Nonimmigrant Worker (H)

An H visa is issued to a nonimmigrant to allow travel for the purpose of temporary employment in the United States. To qualify for an H visa, the applicant must demonstrate that

• the prospective employer has filed and the USCIS has approved a petition (Form I-129) requesting H status for the applicant, and
• the applicant qualifies for the specified employment by showing proof of education and relevant work experience.

The new on-line nonimmigrant visa application (Link to DS-160) is obligatory for all visa applicants, regardless of nationality.

This new form simplifies the visa application process by reducing the number of forms required for most applications from three to one.  Once complete, the form is then submitted on-line directly to the U.S. Embassy's Consular Section in Tbilisi. Once the application is complete and submitted on-line, a single confirmation page is printed, and applicants may schedule their personal interview for the next available date. Applicants must bring the printed confirmation page and other required documents with them to their interview.

All non-immigrant visa applicants are required to pay the non-refundable application fee $160 at any branch of TBC Bank. 

Please bring the following to any branch of TBC-Bank in Georgia during regular business hours:

• passport (must be valid at least another 6 months)
• non-refundable application fee $160 (equivalent to be paid in Georgian Lari (GeL))

Note: If you need a copy of your MRV receipt, please make a photocopy of it prior to coming to the Consular Section. We are not able to make copies of the receipts for visa applicants.

Additional payment of $30 (or equivalent in GEL) for petition based visa application can be made at the Consular cashier on the day of the interview.

All non-immigrant visa applicants are required to schedule appointments for a visa interview online. Applicants may do so by visiting the following link: (Schedule Visa Interview).

Please bring the following to your visa interview:

• your passport (valid at least another 6 months)
• any previous passports
• application fee receipt paid in Georgian Lari at TBC-Bank              
• additional payment of $30 (or equivalent in GEL) for petition based visa application (to be paid at the Consular cashier)
• DS-160 confirmation page
• 5 x 5cm (if you were not able to upload the photo online)
• approved original I-797 form
• copy of I-129 originally filed in support of the petition
• if you are married you must present a translated and notarized copy of your marriage certificate
• all minor applicants must present a notarized and translated copy of the birth certificate
• any other supporting documents

It is also advised that all applicants bring to the interview a certified copy of the I-129 application material.

Nonimmigrant worker’s family (H4)

Spouses and/or children under the age of 21 can receive H-4 visas to accompany the employee to the U.S. The application procedure is the same; the I-797 covers dependents.

Please present a copy of H1 approved petition I-797.

Please, note that the holder of an H-4 visa may not work on a derivative visa. If he or she is seeking employment, the appropriate work visa will be required.

You can find more detailed information on H type visas at the USCIS web-site