Skip Global Navigation to Main Content
Skip Breadcrumb Navigation
Skip Left Navigation
Non-Immigrant Visas
 

ATTENTION: Pony Express no longer collects visa fees or makes visa appointments. Pony Express provides courier services only.

What is a U.S. Visa?

A U.S. visa is a sticker placed in a traveler's passport which gives that person the right to apply for admission to the U.S. The information printed on the visa includes the category, the expiration date, and the number of entries allowed. The category of a U.S. visa is determined by the purpose of travel (business, tourism, study, training, cultural exchange, temporary employment, etc.). The category is important because it determines which rights or privileges a traveler may enjoy. For example, it is possible to work as Camp Counselor in the U.S. on a cultural exchange visa, but not on a tourist visa.

The validity of the visa ends on the expiration date. This date determines the last date upon which a person may enter the U.S. It does not determine how long a person may stay in the U.S. That decision is made by a U.S. Immigration Officer at the port of entry where the traveler enters the U.S. The maximum duration of stay allowed varies according to the visa category.

For more information, please visit the U.S. Department of State website. 

Non-immigrant Visa Services

The consular section at the U.S. Consulate General in Yekaterinburg issues hundreds of visas each day for Russian citizens who wish to visit, study, or temporarily work in the United States. This website contains information about types of visas, application forms and other necessary documents, and the steps necessary to apply for a United States visa.

How to apply for a Nonimmigrant visa:

The U.S. Mission in Russia (Moscow, St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok) has transitioned to a new appointment service for those applying for a visa to the United States.

As of August 1, 2011, all applicants must visit  

to obtain information on how to apply for a U.S. visa at a consular section in Russia

ATTENTION: Pony Express no longer collects visa fees or makes visa appointments. Pony Express provides courier services only.

Customer Service Statement to Visa Applicants

The Department of State manages the visa process strictly but fairly in order to best protect the United States. We are committed to the essential openness for which the United States has always been known. Travel to the United States is welcomed and encouraged.

We promise to you, the visa applicant, that:

  • We will treat you with dignity and respect, even if we are unable to grant you a visa.
  • We will treat you as an individual and your case as unique.
  • We will remember that, to you, a visa interview may be a new or intimidating experience and that you may be nervous.
  • We will use the limited time available for the interview to get as full a picture as possible of your travel plans and intentions.
  • We will use our available resources to fairly assist all applicants to get appointments to allow travel in time for business, study, and other important obligations.
  • We will post detailed and accurate information on visa requirements and application procedures on every Embassy and Consulate website.
  • We will provide information on nonimmigrant appointment waiting times at every Embassy and Consulate posted on http://travel.state.gov/.
  • We will explain the reason for any visa denial to you.

  Furthermore, if you are a:  

  • Student, we will make every effort to ensure that you get an appointment and, if qualified, a visa in time to start classes.
  • Medical and humanitarian emergency traveler, we will expedite processing for those dealing with life threatening emergencies.
  • Business traveler, we will establish appropriate mechanisms to facilitate business travel and expedite cases of particular concern to American business.

  At the same time, we expect you, the visa applicant, to:  

  • Plan your travel and visa application as far in advance as possible.
  • Complete your application fully and accurately.
  • Be forthcoming about your purpose and plans.
  • Prepare for your interview by being able to clearly and concisely describe your intentions.

PLEASE NOTE: Pony Express is the only courier authorized by the U.S. Embassy to transmit documents to and from the embassy. The use of other courier services for transmission of documents to Pony Express may delay processing.

If you have questions that are not answered in this website, you may contact us via telephone or email.

For additional information you can visit the U.S. Department of State website.