Alert: Russian Applicants will Experience US Visa Delays Beginning Tomorrow

Eight Day Suspension Beginning for NIV Processing

The US Department of State (DOS) has issued a fact sheet regarding the reduction of visa services provided in Russia.  Beginning tomorrow (8/23), there will be an eight-day suspension of nonimmigrant visas processing, also referred to as NIVs.  The suspension will have a dramatic impact on students, tourists, and business travelers headed to the United States in coming months.  Those with already booked appointments can expect to receive a cancellation notice and further instructions.  

Beginning September 1st, processing will resume, but SOLELY at the US Embassy in Moscow.  The suspension of processing at US consular posts in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg and Vladivostok will continue indefinitely.

Immigrant Visa Applicants, Delays Ahead

The vastly reduced staffing level will also affect the scheduling of some immigrant visa applicants and delays are expected.  Affected applicants will be contacted if there is a change as to the time and date of their interview.

These visa processing reductions come as a result of the order earlier this month in which Russia directed the US to cut its embassy and consular staff in Russia by 755, or two-thirds.