VISA SERVICEs

Immigrant Visas

On March 2, 2004, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy began to collect electronically scanned fingerprints from all visa applicants. U.S. law requires all U.S. embassies around the world to collect biometric identifiers from all visa applicants by October 26, 2004. The Consular Section now collects two fingerprints from each visa applicant using a scanner. No ink is used, and the process takes only a few seconds during the visa interview.

All immigrant and fiance(e) visas for residents of Turkmenistan are processed at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow. The Consular Section in Ashgabat does not provide assistance in completing applications for immigration to the United States. Individuals in need of assistance should contact the U.S. Embassy in Moscow or consult with an American attorney.

Immigrants to the United States are divided into two categories

Those who may obtain permanent residence status without numerical limitation, and those subject to an annual limitation. The latter category is further divided into family-sponsored, employment-based, and diversity immigrants.Please visit the Department of State's website for all information regarding Immigrant Visas: http://travel.state.gov/visa/immigrants.html.

Further Inquiries

Further information about the specific categories of immigrant visas listed above are available from the nearest American consular office abroad or local USCIS (formally INS). Additional information regarding general immigrant visa processing procedures at the U.S. Embassy in Moscow is available on the Internet at: http://www.usembassy.ru

Information regarding the status of a specific immigrant visa case can be obtained via e-mail at consulmo@state.gov or by calling the following:

- From Russia: (095) 258-2525. All calls are $1.60 per minute.
- From the U.S.: 1-866-4US-VISA (1-866-487-8472). Payment by credit card only. All calls are $1.60 per minute.
- Everywhere else: 1-405-552-7300. Payment by credit card only.  All calls are $1.60 per minute