Visa Applicants Must Now Apply in Country of Citizenship or Residence

Effective September 6, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants must schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. embassy or consulate in either their country of nationality or residence. Previously, applicants had flexibility to schedule interviews in third countries with shorter wait times, which sometimes made scheduling easier or faster.

Key Details

The policy applies to all NIV applicants ( F, J, H1B, etc.) — whether applying for the first time, renewing, or changing status.
Nationals of countries where the U.S. does not conduct routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at designated embassies or consulates.
Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying if the place of application is based on their residency.
Existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be changed or canceled under the new rules.
Rare humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy exceptions may be granted at the DOS’s discretion.

For Current Applicants

If you have a pending NIV case, confirm the designated visa processing location(s) for your country. Existing appointments will generally be maintained.
If you are seeking to transfer your case from your country of nationality to your country of residence, be prepared to provide additional documentation proving your residence.

For Future Applicants

Plan ahead by considering potential processing times and appointment backlogs at your designated processing location.
Budget for potential travel costs if your country lacks routine NIV operations.

Please check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services. The Office of International Affairs is available to answer questions you might have.