Update on Nonimmigrant Visa Processing in Russia
Posted Nov 09, 2001
U.S. Embassies and Consulates around the world have been reviewing and upgrading their security procedures in light of post-9/11 concerns. Restricted public access to certain buildings has been implemented at some posts. For example, we reported in the September 28, 2001 MurthyBulletin, in our article entitled Consulate Update of Various Countries, that the Embassy in Paris, France would no longer allow walk-in, nonimmigrant visa applications but would instead require that the applications be submitted by mail.

The Law Office of Sheela Murthy recently received an eMail requesting an update on visa issuance in Russia. According to the message, there were several newspaper reports in Russia stating that visa issuance had been suspended due to fears of terrorist attacks. Upon checking the website for the U.S. Embassy in Russia, as well as other sources, we found that nonimmigrant visa applications were being accepted at a temporary location because of security problems in at least one Embassy building. As of October 22, 2001, three Federal Express offices were designated to accept these applications for the Moscow Embassy. The addresses are indicated on the Embassy's website.

We strongly suggest that persons planning to apply for nonimmigrant visas in Russia check the website frequently for updates regarding current visa application procedures and locations.

The website addresses for the other U.S. consulates in Russia are:
St. Petersburg : http://usembassy.state.gov/posts/rs2/wwwhre1a.html
Vladivostok : http://usembassy.state.gov/vladivostok/
Yekaterinburg : http://www.uscgyekat.ur.ru/

For those applying in Moscow, the Embassy also has made available the following information telephone numbers:

Locally within Moscow : 258-2525
From other locations within Russia : 1-405-552-7300
From the U.S. : 1-866-4US-VISA

© The Law Office of Sheela Murthy, P.C.


 
  
  Disclaimer : The information provided at this site is of a general nature and may not apply to any particular set of facts or under all circumstances. It should not be construed as legal advice and does not constitute an engagement of the Law Office of Sheela Murthy or establish an attorney-client relationship.

Copyright : Documents from this site may be printed as long as the copyright notices are included on the print-outs and the documents are not modified or altered.