Where to Get a U.S. Visa?

Where can you obtain a U.S. visa?
Even though you are most likely already in the United States, this information is still important:

• if you are filing family reunification petitions such as I-730 or I-130
• if your friends or relatives want to apply for a tourist or work visa

Applicants for U.S. visas must schedule a visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence.

For some countries, specific locations are designated:

1. Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV)

• Belarus - Vilnius (Lithuania) / Warsaw (Poland)
• Russia - Astana (Kazakhstan) / Warsaw (Poland)
• Ukraine - Krakow (Poland) / Warsaw (Poland)

Full list: here

2. Immigrant Visas

• Belarus - Warsaw (Poland)
• Russia - Warsaw (Poland) / Almaty (Kazakhstan) / Tashkent (Uzbekistan)

Full list: here

If an interview has already been scheduled at another consulate, it is usually not transferred or canceled.

Immigrant Visas

These are visas that allow you to move to the United States for permanent residence and obtain a green card.

Examples:

• IR1/CR1 - visas for spouses of U.S. citizens
• IR2/CR2 - visas for children of U.S. citizens
• F1, F2A, F2B, F3, F4 - family-based visas
• EB-1, EB-2, EB-3, EB-4, EB-5 - employment and investment immigrant visas
• DV Lottery (Diversity Visa)
• Refugee and asylum visas

Nonimmigrant Visas (NIV)

These are temporary visas that allow you to stay in the United States for a limited period and do not directly grant a green card.

Examples:

• B-1/B-2 - business and tourist visas
• F-1 - student visa
• J-1 - exchange visitor visa
• H-1B - specialty occupation work visa
• L-1 - intracompany transfer visa
• O-1 - individuals with extraordinary ability
• P-1 - athletes and entertainers
• U visa - for victims of certain crimes (technically nonimmigrant but may lead to a green card)
• T visa - for victims of human trafficking

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Immigration rules may change. For guidance on your specific situation, always consult official sources or a qualified immigration attorney.