MAGISTERS / U.S. VISA
Applying for a U.S. visa
We help Ukrainian and foreign applicants choose the appropriate visa category, identify an eligible consular post, complete Form DS-160 and prepare for the interview. We assist clients in Ukraine and abroad.
Kyiv · Kharkiv · Odesa · online consultations and document preparation
01 / YOUR SITUATION
Your visa strategy starts before you complete the form
A U.S. visa application involves more than completing a form and scheduling an interview. The consular officer considers the purpose of travel, employment, income, family circumstances, previous visas and immigration history. Inconsistencies may raise questions even when the paperwork is technically complete.
A MAGISTERS attorney begins by reviewing your individual circumstances. We identify the category that matches your trip, establish whether you can apply in your chosen country and determine which documents can substantiate the information in your application.
CRITICAL CHECK
Where will the interview take place?
Since July 15, 2026, the U.S. Department of State has directed applicants to schedule interviews primarily in their country of nationality or residence. If routine visa services are unavailable, applicants must check the designated consular post. Scheduling in a third country without evidence of residence may be problematic.
That is why we check your application location before paying the visa fee and booking your trip.
02 / VISA CATEGORIES
We match the visa category to your actual travel purpose
There is no single U.S. visa for every purpose. Tourism, business visits, study, exchange programmes and employment have different eligibility requirements and procedures.
MAIN CATEGORY
B1/B2 — travel and business visits
For tourism, visiting relatives, medical treatment and certain short-term business activities. It does not authorise ordinary paid employment in the United States.
We review the purpose and itinerary, financial circumstances, family and professional ties to your place of residence, previous visas and travel history.
EDUCATION
F-1 / M-1 — study
Requires documentation from the educational institution and compliance with a separate student visa procedure. A SEVIS fee may apply.
PROGRAMMES
J-1 — exchange
For approved exchange programmes, internships and selected educational projects. Requirements depend on the programme and its sponsor.
EMPLOYMENT
H / L / O — work and transfers
Employment visas often require a U.S. employer and a previously approved petition. A tourist B1/B2 visa cannot be used in their place.
IMMIGRATION ROUTE
Family-based immigration
If your objective is permanent relocation, marriage to a U.S. citizen or family-based immigration, a separate procedure is required rather than a visitor visa.
03 / WHERE TO APPLY
U.S. visas for Ukrainians and foreign nationals living in Ukraine
Being physically present in a country does not automatically qualify you for a standard appointment at its consulate. Under the updated rules, nationality, country of habitual residence, availability of a particular visa category and applicable exceptions matter. Consular services in Kyiv are limited and may change. For visas to destinations other than the United States, see our separate service for visa applications by foreign nationals.
01 / NATIONALITY
Ukrainian nationals
We check which categories are processed in Kyiv and which posts are designated for services unavailable there. We do not automatically choose Poland or another country solely because appointments appear convenient.
02 / RESIDENCE
Foreign national with a Ukrainian residence permit
We assess whether the applicant can document residence in Ukraine and whether appointments are permitted at the relevant post. Nationality may affect additional requirements.
03 / ANOTHER COUNTRY
Ukrainians residing abroad
If someone actually lives in another country, we assess their lawful status, available consular posts, address requirements and the local appointment system.
Before selecting a country, we establish where the applicant is eligible to apply, which visa services are actually provided and whether a previously paid fee can be used or transferred. Fees paid in one country are not always transferable.
04 / APPLICATION PROCESS
From initial assessment to the consular decision
We arrange the work in a sequence designed to reduce corrections and repeated payments. Depending on the category, certain steps may require an additional petition, sponsor documents or paperwork from an educational institution.
The consular service, not your attorney, determines interview dates and the duration of administrative processing. We do not promise an approval or discretionary expedited processing.
01
Assess the category and application location
We review nationality, residence status, purpose of travel, prior applications and available consular posts.
02
DS-160 and supporting evidence
We prepare consistent answers and review travel history, employment, family circumstances and documents.
03
Fees and interview booking
We explain the official payment process, select a permitted appointment route and verify the confirmation.
04
Prepare for the consular interview
We review likely questions, check explanations and organise the necessary supporting materials.
05
Decision and next steps
We evaluate requests for further documents or refusal grounds and any appropriate subsequent course of action.
05 / DOCUMENTS AND DS-160
What must be consistent before submission
Form DS-160 provides factual information to the consulate. Errors, incomplete answers and discrepancies with supporting documents can require corrections or rescheduling. We therefore start by verifying the facts rather than merely entering information into the fields.
REVIEW OF APPLICANT HISTORY
Personal details, travel and circumstances
Passport; current nationality and residence status; previous passports and visas; international travel; marital status; employment, business or studies; host details; purpose of travel and anticipated itinerary. Previous refusals, immigration violations and relevant background circumstances must also be considered where the form requests them.
For B1/B2, we also consider documents relating to employment, income, assets, family, business commitments and other ties outside the United States. We tailor the list to the case: a stack of certificates alone cannot guarantee a visa. Complex questions involving Ukrainian immigration status may first require advice from an immigration lawyer.
06 / VISA INTERVIEW
Preparing for an actual conversation with the consular officer
Most preparation takes place before the appointment. The applicant should be able to explain the purpose of travel, source of funding, family situation, employment and reasons for returning after a temporary visit clearly and consistently.
We conduct a practice interview, discuss likely topics and resolve discrepancies with the form. We do not invent a convincing story or advise anyone to conceal facts: false statements can have much more serious consequences than a routine refusal.
No guarantee of approval
The consular officer makes the decision. Preparation helps prevent avoidable mistakes and present the facts clearly, but it does not replace satisfying the visa requirements.
01
Purpose and duration
Why you are travelling now, your itinerary, where you intend to stay and who will finance the trip.
02
Employment and family circumstances
How the applicant lives, works, studies, conducts business and maintains connections outside the United States.
03
Previous applications
If there were refusals, changes in circumstances or extended trips, we discuss an accurate and supportable explanation.
04
Documents and answers
We prepare concise explanations without rehearsed cover stories or inconsistencies with DS-160.
07 / GOVERNMENT FEES
How much does a U.S. visa application cost?
Consular fees are paid to the official visa processing system and are separate from legal fees. According to the U.S. Department of State’s published schedule, the base fees for commonly requested nonimmigrant categories are:
TOURISM / STUDY / EXCHANGE
$185
B1/B2, F, M, most J and other non-petition-based visa categories.
EMPLOYMENT CATEGORIES
$205
Petition-based H, L, O, P, Q and R categories, subject to the applicable requirements.
INVESTMENT / E
$315
E categories for treaty traders, investors and qualifying employees.
Fees are subject to change. Additional charges may apply beyond the basic MRV fee, including fees depending on the visa category, nationality and rules in effect at the time of issuance. We verify the amount on the official website before payment. The application fee is generally non-refundable after refusal.
Current fee schedule: Fees for Visa Services — Department of State. MAGISTERS consultation and document preparation fees are agreed separately after assessing the work involved.
08 / AFTER A REFUSAL
A U.S. visa refusal requires the right next step
Not every refusal can be appealed. For U.S. visas, reading the legal basis matters: section 214(b) and section 221(g) describe different situations.
NOT AN ORDINARY APPEAL
214(b) — eligibility has not been established
This generally means the applicant has not demonstrated eligibility for the category or sufficient ties outside the United States for a temporary stay. There is no ordinary appeal procedure for a 214(b) refusal. A fresh application and new fee may be appropriate when material facts or circumstances have changed.
ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS
221(g) — processing is not complete
The consulate may request additional information or conduct administrative processing. The next steps depend on the written notice, including deadlines, required documents and submission methods. A new visa fee is not necessarily required immediately.
We review the refusal ground, previous DS-160, interview circumstances and applicable rules. If another application would repeat the weaknesses of the previous case, we first develop a revised evidence strategy rather than simply searching for the earliest available appointment.
09 / CHECK BEFORE APPLYING
Mistakes that can cost more than a consultation
KEY RISK
Paying the fee in the wrong country
Not every fee can be transferred between countries or appointment systems. We verify jurisdiction and appointment availability before payment.
WRONG CATEGORY
Using B1/B2 to seek employment
A tourist or visitor visa does not permit ordinary paid employment. We choose a category matching the actual purpose.
APPLICATION FORM
Conflicting facts in DS-160
Inconsistent dates, employment details, previous visas and family information may trigger additional questions.
ACCURACY
Failing to disclose a previous refusal
Earlier applications and immigration history must not be concealed: the consular officer assesses the applicant’s credibility.
PURPOSE
Confusing a temporary visit with relocation
If the real objective is permanent immigration, a separate legal assessment of the appropriate procedure is required.
10 / INTERVIEW WAIVERS
When an in-person interview may not be required
Since October 2025, most applicants have been required to attend an interview; there is no longer an automatic age-based waiver. Exceptions are limited to certain categories and eligible renewals.
EXAMPLE OF AN EXCEPTION
B1/B2 renewal
Subject to specific conditions, applicants renewing a full-validity B1/B2 visa within 12 months of its expiration may qualify for an exception. Other criteria include age at the time of the earlier issuance, country of application and prior refusals.
IMPORTANT LIMITATION
The consulate decides
Even when the formal criteria are satisfied, a consular officer may require a personal interview. We check the particular post’s process before submitting an application.
Official source: Interview Waiver Update — U.S. Department of State.
11 / AFTER ENGAGEMENT
What MAGISTERS attorneys do for clients
The scope of legal assistance depends on the request. We can provide a one-off consultation, prepare DS-160, review supporting documents or assist throughout the preparatory stages of the visa process.
Applicants generally attend the interview in person. An attorney licensed in Ukraine cannot appear in place of the applicant or influence the consular officer’s assessment. Our role is professional preparation and assistance within the permitted scope.
01
Review documents and risks
We assess nationality, residence status, visa category and history of previous applications.
02
Select a consular route
We check the country of application, current restrictions, official fees and available appointments.
03
Prepare the form and supporting materials
We complete DS-160, verify the underlying facts and organise supporting evidence.
04
Prepare for the interview
We discuss truthful answers, relevant documents and the most challenging aspects of the case.
05
Review additional requests
After the interview, if needed, we assess 221(g), potential reapplication and further steps.
12 / FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What to know before applying for a U.S. visa
Common problems stem from the wrong visa category, an ineligible interview location and unresolved circumstances of earlier refusals. We review your situation before government fees are paid.
For an initial assessment, tell us your nationality, country of residence, purpose of travel, previous visas and whether you have received any refusals.
Where can a Ukrainian apply for a U.S. visa in 2026?
Under current rules, applicants usually schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence, or at a designated post if routine visa services are unavailable. Availability of a particular category in Kyiv and eligibility to apply abroad must be checked case by case.
Can I obtain a B1/B2 visa without a U.S. invitation letter?
An invitation letter is not universally required for a B1/B2 tourist or visitor visa. The key factors are a credible purpose of travel, adequate funds and eligibility for the chosen visa category.
Can I complete DS-160 in Ukraine if my interview will be abroad?
DS-160 is completed online. You must still select an appropriate application location, pay the fee under that country’s rules and schedule a permitted consular appointment.
How much does a U.S. B1/B2 visa cost?
According to the Department of State’s published schedule, the base non-refundable B1/B2 application fee is $185. Any additional charges should be checked at the time of application.
Can I obtain a U.S. visa without an interview?
Most applicants attend an in-person interview. Certain categories and eligible renewal applications may qualify for exceptions, but the consular officer can still require an interview.
How long does a U.S. visa application take?
Timing depends on appointment availability, visa category, nationality, application location and possible administrative processing. Check the waiting time at the particular consulate rather than relying on a general estimate.
What should I do after a 214(b) refusal?
There is no ordinary appeal. You may submit a fresh application, but first assess whether material circumstances have changed and which evidence was previously insufficient.
What does a 221(g) refusal mean?
It usually involves additional documentation or administrative processing. Follow the consulate’s written instructions and do not submit a new application without assessing the reason.
Can I receive a U.S. visa after an earlier refusal?
Yes, a new application is generally possible, but a new form alone does not resolve the grounds for the earlier decision. The reasons and any significant new facts should be assessed.
Do you assist foreign nationals residing in Ukraine?
Yes. We examine nationality, a Ukrainian residence permit or other status, and the appropriate application location. Consular requirements may depend on nationality and actual country of residence.
Can an attorney guarantee a visa?
No. The decision to issue a visa rests solely with the U.S. consular authority. An attorney can help select the right procedure, prepare accurate information and documents, and assess further options.
Can a tourist visa be used to take a job in the United States?
No. B1/B2 cannot replace the appropriate employment visas. If your goal is employment, we assess the relevant category and any employer or petition requirements.
13 / CONSULTATION
Start with a document review and the appropriate application route
Tell us who is applying for a U.S. visa, their nationality and country of residence, their purpose of travel and any previous visas or refusals. We will identify a possible application route and agree on the documents needed for a legal assessment.
Kyiv · Kharkiv · Odesa · we assist clients in Ukraine and abroad online.
Contact MAGISTERS
Phone +38 (097) 718 11 88. The scope of work, consultation fee and terms of assistance are agreed in advance.