November 19, 2014. The U.S. Consulate in Yekaterinburg announced the visa-issuance process might be taking somewhat longer, as might data transfer all over the world due to technical problems, the Consulate’s official website states.

‘U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide are currently experiencing technical difficulties that may result in delays in visa processing and receiving and sending communications,’ the Consulate says.

It is also explained that visa sections keep on their business as usual, yet payments with credit cards are unavailable for the time being.

‘Additionally, applicants who have interviews for student and exchange visitor (F/M/J) visas scheduled for this week should bring proof of payment of the SEVIS fee. U.S. citizens may also experience delays in sending and receiving communications,’ the Consulate says.