Visa Delays for Russian Students
Aug 24, 2017As a result of the Russian government’s personnel cap imposed on the U.S. Mission in Russia, all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) operations across Russia will be suspended as of August 23, 2017. All previously scheduled interviews are suspended until further notice.
Staffing changes may also affect the scheduling of some immigrant visa applicants. Affected applicants will be contacted if there is a change in time and date of their interview.
This suspension will greatly affect foreign students expecting to start college or university in August and September and who have not already obtained their student visas. It is expected that the U.S. Embassy in Moscow will offer a block of visa appointments to students in early September.
If the student has already paid the visa fee for an appointment, there is no refund. The fee is valid for one year from the date of payment.
There may be the option to apply for the visa at an Embassy/Consulate outside of Russia. It would require a new application and new visa fee. Affected students should contact their International Student Advisors at their college/university.
