Is a bank account required for a visitors visa?

[Brad and Vika 129]

My MIL has finally gone to get her supporting documents translated for her visa application. The aforementioned balloon head is telling her that she must have a bank account in Ukraine to be considered for a visa. Also, the balance must be at least $2,000.000. Now I do agree that a bank account may be proof that she could afford to travel, but two grand? And what's stopping any one from simply closing said account immediately after getting the visa?

[eekee 182]

I've never heard that before, personally. I think there's all kinds of rumors that float around "on the ground" in terms of how to get a visa to the US.

[SMR 368]

My MIL has finally gone to get her supporting documents translated for her visa application. The aforementioned balloon head is telling her that she must have a bank account in Ukraine to be considered for a visa. Also, the balance must be at least $2,000.000. Now I do agree that a bank account may be proof that she could afford to travel, but two grand? And what's stopping any one from simply closing said account immediately after getting the visa?

Find a new Balloon head quickly. Or just do it without one.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Find a new Balloon head quickly. Or just do it without one.

Does that mean you agree or disagree about the account?

[sachinky 464]

I don't know if there's a minimum amount that is required for a B2 but you need to demonstrate strong financial ties as evidence.

[SMR 368]

Does that mean you agree or disagree about the account?

Disagree. I can't speak from experience on Ukraine, but I know tons of Russians who have gotten visas without such an account.

[1HappyGuy 45]

Most of the requirements that I've seen have to do with showing you have a reason to return to Ukraine, like home ownership, job requirements or many family members. I have heard over the years different people claim that a bank account was required, but that has so little to do with showing permanence or much else. Often the money is from abroad anyway and used to pay for travel after issuance of the visa.

[Brad and Vika 129]

Most of the requirements that I've seen have to do with showing you have a reason to return to Ukraine, like home ownership, job requirements or many family members. I have heard over the years different people claim that a bank account was required, but that has so little to do with showing permanence or much else. Often the money is from abroad anyway and used to pay for travel after issuance of the visa.

That was my reasoning as well, that the money would have zero value as any sort of bona fide reason to return. I just cannot imagine a consular officer attaching any decision to an account like that. Also, there seems to be no specific requirement like that for a visitor visa on the state department website.

[SMR 368]

That was my reasoning as well, that the money would have zero value as any sort of bona fide reason to return. I just cannot imagine a consular officer attaching any decision to an account like that. Also, there seems to be no specific requirement like that for a visitor visa on the state department website.

The only explanation I can think of is if the person was going to pay for their own travels, they might need to prove the means to do so. But since someone has to sign the I-134 anyways, it's not really necessary.

Like you said, it proves nothing in terms of ties.