The United States has introduced stricter conditions for obtaining non-immigrant visas for residents of countries where U.S. diplomatic missions do not issue them. The relevant information is published on the official website of the State Department.
According to the updated regulations, visa applications can only be submitted at U.S. embassies or consulates within the applicant's country of citizenship or permanent residence. For example, Russians who hold residency permits in another country may apply for a U.S. visa there.
For citizens of countries where U.S. diplomatic missions do not provide non-immigrant visas, a list of cities in other countries has been designated where applications can be submitted. Specifically, Russians may apply only at U.S. embassies in Warsaw or Astana, Belarusians in Vilnius and Warsaw, and Ukrainians in Krakow and Warsaw.
These changes apply to tourist, student, and short-term work visas. Exceptions include diplomatic visas, as well as visas of categories A, G, C-2, and C-3. As noted by the State Department, rare exceptions may be made for humanitarian or medical reasons, or in the interests of foreign policy.
Previously scheduled interviews generally remain valid. However, the department warned of possible increases in wait times for visa interviews.
U.S. embassies and consulates in Russia issue visas only to diplomatic personnel. The websites of diplomatic missions explain this is due to restrictions imposed by Russian authorities on the employment of foreign citizens. Until recent changes, Russian citizens could apply at any U.S. visa center.
Following the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022, some Schengen countries, including Poland, stopped issuing tourist visas to Russians.