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Please read carefully the most frequently asked questions and their answers. It will help you better prepare for the application process and improve your chances to obtain a visa.

Questions:

1. Can I apply for a visa on my own by mail or via overnight delivery service?

2. What documents do I need to send in order to obtain a visa?

3. How long is the processing time?

4. Do I need an invitation when I apply for a visa?

5. How long is the visa valid after issuance?

6. How long is the maximum allowed stay with a visa?

7. If my application is rejected for any reason, is my fee refundable?

8. Are there any requirements for the passport?

9. How much are the visa fees?

10. What carrier should I use to ship my documents?

 

Answers:

1. Can I apply for a visa on my own by mail or via overnight delivery service?

Many embassies don't accept visa applications by mail. You must appear in person or use a visa service provider such as ours in order to apply for your visa.

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2. What documents do I need to send in order to obtain a visa?
  1. Your valid U.S. passport
  2. The visa application form completed and signed
  3. One - two passport photos
  4. Business company letter and/or invitation from a sponsor in the destination country if you are traveling on business.

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3. How long is the processing time?

Processing time vary for the different embassies from 5 to 20 working days. Express (less than 5 business days) and Rush (less than 3 business days) services are available for additional fees at some of the embassies. It is recommended that we receive your Same Day visa request the day before the submission.

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4. Do I need an invitation when I apply for a visa?

Most of the countries require invitations for business visas. Some countries, for example Russia, require an invitation (visa support) even for tourist visas. For more information about the requirements of different countries please click here.

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5. How long is the visa valid after issuance?

Usually a Tourist visa is valid for 30 days from the day of issue to enter the country. Business visas vary in duration from 90 days to 1 year.

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6. How long is the maximum allowed stay with a visa?

Usually 30 days.

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7. If my application is rejected for any reason, is my fee refundable?

If your visa is denied for any reason, only consular  fees are  refundable.

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8. Are there any requirements for the passport?

Yes. It should be valid at least 6 months beyond the stay in the country. Also, it must have blank Visa pages.

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9. How much are the visa fees?

There are Consular fees and Service fees. The Consular fees vary between $50 and $200 depending on type of visa, processing time and citizenship of the traveler. The Service fee for regular processing is $49 per application. Express service fee of $59.00 will be assessed for less than 5 business days processing. There is an rush service fee of $79 for processing in less than 3 business days.
For a detailed break down of the Consular and the applicable Service fees please click here.

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10. What carrier should I use to ship my documents?

You can use a carrier of your choice to mail your documents to us. We take responsibility over your documents from the moment we receive your package. We'll ship them back to you with FedEx Standard Overnight and will notify you about the tracking number. We'll add the fee for the return of your documents to your total amount due.

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