Despite occasional moments of tension, a growing number of Russian citizens are wishing to visit the United States for business or educational purposes. The visa regime is constantly being simplified and new rules come into effect almost every six months, which facilitate the procedure for obtaining an entry permit.
So, from August 1, 2011, Russian citizens can sign up for an interview at US consular offices without visiting the consulates. To do this, it is enough to leave an application on the Russian-language website of the American Embassy. The introduction of a new electronic system made it possible to significantly speed up the process of obtaining US visas for Russians and reduce the costs of their registration, because now the consulate does not need to go twice - to apply and for an interview.
Since March 2012, the conditions for re-obtaining a US visa have also changed. True, they only apply to those citizens who have issued a primary B1 / B2 visa (visitor, tourist or business visa) or C1 / D (seafarer or transit visa). Now, those Russians whose US visas expired less than 47 months ago can start applying for a re-entry permit without having to undergo an interview at the consulates. Previously, this period was limited to 11 months. It should be noted that the visa departments of the consulates reserved the right to invite the visa applicant for an interview if any additional questions arise. The cancellation of interviews for those who have recently visited the United States has become an additional incentive and allowed an increase in the number of people wishing to visit this country.
In early September 2012, it was announced on the official website of the Russian Foreign Ministry that from September 9, visa formalities for entering the United States for Russians will become even easier. It was decided to increase the maximum term of an entry visa from 2 to 3 years. In addition, it will now be possible to obtain a multiple-entry visa for a stay of up to 6 months from the date of each entry into the United States. These innovations will also apply to those who apply for the most popular type of visa - B1 / B2. The US Embassy promised that the decision on issuing a visa will be made within 15 days from the date of application submission and the start of its processing.
