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:

• For visa related inquires use “Visa Navigator”
• 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

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:

• How to Apply (PDF 50 KB)
• Supporting Documents (PDF 46 KB)

Arrival 

We strongly advise visitors to arrive 15 minutes before their scheduled appointment time.  In some cases, we may not be able to accommodate visitors who arrive more than 15 minutes late.  There is no parking for visa applicants at or around the Embassy. Please plan accordingly. Visa applicants may only enter the Embassy from Admiral Isakov Avenue.   

Security Regulations

The Embassy does not permit interested parties such as friends, relatives, attorneys, or business contacts to attend nonimmigrant visa interviews with the applicant. All applicants will be screened by security personnel before entering the Embassy. The following items are not permitted:

You are not allowed to enter the U.S. Embassy while carrying any of the following items:

• Battery-operated or electronic devices such as mobile phones, digital diaries, smart watches, pagers, cameras, audio/video cassettes, compact discs, MP3s, floppy disks, laptops, or portable music players
• Large shoulder bags/purses – only bags that can be carried by hand will be permitted
• Bags such as travel bags, backpacks, briefcases, suitcases, leather, cloth bags, and zip folders – you can only carry plastic bags containing application-related papers
• Food and liquid items
• Sealed envelopes or packages
• Cigarettes, cigars, match boxes, lighters
• Sharp objects such as scissors, pen knives or nail files
• Weapons or explosive materials of any kind. 

This list is not exhaustive. Other items may be prohibited at the discretion of security staff. There is no facility at the U.S. Embassy to store prohibited items. You must make arrangements to store these items before entering. If you arrive at the Embassy with suitcases or travel bags, you will be turned away and required to make another appointment.

Due to security considerations, there is no information window for walk-in visitors at the U.S. Embassy. Only visa applicants with scheduled interviews will be admitted.

Notice: Starting December 15, 2022, we will no longer accept Interview Waiver applications for applicants under age 14. Applicants under age 14 must appear in person with one parent and must have individual appointments.

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 using our Visas Navigator to contact us.

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:

• Applicants applying for another visa of the same visa class as the previous visa; and
• The visa is still valid or has expired within the last 48 months; and
• The applicant is a citizen of Armenia who normally lives in Armenia; and
• The applicant has never been denied a visa, unless denial was subsequently overcome and
• The applicant has complied with all the terms of the previous visa.

Special interview exemption

Applicants may qualify for interview waiver if they are over the age of 79.

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:

1. Log into your account on https://ais.usvisa-info.com/en-am/niv/ and click on the “Continue” button.
2. Select the “Cancel Appointment” option and confirm the cancellation request.
3. Click on the menu, select the “Edit” option, review your profile and update as needed on the Edit Applicant page, click the “Save” button, even if you did not change any information.
4. Finally, select the condition statements that apply to you and click the “Confirm” button.

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 AND SYRIAN APPLICANTS: Current guidelines require that all Iranian and Syrian nationals applying for a visa must apply in person, regardless of age, visa category, or renewal status. This includes Iranian and Syrian nationals who also hold Armenian passports.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

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.

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 using our Visas Navigator.  Click or tap here to go to our Visas Navigator now. You will find the answers to most questions there. If you can’t find your answer there, the Navigator will provide a way to contact 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.

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.

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.