Tirana,  December 6, 2012 NOA.al – On December 21, 2012, the Consular Section of the U.S. Embassy in Tirana will implement a new process for Non-Immigrant Visa applications for travel to the United States.

The changes to the application process will be substantial.  As a result, visa applicants will be unable to schedule appointments for Non-Immigrant Visas from December 11-21.  Only applicants with previously scheduled appointments will be interviewed during this time.

On December 21, the new system will be in place and applicants can once again schedule appointments; however, the first available appointments start on January 4, 2013.

Applicants will not be able to schedule appointments during the December 21, 2012 to January 3, 2013 time period.

Individuals who wish to travel to the United States in December 2012 and January 2013 are encouraged to apply for visas as soon as possible.  Details of the new visa application process will be released in late December; there are no fee changes scheduled and applicants must still appear in person for an interview.

The change relates to the application process only; the standard for qualifying for a Non-Immigrant Visa will remain the same. a.b/noa.al