As of August 30, 2012, the U.S. Embassy in Tbilisi will implement new visa application procedures. This new system is being implemented worldwide. The new process is easier, more convenient, and includes the following services all in one fee, making it less expensive than before. With only one payment (the current MRV fee based on the visa classification) the following services are now provided to all applicants: • MRV fee collection at any branch of the designated bank. • Scheduling of visa appointments (through call center numbers or online appointment website) • Providing information on general visa inquiries. • Passport pickup for approved visa applications. • Document delivery for submission of pending documents after an interview. In connection with these changes, the public should be aware of the following: • Our website remains the same: http://georgia.usembassy.gov/visas.html. Please monitor this website as additional information will be published there as it becomes available. • MRV fee payments are not transferable and applicants who pay the incorrect MRV fee will automatically forfeit the incorrect payment and repay the correct fee. • Applicants with confirmed interview appointments after August 30, 2012 will not be affected by this transition. They can appear at the Embassy on the date scheduled and their applications will be processed as usual. • Any applicant who experiences difficulty with the online scheduling system may schedule an appointment through the call center (not the Embassy), without using the online system. • We remind applicants to schedule their appointment early and well in advance of their intended travel date. Appointment wait times fluctuate and expedited appointment requests can only be granted in compliance with the posted policy. However, if an applicant has not already made their appointment, it is easiest to wait for the new online system to be available August 30th. • The basic steps to apply for a visa will remain the same: Step 1 Obtain a visa photo. Step 2 Complete the visa application online at http://ceac.state.gov/genniv/. Print the Confirmation Page when finished. Step 3 Bring your passport, the printed confirmation sheet and the visa fee deposit slip to the bank to pay the fee. Step 4 Make an appointment for an interview. Step 5 Come to the Embassy for your interview on the appointed day. Step 6 Passports will be returned to you. Immediately prior to the transition date, more details will be provided to the public through a press release and public website update. We will be unable to provide additional details regarding these changes until that time. We anticipate these changes will make the visa application process less time-consuming, more user-friendly, and less expensive for visa applicants