i have a friend coming to visit from russia, what does she have to go through to get to the usa?

Answer 1

First, apply for a passport in her local passport agency. Depending on where she lives, this may take between two weeks and three months (in some places, the bureacracy is less overworked than in others).

Then, she must apply for a visa. The procedure is outlined here:

http://moscow.usembassy.gov/consular/consular.php?record_id=visas

She will have to appear for an interview in one of the U.S. consulates (if I remember correctly, in Russia, there are four: Moscow, St.Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok). During the interview, she should be prepared to answer questions about the purpose of her visit to the U.S. and how the visit is going to be financed, in as much detail as possible. At this stage, a written letter of invitation from you would be most helpful. She would also have to show that she has substantial ties to Russia (spouse, property, business, etc.); otherwise, the interviewing consular officer can deny her application on the grounds that she is an illegal immigration risk.

Finally, with a visa in her passport, she can head to an airline's office to buy her tickets...

Answer 2

She has to go to the Russian embassy in Moscow to apply for passport and visa. First though she has to have her tickets and medical information. It will take about two weeks to get it approved and must reside in Moscow while paperwork is being completed. Total cost about $2100- $2300. Including $633 for the documentation (papers)

Answer 3

Get the visa and buy the ticket

Answer 4

she has to get all sorts of documents; passport, visa etc.

Answer 5

you need money and her passport

Answer 6

Hell