U.S. embassy abolishes visa interviews for some ArmeniansMay 21, 2014 - 14:22 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - The U.S. Embassy no longer requires visa interviews for residents of Armenia who are applying for a non-immigrant visa and are under the age of 10, over the age of 79, or certain applicants who are renewing their visas. With the implementation of the Interview Waiver Program, Embassy Yerevan seeks to make the visa application process quick and simple for elderly applicants, families traveling with young children, and frequent travelers, according to a press release. In announcing the program, Consul George Lynn said, “The Interview Waiver Program will result in increased cultural, educational, and commercial interaction between Armenia and the United States, further strengthening the bonds between our nations. This program facilitates legitimate travel to the United States while maintaining the integrity of the visa application process and national security safeguards.” Consular officers still have the discretion to require an interview from any applicant, even if they qualify for an interview waiver. In addition, a small number of qualified Interview Waiver Program applicants will be randomly selected for interviews. Applicants who are renewing a visa and meeting all of the following qualifications are eligible: - If applying for the same visa classification as the previous/current visa (NOTE: Only B1/B2, D, F, I, J, M, O, and Q applicants are eligible. F applicants are not eligible if they are changing both their program AND their school. J applicants are not eligible if they have changed their SEVIS ID number); and - The bio data has not changed (name, place of birth and date of birth); - The previous visa had the full validity available for the visa class (normally multiple entry, 12-month validity); - The previous visa is currently valid, or has expired within the last 12 months. Top stories David Vardanyan is the son of former Karabakh leader Ruben Vardanyan who who is currently imprisoned in Azerbaijan. Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan has met with Stephan Schütz, Executive Partner at Gerkan, Marg and Partners. The number of state universities will be reduced from 23 to 8 by 2030, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sport Zhanna Andreasyan has said. From September 21 to November 11, a total of 2,820 Russians registered at a place of residence in Armenia, the police has said. Partner news | Mirzoyan says meeting with Bayramov was “constructive” At the moment, Ararat Mirzoyan said, there is no basis for additional comments. OSCE vows support for Armenia “in all three directions of security” Achieving stable peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan remains a priority of the OSCE, said Ian Borg. France welcomes Armenia-Azerbaijan meeting in Almaty France has welcomed the new round of negotiations between the foreign ministers of Armenia and Azerbaijan. IDBank issues 2nd tranche of dollar bonds of 2024 On May 13, 2024, IDBank placed registered coupon bonds under the abbreviation AMANLBB2PER9. |