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

 

---

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.