A U.S.
Visitor visa

Visitor Visa to the USA for Ukrainian Citizens

If you are planning to visit friends, acquaintances, or relatives in the United States, you will need a U.S. visitor visa. Essentially, a visitor visa falls under the B2 visa category, which is also issued for tourism purposes. So, what is the difference between a tourist visa and a visitor visa to the United States? The difference lies only in the supporting documents and information provided to confirm the purpose of your trip to the USA.

What Are the Requirements for a U.S. Visitor Visa?

The main requirement for obtaining a U.S. visitor visa is to demonstrate strong ties to Ukraine or to your country of residence at the time of the visa interview. First and foremost, the consular officer will assess your financial situation, including your income, sources of financial support, available savings for the trip, property ownership, and family, social, and other ties to your country of residence.

When reviewing a visitor visa application, the consular officer will also consider information about the inviting party in the United States, including their immigration status, place of residence, ability to accommodate you during your stay, and the nature of your relationship, such as whether they are a relative, friend, or acquaintance.

What Documents Are Required for a U.S. Visitor Visa?

As a rule, the following documents are recommended for a U.S. visitor visa application:

1. Valid international passport.
2. DS-160 confirmation page.
3. Interview appointment confirmation.
4. Documents confirming the applicant’s income (or documents from a financial sponsor).
5. Documents confirming the availability of sufficient funds and savings.
6. Documents proving ownership of real estate, land, or other valuable assets (if applicable).
7. Documents confirming marital status (marriage certificate, divorce certificate, etc.).
8. Birth certificates of children (even if the children are not traveling with you).

The inviting party in the United States should generally provide the following documents:

1. Proof of identity of the inviting person.
2. Invitation letter.
3. Proof of the inviting person’s residential address.

How Long Does It Take to Obtain a U.S. B1/B2 Visa?

At present, the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv does not provide consular services for tourist and visitor visa applications. Therefore, Ukrainian citizens who reside in Ukraine at the time of applying for a U.S. visa can attend their visa interview only in Poland (Warsaw or Kraków). Alternatively, applicants may attend the interview in the country where they legally reside and hold a valid residence permit, temporary protection status, visa, or other form of legal residence.

However, if you are applying for a U.S. business visa and have an official invitation from a U.S. company or organization, it may be possible to request an interview at the U.S. Embassy in Kyiv. The exact interview availability can only be checked after the visa application fee has been paid. In general, waiting times for an interview may range from approximately 2 weeks to 1–1.5 months. The visa decision is usually announced immediately after the interview. If your visa is approved, your passport will be retained for visa issuance and is typically returned within 1–5 business days.