Top Ten FAQ

1. Why is it so difficult to get a U.S. visa?

Actually, it's not. Though the rules can seem strict, a large majority of Azerbaijani applicants are actually granted visas. However, like at every American Embassy worldwide, a visa applicant must show that they are qualified under American law to receive a visa. If the visa applicant can't show that they are qualified, then the consular officer must turn down the applicant.


2. I was turned down for a visa and I don't understand why.

American visa law can seem quite complex. However, for almost all of the visa denials in Azerbaijan, one portion of American law – Section 214(b) of the U.S. Immigration and Nationality Act – is the key issue. This part of American law says that all consular officers must consider visa applicants as people who intend to immigrate to the U.S., and that a visa cannot be issued until the applicant shows otherwise. If there is any doubt or ambiguity on this issue, a consular officer has to turn down the application.

If a visa application is denied, the consular officer will always provide a written explanation of the relevant aspect of American law – we can provide this information in Azerbaijani, Russian or English. Unfortunately, because of the number of cases we must process, we usually don't have enough time to go into lengthy explanations every time we have to say no.

If you want to know more about the Immigration and Nationality Act, please see: http://uscis.gov/graphics/lawsregs/INA.htm.

For a more detailed discussion about why visa applications are denied, please see: http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi_denials.html.


3. Why does it cost so much to get a U.S. visa?

There is a standard fee worldwide of US $131. This fee is meant to cover all costs associated with the processing of a visa application: This includes data-entry, relevant security and name checks and advance reviews by a consular officer. The fee is mandated by the United States Congress.

4. Why doesn't the Embassy refund my money if my visa is refused?

The visa application fee which all applicants pay is meant to cover the costs associated with processing the application. These actions take place regardless of whether a visa is issued or not.


5. Do I have to know someone or say something special in order to get a visa? Do I have to have an invitation from someone in the U.S.?

No. Consular officers don't want to hear artificial information or pre-rehearsed answers from visa applicants, and they're not going to be persuaded by fancy-looking invitation letters from a distant relative or a person you've never met. It's much more important that a visa applicant be able to provide clear and honest answers to questions which the consular officer might ask. Providing full and clear information on the visa application, and providing appropriate supporting documents is the best strategy to maximize your chances of getting a visa.


6. If I get the visa, how long am I permitted to stay in the U.S.?

That decision is made at the time you enter the United States by an inspector from the U.S. Bureau of Citizenship and Immigration Services (BCIS). The period of validity of a visa relates only to the length of time during which the holder may travel to the United States and apply for admission at a port of entry. It does not determine the length of stay. If, while you are in the United States, you find that you need to stay there longer than the period of time initially granted to you, you must contact the nearest office of the BCIS to apply for an extension of your stay. The BCIS has sole jurisdiction over such matters.

For a more detailed discussion, please see: http://uscis.gov/graphics/howdoi/extendstay.htm.


7. I want to work in the U.S. What should I do?

Regardless of whether you want to work in the United States for one day or one year, you must first have a visa which permits you to work. There are many different types of work visas, and most of them require advance coordination with an employer in the United States. You should look carefully at the following websites before proceeding further.

http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/business.html

http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/business_temp.html

Finally, be careful! We want all applicants to know that it is illegal to work in the United States without the correct visa. The penalties for getting caught are strict, and there are many unscrupulous employers who are willing to cheat, mistreat or otherwise take advantage of illegal workers in the U.S.


8. I want to study in the U.S. What should I do?

You need to have a student visa if you want to study in the U.S. There are several different kinds of visas.  For more information, please see: http://unitedstatesvisas.gov/studying.html.

In most cases, you will need to prepare and select a school in advance. It can be difficult to do this from far away, so you may want to start by looking at this website: http://educationusa.state.gov/.

Finally, it's important to know that it is illegal to study in the U.S. if you have not been issued an appropriate student visa.


9. I have a visa that's still valid, but it's in an old expired passport. What do I do?

Good news: You don't need to do anything! You can travel to the U.S. if you carry both your new, valid passport and your old passport with the valid visa inside (assuming the visa has not been damaged). However, if you want to do so, you may apply for a new visa to be put inside your new passport, but you'll have to pay a visa application fee.


10. I am not an Azerbaijani citizen.  Can I apply for my visa in Baku?

We are able to accept applications from individuals who are in Azerbaijan temporarily, however please note that applicants who do not reside in Azerbaijan have the best chance for visa issuance if applying in their home country.

If you are an Azeribaijani citizen residing outside of Azerbaijan you do not need to apply for your visa in Baku.

Please note: The U.S. Embassy in Baku is unable to accept visa applications from citizens of Iran who are not resident in Azerbaijan. Iranian applicants should contact the U.S. embassies in Abu Dhabi, UAE or Ankara, Turkey or the consulate in Dubai, UAE for application information.