Problems bringing a Russian to USA for 3 weeks
 

Last year I stayed with a Russian family for 4 weeks while my KLR was broken down in Ulan Ude.They treated me like a family member.Now I am thinking about asking their 21 year old son to come to the USA for a few weeks and tour him a little around the west coast.I would pay his air fare and all expenses while here.

He would need a passport and visa.I don't know what they cost.But something I read said a Russian would need to show evidence from bank records that they had enough funds for the trip.Before I make the offer to him I want to know if there will be any issues that could cause problems.I'd hate to buy his ticket and end up forfeiting it.

inviting a friend from Russia
 

Hello there,

I have done it in 2006 to Switzerland, it was very difficult back then but could be done. Dont know about today and to the US, but I am sure it can be done ... pls send me an email and I can try to give you advise.

Saludos mika

Surely a call or email to US Immigration would settle question that quickly ??

Sure US Immigration is a place to start, they will tell you that the person needs a proper visa, health insurance ....

... then it is to deal with the US embassy in Moscow for the visa. The Swiss embassy was a nightmare to deal with in 2006, I dont remember how many times I had to phone them.

Just an idea/advise. Tell your friend to go to a good travel agent in the next big town (Irkutsk?) and ask the travel agent about booking a holiday trip to the West Coast of the USA for three weeks ... this way it will cost more, but it will be hopefully easier. Maybe you can even contact a travel agency in your hometown in the US and ask them to organize it.

Saludosbier
mika

Hola amigo.
Good to hear from you again.Below is something I found online that had me concerned.

To get a visa the applicant needs to prove that they have enough money in the bank (and show at least 6 months of bank statements to prove they didn't borrow money or are not being funded by another person) to cover ALL travel expenses - passport, visa fees, plane ticket, travel insurance, spending money, etc without any outside assistance. If this person has asked you for any money or you have ever sent any money their visa application will be denied as that shows they are not financially independent and are at a huge risk of overstaying, working illegally or attempting to commit marriage fraud to stay in the country without going through the proper fiance visa process

I am also waiting to make sure my wife's back surgery goes okay.But I don't anticipate any problems there.
I just want to know what issues might come up before I ask him to come.But from the above paragraph,it sounds like I couldn't even pay for his airline ticket.

I was thinking about February or March for the visit.So I do have enough time to work through problems.

Just a followup. My friend couldn't come because he was required to go into the military for a year. After that, I contacted him again. He had a girlfriend and moved to another area of Russia. Girlfriend trumped free America trip. So, I never explored what it would take to bring him over.