Frequently Asked Questions about Immigrant Visas

1. When may I buy my tickets and make travel arrangements to go the United States?

We strongly advise you against buying tickets or making travel arrangements before you receive your visa.

2. How much does it cost to apply for an immigrant visa?

The fees vary based on the type of visa.  For further information, see http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/types/types_1263.html. If NVC scheduled your appointment, your fees have most likely been paid. All other applicants except fiancé(e)s of American citizens pay their fee on the day of the interview after instructed to do so by an Embassy employee. The Embassy accepts dollars and rubles. Credit cards are not accepted.

3. Where is U.S. Embassy Moscow’s Consular Section located?

U.S. Embassy Moscow’s Consular Section is located at 21 Novinskiy Boulevard. The nearest Metro stops are Barrikadnaya (purple line), Smolenskaya (blue or dark-blue lines), and Krasnopresnenskaya (circle line).

4. What time should I come to the Embassy for my interview?

We suggest arriving 30 minutes prior to your scheduled interview time in order to pass through all necessary security checks.

5 What should I bring to the interview?

See our  instructions, which provide the most accurate and complete information to help you prepare for the interview.

6. When and how will I get my visa?

Passports are delivered to applicants through our passport delivery service. In order to sign up, visit http://www.ustraveldocs.com/ru/ru-iv-documentdelivery.asp.

7. How long will my visa be valid?

An immigrant visa is typically valid for 6 months except in special circumstances. If such circumstances apply, the consular officer will inform you. 

8. Where may I complete my medical examination?

You will need to complete your medical examination with one of our panel physicians. 

9. How long is my medical exam valid?

Your medical exam is typically valid for one year unless you have specific health conditions (such as tuberculosis). In these cases, the medical exam is valid for 6 months.

10. What vaccinations are required to immigrate to the United States?

For information on vaccination requirements, visit  http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants/info/info_1331.html.

11. How long should be my travel passport valid?

Your travel passport should be valid for at least 8 months from the date of visa issuance.

12. What happens if my visa expired and I didn’t use it?

Please contact U.S. Embassy Moscow to find out whether your visa may be re-issued and to receive further instructions. E-mail inquiries may be addressed to consulmo@state.gov.

13. Can my fiancé(e)/spouse/relative petitioner come with me to the interview?

Yes. We especially encourage petitioners who have filed for spouses or fiancé(e)s to appear at the interview. Aside from petitioners, however, no one may accompany adult applicants into the Embassy's visa waiting room.

14. I was told that I need to apply for a Waiver of Grounds of Ineligibility – how do I do that?

 For complete instructions, visit http://moscow.usembassy.gov/uscis-i601.html.

15. I have a green card, but I have been outside of the United States for over a year. How do I receive permission to re-enter?

You will need to apply for a Returning Resident (SB-1) visa.  For complete instructions, visit this page

16. I had my interview and was refused under Section 221(g) for additional documentation or information. I am ready to submit it – how do I do that? Do I need to come to the Embassy again?

No, you do not need come back to the Embassy. See your refusal sheet and visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ru for complete instructions.

17. I need to reschedule my interview date – how do I do that?

In order to reschedule your interview, please visit www.ustraveldocs.com/ru and this page.

18. I received my immigrant visa, where can I find information about adapting to life in the United States? 

For information and resources for new immigrants to the United States, please visit www.uscis.gov/newimmigrants. 

19. I received an immigrant visa as a parent of a U.S. citizen, how can I bring my minor child to the United States?

After you have arrived in the United States and received your green card (become a permanent resident), you will be able to file petitions for eligible family members to immigrate.  For further information on how to file a petition, click here.

20. I have another specific question not answered in the immigrant visa section of the Web site – how do I contact the Embassy?

E-mail inquiries may be addressed to consulmo@state.gov. Please note that due to the large number of inquiries received, a reply may not be immediate. You should not send documents to this e-mail address.