The US Embassy announced a major shift in visa processing for residents of Lithuania and Latvia. Starting December 2, 2023, applicants will travel to Stockholm, Sweden, for immigrant visa interviews. This change comes as the embassy in Vilnius will stop providing these services. The aim is to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times for all applicants from the Baltic and Scandinavian countries. The US Embassy in Stockholm already handles visa applications for Denmark and Norway and will now extend its services to applicants from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland.

Big Changes Ahead: US Visa Processing Now Shifts to Stockholm for Lithuania and Latvia Residents!

Key Takeaways

  • Residents of Lithuania and Latvia must travel to Stockholm for US visa interviews starting December 2,
    2023.
  • The change aims to streamline processing and reduce waiting times for applicants from the Baltic and Scandinavian regions.
  • In 2023, Sweden issued the highest number of US visas in the region, signaling a growing efficiency in the application process.

Overview of the New Visa Processing Changes

The US Embassy has announced a major change in visa processing for residents of Lithuania and Latvia. Starting December 2, 2023, individuals applying for immigrant visas must travel to the US Embassy in Stockholm, Sweden. This move comes as the embassy in Vilnius will stop offering these services. The change aims to improve efficiency and reduce waiting times for applicants in the Baltic and Scandinavian regions. The US Embassy in Stockholm already handles visa applications for citizens of Denmark and Norway and will now take on applicants from Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, and Finland. Those who have completed their interviews in Lithuania or elsewhere will still receive their visas from those locations. In 2023, Sweden issued the most visas with 13,491 approvals, followed by Denmark with 7,656. Lithuania had 2,948 approvals, while Latvia and Estonia saw 2,291 and 1,295, respectively. In total, over 39,000 visas were approved for applicants from these seven countries, a noticeable increase from 34,000 in the previous year.

Impact on Residents of Lithuania and Latvia

This decision by the US Embassy raises concerns among residents of Lithuania and Latvia regarding accessibility to visa processing services. Travelers now face the added burden of traveling to Stockholm, which can involve additional costs and logistical challenges. Many applicants had previously relied on the embassy in Vilnius for convenience. Critics argue that this change may disproportionately affect individuals from lower-income backgrounds who may struggle to afford the trip to Sweden. Furthermore, this move could create gaps in service availability, especially for those who need urgent visa processing. As the Baltic states grapple with this shift, community leaders are urging the US government to reconsider its decision and ensure that all residents have equal access to immigration services.