The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has updated its instructions for all foreign nationals scheduling appointments for nonimmigrant visas (e.g. F-1, H-1B, L-1, E-2, etc.) at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The following policies are effective as of September 6, 2025:
- Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence.
- Nationals of countries where the U.S. government does not conduct routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the embassy or consular location identified by DOS (see https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence-sep-6-2025.html), unless the applicant’s residence is elsewhere (e.g., nationals of Russia must apply in Astana or Warsaw).
In particular, these new instructions severely restrict the otherwise well-established practice of applying for a nonimmigrant visa as a third-country national (TCN). Among the changes that may be anticipated by these applicants: closer questioning during nonimmigrant visa interviews, stricter scrutiny of background checks, and longer visa wait times.
All NIV applicants should note the following:
- New Residence Requirement: Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency and not on their citizenship. Evidence may include residence permits issued by that country.
- No Transfer or Reimbursement of Fees once Paid: Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of citizenship or residence may find it more difficult to qualify for the visa. While TCN applicants can reschedule their appointment at a post in their country of citizenship or residence, they should not expect reimbursement or ability to transfer application fees already paid.
- Limited Appointment Availability: Wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments continue to vary by location. Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment. All NIV applicants are encouraged to work with their employers to plan ahead in the event of delay.
- Existing Appointments: Per the DOS announcement, existing TCN nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be cancelled. But applicants should be prepared for increased scrutiny, longer wait times for their visa to be issued, and an increased risk of denial.
- Exceptions to new home-country NIV application guidance: This guidance does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, applicants for diplomatic-type or official-type visas (regardless of classification), or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.
These instructions supersede previous guidance on nonimmigrant visa application requirements, including designated visa processing locations.
NIV applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.