Mother of recent US citizen visiting from Russia

[bzabelina 2]

My husband is from Russia and recently because a US citizen. We would like to have his mother visit us from Russia as they haven't seen each other for many years. We are wondering what kind of documents she would have to bring along to submit the application for a tourist visa besides the actual form. For example a letter from us inviting her. Any advice on what that letter needs to include? Also if we need proof that we can support her financially while she is here as she doesn't really have money on her own, how can we prove that? If there is anything else you can think of please let me know! Thanks!

Edited September 2, 2021 by bzabelina

[SalishSea 18,219]

7 minutes ago, bzabelina said:

My husband is from Russia and recently because a US citizen. We would like to have his mother visit us from Russia as they haven't seen each other for many years. We are wondering what kind of documents she would have to bring along to submit the application for a tourist visa besides the actual form. For example a letter from us inviting her. Any advice on what that letter needs to include? Also if we need proof that we can support her financially while she is here as she doesn't really have money on her own, how can we prove that? If there is anything else you can think of please let me know! Thanks!

She can certainly apply for a B visa, but I don’t believe they are doing B interviews in Russia.   Whether she gets that visa or not will be based entirely on her own merits and ties to home.

 

B visas are non immigrant visas.   There is no sponsorship, and she cannot use it to try to enter the US with the thought to stay.   If that is the eventual plan, you’re better off petitioning her for an immigrant visa.

[SusieQQQ 11,587]

re above 

The consulates in Russia are either closed or only taking emergency appointments for b visas. Not sure if any neighboring countries are taking applications from Russians for b visas.

[Strawberrymermaid 346]

Before covid, the wait for an interview in Moscow for a tourist visa was around 300 days. In COVID times, with an all but closed embassy, very unlikely chance of getting tourist visa   You could try to message other countries to see if they would be willing but I have not heard of any myself. Might be worth it to try to meet up in a third country (Turkey, Mexico). 

Also, in order for any tourist visa from any country, applicant must prove strong ties to home country. Without proof of income/ job, this seems very hard to do.

Edited September 2, 2021 by Strawberrymermaid

[Ontarkie 14,542]

~~Moved to Tourist Visas, from Bringing Family of USC- The OP is asking about a tourist visa~~

[zolotinka 47]

Your mother-in-law can try to apply for a tourist visa in Kazakhstan but the waiting time there is 344 days so it’s really hard. Your husband can find some information about it on the Russian forum here (it’s форум Винского).