The suspension of the issuance of U.S. visas to citizens of Russia is not a revenge for the Ministry’s decision to reduce the number of employees of the U.S. Embassy. This was stated by the United States Ambassador to Russia John Tefft, speaking at the Embassy’s channel on YouTube.
According to Tefft, downsizing has led to a shortage of personnel, which in turn, forced to reallocate resources to solve many tasks, one of which is the issuance of visas. “I’m sad that some of the Russian commentators of what is happening serves as a cynical attempt on our part to punish thus of Russians in response to the requirement to reduce the size of our workforce. This is not so,” he said.
Tefft added that he expected such a decision from the Russian authorities.
August 23 Washington has stopped issuing nonimmigrant visas throughout Russia. This procedure will resume September 1, but only in Moscow. Such measures, the United States explained the intention of the Russian authorities to reduce staff of the American diplomatic missions in the country. Embassy officials advised travelers to apply for a entry permit at consulates in other States.
Nonimmigrant visas allow temporary stay in the territory of the United States. This document includes, in particular, visas for tourism, business and educational trips.