Tourist visa to the USA in Ukraine: expert advice

Obtaining a tourist visa to the USA in Ukraine is a task that requires attention, a strategic approach, and knowledge of the current consulate requirements. Please note that during the military conflict, visa applications for Ukrainian citizens are being accepted in Poland — at the US consular offices in Warsaw and Krakow. Although the procedure is formally the same for everyone, a successful outcome largely depends on the details: the correct completion of the DS-160 form, the quality of preparation for the interview, and convincing confirmation of ties to the home country. In 2025, the visa application process became even more systematic, where it is not the number of documents that is valued, but their logic and transparency. That is why an increasing number of our country's residents are turning to visa experts for help in minimizing the risk of rejection and obtaining a visa on the first try.

In what cases can you apply for a US visa in Kyiv?

As we have already mentioned, during the war, most visa applications for Ukrainian citizens are accepted in Poland — at the US consular offices in Warsaw and Krakow. However, in some cases, it is possible to apply in Kyiv, where there is a limited visa office at the US Embassy. The following individuals may submit documents in Kyiv:

• Holders of valid visas who need to replace a lost visa or new passport;
• Applicants with extraordinary humanitarian circumstances, such as the need for urgent medical treatment in the US or the death of a close relative;
• Individuals participating in immigration or family programs, if the application process was started before the war began;
• diplomats and holders of official visas, as well as other applicants in official categories.

For all other categories, including tourist visas, applications are submitted exclusively through the US consulates in Warsaw and Krakow, where special conditions and priority registration apply to Ukrainians.

Preparing the DS-160 form as the first step to success

The DS-160 form is the main document on which the consul bases their preliminary decision. It can only be completed online and exclusively in English. Any inaccuracies may lead to additional questions from the US Consulate representative. That is why professional verification of the application before submission is a mandatory step in the procedure for obtaining permission to enter the United States. Visa Agency World specialists analyze the answers for compliance with the Consulate's requirements and adapt them to current visa practices, which is especially important for those who are applying for a tourist visa to the United States in Ukraine for the first time.

Consular fee and interview appointment

After submitting the application, you must pay the visa fee (MRV fee), which is $185. Payment can be made in hryvnia through a Ukrainian bank or online platform. However, when applying through Poland, there are other options: with a Polish or American bank card, or in cash at a Polish bank branch. If you need help with paying the consular fee or scheduling an appointment to submit your documents, our specialists can take care of these tasks, ensuring that your payment is credited correctly and your visa profile is confirmed in a timely manner. The next step is to make an appointment for an interview at the US Embassy in Warsaw or Krakow. At the same time, the preparation and support of the application are carried out from Ukraine, which makes the process completely remote. It should be noted that applicants who submit documents with professional visa support receive faster appointment dates thanks to the correct completion of the profile and the absence of errors in the system. This is especially relevant for those who are applying for a tourist visa to the US in Kyiv for the first time and want to minimize waiting time.

Preparing for the interview: how to convince the consul?

The main goal of the interview is to convince the officer that you will indeed return to Ukraine after your tourist trip. The consul evaluates not only your documents, but also your manner of communication, the logic of your answers, and your confidence in the purpose of your visit. Key arguments for a successful interview:

• stable job or own business;
• real estate or family in Ukraine;
• clearly stated purpose of the trip (tourism, visiting friends, cultural event);
• financial solvency (statements, income certificates).

Visa Agency World experts help you create a personalized interview scenario so that you have a rough idea of what questions to expect and how to answer them correctly. This is especially valuable for those applying for a tourist visa to the United States in Kyiv, where consultations are conducted in person or online.

What documents are required to apply for a tourist visa to the United States?

The standard set of documents for applying for a tourist visa to the United States in Ukraine includes:

• a valid passport (valid for at least 6 months after the date of return);
• a completed DS-160 form;
• a certificate from your place of work or study;
• financial documents (bank statements, proof of income).

Additional documents are provided depending on the situation — for example, a marriage certificate, proof of ownership of real estate, or proof of children's education. Having these documents increases the chances of approval, as they clearly demonstrate your connection to Ukraine.

Visa processing and receipt times

The processing time for a US tourist visa in Ukraine depends on the embassy's workload and usually takes 2 to 6 weeks. After the interview, the passport with the visa is delivered by courier service to the specified address. The document can be issued for a period of 1 to 10 years, with each stay in the US not exceeding 180 days. When reapplying for a visa extension, the application form must be resubmitted, but the interview may be canceled if the previous visa expired less than 48 months ago.

The most common reasons for refusal

When applying for a tourist visa to the United States, applicants often make a number of typical mistakes that significantly reduce their chances of receiving a positive decision. Let's look at the main ones.

1. Excessive confidence in visa approval. A stable financial situation, regular travel, and sufficient funds in your account do not guarantee that you will receive a visa. Experience shows that about 80% of applicants who are overly confident are denied. It is recommended to approach the process with objectivity, calmness, and without excessive emotion.
2. Handing documents to the officer without being asked. Documents should only be provided at the request of the visa officer. Handing them over on your own initiative may be perceived as pressure or cause misunderstandings.
3. Copying someone else's interview experience. Each interview is unique, and the officer makes a decision based on the applicant's specific situation. Repeating someone else's answers or strategies can lead to a negative outcome. Therefore, it is very important to focus on your own story and circumstances.
4. Booking tickets and hotels in advance. Purchasing tickets or reserving accommodation before receiving a visa is not necessary and may be perceived as an attempt to pressure the officer. Such actions often increase the risk of refusal and unreasonably increase costs.
5. Answers that do not correspond to the question and arguments with the consul. You should answer clearly and to the point, avoiding unnecessary details. Arguing with the officer or giving excessive explanations may raise doubts and negatively affect the decision.
6. Lack of a well-thought-out travel plan and unclear purpose of the visit. The visa officer evaluates the details of the trip — routes, dates, purposes. Vague or contradictory answers reduce the likelihood of a positive outcome. That is why it is recommended to carefully work out a plan before the interview.
7. Participation in the Green Card lottery and its impact on the consul's decision. According to statistics, visa officers do not take participation in the Green Card lottery into account when making a decision. This information is not requested and does not affect the outcome.
8. Applying for a visa for more than four weeks. Long stays raise suspicion with the consular officer, as standard tourist visits are usually shorter. A discrepancy between the stated duration and the actual duration may be grounds for refusal.
9. Excessive nervousness during the interview. Severe nervous tension can negatively affect the officer's impression. To reduce nervousness, it is recommended to use certain techniques, such as placing your hands on the counter in front of you during the conversation.

These recommendations will help minimize the risk of refusal and prepare for the interview more competently and effectively.

Why should you contact Visa Agency World?

Visa Agency World is a team of specialists who have been helping Ukrainian citizens successfully obtain visas to the US, Canada, and other countries for over 10 years. Why choose us?

1. Individual approach. Each application is analyzed personally, taking into account visa history, financial documents, and travel purposes.
2. Professional interview preparation. We simulate real questions from the consul and teach you how to answer competently and confidently.
3. Up-to-date knowledge. We track all changes in visa rules and adapt our application strategy to the new consulate requirements.
4. Support at every stage. From the initial consultation to receiving a passport with a visa, the client receives full support and control of the process.
5. High approval rate. Thanks to systematic preparation and the experience of our consultants, the probability of a successful outcome is significantly higher than when applying independently.

Therefore, if you want to apply for a tourist visa to the United States in Ukraine without risk and with the highest probability of approval, contact the specialists at Visa Agency World. We will provide competent processing and expert support at every stage of the process. Call us right now and take the first step towards your dream!