How to get a visa to the USA: updates and opportunities for Russians in 2022

Visa services for ordinary citizens (not diplomats) at U.S. missions in Russia have been temporarily suspended. Despite this, Russians are able to replenish their visa applications at U.S. consulates located in other countries. Please note that a certificate of vaccination approved by the World Health Organization is mandatory for entry into the United States. It is important to remember that immunization drugs such as Sputnik V and other Russian vaccines are not included in this list.

The process of obtaining visas to the USA

Now let's break down in detail the process of applying for the most popular types of visas to the US for 2022.

EB-5 Immigrant Visa for Investors

The EB-5 investor immigrant visa offers foreigners a unique opportunity to obtain a green card (permanent residence) by investing in business projects in the United States. Applicants can choose between investing on their own or using the services of a regional center, a licensed company operating under the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). Most often, potential investors prefer the second option, as working with a regional center allows for a more comfortable investment.

Changes in the status of regional centers

On June 30, 2021, the authority of the current regional centers was terminated, making this method of obtaining a visa unavailable. However, on March 15, 2022, President Joe Biden signed important legislation that reorganizes and extends the EB-5 program through 2027. Applications from future investors will be accepted after regional centers have been re-certified and USCIS has approved new projects.

Direct investment and new thresholds

Today, it is also possible to participate in the direct investment program by starting your own business. It should be taken into account that the minimum investment amount has increased:

• 800 thousand dollars- for projects in targeted high unemployment areas (TEAs), in rural areas or for infrastructure projects.
• 1.05 million dollars- in non-target areas (non-TEA).

In addition, new quotas have been established:

• 20%of all EB-5 visas will be allocated to support investors implementing projects in rural areas.
• 10%reserved for work in areas of high unemployment.
• 2%will be used for infrastructure initiatives.

Processing time for EB-5 visa applications

Varvara Latyntseva, an expert in the field of investment immigration to the United States and commercial director of Second Wind, notes that the main time required to obtain a green card is spent on processing the first petition from an investor. Officially, the processing time for the Form I-526 application ranges from 34 to 57 months, but in reality, this time frame can vary from 18 to 36 months.

The future of the EB-5 program

In the coming years, the timeframe for obtaining a green card through the EB-5 program is expected to be significantly reduced due to the reforms initiated recently. This opens up prospects for investors seeking permanent resident status in America, despite certain rule changes and stricter requirements that have been introduced.

Changes to immigration petition processing

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is tasked with analyzing and improving petition processing fees throughout the year. These improvements will help significantly reduce the time it takes to process I-526 visa applications. The processing time for TEA-related projects will now be 120 days and 240 days for other initiatives.

Green Card Lottery

The United States also has a government lottery known as the Electronic Diversity Visa Program. This program, which takes place annually, provides a unique opportunity to obtain a green card for adult citizens of countries that are not major sources of immigration.

Russian citizens are eligible to participate in this drawing. The following is required to participate:

• complete secondary education, or
• at least two years of experience in a qualifying field.

Each year this lottery is allocated50,000 visas.

Drawing results and next stage

As of May 7, the results of the last green card drawing have already been published and can be checked on the official website. Entries for the next drawing are scheduled to be accepted onOctober-November 2022. To keep abreast of current news about foreignreal estate, it is recommended to subscribe to specialized telegram channels.

Expedited processing of immigrant visas

Regarding immigrant visas for professionals, in April 2022, USCIS announced plans to expedite processing of certain categories of applications. The INS aims to increase its capacity and expand its professional staff, with the goal of achieving these goals by the end of the2023.

Expedited processing will apply to the following visa categories:

• EB-1C (executive green card),
• EB-2 NIW (green card for in-demand professionals).

Applying for available visas

Russian citizens should apply for an immigrant visa at the U.S. Embassy located in Warsaw, which is the authorized agency for processing such visa applications.

Investments and E-2 visa

Investors considering participating in a specialized program should note that the minimum investment is approx.100 thousand dollars. These funds can be invested in start-ups, business projects, franchises, or as an equity stake in a company with control over50%. Applicants can also apply for a visa with their family members, including spouses and children.

Requirements for applicants

It should be noted that only citizens of countries that have economic agreements with the United States can apply for a visa categoryE-2. A full list of such states can be found on the official website of the U.S. Department of State. Citizens of countries such as:

• Azerbaijan
• Armenia
• Georgia
• Kazakhstan
• Kyrgyzstan
• Moldova
• Ukraine
• Israel

However, Russia is not on this list. Nevertheless, Russians can use their second citizenship to obtain an E-2 visa.

Changes in citizenship programs

After imposing some temporary restrictions on the programs“golden passports”for Russians, positive changes are already beginning to be seen as a number of countries have started accepting their applications again.

For example, the possibility of citizenship through investment is now offered in:

• Grenada
• Turkey
• Montenegro

Tourist visas

As for tourist visas, U.S. consulates in Russia do not accept applications for such visas, but Russian citizens may contact the embassies of other countries to apply.

In recent weeks there has been a significant increase in the number of people wishing to apply and available dates for interviews are virtually unavailable. In some cases appointments can only be made for the following year. For urgent requests, it is therefore worth considering more distant countries where dates are more readily available.

Positive changes in immigration processes

Expert in the field of investment immigration to the USAVarvara Latyntsevareported positive changes. At the beginning of the year, Poles were actively considering applications from Russian residents, but with the outbreak of hostilities the process became more complicated, and now it is possible to sign up for interviews only after several years.

In April 2022, our company was able to successfully obtain visas for clients in:

• Armenia
• Croatia
• Montenegro
• Cyprus

However, it is worth emphasizing that in the current environment, the process of booking an interview has become much more complex and time-consuming, as it requires careful monitoring of available dates and anticipating availability.

Examples of successful interview notes

Examples of successful interview appointments in recent months are as follows:

• September - United Arab Emirates
• October - Croatia
• July - Switzerland

The success of these recordings was made possible by constantly analyzing the situation and adapting to changing circumstances.

Conclusion

The conclusion I would like to offer summarizes the current visa situation for Russian citizens in the United States and highlights new opportunities for investors and professionals. Despite the continuing restrictions and difficulties associated with visas, there are many alternatives for those seeking to obtain a green card or temporary visa to live and work in the United States.

For example, the programEB-5Despite higher investment thresholds, the U.S. continues to offer attractive opportunities for foreign investors. Strengthened regional centers and shorter application processing times may be a deciding factor for many who are considering the U.S. as a country for investment and a fresh start.

Don't forget aboutgreen card lotterywhich is still available to Russian citizens with the appropriate conditions. This option can be a good chance to obtain permanent residency status if you are able to go through all the steps to obtain it.

Key Immigration Opportunities:

• EB-5 Program:opportunity to invest in American business projects.
• Green Card Lottery:a chance to obtain permanent residency status for citizens who meet the conditions.
• Immigration visas for professionals:USCIS's adjusted programs for expedited review of applications.

It is also important to note that immigration tools become more accessible if you have knowledge and experience in high-demand fields. New USCIS initiatives to expedite the process of obtaining specialist visas open additional doors for professionals who are ready to contribute to the U.S. economy.

So, while current conditions are not ideal, the opportunities to immigrate to the United States remain significant. I hope this information will help you better understand the visa system and make an informed choice that is right for you.