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Immigrant Visas

Immigrant Visa Interview Instructions
(for applicants with petitions filed outside the United States)

 

  • Please read through these instructions before the interview and follow them carefully because they are the most complete available. All documents should be brought with you ON THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW.
  • Children immigrating with you must also be present at the interview.
  • Please note that no one may accompany applicants into the Embassy's visa waiting room. This includes American citizens, spouses, attorneys, sponsors, friends, and family members.
  • Each applicant should bring all the required documents.
  • Copies and translations of each document into English are required. Translations must be notarized only when the original is in a language OTHER than Russian. (e.g. a translation from Ukrainian into English must be notarized, translation from Russian into English does not need to be notarized).
  • Payment. Please pay the application fee (400 dollars for each applicant) ON THE DAY OF THE INTERVIEW only after an Embassy employee instructs you to do so. We accept dollars and rubles. Credit cards are not acceptable.
  • It is necessary to submit the original DHL airway bill for express delivery of your visa after the interview.
  • Tickets. We strongly advise you not to buy tickets or make any travel arrangements before you receive a visa.

 

LIST OF DOCUMENTS:

(Should be prepared for EACH family member immigrating with you)

Applicant with missing items may be required to return for a second interview

  1. Biographical Form DS-230 filled out in English (part 1, unless submitted by the petitioner, and part 2).
  2. Travel passport: original and copy of the information page with the photo.
  3. Birth certificate: original, copy, translation into English
  4. Marriage certificate: original, copy, and translation. For married couples bring a copy and a translation for each spouse.
  5. For those previously married: divorce certificate/death certificate of spouse, if applicable: original, copy, translation into English.
  6. Applicants are required to submit police certificates (original and translation) in all names as well as all dates of birth that they have used. The police certificate must contain references to each place (subject to the jurisdiction of the Russian Federation) in which the applicant lives or has lived for more than six months since reaching the age of 16. This includes localities where applicants have lived during university studies. If the applicant was on military service, he/she should bring the certificate from the local draft board. If an applicant has lived abroad for more than one year, a police certificate must also be submitted from the country in which he/she lived.
  7. The results of your medical exam in a sealed envelope. The medical exam must be conducted by one of the Embassy's panel physicians. It takes approximately two days to process the results of the medical exam. For more information regarding the medical exam please contact one of the medical centers directly.
  8. TWO COLOR NON-GLOSSY FULL-FACE photos 50x50 mm for visa (do not wear hats or glasses when taking picture). The eye level should be between 28mm and 35mm from the bottom. Another two pictures will be required for medical examination.
  9. Money to pay the consular fee ($400)
  10. From the petitioner — a US citizen:
    - Affidavit of Support: form I-864, unless already submitted to NVC by the petitioner. ORIGINAL ONLY.
    - Tax returns for the last year (W-2 and 1040). If tax returns are not available, provide transcripts from the IRS.

 
Article translated in:
Русский