The US State Department has unexpectedly changed the rules of the game. From September 6, 2025, you can only apply for a US visa in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. For Russians, this means only 2 options: Astana or Warsaw. The time for issuing visas in convenient locations is over.
What has changed in the US visa rules
The new requirements apply to all categories of non-immigrant visas. Tourist B1/B2, student F-1, worker H-1B – it makes no difference now. Previously, Russians could make an appointment at any convenient US consulate abroad. Now the choice is limited to two cities.
The State Department has published an official list of designated consulates for countries where US diplomatic services are operating in a limited mode. Russia got Astana and Warsaw on this list. Everything is simple and there is no alternative.
Existing appointments for interviews remain valid for now. As the government agency stated: “Existing nonimmigrant visa appointments are generally not cancelled.” But new applications are accepted only under the updated rules.
The queues will inevitably grow
The statistics on waiting times still look optimistic. According to the State Department, as of August 2025, the waiting time for an interview in Astana was 2 months for tourist visas, in Warsaw – only 1 month. But that was before the innovations.
The demand for American visas among Russians is already growing. According to travel agencies, applications increased by 20% in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024. Concentration of the entire flow in two points will inevitably create a shortage of available dates.
Key changes for Russians:
- Document submission only in Astana or Warsaw.
- Cancellation of the possibility of recording in third countries.
- Saving existing records until September 6.
- Inevitable increase in waiting times for interviews.
Why the US took such measures
The changes affected not only Russia. Similar restrictions were introduced for citizens of 16 countries, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran and Venezuela. Officially, this is explained by the need to standardize procedures and strengthen control.
In parallel with territorial restrictions, the US also tightened interviews. Since September 2, most applicants are required to attend an interview in person, even if they could do without it before. Exceptions to the interview rules have become extremely limited.
The new visa rules create additional difficulties for those planning trips to the United States. Our team of immigration lawyers will help you understand the nuances of the changed requirements, prepare a full package of documents and sign up for an interview as soon as possible. We accompany clients at all stages of the visa process and know the specifics of the work of consulates in Astana and Warsaw. Leave a request for a consultation – we will help you get an American visa under the new conditions
Implemented a system for tracking the stages of visa processing for clients, which increased their satisfaction by 30% (according to survey results).
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