Lithuanians and Latvians to Apply for US Visas in Stockholm Starting December
Starting December 2, applicants from Lithuania and Latvia will need to travel to Stockholm, Sweden, to apply for US visas. This move is part of a strategy to improve processing times and streamline the application process.
The new system will affect visas related to family reunification, Green Cards, K-type visas, and V92/V93 (asylum and refugee family member visas). The US Embassy in Riga, Latvia, will also stop accepting visa applications.
The decision comes in line with a broader trend seen in many countries, where visa processing for immigrants is centralized to one consular office. Nine European missions, including Sweden, are already handling visa applications on behalf of other nations.
The US Embassy in Stockholm will manage visa applications for Lithuania, Latvia, Denmark, and Norway. With its experience and sufficient staffing, the embassy aims to maintain low waiting times for applicants.
While the new policy comes into effect in December, applicants who have already completed their interviews in Vilnius will have their visas processed in Lithuania. The Vilnius Embassy will continue to assist US citizens and process non-immigrant visa applications.
Visa Wait Times: Stockholm Faces Long Delays
According to the US Department of State, visa appointment wait times in Vilnius are minimal, with most applicants needing just one calendar day. For certain visa types like student, temporary worker, and crew visas, the wait is only two days. However, in Stockholm, the waiting period is significantly longer, with some applicants having to wait 21 days for an appointment.
In 2023, the US issued 2,291 visas to Latvian nationals, a slight increase from the previous year. Lithuanian applicants received 2,948 visas, while Swedish nationals were granted 13,491 US visas in the same year.
