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U.S. Embassy in Armenia
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U.S. Ambassador visits Spitak Medical Center to participate in the donation ceremony
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Statement by the Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group
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Field Epidemiology Training Program (FETP)
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U.S. Embassy in Armenia
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Sections & Offices
Public Affairs Section
The Public Affairs Section of the US Embassy in Yerevan is responsible for the public diplomacy activities of the U.S. Embassy in Armenia, including media relations, cultural and educational activities, and the Information Resource Center (IRC). We are also a partner in the American Corners program.
Press and Media
The Press and Media Section is responsible for maintaining contacts with the local and foreign media, preparing and distributing press releases, setting up press events (press conferences, briefings, interviews, etc.) for resident and visiting U.S. government officials, Congressional delegations, and other official visitors.
The Press and Media Section also provides the local media with background information on U.S. policies, distributes selected articles and answers questions from the media. For press inquiries, please write YerevanUSPress@state.gov.
To receive Current Issues articles specifically about Europe and Caucasus, please email the U.S. Embassy Information Resource Center at ircyerevan@state.gov.
Offices of Defense Cooperation
About ODC
U.S. European Command builds partner capacity by executing security assistance and security cooperation programs using 44 Offices of Defense Cooperation (ODC) who work with their respective host nations, in close partnership with U.S. Embassy country team and under the direction of the U.S. Ambassador.
Security assistance and cooperation includes, but is not limited to, foreign military sales (FMS) of U.S. defense equipment, services and training, the management of the Foreign Military Financing (FMF), International Military Education and Training (IMET) grant funding, the Combating Terrorism Fellowship Program (CTFP), section 1206/1207 funding, the Global Peace Operations Initiative (GPOI), Counter-Threat Reduction and Warsaw Initiative Funding (WIF).
Additionally, these offices oversee military-to-military programs and play a key role in the State Partnership Program – an initiative that partners countries with states within the U.S.
Within the framework of the Ambassador’s Mission Strategic Plan and the command’s Theater Security Strategy, these offices strengthen bilateral security relationships, enhance partner capacity and promote effective civil-military relations.
Quick reference figures on the US EUCOM Office of Defense Cooperation (ODC) in Armenia:
3.2 million US Dollars. This has provided military education and language training for over 100 Officers, NCOs and junior enlisted soldiers.
Foreign Military Financing
(FMF) has amounted to
42 million US dollars since 2002. FMF has been used to promote professional military education, deployable expeditionary medical capacity, procurement of communications equipment, and the enhancement of the Armenian Peace Keeping Brigade’s capability to train and deploy. Humanitarian Assistance (HA): Nearly one million US Dollars are provided annually to schools, hospitals and orphanages throughout Armenia.
The USAID Mission to Armenia
For nearly two decades, the United States Agency for International Development has been a leading donor agency in Armenia, managing approximately two-thirds of the total U.S. assistance program. Over this time, USAID/Armenia’s programs have evolved from humanitarian assistance, targeting the immediate needs of the country, ravaged by earthquake, war and the post-independence economic collapse, and shifted towards promotion of long-term economic development, sound social policies and democratic reform.
USAID’s goal is to assist Armenia in achieving sustainable development through increased competitiveness, strengthened democractic governance, secure and reliable energy resources, higher quality social services, and a more empowered civil society. The strategic approach to realizing this vision is based on the principles of empowering agents of change, increasing Armenian society’s access to information and networks, and maximizing opportunities for alliances with development partners.
The Mission has strategic objectives in five principal areas: private sector growth, energy sector, democracy and governance, health and social sectors, peace and security/cross-border activities. In these areas, USAID is carrying out an ambitious program that balances the needs for macro-level reform and sustainability with the immediate demands to improve the quality of life of the Armenian people.
Виза в США через Ереван (Армения)
График записи на интервью в Посольство США в Ереване
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| С записью на собеседования в Посольство США в Ереване уже несколько месяцев наблюдаются существенные трудности. Прием нерезидентов (в т.ч. граждан России) в данной стране на постоянной основе приостановлен. Это связано с небольшим количеством слотов для записи на интервью, поэтому приоритет отдается резидентам Армении. Записаться в Ереван сейчас не легче, чем в Посольство США в Москве. |
| Посольство США в КИЕВЕ | |||
| Посольство США в БАКУ | |||
| Посольство США в ВАРШАВЕ | |||
| Посольство США в ВЕНЕ | |||
| Посольство США в НУР-СУЛТАНЕ | |||
| Посольство США в ПРАГЕ | |||
| Посольство США в ХЕЛЬСИНКИ | |||
| Посольство США в ТЕЛЬ-АВИВЕ | |||
| Посольство США в ЛОНДОНЕ | |||
| Посольство США в АНКАРЕ | |||
| Посольство США в РИМЕ | |||
| Посольство США в ПАРИЖЕ |
Многие россияне столкнулись с тем, что записаться на визовое собеседование в Посольство США в Армении очень сложно. На регулярной основе мест для нерезидентов данной страны просто нет, а редкие даты интервью, которые появляются внезапно, разбирают буквально за 5-10 минут. Если вы заполнили DS-160, создали личный кабинет и оплатили консульский сбор для назначения встречи с визовым офицером именно в Ереване, то следить за свободными датами на собеседование нужно в режиме онлайн. Потому как никаких сообщений о том, что в тот или иной день будет открыт график для записи, не предполагается. Записаться в Посольство США в Армении удается единицам.
В чем причина такой ограниченности приема россиян для оформления визы в американском представительстве в Ереване? Дело в том, что когда в 2017 году в РФ началось сокращение штата сотрудников Посольств и Консульств США, запись на интервью в диппредставительства была приостановлена. Образовалась большая очередь из тех, кто уже был записан, и чье собеседование отменили, а также тех, кто только собирался назначить встречу с офицером консульской службы. Затем ситуация усугубилась еще сильнее после закрытия Консульства в Санкт-Петербурге. Россияне, чтобы получить свою визу, стали выезжать за границу, в частности в Армению.
И у некоторого количества граждан нашей страны получилось пройти интервью и получить визу в Посольстве США в Ереване. Собеседования назначались достаточно быстро, визовые офицеры относились к жителям РФ благосклонно. Словом, все складывалось неплохо, и Армения была отличным вариантом для оформления визы. Однако спустя некоторое время очередь на запись к визовым офицерам стала существенно увеличиваться, свободных мест становилось все меньше. Это объясняется небольшим количеством сотрудников в данном дипломатическом представительстве Штатов, которые в силу высокой загруженности были вынуждены сильно ограничить прием нерезидентов.
Виза в США в Армении, Ереване
Подготовка к отпуску в США начинается с процесса оформления визы. Большая часть людей, желающих посетить Америку, даже отдалённо не знакома с процедурой подачи документов и прохождения интервью. Из-за этого часто и случаются непонимания и обидные отказы. В этой статье мы поделимся полезной информацией о работе Посольства США в Армении и расскажем, как нужно правильно подавать заявку на американскую визу в Ереване.
Виза США в Армении
Особенности получения американской визы в Армении.
Для получения визы США в Армении необходимо обращаться в Посольство г. Ереван, так как единственное представительство находится только в столице. Даты на собеседование доступны как для местных жителей, для россиян, так и для граждан других стран. Однако, стоит учесть, что приоритет отдаётся в первую очередь обладателям армянских паспортов, даже ВНЖ не является преимуществом при записи. Перед началом оформления визы стоит учесть несколько важных особенностей:
Как оформить визу в США в Ереване
Процесс оформления американской визы в Армении.
Прежде, чем попасть на собеседование к консулу в Посольство США в Ереване, каждому заявителю необходимо пройти несколько обязательных этапов. К каждому из них стоит отнестись со всей серьёзностью, ведь любые ошибки и неточности могут привести к отказу или даже запрету на въезд. Что же нужно сделать, чтобы подать заявку на американскую визу?
1. Создать и заполнить форму DS-160.
Независимо от страны подачи, первым делом заполняется анкета DS-160 на каждого заявителя. Уже на этом этапе совершается большое количество ошибок. Так как на вопросы анкеты отводится всего 30 минут, многие начинают торопиться и не проверять указанную информацию. К тому же, форма полностью на английском, что добавляет проблем тем, кто не владеет достаточным уровнем знаний иностранного языка. Немало сложностей возникает и с загрузкой фотографии: не все фотоателье делают правильное изображение, соответствующее требованиям. Почему эти нюансы так важны?
Дело в том, что анкета со всей информацией (данные о работе и образовании, планируемой поездке в США, а также прочие ответы) проходит предварительную проверку сотрудниками Посольства. Уже на основании того, что вы указываете в форме DS-160, принимается первичное решение об одобрении или отказе в визе в США в Армении. Именно поэтому стоит уделить больше внимания правильности заполнения всех данных, а в случае необходимости обратиться к специалистам за помощью.
3. Приехать в Посольство для прохождения собеседования.
В назначенный день необходимо прибыть в Посольство. Учтите, что нет смысла приезжать за несколько часов: в здание вас пустят минут за 15-20 до начала собеседования. Категорически не рекомендуется приносить с собой любую технику, в том числе и мобильные телефоны, жидкости и даже лекарства. С объёмными рюкзаками и сумками вход в Посольство запрещён. Возьмите только самое необходимое: документы, загранпаспорт и подтверждение записи. После процедуры личного досмотра вас пригласят на интервью.
Какие сроки ожидания собеседования в Армении, Ереване
Как долго ждать интервью.
Прежде чем отправляться в Армению для получения визы в Америку, необходимо ознакомиться с предварительными сроками ожидания собеседования.
| Посольство США в Армении | Время ожидания собеседования | Сроки проставления визы | Язык собеседования |
| Посольство США в Ереване | от 12 дней | до 3 рабочих дней | русский, армянский, фарси, английский |
Увидеть самую последнюю информацию о наличии свободных дат можно здесь: Новости визы в США в Армении.
Статистика и процент отказов визы США в Армении
Как часто отказывают в Армении.
Американскую визу одобряют далеко не всем. Для каждой страны существует своя статистика, которая обновляется ежегодно. Посмотреть актуальные данные по отказам визы США в Армении можно здесь: Статистика отказов в визе США в Армении. А также процент отказов в России и других странах.
Виза США в Армении с помощью NYC-Brooklyn
Одобрение визы в США: советы.
На результат собеседования влияют многие факторы, но ключевую роль играет правильность заполнения формы DS-160 и поведение на интервью. Если грамотно подойти к этим двум этапам, визу можно получить с первого раза. Главное, на что обращают внимание консулы при оценке вашей ситуации, — это совпадение ответов анкеты с тем, что вы говорите на собеседовании. Как безошибочно заполнить форму без отличного знания английского? Всё просто: обращайтесь к нам за подготовкой вашей анкеты. С нами ваши шансы возрастут. Мы переведём всю информацию на английский язык, подготовим личный кабинет на сайте посольства США в Армении и вам останется только пройти интервью.
Мы на протяжении 10 лет оказываем услуги по заполнению электронной формы DS-160 и сбору всех необходимых документов, а также помогаем настроиться на интервью. Десятки наших клиентов получили одобрение визы в США в Армении и уже исполнили свою мечту!
U.S. Embassy in Armenia
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Nonimmigrant Visas
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, United States Embassy Yerevan remains unable to resume routine visa operations. We are currently offering as many appointments as local conditions, resources, and safety considerations allow in mission-critical visa categories, including a limited number of appointments for petition-based employment visas, student visas, and exchange visitor visas. We encourage all applicants to be mindful of the constraints and also to apply early. Appointments will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis as capacity allows.
Nonimmigrant Visa Updates: The U.S. Mission to Armenia understands that many visa applicants have paid the visa application processing fee and are still waiting to schedule a visa appointment. We are working diligently to restore all routine visa operations as quickly and safely as possible. In the meantime, rest assured that the U.S. Mission will extend the validity of your payment (known as the MRV fee) until September 30, 2023, to allow all applicants who were unable to schedule a visa appointment as a result of the suspension of routine consular operations an opportunity to schedule and/or attend a visa appointment with the already paid fee. Please continue to monitor this site for information on when we will return to routine visa operations.
If you have an urgent matter and need to travel immediately, please follow the guidance provided at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-am/niv to request an emergency appointment.
Please see https://am.usembassy.gov/visas/ for important information on restrictions on travel to the United States due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Nonimmigrant Visa Application Numbers: For additional information on the updated process for nonimmigrant visa application numbers, please see: https://am.usembassy.gov/visas/nonimmigrant-visas/non-immigrant-visa-application-numbers/
Please see this link for additional information on Visa Document Courier Services.
Contact Us
For all inquiries regarding scheduling appointments, paying the MRV fee, submitting an application, or any other questions regarding non-immigrant visas please contact our contract service provider Global Support Services (GSS) by clicking here: English, Farsi, Armenian.
For all other inquiries please use the contact information below:
• U.S. citizen issues – acsyerevan@state.gov
• Non-immigrant visa inquiries – consyerevan@state.gov
• Non-immigrant visa inquiries for Iranian nationals – IranNIVYerevan@state.gov
• Immigrant visa or adoption inquiries – ivyerevan@state.gov
• Immigrant visa inquiries for Iranian nationals – IranIVYerevan@state.gov
• If you have any information regarding fraudulent visa applications, please contact YerevanFPU@state.gov.
Mail:
You should only send documents to the consular section via mail if specifically instructed or requested by consular staff. Please do not send any unsolicited documents in advance of an applicant’s interview, as they will not be matched to the applicant’s case and will not be reviewed prior to the visa interview. Applicants should bring any relevant documents with them to their interview.
Our mailing address is:
Consular Section
U.S. Embasssy
1 American Avenue
Yerevan 0082
Armenia
UPDATED! E Visa Processing
Electronic submission is the only acceptable method for E visa submission! Cases must be submitted to: YerevanE2Visas@state.gov. Please use the e-mail subject line: “Surname, Given Name, Business Name, E Visa Application”. Use this email address for specific E visa questions as well as regarding E visa cases already submitted. The initial case review time is between 2-4 weeks.
The E visa package, submitted electronically, should not exceed 7MB (about 100 pages, pdf only). You may use multiple attachments. Do NOT send “linked” or zipped files, as we cannot access or open these. Please scan documents with a maximum of 300 DPI to keep file size small.
Dependents of “E” visa applicants/holders:
Dependents (spouse and/or minor children) who intend to apply for their “E” visas together with the main “E” visa applicant should submit their “E” visa application(s) together with the main applicant’s “E” visa application. The supporting documentation (DS-160 confirmation page for each dependent, marriage certificate for spouses, and birth certificates for children) must be added to and submitted with the main applicant’s “E” visa supporting documentation package.
Dependents (spouse and/or minor children) who intend to follow to join the main applicant who is already in possession of a valid “E” visa and has been admitted in “E” visa status into the U.S. should follow the “E” visa application process (described below in detail) and send the supporting documentation (DS-160 confirmation page for each dependent, marriage certificate for spouses, and birth certificates for children) to YerevanE2Visas@state.gov.
Please note that all dependent “E” visa applicants also must pay the “E” visa application fee.
For information on how to apply for E-visas and for the list of supporting documents, please see PDF files below:
Visiting the Embassy
Please come for your interview fully prepared with your supporting documentation. You should arrive at the consular section no earlier than 20 minutes before your scheduled appointment time. You will not be admitted into the embassy for your interview more than 15 minutes prior to your appointment time. Applicants may spend up to two 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.
Interview Waiver
Applicants for A and G visa categories are generally visa interview and application fee exempt, and should submit their documents (passport, application confirmation page, one recent visa photo, dip note from MFA or note verbal as appropriate, birth and/or marriage certificates for derivative family members) to our office any Tuesday or Thursday from 11:00 – 12:00. It takes from 2-4 business days to process such applications. Exceptions outside these hours require prior approval by contacting Consyerevan@state.gov.
As of October 1, 2021, the United States Embassy in Armenia will begin waiving consular interviews for applicants renewing a visa and meeting certain criteria, including the following:
Special interview exemption
Applicants may qualify for interview waiver if they are below the age of 14 and over the age of 79. For applicants under 14 years old, this special exemption applies if they are traveling with at least one parent or legal guardian.
Additional Documents Required for Applicants Under Age 14
In addition to the standard documents required for each visa type, the following documents are required for applicants under 14 using this special exemption:
Applicants older than 79 do not have any special documentation requirements other than what is required by the specific visa type, as noted on the visa information page, which can be viewed when scheduling your appointment online.
If you meet all the above criteria, you may follow the steps below to see if you qualify to renew your visa without an in-person interview.
CAUTION: You must first cancel your existing consular appointment to see if you qualify for an interview waiver. If you do not qualify for an interview waiver after completing the steps below, you will need to schedule a new consular appointment based on current appointment availability. The next available appointment might be further in the future than the appointment that you currently have scheduled. (Please be aware that if you do not meet the interview waiver criteria, you must attend an in-person interview and should not take the steps below. Instead, you should prepare to attend the interview appointment you have already scheduled.)
Steps to determine eligibility for a consular interview waiver:
The system will determine your eligibility for an interview waiver based on your revised information and provide instructions on how to submit your visa renewal application to the Consular Section. If you do not qualify for an interview waiver after revising your information, you will be instructed to schedule a new appointment for a consular interview.
If you meet the above-mentioned criteria and qualify for interview waiver, you may submit your nonimmigrant visa applications via courier services. For more information, please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-AM/niv/information/courier. Applicants can also designate third parties to drop off and pick up their passports for them by providing a letter of authorization signed by the applicant that contains the third party’s full legal name and a photocopy of the applicant’s identification (passport or national ID card). For more information, please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/.
IMPORTANT NOTES: Qualifying for an interview waiver IS NOT the same as qualifying for a visa. At consular officer’s discretion you may be required to appear for interview.
Please note that if your most recent visa was lost or stolen, you will need to attend an in-person interview.
FOR IRANIAN, RUSSIAN & SYRIAN APPLICANTS: Current guidelines require that all Iranian, Russian and Syrian nationals applying for a visa must apply in person, regardless of age, visa category, or renewal status. This includes Iranian, Russian and Syrian nationals who also hold Armenian passports.
Students (F and M applicants) are eligible for interview waiver, provided the applicant is re-applying to renew the same visa classification not more than 48 months after the date on which the prior visa expired and provided the applicant is renewing his or her visa either to: (a) continue participation in the same major course of study even if at a different institution; or (b) attend the same institution even if in a different major course of study.
Exchange visitor visas (J visas) may only be renewed without an interview if the exchange visitor will continue participation in the same exchange visitor program, with the same Student and Exchange Visitor Information System (SEVIS) number from the previously issued visa.
An H-1B visa holder applying for an L-1 visa, an E-2 derivative spouse applying for a visa as an E-2 principal, or an F-2 derivative visa holder applying for an F-1 visa as the principal student all would need to appear for an interview.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for a non-immigrant visa?
Please click here for step-by-step instructions.
Where can I find general information on non-immigrant visas, such as resources to help me decide which type of visa to apply for?
It is likely that most of your questions can be answered using the resources provided on the State Department’s site. For information regarding visa denials, please click here.
My interview only lasted a few minutes. Is it normal for visa decisions to be made this quickly?
Due to the high demand for non-immigrant visas, we conduct dozens or even hundreds of interviews per day. As a result, our consular officers are trained to determine visa eligibility during the course of a brief interview. Your application also provides a great deal of information regarding your eligibility for a visa, and the consular officer will review it closely, usually before you arrive at the window for your interview.
What is the consular officer looking for in a visitor visa (B1/B2) interview?
According to Section 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, the consular officer must assume that all applicants for tourist visas are intending immigrants. That means it is your responsibility to demonstrate that you plan to use the visa for its intended purpose. The consular officer will primarily be looking at the intent of your travel and your ties to your home country.
For more information on refusals under section 214(b): http://travel.state.gov/content/visas/en/general/denials.html
What constitutes ties?
Ties include any aspect of your life that binds you to your home country. These can include but are not limited to familial, social, professional, and financial ties, as well as a pattern of prior travel. Each person’s circumstances are different, so there is no single definition of strong ties.
Why did the consular officer make a decision without looking at my documents?
If you feel that you have documents that are important to demonstrating your ties or explaining the purpose of your travel (such as bank documents or a conference registration), you should bring them with you to the interview. However, consular officers are trained to base their decisions largely on the answers you provide during the interview, as well as your application form. We encourage you to focus on clearly and honestly answering the questions the officer is asking of you rather than on attempting to present a wide array of documents.
I’ve already purchased my ticket for travel to the U.S. Am I guaranteed a visa?
We encourage applicants to wait until after their visa interview before purchasing plane tickets. The purchase of a plane ticket in most cases will have very little influence on a consular officer’s decision.
My relative in the U.S. has promised to fund my travel. Should I provide a letter of invitation?
Applicants sometimes place a great deal of importance on letters of invitation or support from relatives and friends. While you are welcome to bring a letter of invitation, please be aware that in most cases they do not heavily influence the officer’s decision. We understand that friends or family may be paying for plane tickets and/or food and lodging. However, a promise to support a friend or relative is usually not sufficient to prove that the applicant has strong ties to their home country and will return. Even if someone else is bearing the cost of the trip, the applicant must prove that she or he will be compelled to come back to their residence abroad after a brief stay in the U.S.
Isn’t it better not to disclose that I have close relatives living in the United States, that I have an immigrant visa petition on file, or that I have previously been denied? What are the consequences if I conceal or misrepresent information or submit fraudulent documents?
You should always be honest with the consular officer, and answer any questions posed to the best of your ability. We understand that many people have relatives in the United States but intend only a short visit, or have immigrant visa petitions on file but do not plan to immigrate at this time. Having family in the U.S. or having an immigrant visa petition on file does not automatically disqualify you from getting a visa. Failure to disclose these facts, many of which are most likely already known to the interviewing officer, can irreparably damage an applicant’s credibility and result in a denial. When an interviewing officer uncovers any attempt to conceal or misrepresent facts, the application will be denied and the applicant may be found permanently ineligible to enter the United States.
What if I’ve been refused under section 214(b) in the past? Does that disqualify me?
A refusal under section 214(b) is not permanent. You may reapply at any time after a refusal under section 214(b). The consular officer will take your previous refusal into account but will give you an opportunity to explain why you now believe you qualify.
Can I appeal the decision?
Determinations of eligibility for a non-immigrant visa cannot be appealed. Keep in mind that a refusal under 214(b) is not permanent, and you can reapply at any time. We encourage you to reapply only if you believe that your situation has changed since your previous refusal or you have additional information that could help to overcome the presumption of immigrant intent. When possible, you will see a different interviewing officer to ensure fairness.
What if I overstayed a previous visa, but do not plan to break the law in the future?
Overstaying a visa may result in your being ineligible for a tourist visa for a period of time after your departure from the United States. However, depending on the period of time that you were unlawfully present, you may not be ineligible at all. You should clearly and honestly explain your situation to the consular officer. For more information, click here and scroll down to “INA Section 212(a)(9)(B)(i) – Unlawful Presence in the United States.”
The officer told me that my case is in administrative processing. When will my visa be ready?
We cannot provide an exact timeline for the conclusion of your administrative processing, but it is not unusual for it to take several months. If you receive a request for further information or documents during your administrative processing, please reply quickly and completely in order to keeps the process moving. You can learn more about the process and check for your case number here.
For non-immigrant applicants, your case number begins with “AA…” and is located under the barcode on the “Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application (DS-160)” confirmation sheet that you printed out and brought to your interview. When your case number is announced on the page linked to above, please return your passport to the Embassy so that we can continue processing your case.
If my case does not require additional administrative processing, can I pick up my visa right after my interview?
We do not provide same-day or next-day visa pickup. Your visa will be delivered to you at the UMAKS service location at 27 Amiryan str, Yerevan from Monday through Friday from 09:00 AM to 6:00PM, excluding Armenian holidays. If your application is approved at your visa interview, your visa will be ready for pick up in approximately five business days. You’ll receive an email when the visa is ready for delivery.
You can confirm if your visa is ready to be picked up at https://ais.usvisa-info.com/. Select the country where you applied for your visa, and access your account using your email address and password that you created when scheduling your visa appointment. Your waybill number and the delivery status will appear on the “applicant summary” screen.
For more information please visit https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-AM/niv/information/courier.
My visitor visa has been issued. How long can I stay in the U.S., and when can I travel?
For Armenian citizens, a visitor visa will generally be valid for multiple entries within a period of ten years. Iranian citizens usually receive visitor visas valid for a single entry within a period of three months.
The date of expiration on your visa does NOT represent the last day that you can be in the United States. The validity period on the visa represents the time during which you may apply for admission into the United States. Therefore, the date of expiration is the last day that you may arrive at a U.S. port of entry to request permission to enter the country. For example, if your visa expires on May 13, 2017, you can travel to the U.S. and request admission at a port of entry until midnight on May 13, 2017. The U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent at the port of entry will decide how long you are authorized to stay. You are required to depart before the date entered into your passport by the agent.
Please note that, even if the U.S. Customs and Border Patrol agent authorizes a stay of 6 months, visitors are generally expected to follow their original travel plans as provided to the consular officer. Significant changes in travel plans can impact future applications for travel to the U.S.
I have a paper I-94 form. What information do I need to know?
The I-94 is now an automated form. All of your questions regarding the I-94 can be answered on the Customs and Border Patrol website.
How can I contact the consular section with questions?
The best way to reach us is by email. We monitor email messages closely and respond as quickly as possible. You can reach us at ConsYerevan@State.gov. Iranian applicants should contact us at IranNIVYerevan@State.gov. The answers to most questions are available on this site as well as the State Department’s visa information site. Please read both thoroughly before contacting us.
Iranian Applicants
How long should I plan to remain in Armenia?
We understand that you have traveled a long way and therefore we process visa applications as quickly as possible. If your case is approved and does not require additional administrative processing, your visa will normally be ready 5 business days after your interview. If you must return to Iran before your visa is ready, you may arrange to have your passport delivered at a later date in order for us to print your visa.
Do I need to schedule my appointment through a travel agency?
While some applicants prefer to work with a travel agency, these agencies will normally charge an additional appointment fee that is not required by the Embassy.
We have seen several cases in which third parties have filled in incorrect information on an applicant’s form. Please keep in mind that you are solely responsible for the content of your application. Incorrect or misleading information can lead to a denial of your application. Also, please ensure that you indicate in the space provided on the DS-160 form whether a third party assisted you in preparing the application.
Administrative Processing Status for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
Some cases may require additional administrative processing, and the applicants will be notified about that at the end of the interview. Due to the high volume of applications, unfortunately, we are not able to provide you the approximate date when this processing will be finished, however due consideration is given to program start dates for students and exchange visitors. Once the processing is finished, your case number will be posted on the Embassy website. If your case number is not announced, you can safely assume that it is still pending. Please make sure you check the status of your case here by using your DS-160 barcode number. NOTE: Please consider the above link as the only reliable source for tracking your case status.
Student (F and J visa) applicants should notify us of any changes to their program start date, school, field of study, or SEVIS number before returning their passport to us for issuance. Without being notified of this information, student visas may be printed with errors. Misprinted student visas will not be reprinted.