How to schedule a visa interview?
The Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv processes applications for non-diplomatic, non-immigrant visas from Monday through Thursday only by appointment. Persons applying for visas must fill out the online electronic interview appointment request form, which is available on the embassy's website, or send an email to [email protected] asking to schedule a visa interview. Relatives or friends may also send an interview appointment request on behalf of applicants and then inform them of the date and time.
The interview for a non-immigrant visa will be scheduled for the first available date or, at the applicant's request, any other available date. Notification of the scheduled interview date and time will be sent to the applicant within two business days.
Since the number of visa interviews each day is limited, the consular section cannot always provide the interview date and time requested by the applicant, especially during peak seasons. In such cases, the consular section will contact the applicant by e-mail and determine an interview date and time convenient for the applicant. Please note that the earlier you send your request, the better. The electronic request must contain:
- full name of the applicant;
- date and place of birth;
- applicant's contact email address;
- desired interview date;
- planned date of travel to the United States;
- type of visa for which the applicant will apply;
- purpose of the trip;
- applicant's contact email address – the email address to which the consular section will send an electronic notification about the date and time of the scheduled visa interview.
Persons applying for work visas should indicate the purpose of the trip in their interview requests so that the consular section can schedule their interview at an appropriate time.
Everyone (including children of any age) who plans to apply for a visa must have a scheduled visa interview. The addresses for interview requests are listed below.
1. The interactive form is available at http://usembassy.kiev.ua in the "Visa Services" section.
2. Email address for interview requests: [email protected] (in English only, no attachments).
3. If you have additional questions about U.S. non-immigrant visas, write to: [email protected].
The interview appointment request should be sent several weeks before the desired interview date. We advise each applicant to send the interview appointment request as soon as they learn about their upcoming trip to the United States. To schedule an interview, it is not necessary to send invitations or other supporting documents. Applicants who are waiting for an invitation from the United States to schedule an interview usually do not manage to have the interview at a convenient time. The U.S. Embassy and Consular Section observe all official holidays of the United States and Ukraine.
Simplified procedure for obtaining a U.S. non-immigrant visa. Who can use the procedure
The procedure described below may be used by persons who have previously been issued a multiple-entry U.S. visa and who are applying for the same type of visa, provided that:
- The person used the previous visa to travel to the United States.
- The validity of the used visa expired within the last 12 months; the used visa is in a valid foreign passport that is valid for at least the next six months.
- The person resides in this consular district (Ukraine).
- The person did not violate the period of stay in the United States determined by the immigration service (confirmed by entry and exit stamps in the passport).
- After receiving the last visa to the United States, the person has not been denied a subsequent visa application.
- The person's case is not subject to administrative processing.
Students and persons engaged in research activities or participating in exchange programs who apply for J or F visas may use the simplified procedure only if they are going to the United States to continue studies or research under the same program for which they received a previous F or J visa.
Persons applying for employment visas to the United States may not use the simplified procedure.
Simplified procedure for obtaining a visa
1. The visa applicant, a family member, or a colleague must bring the completed and signed visa application form together with supporting documents to the consular section (6 M. Pymonenko St.) on Tuesday from 14:00 to 14:45.
2. Pay $100 for the processing of the application to the cashier of the consular section.
3. The cashier must be provided with a valid foreign passport, the completed visa application form, one photograph, and the relevant supporting documents.
4. Persons applying for a U.S. visa using the simplified procedure must appear in person at the U.S. Consular Section two days later – on Thursday – at 13:30 for electronic fingerprint scanning.
5. The Consular Section sends all passports with U.S. visas issued to persons who have been granted visas by courier mail. If a person is granted a visa, they are asked to see the courier service representative located in the consular section to arrange for delivery of the passport. Applicants must pay the courier delivery fee ($8) and the visa fee. Passport delivery within Ukraine takes 24-48 hours. When planning a trip to the United States, one should also keep in mind the estimated time for delivery of the passport with the visa by courier service.
If, after reviewing the accompanying documents, the consul has additional questions or doubts regarding the visa applicant's case, on Thursday, when the applicant personally appears at the consular section for electronic fingerprint scanning, a visa interview will be conducted with him or her. Every applicant should be prepared to undergo a visa interview on Thursday.
Please note that applicants who are eligible for the simplified procedure are not required to use it.
Nonimmigrant visa application forms
Form DS-156 - completed by all persons without exception who apply for a nonimmigrant visa to the United States.
Form DS-157 (supplementary) - completed by males aged 16 to 45 (except those applying for A, G, K, and NATO visas).
Form DS-158 (supplementary) - completed by persons traveling to the United States for study and who will receive F, J, and M visas, regardless of gender.
Photo requirements
The photo must be unframed, fully depict the face, and be taken within the last six months. The applicant should look directly at the lens. He or she should not look down or to the side; the face should occupy 50% of the entire photo. It is recommended to keep the ears uncovered. The photo size should be 50x50 mm, with the head in the center of the photo. The head size (from the top of the head to the bottom of the chin) should be 25-35 mm, and the eyes should be positioned 28-35 mm from the bottom of the photo. Photos may be color or black-and-white.
Procedure for obtaining visas for those who cannot use the simplified procedure
An applicant may begin the process of applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa at any time in order to determine whether he/she can obtain it. The procedure described below may be used by:
- a person who has never applied for a nonimmigrant visa at the U.S. consular section in Kyiv;
- a person who has already received a nonimmigrant visa but does not wish to use the simplified visa procedure.
The day of your interview
Applicants must appear at least 15 minutes before the scheduled interview time in order to pass through security. Applicants are allowed to enter the consular section only at the time of the visa interview. All applicants pay $100 for the application fee, and this amount is non-refundable. They are also given a visa application form, which they must complete, date, and sign before entering the consular section. Every applicant should be prepared to discuss his or her ties outside the United States and the circumstances of the trip. The visa interview is an examination of facts related to the applicant's biography, with the aim of confirming and supplementing the information provided in the application form.
The applicant's ties to the country of permanent residence, as well as the purpose of the trip, differ for each person. The applicant's task is to demonstrate strong ties to the country of permanent residence. It is in every applicant's interest to answer truthfully and comprehensively the questions on the application form and during the visa interview. The consular section asks applicants to bring all documents relevant to their case to the visa interview if they may be useful (providing more detailed information). In most cases, submitted documents supplement the information provided in the application form or discussed during the visa interview.
Although applicants may bring all relevant documents to the interview, they are not a decisive factor in issuing a visa. Accompanying documents should be sent directly to the applicant so that he or she can present them during the visa interview. Unfortunately, the consular section is unable to store accompanying documents that arrive in advance.
What to bring with you to the visa interview
- A valid foreign passport (the passport's validity must exceed the planned trip duration by six months). Citizens of any country may apply to the consular section in Kyiv. However, preference is always given to an applicant who applies for a visa in the country of his or her permanent residence.
- A completed copy of each application form required for the type of visa for which the applicant is applying.
- One photo measuring 50x50 mm on a light background (black-and-white or color) for each applicant, including children. The photo must be taken no more than six months ago.
- $100 for each applicant, including children. The U.S. consular section accepts only cash payment in U.S. dollars; checks, money orders, or credit cards are not accepted.
l Children under the age of 13 (inclusive) are not required to be present at the interview if they are not going to study in the United States. However, in any case when the children are under 16, both parents must be present and have their passports with them, as well as the child's birth certificate. Exceptions to this rule are: 1) when both or one of the parents are in the United States (provide evidence); if one of the parents is in the United States, he or she must provide a power of attorney, notarized by a U.S. notary, stating that he or she has no objection to the child's travel to the United States; 2) both or one of the parents are deceased (provide evidence); 3) both or one of the parents have been deprived of parental rights, and a certificate to this effect can be provided. No other exceptions are made.
Because each case has its own characteristics, there is no document that would guarantee obtaining a visa. Documents can very rarely determine the outcome of the interview. U.S. law requires persons traveling to the United States to prove that the purpose of their trip is legitimate and falls within the requirements of the particular visa type. They must also prove that they are not potential immigrants to the United States.
During the interview, you must provide the following supporting documents
For a business visa (B-1 or B-1/B-2):
1. A detailed letter explaining the nature and purpose of the applicant's trip to the United States, as well as the ties between the applicant and the inviting party, is highly advisable.
For a tourist visa (B-2):
1. A detailed letter explaining the nature and purpose of the applicant's trip to the United States, as well as the ties between the applicant and the inviting party, is highly advisable.
For a student visa (F):
1. Form I-20 (original and copy).
2. A certificate confirming that tuition and living expenses can be paid (a scholarship award letter, a bank document confirming solvency, or a document from the educational institution confirming that tuition has been paid).
3. This item applies to F-2 visa applicants. They must present evidence of ties to the person who holds or is applying for an F-1 visa.
For a temporary work visa (H):
1. An invitation explaining the nature of the applicant's employment in the United States and documents demonstrating the financial capability of the employer (preferable).
2. The H petition approved by USCIS (original and copy required).
3. A copy of the petition submitted to USCIS for approval (required).
4. This item applies to those applying for an H-4 visa. They must provide evidence of their ties to the person who holds or is applying for an H visa, as well as documents regarding the visa holder's income (preferable).
For an exchange visa (J):
1. Form DS-2019 (original and copy).
2. An invitation explaining the nature of the program and how the applicant was selected to participate in it.
3. This item applies to those applying for a J-2 visa. They must present evidence of their ties to the person who holds or is applying for a J-1 visa.
For a temporary work visa (L):
1. An invitation explaining the nature of the applicant's employment in the United States and documents demonstrating the financial capability of the petitioner (preferable).
2. The L petition approved by USCIS, together with the letter of certification (original and copy required).
3. A copy of the petition submitted to USCIS for approval (required).
4. Proof of employment for the past two years.
5. A person applying for an L-2 visa must provide evidence of their ties to the person applying for an L visa or the visa holder; documents on the visa holder's income (preferable).
For a temporary work visa (P):
1. A detailed letter explaining the nature and purpose of the applicant's business in the United States and the relationship between the applicant and the inviting party is highly advisable.
2. The P petition approved by USCIS, together with the letter of certification (original and copy required).
3. A copy of the petition submitted to USCIS for approval (required).
4. Applicants traveling as dependents of P visa holders must present evidence of their ties to the applicant or visa holder, as well as evidence of the financial capability of the P visa holder.
For a temporary religious worker visa (R):
1. A detailed letter explaining the nature and purpose of the applicant's stay in the United States.
2. Evidence that the applicant is qualified for the position he/she intends to hold.
3. Confirmation of membership in a religious organization for at least the past two years.
4. R-2 visa applicants must provide confirmation of their ties to R-1 visa applicants or the visa holder, as well as evidence of the financial capability of the R-1 visa holder.
Applicants traveling to the United States for medical treatment must provide:
1. A diagnosis from a Ukrainian doctor certifying the person's physical condition and the reason why this illness cannot be cured or treatment cannot be continued in Ukraine.
2. A letter from an American doctor stating that he/she will treat the applicant patient and confirming the cost of treatment.
3. Evidence of funds available to pay for treatment.
Persons traveling to the United States for urgent medical treatment do not need to schedule an interview, but they must notify the consular section in advance so that their names are added to the list of persons scheduled for an interview.
Visa fee: standard visitor and business visa (B) - free for single entry (valid for six months), $65 for multiple entry (valid for five years); for all other visa categories applicable to Ukrainian citizens, no fee is required.
All applicants and their dependents, except those applying for H1, B, L, O-1, and R visas, must overcome the presumption of immigrant intent automatically imposed on them by Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act (1952). According to the law, a person may receive a visa only if the consular officer is satisfied that:
1. The person permanently resides outside the United States.
2. The person does not intend to permanently abandon their place of permanent residence.
3. The purpose of the trip corresponds to the visa type established by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act.
To prove that a person does not intend to permanently leave their country of permanent residence, one can demonstrate strong family, economic, and social ties to the country of residence. Even if a person provides evidence of such ties, the consular officer is required by law to deny the visa if there is suspicion that the applicant intends to sever these ties, that they are not genuine, that ties to the United States are stronger than to Ukraine, or that the purpose of the trip does not correspond to the given nonimmigrant visa category. The burden of proof rests solely on the individual, and a visa cannot be issued based on guarantees or bonds from a third party on behalf of the applicant.
Official website of the U.S. Embassy in Ukraine usembassy.kiev.ua