Visas to the U.S.

Moldova Agroindbank to accept U.S. visa application fees

Starting April 15, select branches of Moldova-Agroindbank will accept payment of the $131 (1375.50 Moldovan lei) U.S. nonimmigrant visa application fee -- the “machine-readable visa” or MRV fee.  This new service is free of additional charge to visa applicants.  Visa applicants will be required to present the receipt for payment of the application fee for all applications after April 28, 2008.

This free, secure service is the U.S. Embassy’s most recent effort to streamline visa procedures for Moldovan visa applicants.  The new process will be more convenient for visa applicants, and shorten the length of time spent at their visa interview appointments.  It will also help address the growing demand for U.S. visas, which nearly doubled in 2007, and is on track to be even greater in 2008.

The U.S. Congress mandates that visa applicants worldwide pay the $131 (1375.5 Moldovan lei, at the current rate of exchange) application fee for U.S. nonimmigrant visas.  The U.S. Embassy establishes the fee's price in lei, based on the current rate of exchange.

The new payment system has many advantages. Applicants do not need to pay in person.  Friends, colleagues or family can make the payment at a Moldova-Agroindbank branch on the applicant’s behalf by presenting either the applicant’s passport, bulletin, or its photocopy.  The bank tellers need only the applicant’s name, as written in his or her passport, and the passport or bulletin number.  The transaction takes just minutes and can be done at the applicant’s convenience any day prior to the visa interview date. There are no banking fees assessed for this service.

Applicants will receive a secure paper receipt from Moldova-Agroindbank in exchange for their payment. This receipt must be presented with the visa application at the U.S. Embassy at the time of the visa interview to confirm payment and will be retained with the visa application

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VISAS TO THE U.S.

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What is a visa?

A visa is issued by a U.S. Embassy or Consulate and entitles the holder to travel to the United States and apply for admission; it does not guarantee entry.  An immigration inspector at the port of entry determines the visa holder's eligibility for admission into the United States.

Who needs a visa?

Most travelers from Moldova require visas to enter the United States, although some holders of foreign passports may qualify for the Visa Waiver Program (VWP).  Travelers born in the United States and those who hold dual citizenship with the United States must enter and depart the United States on U.S. passports.

How do I apply for a visa?

Ordinary visa applicants should complete the Electronic Visa Application Form DS-156 (EVAF) and then schedule an appointment using the online NIV Appointment System.

We urge all travelers to apply for visas well in advance of their planned travel, but understand that in certain cases situations arise beyond applicants’ control.  In those cases, the Embassy can provide expedited appointments for visa interviews.  Some examples of applications that would qualify for expedited service include:

• Medical cases
• Business or other emergent travel
• Students/Exchange visitors whose programs are about to start

To request an expedited appointment or schedule a group of 10 persons or more, please send an email describing your request to Chisinau-CA@state.gov with the words “Expedited Appointment” in the subject line.  We will make every effort to provide visa interview appointments for those with legitimate emergencies.

Visa Processing Time

Most applicants receive their visas the day after their interviews. However, some cases may require additional processing, which could result in a delay of up to six weeks or more.  Please note that once an application is submitted processing cannot be expedited.

Visa Appointment Wait Time

Wait times for a nonimmigrant visa interview appointment may differ greatly depending on the time of the year. Please apply early. For more about "visa wait times", see here.

Visa Issuance

No assurance regarding the issuance of non-immigrant visas can be given in advance. Final travel plans or the purchase of non-refundable air tickets should not be made until you have been approved and have received your visa.

Visa Denials

For more information on visa denials, see here.

Why is there a fee?

The United States Congress requires American embassies and consulates to collect a $131 Machine Readable Visa (MRV) application fee for each application processed. These fees are used to pay for security improvements to the United States visa and entry control system.

All non-immigrant visa applicants must pay a nonrefundable $131 visa application fee, payable in cash in U.S. dollars or in the equivalent amount of Moldovan lei.
The only applicants exempt from this fee are those who are applying for diplomatic visas, and J-1 (exchange visitor program) applicants participating in sponsored by the State Department's Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs or USAID.  Those programs are identified as G-1, G-2, G-3, or G-7 on the DS-2019. Any programs that are not sponsored by the Department of State or USAID, even if identified by the G-1, G-2, G-3 or G-7 program code, must pay the visa application fee.