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Important Changes to the American Visa Application Process

20 September 2006

The American Embassy announces two important and fundamental changes to the visa application process which are intended to take advantage of digital technology available to ease the application process and reduce the application time.  

First, effective October 10, all applicants for nonimmigrant visas must complete their visa application forms using the Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) form which is available online at http://evisaforms.state.gov or via a link on the U.S. embassy web site www.usembassy.lt. This form allows applicants to complete their application forms online, and then print them out.  In doing so the form provides a third page containing a barcode encoding the information in their applications.  The barcode will then be scanned at the embassy on the day of visa interview, thus reducing processing time.  The EVAF has been available for several years and many Lithuanians have already used it.  Starting this fall, all U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide will require that applications brought to the visa interview be filled out and printed using the EVAF format.

Second, since last month the Lithuanian Post, in cooperation with the Embassy, has offered a service to visa recipients for delivery of their passports after the visa application process is concluded.  If applicants do not wish to return to the U.S. Embassy in person the next day, they can have their passports delivered within Lithuania by simply filling out a short form giving their name and address at the Embassy on the morning of the interview.  When Lithuanian Post delivers the passport they will be charged a special rate of 9 litai for the service, payable upon delivery.  In most cases the passport is received within 1-2 business days of visa issuance (the day after interview), except in smaller villages.  Some applicants are already taking advantage of this time and potentially money-saving service.