Visas
Welcome Visa Applicants!
The U.S. Embassy Introduces New Visa Processing Procedures for Nonimmigrant Visas
As of September 13, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Sofia is transitioning to a new appointment system and document pick-up service, with an expanded call center for scheduling appointments and making general inquiries. This system is being implemented worldwide and includes all services in one fee. Applicants pay the appropriate MRV fee, depending on visa classification, and receive the following services:
• MRV fee collection at any branch of MKB Unionbank
• Scheduling of visa appointments (through call center numbers or online appointment website)
• Providing information on general visa inquiries
• Passport pick-up for approved visa applications
• Document delivery for submission of pending documents after an interview for 221(g) applicants
Applicants will no longer pay for passport delivery and will be able to schedule an appointment either online or through a call center. Starting September 13, 2012, applicants can either visit the new website - http://www.ustraveldocs.com/bg or contact the call center by phone to get information or start their application for a U.S. visa.
Starting September 13, 2012, Call Center representatives will be available:
Monday – Friday:
9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. for callers from Bulgaria and
7:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. for callers from the U.S.
The call center is closed
Saturdays, Sundays, December 25, and January 1
Telephone number from Bulgaria: 02 4916 461
From the U.S.: 1-703-988-7106
Skype: ustraveldocs-Bulgaria
Call center agents will provide information in English and Bulgarian.
Details of the process will soon be posted on our How Do I Apply page.
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Bulgarian citizens require a visa to enter the United States.
Nonimmigrant visas are for people with permanent residence outside the U.S. but who wish to go to the U.S. on a temporary basis - for tourism, medical treatment, business, temporary work, or study.
U.S. law requires that people who apply for nonimmigrant visas provide evidence that they don't intend to immigrate to the United States. It's up to consular officers at U.S. embassies and consulates to determine eligibility on an individual basis on the merits of each case.
Because each person's personal situation is different, people applying for the same visa may be asked different questions and be required to submit different documents. Consular officers may request additional information or documentation depending on their assessment of each person's situation. Our website contains all the necessary information about types of nonimmigrant visas and the application process.
Several categories of people are eligible to receive an immigrant visa. Certain applicants can apply on their own behalf. All others must have a relative or potential employer apply for them. Again, additional information regarding visa types and the application process is available throughout this website.
Please note that no one may accompany applicants into the embassy's visa waiting room. This includes American citizens, spouses, attorneys, sponsors, friends, and family members. Thus, any information these individuals would like to present should be submitted with the application materials or given to the applicant to present to the Consular Officer during the interview. We appreciate your understanding.
Entrance to the Embassy will not be permitted more than 15 minutes before your scheduled appointment time.