Visa Processing Update - Technical Issues May Delay Visa Issuance for Some; U.S. Consulates in Russia Resume Limited Nonimmigrant Visa Services
December 7, 2017

Executive Summary
- State Department system problems are causing visa issuance delays for some applicants.
- U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok will resume limited nonimmigrant visa services.
State Department system problems cause visa issuance delays
Due to a technical problem affecting the State Department’s processing systems worldwide, U.S. consulates worldwide are experiencing some delays in visa issuance.
According to an agency representative, 15-20% of approved visa applicants are affected. State Department systems may indicate that affected cases are in administrative processing, but this does not necessarily mean that the cases are undergoing further review.
The State Department Visa Office has confirmed that it is working on the problem but has not indicated when the problem will be resolved fully.
Foreign nationals with pending or approved visa applications may have their U.S. travel plans delayed because of the system issues. Those with an urgent need to travel should contact their designated Fragomen professional for assistance.
U.S. consulates in Russia resume limited nonimmigrant visa services
Beginning December 11, 2017, U.S. consulates in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok, will offer nonimmigrant visa interviews on a limited basis.
NIV interviews have been suspended at the three consulates since August 23, 2017, after the Russian government imposed a personnel cap on the U.S. Mission to Russia in late July.
The U.S. embassy in Moscow continues to offer limited immigrant, diversity and nonimmigrant visa services.
Visa services are not expected to return to normal capacity until Russia lifts the personnel cap.
Foreign nationals who wish to schedule an interview at a U.S. consulate in St. Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, or Vladivostok on or after December 11 should follow the instructions on applying for a U.S. visa in Russia or reach out to their Fragomen professional for assistance. Applicants should anticipate significant wait times for interviews.
This alert is for informational purposes only. If you have any questions, please contact the immigration professional with whom you work at Fragomen.
Explore more at Fragomen

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.

Video
Learn how to apply for German citizenship by descent. Discover eligibility under Article 116 and Section 15, benefits of EU citizenship and the step-by-step application process.

Video
Senior Corporate Services Manager Zak Hynes explores Dubai’s launch of the “One Freezone Passport."

Video
Senior Associate Isabel Schnitzler discusses how to navigate business travel in Germany.

Awards
Partners Molly Carey and Catherine Macris are finalists for the 2025 New England Legal Awards in the Partner of the Year and Regional Managing Partner of the Year categories.

Media mentions
Matawan Managing Partner Rahul Shah reflects on his path in immigration law and shares his perspective on global mobility.

Awards
The 2026 edition of The Best Lawyers in America™ honors numerous Fragomen attorneys for excellence in immigration law, including Partner Sarah K. Peterson, who received the distinguished “Lawyer of the Year” award.

Video
In this video, Senior Manager Ben Morgan offers a comprehensive overview of Greek citizenship by descent—a key pathway for individuals with Greek ancestry to obtain citizenship.

Blog post
Partner Aim-on Larpisal and Senior Knowledge Management Specialist outline key visa options available to international students seeking to study in Thailand, emphasizing strategic planning for a smooth application process.

Fragomen news
Partner Charles Johanes contributed insights to the Australia section of a global immigration and mobility guide.

Media mentions
Pittsburgh Managing Partner Alex Castrodale and Associate Adam Teets highlight the need for US employers to prepare for unannounced immigration compliance checks.

Blog post
Associates Stephanie Fitton and Halil Kaya and Paralegal Marcus Alexander Lang-Rawlings discuss how UK changes to the Skilled Worker visa in 2025 are reshaping sports sector employment.

Blog post
Assistant Business Immigration Managers Jeszel Panistante-Cabral, Elsie Lim and Nellanie Quimson explore the complexities young professionals face entering the workforce and the evolving hiring landscape in Singapore.