Frequently Asked questions (FAQ's) about Visa services

Q: How long does it take to get visa?

A: Visas are usually available at 16:00 on the NEXT working day after your interview day; however, certain exceptions apply. If your application is approved, you will be advised at the end of the interview when to pick up your visa and passport.

Q: Shall I translate supporting documents into English?

A: No, you can bring documents in Tajik and Russian.

Q: Shall I notarize documents or make notarized copies?

A: No, you can bring originals. After the interview, the Consular officer will return them to you.

Q: I am planning to stay in the United States for 4 months, while my visa is valid only for three months. What can I do?

A: Visa validity that is printed on your visa (usually 3 months from the day of interview) means that you can enter the United States during these 3 months. For example, your interview is on May 10. Your visa will be valid until August 09. You can enter the United States from May 10 through August 09. The period of stay is determined by a U.S. Immigration officer at the port of entry. Usually, it is 2 months for business and 6 months for private visitors, but that does not mean that you need to stay the whole period you were granted. However, you do need to leave the United States before the granted period expires.

Q: How much will a visa cost?

A: Please refer to the Fees for Non-Immigrant Visas section of our web site.

Q: Will I get my money back if I am refused a visa?

A: No, the Visa Processing Fee of $131 is non-refundable.

Q: How do Consular officers make visa decisions?

A: In adjudicating visa applications, Consular officers are guided by U.S. laws and regulations. The issuance of non-immigrant visas is governed by the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act of 1952, as amended. U.S. immigration law places the burden of proof on the visa applicant to show that he or she is not an intending immigrant. In other words, each non-immigrant visa applicant must prove to the Consular officer's satisfaction that he or she is not planning to travel to the U.S. in order to reside there permanently. Each applicant must demonstrate that he or she is traveling to the U.S. for a temporary stay and has strong ties that will compel him or her to return to the home country.

Q: What is section 214(b)?

A: For information on visa refusals under 214(b) of the Immigration and Nationality Act, please click here.

Q: If I was refused, can I apply again and if so, after what period?

A: Yes, you can reapply any time after you were refused. However, we do not recommend that you re-apply without any additional or new information that can demonstrate your strong social, economic ties to Tajikistan or changed circumstances of your life.

Q: Can I transfer my valid visa from my expired passport to my new passport?

A: There are two options:

• If you can keep your old passport with you, you do not need a new visa. Take the old passport with the valid visa and new passport together as your international ID.
• If you cannot keep your old passport, you need to apply for a new visa.

Q: How do I qualify for a U.S. non-immigrant visa?

A: A qualified applicant for a U.S. non-immigrant visa is able to demonstrate binding social, familial, and/or economic ties to Tajikistan which, in the opinion of the Consular officer, constitute a compelling need to return to Tajikistan after a temporary visit to the United States. Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires a Consular officer to presume that a visa applicant intends to immigrate to the United States until the applicant provides sufficient evidence to the contrary. For more information, please see the section on documents that can accompany a visa application.

Q: How long before my intended travel date should I apply for a visa?

A: The length of time between the date you submit your application and the date on which your interview will be scheduled varies depending upon fluctuations in the number of visa applicants. We recommend you schedule your appointment approximately two-three weeks prior to your desired departure date. This will provide for unexpected surges in the number of applicants or other unplanned delays in the process.

For Typical Appointment Wait and Processing Times - click here.

All applicants should be aware that the times given are current averages, and are subject to sharp seasonal fluctuations. Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional administrative processing or special requirements. In such cases, processing wait time will vary based on the individual circumstances of each application.

Q: How do I schedule a visa interview?

A: Please click here to make an Appointment for visa interview.

Q: Is it possible to get an interview appointment earlier than the one I currently have scheduled?

A: No, in general it is not possible to arrange for an interview earlier than your currently scheduled appointment.

In case of a medical emergency or other emergency travel, please refer to the Requesting an Expedited Appointment section of our web site.

Q: Where do I get the visa application forms?

A: Download them from our web site.

Q: Besides the visa application forms, what other documents do I need to submit to apply for a visa?

A: Please see Documents Required for a list of documents that may be helpful when applying for a visa.

Q: Does my young child need a visa to travel to the United States?

A: Yes. All Tajikistani citizens who are not legal permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) require a visa to visit the United States, regardless of age.

Q: I am not a Tajikistani citizen. Can I apply for a visa in Dushanbe?

A: While anyone can apply for a visa in Dushanbe, it will be more difficult for a Consular officer to determine the eligibility of visa applicants who are not residents of the Consular district where the interview is conducted. On the other hand, a Consular officer should be able to evaluate the visa qualifications of non-Tajikistani citizens who live in Tajikistan just as easily as those of Tajikistani applicants.

Q: As an American citizen, how can I assure the Consular officer my friend or relative is qualified for a visa?

A: Consular officers must evaluate the qualifications of the visa applicant. Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act requires the Consular officer to presume that all applicants for a non-immigrant visa do, in fact, intend to immigrate. Applicants may overcome this presumption by presenting evidence of binding social, familial, and economic ties to Kazakhstan that are sufficiently strong to compel the applicant to leave the U.S. after a temporary visit. The burden, therefore, is on the applicant to present such evidence at the time of the visa interview. Assurances from friends, family members or associates in the United States do not affect the applicant’s eligibility for visa issuance.

Q: I am an American citizen, can the Consular officer call me during the visa interview if s/he has questions about my friend or relative who is applying?

A: No, for two reasons. First, as noted above, the burden of qualification is on the applicant, and assurances from friends, family members, or associates in the United States do not affect the applicant’s ability to qualify for the visa. Second, the sheer volume of interviews and the cost of international calls make this impossible both in terms of time and cost.

Q: During my visa interview, I was told that my application required additional administrative processing that would last several weeks. How long do I have to wait?

A: The time required for administrative processing varies with each case. Be assured that we work hard to process all visa applications to conclusion as quickly as possible. In general the process takes 6-8 weeks, though sometimes the processing can last longer or be completed in much less time.

Q: My valid visa expires two days after I need to travel to the United States. Can I travel with this visa?

A: Yes. You may travel to the United States at any time during the validity of the visa. Again, the duration of your visit in the U.S. is not determined by the length of visa validity, but by the immigration official at the port of entry when you arrive in the United States.

Q: I am traveling through the U.S. on the way to another destination. Do I need a transit visa?

A: Yes, please see the Department of Homeland Security's web site. for details.

Q: What is the difference between an immigrant visa and a non-immigrant visa?

A: An immigrant visa is the one that allows a foreigner to immigrate to the United States. For details please visit the internet page at http://www.usembassy.kz/consular/iv.shtml on immigrant visas. A non-immigrant visa can be issued to an alien who wants to travel to the U.S. for a temporary stay. There are several different categories of non-immigrant visas (tourist, student, etc.). Please refer to the Visa Category Chart and the section on non-immigrant visas.