The U.S. embassy in Yerevan, Armenia has announced that the United States will begin issuing 10-year tourist and business visas to qualified Armenians sooner than expected.

The embassy previously announced that the United States would start issuing visas in accordance with a new reciprocal arrangement beginning January 1, 2015. Instead, effective today, Dec 22, 2014, the United States will begin issuing visas in accordance with the new reciprocal arrangement.

Armenian applicants who qualify for a B-category nonimmigrant visa may be issued multiple entry visas for up to 10 years for business and tourist travel. Qualified Armenian students and exchange visitors and their dependents who qualify for F, M, or J-category visas are now eligible for multiple-entry visas valid for up to five years.

Visa application fees remain unchanged.