Non-Immigrant Visas

Instructions for Applicants for Visas to Visit the United States

The Visa Application

All individuals applying for a U.S. visa must fill out an electronic visa application form (EVAF) DS-156 on the internet at http://evisaforms.state.gov.  Forms DS-157 (download here) and DS-158 (download here) can be found electronically on the Embassy website at http://turkmenistan.usembassy.gov/.  Paper copies of these forms will be available at front entrance of the American Embassy in Ashgabat.  All sections of the visa application form and supplemental forms must be answered completely before they are submitted to the Consular Section.  If a question does not appear to apply to your circumstances, please do not leave it blank, simply indicate it does not apply. 

Required Photograph

Every application must be accompanied by a 5cm x 5cm passport-style photo taken within the last six months.  The photo must have a plain white background.  The facial image must cover at least 50% of the photo and provide a straight forward, unobstructed view of the face.   Photos with head coverings or hats worn for religious reasons are acceptable as long as the face and ears are fully visible.  Photographs with dark eyeglasses, or with any other type of head covering or hat, cannot be accepted.   Photographs that are altered through airbrushing, color enhancement or deletion, or other techniques will not be accepted.  Failure to provide the proper photograph may delay your visa application.  Consular officers have full discretion in determining whether a submitted photograph meets the guidelines.

Special Information for Students/Exchange Visitors

In addition to the electronic visa application form (EVAF) and supplemental forms DS-157 and DS-158, students and exchange visitors must present additional documentation at the time of interview.  Students must possess a valid I-20 form, and exchange visitors a valid J-1 form before applying for a visa.  The Consular Section does not provide these forms; the institution accepting or sponsoring the applicant provides them.  Every student must also provide proof of payment of the $100 SEVIS fee.  The Consular Section cannot accept payment of the SEVIS fee.  Students and exchange visitors should be prepared to provide documentary evidence that adequate financial resources are available to cover all expenses in the U.S.  Students under 18 must have their parent with them at the interview.  The holders of student visas should be aware that they will not be admitted to the U.S. until a date ninety days or less prior to the beginning of the program date, shown on an I-20 or DS-2019 form.  Please consider that date carefully when making travel plans.  

Appointment and Interview 

Applicants must make an interview appointment by email (consularashgab@state.gov) or by calling +993 12 35 00 49 on any business day between 4:00 PM and 5:00 PM.  Applicants will be required to provide biographic information in order to schedule an appointment.   If you have any visa related questions please call direct information line on Mondays and Fridays from 10:00 to 12:00 a.m. 

Document Intake and the Interview Process

On the day of interview, all visa applicants must arrive at the U.S. Embassy at the time set for you.  The Embassy conducts visa interviews on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, except for U.S. and local holidays.  Be prepared for security screening procedures.  Prior to your interview, you will be required to pay the non-refundable $131.00 application fee.  During the interview you also will be required to prove your economic and family ties to Turkmenistan are strong enough to meet visa eligibility requirements.

Each applicant must bring the following to the interview:

• A valid passport; (if possible, a copy of your old passport if your passport was issued within the last year)
• Completed, signed visa application forms: DS-156, DS-157, DS-158
• For students: a valid I-20 form and proof of SEVIS fee payment
• One photograph for each applicant, including children
• Credible documentation regarding your personal circumstances in Turkmenistan.  Please note that there are no documents or ties that guarantee visa issuance- each case is reviewed on its merits.  Note that Letters of Invitation are not required for U.S. visa applicants.  Such letters, when submitted, will be considered in light of other evidence of ties to Turkmenistan.