Relationships between the two greatest countries keep unraveling, though the new regulations influenced further U.S. visas applications for Russian citizens. On August 31, 2017, a new U.S. statement of Achieving Parity in Diplomatic Missions has been released. According to that document, the Russian Government is required to close its Consulate General in San Francisco, a chancery annex in Washington, D.C. and a consular annex in New York City. These closures were needed to be accomplished within 48 hours, and basically, the regulation was made as a consequence of the Russian Government action.

As we know Kremlin forced the U.S. to reduce its diplomatic staff on the territory of Russia to 455 representatives, which had been fully implemented. Therefore, U.S. Government found it fair to require the closures so that both countries would remain with three consulates each and have equal numbers of diplomats, though it would be quite difficult to verify those numbers. Plus, as was said earlier, those actions had made the process of obtaining U.S. visas on the territory of Russia more challenging.

From now on only the embassy in Moscow will process visas, which means the U.S. consulates in St.Petersburg, Yekaterinburg, and Vladivostok are no longer available for Russians to apply. Meanwhile, applying for U.S. visa outside of Russia seems relatively easier. For instance, if you are Russian passport holder, who lives in Canada, feel free to use our services.

To apply for an U.S. visa click here.