U.S. Embassy Addis Ababa announces new automated process for applying for nonimmigrant visas

November 6, 2007
No 50/07

The new procedures, which go into effect November 15, 2007, include an Internet-based Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF) and a new Internet-based visa appointment system.

Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF):  The Embassy’s consular staff anticipate the new EVAF will make the non-immigrant visa application process easier and more efficient.  As of November 15, 2007, all non-immigrant visa applicants must now complete the internet-based Electronic Visa Application Form (EVAF), in English.  The U.S. Department of State established this requirement worldwide to improve efficiency and customer service.  The U.S. Embassy will not charge any additional fees for using the EVAF.  Applicants can fill out their applications on any Internet-connected computer.  The EVAF provides increased uniformity, accuracy and security in processing visa applications.  The EVAF application is available on the internet at:
http://evisaforms.state.gov  Instructions on how to fill out the form are available at: http://addisababa.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply_for_niv.html

The EVAF process produces a three-page printed form that incorporates the applicant’s biographical data into an electronic barcode system.  The barcode allows consular staff to quickly input the applicant’s information into the computer system, saving time since no data-entry is required. Applicants are required to print out the completed three-page EVAF form and their non-immigrant visa appointment sheet from the internet.  Applicants must bring both their completed EVAF form and visa appointment sheet to the Bank of Abyssinia with their passport when they pay the application fee.

Internet-based Visa Appointment System: In addition to the EVAF application, beginning November 15, 2007, applicants for nonimmigrant visas will be required to book appointments for visa interviews on the Embassy’s new Internet-based appointment system.  After completing the EVAF, applicants will go to the Embassy’s website at: http://addisababa.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply_for_niv.html to complete visa appointment.  After selecting “Make an Appointment,” applicants will select a date and time to interview for their visas, and enter the barcode number from their EVAF sheet.  Applicants will print out a confirmation of appointment sheet, which they will take with them to the Bank of Abyssinia, along with their passport and EVAF.  At the bank they will pay the non-refundable application fee ($100 or equivalent in Birr), and submit the EVAF.  Bank staff will review the EVAF for completeness, examine the passport and the appointment confirmation sheet, and collect the fee.  Complete information about how to apply for a nonimmigrant visa are available on the Embassy’s website at:
http://addisababa.usembassy.gov/how_to_apply_for_niv.html

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