Nonimmigrant Visas
Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa
Important Notice for Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants
All applicants for F, J, H, L, and M nonimmigrant visas in Moscow must now use the new online application form (DS-160) which can be filled out by clicking here. After completing the DS-160, the applicant will electronically transmit the application and will be provided with a confirmation page that includes some biographical information and a bar code with a confirmation number. Applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to their visa interview and to Pony Express for scheduling the interview appointment.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants applying in Moscow who are exempt from the visa interview requirement must also use the new online application form (DS-160). Such applicants must bring this confirmation page with them to Pony Express for submission. Please note that A and G visa applicants who are exempt from visa interview requirements may still use the DS-156.
Beginning December 1, 2009, applicants applying for all nonimmigrant visas in Moscow must use the new online application form (DS-160) described above.
For more information on the DS-160, please click here.
U.S. Embassy Moscow's Consular Section wishes to remind applicants that additional administrative processing is often required for individuals involved in scientific or technical fields of work or study. We recommend that all applicants, particularly those involved in scientific or technical fields, apply for a visa as soon as they are aware of their travel plans to the U.S. We urge all applicants to apply no later than 30 days before the intended date of travel. Unfortunately, in most cases the possibility that your visa may be subject to additional processing will not be considered an emergency for the purpose of granting expedited appointments.
A nonimmigrant visa is necessary to visit the United States temporarily for tourism, business, studies, or cultural exchanges.
The visa application process is really quite easy. A complete application consists of
- Electronic Visa Application Form (NEW)
- The appropriate application forms
- A valid passport
- Application Fee
- Any supporting documentation
Applicants should submit their complete application through Pony Express, a courier service with offices throughout Russia. Applications should be in English using Latin characters. Please note that Pony Express is the only courier authorized by the US Embassy. The use of other courier services for transmission of documents to Pony Express will delay processing. At the time an application is submitted, each applicant will be informed of the date and time to come to the embassy for biometric finger scanning and, if necessary, a personal interview. All applicants age 14-79 must be finger scanned. In addition, all applicants age 14-79 must appear for a personal interview before a consular officer. Applicants, who have a previously issued visa of the same visa class for which they are currently applying that has expired in the last twelve months, usually do not require interview.
Those applicants who require finger scanning (all applicants age 14-79) but do not require a personal interview will be scheduled to appear at the embassy at a special time to ensure that the finger scanning is conducted as expeditiously as possible.
Applicants who have temporary cuts, blisters, or other injuries on any of the fingertips must reschedule their appointment. Applicants who appear at the Embassy with temporarily injured fingertips will be asked to return after the fingers have healed.
Diplomats and other government officials traveling on official business will not be required to appear at the embassy to participate in the biometric program.
Expedited Visa Appointments
In certain circumstances, applicants may qualify for an expedited visa appointment. Such circumstances include urgent medical treatment, death or serious illness of an immediate family member, athletic competitions with a fixed date, and pressing business or government meetings. Requests for an expedited appointment should be directed to Pony Express in Moscow at (495) 775-14-59 or by email at ur.visa@ponyexpress.ru. Please bear in mind that not all such requests will be approved.Nonimmigrant Visa Appointment Wait and Processing Times
For Typical Appointment Wait and Processing Times -- Click here: http://travel.state.gov.
All applicants should be aware that the times given are current averages, and are subject to sharp seasonal fluctuations. Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional administrative processing or special requirements. In such cases, processing wait time will vary based on the individual circumstances of each application.
