CONSULAR FOCUS:  KIEV, UKRAINE

This consulate issues only nonimmigrant visas. People from Ukraine seeking an immigrant visa, fiance visa or refugee application should apply through the consulate in Warsaw, Poland.

The consulate requires an appointment for the visa application interview. Requests for an appointment should be made at least two weeks in advance and should include the applicant's name, date and place of birth, passport number, and return address or fax number. If applicants indicate a preferred date for the interview, the consulate will try to accommodate these preferences.

Requests by mail should be addressed to:

Visa Appointments, American Embassy Kiev,

vul. Yuria Kotsubinskoho 10,

254053 Kiev.

Mailed requests will be answered by mail. Requests may also be sent by fax to: (+380) [44] 216-3393; faxed requests will be answered by fax. Application requests may also be sent by telegram, but the Embassy's reply will be by mail.

Visa interview appointments are available on Mondays to Thursdays, 1:00 to 3:30 PM

For some visa applicants an interview is not necessary and the applicant may use a drop-off box that is open from Mondays to Fridays, 9:30 to 10:30 AM. Those who may use this method include:

• People who had a three-year multiple-entry visa that expired within the last 12 months
• People who have had at least two single-entry visas and used the last one within the last 12 months
• People who are renewing student, exchange-visitor, or temporary work visas in order to continue the same program or employment.
• Third country nationals who are residents of Ukraine and otherwise qualify may use the drop box.

Approved visas will normally be ready for pickup the next day.

Visas pickup times:

4:45 to 5:15 PM:

Same day as visa appointments;

Next workday for passports left in drop-box

WHAT TO BRING TO THE INTERVIEW:

1. Valid passport. Citizens of any country may apply at the U.S. Embassy in Kiev. However, it is usually to the applicant's advantage to apply in his/her home country.

2. 1 passport-sized photograph on light background—black and white or color, for each applicant, including children.

3. for each applicant, including children.

4. Exact address where applicant will be staying in the U.S.

5. Supporting documents (depending on which kind of visa the applicant is applying for):

1. I-20 form for a student (F) visa; original required; if student will attend a public institution, proof that tuition has been paid is also required
2. IAP-66 form for exchange visa (J); original required
3. Invitation explaining the nature of applicant's business in the U.S. (for a B-1 or B-1/B-2 business visa); desirable
4. Any other documentation or proof that the applicant would like to submit as evidence of strong economic, family, and social ties to his/her country of residence. To enjoy the privilege of travel in the U.S., applicants must prove they will return abroad. U.S. immigration law requires consular officers to view every visa applicant as an intending immigrant until the applicant proves otherwise.
5. No invitation is required for a tourist visa. An informal letter sent from the States may be presented during the interview if it will help clarify the situation, but it does not need to be notarized.
6. Affidavits of Support for tourist visas are irrelevant, as the applicant must qualify for the visa based on his or her own situation.

6. Visa fee: standard guest and business (B) visas- for single-entry (valid for six months), for double-entry (valid for six months), 0 for multi-entry (valid for three years); there is no fee for student (F) or exchange (J) visas.