The waiting period for a US visa interview will increase to 300 days
The U.S. Embassy will not be able to significantly increase the number of visa interviews in the near future, and the waiting period will increase to 300 days. United States of America Lawrence Toby in an interview with Nezavisimaya Gazeta.
The diplomat is sure that the increase in terms is due to the fact that the consulate in St. Petersburg was closed. Lawrence Toby said that “we are not going to punish ordinary citizens for the actions of the Russian government.” He believes that the loss of the capacity of the US Consulate General in St. Petersburg will add to the difficulties of the diplomatic mission.
The diplomat said that instead of 700 interviews for a non-immigrant visa / day, specialists are forced to conduct less than 100, as there are no more opportunities and staff.
The U.S. Embassy in Russia issued 32,877 nonimmigrant visas in the first four months of 2018. The statistics are as follows: the consular department at the Embassy in Moscow issued 17,796 non-immigrant visas, the Consulate General in St. Petersburg – 5882, in Yekaterinburg – 4670, in Vladivostok – 4529.
U.S. Consul General to Russia Lawrence Toby said the $160 fee would be valid for a full year. In the event that tourists cannot get to the interview, the fee is canceled.