collected all the necessary documents, you must make an appointment for an interview. The order of writing to the consul is simple:
- Pay the consular fee. For each type of visa he has his own. If you are going on vacation with B1 and B2 visas, then the fee will be $ 160. However, payment is made in rubles, at the rate that you can see on the official website. It is easy to find it by typing in the search engine "US Embassy in Moscow." Recording for an interview takes place on the same site. A student visa is paid in the same way, but with it you additionally pay the SEVIS fee (student fee). You can pay the fee by coming to the post office or any bank with a receipt.
- Once you have paid the fee, you must fill out a DS-160 application. If you do not know how to do this, then you can see sample applications or order a filling service.
- A day after paying the fee and filling out the application, an entry will be opened at the US Embassy in Moscow for an interview. You will be offered several options on different days and hours. You can choose the most convenient for yourself.
The US Embassy in Moscow is located at 8. Devyatinsky per., 8. The nearest metro station is Barrikadnaya. For those who do not know Moscow very well, the instructions and a map are provided below.
How to get to the US Embassy in Moscow?
- Upon reaching the Krasnopresnenskaya ring station, transfer to the Barrikadnaya metro station.
- There is only one way out of the city from this station, so there should be no confusion.
- Upon entering the city, you will see a high-rise building on the right side.
- Turn towards this building and cross the road at the traffic lights.
- Go around the skyscraper on the left side and go up the stairs.
- Before you is a square that you need to cross diagonally.
- Go straight along the same street without turning anywhere, and after 3-5 minutes you will see the US Embassy.
- Your turn will be to the right of the main entrance to the embassy.
- It is recommended to arrive 15 minutes before the time you signed up, taking into account the road from the metro (10 minutes - the whole way) - try to get out early.
The first question that will be asked, despite personal data: why do you need a visa to the United States. The embassy in Moscow you will visit or in any other city - it does not play a role. The consuls check how honestly you filled out the questionnaire. You may be asked whether there are relatives in the USA, would you like to move forever, etc. The interview for tourists is more simplified and is conducted in Russian. Not all consuls speak Russian perfectly, it sometimes complicates the interview process. Those who are going to study or work must speak English.
How is the interview going?
Questions may be tricky to test your reaction: “How many legs are on the table?”, “What did you eat for breakfast?”, “Who is the Minister of Finance in the Russian Federation?” And much more. Your task is to remain calm, relaxed and answer all questions with a smile.
It is also very important to dress for an interview in a classic style. Without high heels and an open neckline - for women, and without expensive accessories for men.
The interview takes an average of 3-5 minutes.
How do I know if a visa has been approved?
Did your officer pick up your passport after your interview? Then you can exhale, they will give you a visa. The passport will be sent by courier and will be delivered to you no more than a week later with a visa.
If the passport was returned to you, then asking questions, trying to find out for what reason, is not worth it, since the consuls never answer questions about the refusal. All you can do in this situation is to return home, prepare for a new interview at the US Embassy in Moscow, pay the fee again and again try your luck at obtaining a visa.
One way or another, obtaining a visa is often a lottery, so keep calm at the interview, it brings good luck.