FAQ about Nonimmigrant Visas
Applying for a Nonimmigrant Visa in Mongolia
Q: How do I apply for a visa interview?
A: First, all applicants must pay Mongolian Tugrugs equal to 131.00 USD for Machine Readable Visa (MRV) processing fee at the certain branches of Khaan Bank
Second, Applicants must complete the electronic visa application form (DS-156). The DS-156 form can be accessed directly from the Embassy website at http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/temporary_visitors.html or at http://evisaforms.state.gov/.
Third: Applicants must go to http://mongolia.usembassy.gov/how_to_schedule_an_interview.html and make an appointment by clicking on the “Make an Appointment” button. The appointment system will take applicants step by step through the process. Applicants must fill out the form completely or the system will not accept the appointment request.
Q: Where do I find the interview date request questionnaire?
A: The questionnaire can be found on our website by clicking here.
Q: Where do I get the visa application forms? Do I have to fill out the visa application forms on the computer?
A: All applicants are required to bring the Electronic Visa Application Form, commonly known as the EVAF or DS-156, with them to the interview. The form can be accessed directly from the link above or from http://evisaforms.state.gov. The EVAF must be printed out on a laser jet printer rather than a color ink jet printer. Applicants also need to ensure that the bar code on the last page is legible. If you do not bring the EVAF filled out electronically, we will not be able to process the application. Applicants also need to bring the original receipt with them.
Further, all male visa applicants between the ages of 16 and 45 are required to fill out DS-157.
Q: Do I need to bring a picture?
A: Yes. All applicants must submit two pictures. Pictures should be 5 by 5 cm. If you go to local photo shops in Ulaanbaatar tell them that you need a picture for a U.S. visa. We have found that most photo shops produce the correct sized photograph.
Q: My passport will expire soon. Can I still apply for a visa?
A: All applicants must submit a valid passport. To enter the United States, the passport must be valid for six months beyond the intended period of stay in the United States. If the passport is valid for less than six months, your application cannot be processed and you will be asked to return after you have received a new passport or have extended your old passport with the appropriate Mongolian authorities.
Q: How long before my intended travel date should I apply for a visa?
A: The length of time between the date you submit your application and the date on which your interview will be scheduled varies depending upon fluctuations in the number of visa applicants. We recommend you submit your application approximately five weeks prior to your desired departure date. This will provide for unexpected surges in the number of applicants or other unplanned delays in the process.
For Typical Appointment Wait and Processing Times, please click here. You should then choose Ulaanbaatar from the drop down menu.
All applicants should be aware that the times given are current averages, and are subject to sharp seasonal fluctuations. Processing wait time DOES NOT include the time required for additional administrative processing or special requirements. In such cases, processing wait time will vary based on the individual circumstances of each application.
Q: Can someone else fill out the visa application forms of my behalf?
A: If you require assistance completing the application it is acceptable to have someone complete the forms on your behalf. If a third party prepares the Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Application (DS-156) on an applicant's behalf, the preparer MUST fill in question #40 on the DS-156. If someone else prepares the application for you remember that you alone are responsible for verifying that the information on your application is accurate. Incorrect information can delay processing and even lead to a refusal.
Please note that there are many businesses that make claims that they can help an applicant get a U.S. visa. The U.S. Embassy has not authorized any of these companies to provide assistance to applicants and in many cases, these companies will charge substantial fees and may be involved with fraudulent activities. The submission of fraudulent documents can carry serious penalties for a visa applicant. Applicants should consider carefully whether or not to use a commercial company to assist in the application process. Applicants are responsible for all submitted materials and will be held responsible if documents are found to be fraudulent. Applicants found guilty of attempting to obtain nonimmigrant visas through fraud or willful misrepresentation of a material fact may be permanently refused visas and denied entry into the United States.
Q: Who can accompany a visa applicant to an interview?
A: Applicants should come alone to their interviews. Parents must accompany their children under the age of 14 to their interviews. Applicants with serious medical problems may also choose to bring an escort, or they can call the Embassy for guidance.
Q: Does my young child need a visa to travel to the United States?
A: Yes. All Mongolian citizens who are not legal permanent residents of the United States (green card holders) require a visa to visit the United States, regardless of age. Each and every applicant, regardless of the age, must pay same fee of 131USD.
Q: I am not a Mongolia citizen. Can I apply for a visa in Ulaanbaatar?
A: While anyone can apply for a visa in Ulaanbaatar, it will be more difficult for a Consular Officer to determine the eligibility of visa applicants who are not residents of the consular district where the interview is conducted. On the other hand, a Consular Officer should be able to evaluate the visa qualifications of non-Mongolian citizens who live in Mongolian just as easily as those of Mongolian applicants.
Q: I have an emergency, how can I request an expedited appointment? Who qualifies for an expedited appointment?
A: Please click here to get detailed information on how to get an expedited appointment.
Q: Can I meet with the Consular Officer before or after my interview?
A: We regret that we cannot meet with potential applicants prior to their interviews or with applicants after their interviews have been completed. Most questions regarding the visa application process can be answered by reading our website by clicking here. If you have a specific question regarding your case you may contact us by email at cons@usembassy.mn.
Q: I have a letter (or fax) to show you that will help you understand my situation and my strong ties to Mongolia. Can I send it to you so you can read it in advance of my interview?
A: Unfortunately we cannot review information prior to an applicant’s interview. In our experience, it is most helpful for the applicant to provide all necessary information at the time of the interview so the Consular Officer can ask any questions at that time. If there are remaining questions, the applicant might be asked to provide additional information or appear in person for a second interview.
Q: I have heard that it is better to say that I am going for business than for tourism or to see relatives. Is this true?
A: The only correct answer during a visa interview is an honest answer. Period. Providing details about your good job and family ties in Mongolia demonstrates to us that you qualify for a visa to visit the United States. Do not rely exclusively on friends, travel agents and visa brokers for information about how to get a visa. They do not issue visas; Consular Officers do. Explain your travel plans and tell us about yourself at the interview. Tell the Consular Officer why you will return to Mongolia after a short stay in the United States.
Q: I heard that the Embassy does not issue visas to particular groups of Mongolians such as the elderly, students, or families. Is this true?
A: We are proud that all visa applicants receive a personal interview with a Consular Officer to explain their travel plans. We do not classify particular groups in Mongolia as eligible or not eligible to receive a visa. Consular Officers decide whether or not to issue a visa based on U.S. immigration law, not membership in a particular group.