Skip Navigation
You Are In: Visas > Services > How to Apply
Skip Left Section Navigation

Services

How to Apply

Most applicants for nonimmigrant visas in Chisinau are required to shedule appointments for visa interviews online via the internet.

Applicants should first complete the Electronic Visa Application Form DS-156 (EVAF) online and print it out.  Next, applicants should make an appointment on the online NIV Appointment System.

On the day of the visa interview appointment, applicants should arrive at the U.S. Embassy no more than 15 minutes in advance of their scheduled appointment with all three pages of the DS-156 visa application, 5cm x 5cm color photograph, valid passport, "receipt for payment of the $131 application fee ", and supporting documentation (including DS-157 and/or DS-158 if applicable).

Successful visa applicants normally receive their visas the following day.

Electronic Visa Application Form DS-156 (EVAF)

The Electronic Visa Application Form DS-156 (EVAF) must be completed electronically, in English.  Incomplete forms will not be accepted.  If a question does not apply, write “none,”, “non-applicable,” or “n/a.”

Before filling out the forms online, please read the system requirements carefully. If you do not have the listed system requirements, you may not be able to complete the form online.

IMPORTANT: Each electronic form will have a barcode used for scanning the application when you appear at the Embassy for your interview appointment. 

Unacceptable barcodes (those that cannot be read by our scanner due to poor printer quality and other factors) will not be accepted.

unreadable barcode readable barcode
Prepare other documents required for your application.

Do not send documents to the Embassy. Bring your documents to the interview.

All applicants must present the following documents at the interview:

  • PASSPORT: Current and previous passports issued in the past ten years.  The passport must have at least six months validity remaining from the date of entry into the United States.
  • DS-156: Printout all three pages of the DS-156 filled out online.
  • PHOTOGRAPH: A 5cm x 5cm color photo with a white background, taken within the last six months. The head (measured from the top of the hair to the bottom of the chin) should measure between 25 to 35mm with the head centered in the frame facing straight. For more information, click here.
  • COMPLETED DS-157 APPLICATION FORM: Required for male applicants of all nationalities aged 16 to 45. Also required for all applicants over age 16, male or female, who are citizens of or born in Cuba, Iran, Libya, North Korea, Sudan, or Syria. The form requires Adobe Acrobat version 5.0 or above.
  • COURT AND/OR POLICE RECORDS: Applicants with arrest/criminal records must provide a copy of their court and/or arrest record (including cases that ended with an acquittal or pardon) and an English translation of those documents. In the event that there was no trial, bring a letter in English that explains the circumstances of the arrest. NOTE: Those who do not have arrest or criminal records do not need to provide any such documents.
  • APPOINTMENT CONFIRMATION PRINTOUT:  Please bring this to gain entry into the building.

Student Visa (F, M) or Exchange Visitor (J) applicants must also submit:
  • DS-158 APPLICATION FORM: All applicants (including dependents) aged 16 and above who are seeking F, M, or J visas are required to submit Form DS-158.
  • I-20: F1 and M1 students must include the original SEVIS I-20 form. Family members seeking F2 and M2 status need their own I-20 form.
  • DS-2019: J1 applicants must include the original SEVIS DS-2019 form. Family members seeking J2 status must submit their own DS-2019 form.
  • DS-7002: J1 applicants under "trainee" or "intern" categories will be required to submit a fully completed and signed Form DS-7002 from the program sponsor if Form DS-2019 was issued after July 19, 2007.
  • PROOF OF FUNDS TO COVER ALL EXPENSES: This could include bank statements or pay receipts. If you are applying for an F1 visa and planning to study for more than one year, bring proof of funds to cover the first year's expenses.
  • SCHOOL TRANSCRIPTS: If you have studied in the United States within the last five years, you must bring transcripts from the schools you attended during that time. If you have not attended school in the U.S. yet, you must provide transcripts of the most recent three years of study in Moldova or abroad.
  • SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY-RELATED PROGRAMS OR STUDY:  Applicants going to the United States to follow a science or technology-related course of study must bring a complete CV or resume, a complete list of publications (if applicable) and a letter of acceptance/invitation to the school or program.
  • If you are applying for Optional Practical Training (OPT) you should bring the original Employment Authorization card together with your I-20 Form.
  • Dependents: Submit a copy of the principal applicant's I-20 or DS-2019, together with a copy of the principal applicant's visa and birth or marriage records showing relation to principal applicant, if applying separately.

Temporary Work Visa (E, H, L) or Athletes and Artists Visa (O, P) applicants must also submit:


  • ORIGINAL I-797 APPROVAL NOTICE: Applicants for H, L, O or P visas need to submit the Notice of Action.
  • PHOTOCOPY OF I-129 PETITION (IF APPLICABLE)
  • PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT: Letter of job offer/contract and most recent pay statement from U.S. Company.
  • Dependents: Submit a copy of the I-797, together with a copy of the principal applicant's visa and birth or marriage records showing relation to principal applicant, if applying separately.