Do have to prove Solvency when getting a visa to the US from Russia [duplicate]

I have friend that is working with a travel agency in Russia to visit me here in the US. She informed me that the travel agent told her she will have to prove solvency of 4500$ to get the visa or she would be denied. She has gotten her passport and the visa office in Russia has called and spoke with me and had me answer some basic questions. I very weary at this point cause she says she doesn't have the 4500$ and that she about 1900$ short of the 4500$. I would like to know if the solvency check is an actual thing?

Best Answer

Unfortunately, this is a classic scam.

From how you worded the question, I guess you might already have suspected that.

The next step is probably that your ‘friend’ will ask you to loan them that $1900. Don’t send them anything. If you do, you’ll never see the money again. As for the friend: either you’ll never hear from them again, or they’ll find some other excuse to ask for money (they might claim to be detained at customs until they pay some amount, or need to buy new flight tickets, or something else) which will be equally untrue.

I would like to know if the solvency check is an actual thing?

There is a financial aspect to visa applications, but this isn’t how it works. There’s no magic amount required like the $4500 your ‘friend’ is claiming. What they want to see is a steady, consistent pattern of sustainable income and outgoings over a reasonable period of time (I don’t know about the US specifically, but for most countries that might be typically 3-6 months, depending on other circumstances). A sudden unexplained deposit of almost $2000 would be suspicious and almost certainly hurt somebody’s chances of being granted the visa, not help.

In short: if I were you, I would immediately cut all contact with this person.

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What is needed to travel from Russia to USA?

A citizen of a foreign country who seeks to enter the United States generally must first obtain a U.S. visa, which is placed in the traveler's passport, a travel document issued by the traveler's country of citizenship.

How hard is it to get a travel visa for Russia from USA?

Getting one is not difficult. All you need to do is go to your local Russian embassy and apply for one. However, before you apply you will need to have an invitation letter. iVisa.com can make things easier for you by helping you get your invitation letter quickly.

How long does it take for a Russian to get a US visa 2020?

Processing time can be as long as one or two weeks. Under the law FMS is allowed up to 20 working days to process your documents.

What can prevent you from getting a US visa?

An applicant's current and/or past actions, such as drug or criminal activities, as examples, may make the applicant ineligible for a visa. If denied a visa, in most cases the applicant is notified of the section of law which applies.

10 Reasons Your US Visa May be Denied

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