Nonimmigrant Visa Application Process:

STEP ONE - application fee. Applicants for nonimmigrant visas are required to pay a non-refundable U.S. $131 application fee in Armenian dram equivalent in cash only at any of the Armeconombank branches. The U.S. Embassy sets the exchange rate for the visa application fee once a month; the bank´s exchange rate changes daily and may vary from the U.S. Embassy rate. Please note that the nonimmigrant visa application fee receipt is only valid for one year. You must book your appointment within a year of paying the application fee. Only applicants who have paid the application fee at one of the branches of Armeconombank will be able to schedule their visa appointment online. Click here for branch locations: http://www.aeb.am.

STEP TWO - visa application forms. Each applicant must fill out the electronic visa application form (DS-156) online at http://evisaforms.state.gov. The applicant must sign the form and bring it to his/her interview. The form should not be sent to the Consular Section by any means. Please also fill out any supplemental forms if applicable (DS-157 for males age 16 - 45 and/or DS-158 for student [F or M] and exchange visitor [J] visa applicants). Hand-written applications are not acceptable. For instructions on completing your visa application form please see the required documents page. Please click here for more information on supplemental forms: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/forms/forms_1342.html

STEP THREE - appointment schedule. After filling out the forms and paying the application fee at the bank, each applicant must schedule an online appointment to appear for a visa interview with a consular officer. Please make your appointment online by clicking here: https://evisaforms.state.gov/default.asp?postcode=YRV&appcode=3

It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that there is enough time to complete the visa application process before traveling to the United States. We recommend that applicants schedule their appointments at least three weeks before they intend to travel. Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional administrative processing or special requirements, which applies to a small percentage of applicants. In such cases, processing wait time will vary based on the individual circumstances of each application. For a more in-depth explanation on the visa application processing time, please visit: http://travel.state.gov/visa/temp/info/info_1301.html. All applicants should be aware that the times given are current averages and are subject to sharp seasonal fluctuations. To view the current waiting period for nonimmigrant visa interviews, please visit http://travel.state.gov/visa/tempvisitors_wait.php.

STEP FOUR: Please come for your interview fully prepared with your supporting documentation. Applicants should arrive at the consular section no earlier than 30 minutes before the appointment time. You will not be admitted into the embassy for your interview more than 30 minutes prior to your appointment time. Electronic items, including cell phones, cameras, beepers and pagers are prohibited from the Embassy compound and should be secured elsewhere before entering. Applicants may spend up to 2 hours at the consular section until the interview is complete.

At the interview, only the applicant will be allowed into the building unless the applicant is a minor (age under 18) accompanied by a parent or legal guardian or a disabled applicant accompanied by an assistant. Relatives, friends, employers, lawyers etc. (including U.S. citizens) will not be allowed to be present during the interview process.

Multiple entry visas are issued at the discretion of the Consular Officer based upon the travel needs and history of the applicant. If an application has been accepted, you can ask the Officer for a multiple entry visa. Armenian Citizens will need to pay a $50 reciprocity fee for a one-year, multiple entry visa.

Issued visas may be picked up two business days (Monday - Friday) after the interview at 5:00 PM at the consular service window at the main entrance of the embassy.

STEP FIVE: After being admitted to the embassy for your interview, you will proceed to the Consular Section. Your fingerprints will be taken and then you will be called for your interview after a short wait. For further information on this process, please review our waiting room presentation.