Embassy of the United States Moscow, Russia

(for applicants with petitions filed outside the United States)

Attention!

The Department of State has announced that effective July 13, 2010, Consular Service fees, including fees for immigrant visas and other consular services will be changed. Please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html  for more information.

• 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 fee consisting of IV application processing fee and IV security surcharge ($74) 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.

(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 a photocopy of the information page with the photo. The passport should be valid at least 60 days beyond the period of validity of visa.  Typically, an immigrant visa is valid for 6 months.
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 into English) in  ALL names (including maiden 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 their 16th birthday or must indicate that the applicant’s name(s) have been checked against the central database of the Russian Ministry of Internal Affairs (MVD). 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. Detailed information on how to obtain a police certificate can be found at: http://travel.state.gov/visa/fees/fees_3272.html
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.
10. From the petitioner – a US citizen or Legal Permanent Resident:
    
    • Affidavit of Support: form I-864, ORIGINAL ONLY. If petitioner is using income from household member spouse to qualify, the spouse household member MUST complete I-864A, ORIGINAL ONLY.
    • Copy of original, signed tax returns for the last year (both W-2 and 1040). If copies of tax returns are not available, provide transcripts from the IRS.