June 23, 2003

Appointments for Nonimmigrant Visa Interviews

APPOINTMENTS REQUIRED

All applicants for non-immigrant visas must submit their nonimmigrant visa applications for adjudication. All applicants - except for those listed in the exception categories below - must appear for a visa interview. Except for those listed in exception (A) or (B), all applicants must appear for an interview at the time set by the United States Consulate. Only applicants in exception (A) may appear for an interview without an appointment. Applicants in exception (B) may be exempted from the interview requirement.

HOW TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT

The first step is to pay the $100 application-processing fee at any branch of Banca Transilvania in Romania. Click here for branch locations. Please note that this visa fee is a processing fee and is not refundable even if you decide not to apply for a visa.

After payment, almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants must appear for a scheduled visa interview at the Consular Section of the United States Embassy in Bucharest. The only exceptions are listed below. An appointment for the earliest available interview will be made automatically, based on the information the applicant supplies when paying the fee at Banca Transilvania. The date and time of the interview will be posted on the Interview Schedule page of the Embassy website. Applicants should check the website within four business days after paying the fee.

We understand that not all people in Romania have direct access to the Internet. If you do not have direct access, we suggest asking a relative, friend, or travel agent to help you find out when your appointment is scheduled, or visit a local Internet café to access the embassy website. Should you find it impossible to access our website, you may call us at (021) 252-4762 between the hours of 1500-1700 to get your appointment time. This method is NOT RECOMMENDED due to the heavy volume of telephone calls.

There is a lengthy explanation of recommended supporting documentation on this website. However, simply presenting documentation during an interview does not guarantee that an applicant will receive a visa. Please click here and review this information prior to the interview.

If the applicant is unable to come to an interview on the date scheduled, he or she may send a request to be rescheduled either by fax to (021) 211-3360 or by e-mail to programare@state.gov. If unable to contact the Consulate by these methods, the applicant may call (021) 252-4762 Monday throught Friday between 1500-1700. We will attempt to honor requests for later dates made in a timely manner. However, requests for earlier dates will be accepted only in the case of a serious emergency (such as a medical emergency) or severe hardship. (Please note: inconvenience to the travel plans of the traveler or sponsor does not qualify as a severe hardship). There may be a four- to six-week period between the date of payment and the appointment date. The consular section advises that applicants NEVER purchase nonrefundable tickets until a visa has been issued.

If an applicant misses his or her appointment, he or she must reschedule by fax at (021) 211-3360 or by e-mail at programare@state.gov. If unable to contact the Consulate by these methods, the applicant may call (021) 252-4762 between 1500-1700. Applicants must not come to the Embassy before rescheduling; we will not accept his or her application.

Interview Exceptions

1. Individuals applying for one of the following types of visas may present themselves for an interview on any consulate business day (Monday - Thursday) at 9:00am without an appointment:
   • Renewal of Student visa (F) with a valid SEVIS I-20 (and dependent family members);
   • Renewal of Exchange Visitor Visa (J) with a valid DS-2019 (and dependent family members);
   • Employment Visa (E, H, L, O, P, or Q) with an original I-797 approval notice (and dependent family members);
   • Crewmember visa (C1/D) with a current employment letter.
   Even though applicants may appear without an appointment, an appointment will be set for every person who pays the fee at Banca Transilvania. We recommend that applicants appear at that appointment time if at all possible. If too many applicants appear at 9:00am on a particular day, some may be turned away and asked to return another day.
2. Applicants over age 65 or under age 16 (if traveling with parents who have valid U.S. visas) may utilize the Drop Box or DHL service and do not need to appear for an appointment. Please click here for instructions.