US designates Astana, Warsaw for Russian visa applications

The U.S. State Department has introduced new rules requiring applicants for American non-immigrant visas to submit documents in their country of citizenship or residence. According to the statement, Russian citizens may apply at U.S. diplomatic missions in Astana or Warsaw.

“Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” the statement reads. “Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”

The State Department listed 17 countries to which this rule applies, including Russia and Belarus. For Russian citizens, the designated application points are U.S. missions in Astana and Warsaw; for Belarusians — Vilnius and Warsaw.

The statement also noted: “  Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.” Those applying in a third country may face additional difficulties: “Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa,” the State Department said, warning that such applicants “should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.”

The rules do not apply to visas for diplomats or other government officials. Exceptions may be granted in rare cases for humanitarian or medical reasons, as well as for foreign policy considerations.

The State Department emphasised that the new rules replace its previous guidelines on visa applications. The website of the U.S. Embassy in Moscow had previously stated that Russian citizens may continue to apply for non-immigrant visas at any U.S. Embassy or Consulate where they are able to make an appointment.

By Vugar Khalilov