The US has changed the rules for submitting documents for obtaining non-immigrant visas. Candidates must now schedule an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the country of their citizenship or permanent residence.
This was reported by the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US Department of State.
Before the changes were introduced, visa applications could be submitted from anywhere in the world.
At the same time, the Bureau noted that citizens of countries where such services are not provided (in particular, in Ukraine due to martial law) must submit applications at designated US embassies or consulates in other countries:
- citizens of Afghanistan – in Islamabad;
- citizens of Belarus – in Vilnius, Warsaw;
- citizens of Chad – in Yaounde;
- citizens of Cuba – in Georgetown;
- citizens of Haiti – in Nassau;
- citizens of Iran – in Dubai;
- citizens of Libya – in Tunisia;
- citizens of Russia – in Astana, Warsaw;
- citizens of Somalia – in Nairobi;
- citizens of South Sudan – in Cairo;
- citizens of Syria – in Amman;
- citizens of Venezuela – in Bogota;
- citizens of Yemen – in Riyadh;
- citizens of Zimbabwe – in Johannesburg.
Ukrainians must make an appointment for an interview at the US embassy or consulate in Warsaw or Krakow.
Existing appointments for interviews that do not meet the established rules will not be canceled.
Due to these innovations, the waiting time for visa consideration and issuance will increase.
The new rules do not apply to applicants applying for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, UN visas, as well as for diplomatic or official-type permits.
