The H-1B nonimmigrant visa may be used to bring a worker temporarily to the United States if the employee will work in a "specialty occupation" or a professional position. A US employer must have a U.S. taxpayer identification number to qualify as a U.S. employer and obtain an Approved Labor Condition Application with the Regional Office of the Department of Labor (more information can be obtained from the Regional Office of the Department of Labor). A prospective employee must prove he or she is qualified for specific job offered by the employer. (Refer to the H-1B questionnaire). Must show his or her foreign degree is equivalent to a U.S. BS degree by obtaining credentials evaluation of education. May apply for H-1B visa in U.S. if currently holding a valid nonimmigrant visa and are in the U.S. in status. If not if lawful status or residing abroad, worker must apply for H-1B visa at U.S. Consulate.

Applications are free.

Everyone in line by 10 a.m. will be interviewed the same day. Those applicants arriving after 10 a.m. will be asked to pick up an application at the information window and apply the following day.
Please ask your friends and contacts in the U.S. NOT to send faxes in support of your application directly to the Embassy unless you have been instructed to do so by the interviewing consular officer. We cannot match faxes to specific cases. Your contacts should send those faxes to you so you can bring them to the interview if your feel the Embassy will need the information.

H Temporary Workers and Trainees:
You will need form 1-797 approved by the U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service.

For almost all visa categories, visa fees are as follows:

multiple entry 1-year validity - $150
multiple entry 3-year validity - $450

For security, public interests or humanitarian reasons, a single-entry, three months visa may be issues for $20, or two-entry, six months visa may be issued for $40.

Persons with general questions about the visa process may phone 011 7095 255-9555 between 2:00 and 4:00 p.m. Questions related to specific applications, requiring detailed responses, should be made in writing by mail or facsimile (011 7095 956-4261).

An H visa is issued to a nonimmigrant to allow travel for the purpose of temporary employment in the United States. In order to receive an H visa, the applicant must demonstrate that (a) the Prospective employer has filed, and the INS has approved, a petition (From 1-129) requesting H status for the applicant and (b) the applicant qualifies for the specified employment by showing proof of education and relevant work experience.

1. In order to apply for an H visa, the applicant must bring the required documents listed below to the Embassy's Nonimmigrant Visa Unit. In addition, we suggest that first-time applicants also bring the recommended documents listed below. A lack of adequate documentation will delay visa issuance. An applicant should arrive before 10:00 a.m. Monday through Friday, Pay an application fee and submit his or her application.
2. The application and related documentation will be reviewed by a Consular Officer. During the interview with the Consular Officer, the applicant should be prepared to explain to the Consular Officer how he or she satisfies the visa requirements described above. If the Consular Officer determines that the applicant satisfies these requirements, the visa will be issued later the same day.
3. If the Consular Officer determines that additional information is required, the officer will deny the application under Section 221 (g) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA) and schedule an appointment for a subsequent visa interview. The applicant is asked to submit additional documentation at least three working days prior to the scheduled interview.
4. Scheduled appointments for H visa interviews usually take place approximately one week after the application has been submitted.
5. During the interview with the Consular Officer, the applicant should be prepared to discuss all documents that have been submitted, and to answer any questions asked by the Consular Officer, in order to demonstrate that he or she satisfies the applicable visa requirements.
6. The Consular Officer will normally inform the applicant whether the application has been approved or denied at the end of the interview. If the visa application is approved, the applicant will be requested to pay all relevant visa fees on the following day between 9:00 and 3:00 p.m.

- Original Form 1-797, Notice of Action, and a copy of the Form 1-129 petition or the approved petition (which may already be on file at the Embassy);
- A passport valid for at least six months beyond the projected date of entry into the U.S.;
- Two photographs; and,
- Completed of-156 application form, in duplicate.

- University diploma;
- Resume, employment record, salary records, employment references;
- Additional evidence of experience in the relevant field, for example, publications, work product, work-related correspondence, and photographs.

- Articles of incorporation;
- Corporate tax statements;
- Company payroll records;
- Company advertisements; and,
- Company brochures and catalogs.

For more information please contact the Embassy of the United States of America in Moscow, Russia or the Department of Labor in the USA.

 

American Embassy
19/23 Novinskiy Blvd
Moscow 123242 Russia

Tel: 011 7095 728 5000 Switchboard

Fax: 011 7095 728 5358/5203

Email address: consulmo@state.gov

Operating hours: Monday through Friday: 09:00-18:00

 

Information phone numbers:
011 7095 728-5554 – 24-hour information in Russian
011 7095 728-5553 – 24-hour information in English
011 7095 728-5599 – 14:00-16:00 with the concrete questions
011 7095 728-5084 - Fax

 

NON IMMIGRANT VISA SECTION:

Submitting documents:
General: Monday – Friday, 08:00 – 15:30
Ministries: Monday – Friday, 15:00 – 16:00

 

Interview:
General: Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 12:30
H1B, L1: Tuesday, Thursday 15:00 – 16:00

 

Cashier Office (Main entrance):
Monday – Friday, 09:00 – 14:00 : 15:00 – 16:00.