The US Embassy in Sofia announced Monday the introduction of a new appointment scheduling and visa information service for nonimmigrant visa applicants.

In an official press release, sent to the media, the Embassy lists the following application rules:

The services provided at no cost to applicants are:

Telephonic and online scheduling of nonimmigrant visa interviews. Applicants may call 02 4916 461 within Bulgaria (Monday through Friday, 9.00 - 21.00) to speak with a Bulgarian speaking operator for visa information or to schedule an appointment. They may also schedule an appointment via the internet at http://www.ustraveldocs.com/bg.  The call center may also be reached via Skype at: ustraveldocs-Bulgaria.

Passports with approved visas will be delivered free of charge by TNT courier service.

The services mentioned above will be available to applicants at no cost, once they pay the nonimmigrant visa application fee of USD 160, also payable in BGN, at any MKB Unionbank branch in Bulgaria,

Nonimmigrant visa applicants who made their appointments before September 13, 2012, should appear at the Consular Section of the US Embassy for their interviews as scheduled.

All nonimmigrant visa applicants who have scheduled their appointments on or after September 13, 2012, should follow the procedures outlined below by the Embassy:

Step 1: Complete the visa application form DS-160 online at https://ceac.state.gov/genniv/ and print the Confirmation Page when finished.

Step 2: Go to the US Traveldocs Portal at: http://www.ustraveldocs.com/bg. If you are visiting this site for the first time, please follow the links and create a profile. If you have registered previously, use your username and password to log in. Please print your deposit slip, which is pre-populated with the required payment information.

Step 3: Visit the nearest MKB Unionbank branch to pay the visa fee.  MKB Unionbank will issue you a payment receipt.

Step 4: Schedule your visa appointment through the Internet site http://www.ustraveldocs.com/bg or by calling 02 4916 461 within Bulgaria. The call center can also be reached via Skype at: ustraveldocs-Bulgaria.

Step 5: Come to the U.S. Embassy in Sofia with all the necessary documents for your interview on the appointed day.

Step 6: Passports with approved visas will be delivered by TNT at no cost, to one of several TNT service centers in Bulgaria. For faster service you may choose to pick up your passport at TNT Sofia (35, Nedelcho Bonchev street; 8:00 am – 7:00 pm)

Questions may be addressed to the call center numbers listed above or to the Consular Section by email at: niv_sofia@state.gov.  Details are also available at: http://bulgaria.usembassy.gov/niv.html.