U.S. Department of State Mandates Visa Interviews in Country of Residence

Last updated on 22 minutes ago

In a sweeping policy shift aimed at bolstering national security and streamlining visa processing, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a requirement that all nonimmigrant visa applicants must schedule and attend their interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates in their country of nationality or residence. The directive, effective immediately as of September 6, 2025, ends a long-standing practice known as “visa shopping,” where applicants from high-demand countries traveled to neighboring nations or third countries to secure faster appointments. This change is expected to reshape travel plans for millions worldwide, particularly in regions with already lengthy wait times.

The new guidance, published on the State Department’s official visa portal, supersedes previous instructions allowing interviews at designated processing locations outside an applicant’s home country. “Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” the department stated in its announcement. For nationals of countries where routine U.S. visa operations are suspended—such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen—applications must be filed at specific designated posts, like Islamabad for Afghans or Warsaw for Belarusians, unless the applicant resides elsewhere.

Nonimmigrant visas, which include categories for tourism (B-1/B-2), business, student (F-1/M-1), exchange visitors (J-1), and temporary workers (H-1B, L-1), are the most common for short-term U.S. travel. The policy explicitly targets these to curb fraud and ensure applicants are vetted in locations where they have verifiable ties, reducing the risk of overstays or security threats. Officials emphasized that the move addresses global backlogs exacerbated by post-pandemic demand while prioritizing security. “This adjustment is part of an effort to streamline nonimmigrant visa adjudications while addressing global backlogs and security concerns,” the State Department noted.

Implications for Applicants: Longer Waits and Stricter Rules

For many travelers, the change means navigating potentially extended delays. Applicants scheduling interviews outside their country of residence may face significantly longer wait times and a higher likelihood of denial, with no refunds or transfers for paid fees. Existing appointments booked prior to September 6 will generally not be canceled, providing a grace period for those already in the queue. However, the department warned that such out-of-country applications could complicate eligibility demonstrations.

Exceptions are narrow: The policy does not apply to diplomatic (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO), official-type, or UN-related visas. Rare waivers may be granted for humanitarian, medical emergencies, or foreign policy reasons. Applicants are urged to verify local embassy or consulate websites for specific wait times, requirements, and operating status, as these vary by location.

The shift has drawn particular attention in high-volume countries like Nigeria and India, where “visa shopping” was a common workaround for backlogs. In Nigeria, for instance, applicants often traveled to consulates in Ghana, Cameroon, or even Canada and the Dominican Republic when slots in Abuja or Lagos were unavailable. Now, Nigerians—and similar applicants globally—must apply locally, potentially worsening delays in regions already strained by high demand. In India, wait times for B-1/B-2 visas currently range from 3.5 to 9 months across consulates, and experts predict further increases as applicants flood local posts.

“This will significantly alter how applicants navigate the already challenging process,” said Tosin Adebayo, a visa consultant in Lagos, highlighting the frustration among Nigerian professionals and students. In India, the practice of booking quicker slots in Thailand, Singapore, or Brazil—popular during post-COVID surges—has been curtailed, raising concerns for business travelers and tourists.

Broader Context: Part of Ongoing Visa Reforms

This nonimmigrant policy builds on a similar August 28, 2025, update for immigrant visas, effective November 1, 2025, which requires interviews in the applicant’s country of residence or nationality. Together, these changes reflect a broader U.S. immigration strategy under the current administration, emphasizing rigorous vetting amid heightened national security priorities. Earlier this year, the State Department also tightened interview waiver programs—reducing eligibility for “drop box” renewals to visas expired within 12 months—and introduced measures like mandatory public social media settings for F, M, and J visa applicants to enhance screening.

A June 9, 2025, presidential proclamation further suspended or limited visa issuance for nationals of 19 countries, citing terrorism and public safety threats, adding layers of complexity for affected travelers. While these reforms aim to protect U.S. borders, critics argue they could deter legitimate travel, impacting economies reliant on tourism and international business.

Advice for Travelers: Plan Ahead and Stay Informed

For those planning U.S. trips, the State Department recommends applying early and monitoring embassy websites for updates. Fees for nonimmigrant visas remain non-refundable, and rescheduling outside one’s residence could lead to administrative hurdles. Immigration experts advise gathering strong evidence of ties to one’s home country—such as employment, family, or property—to demonstrate intent to return after the U.S. visit.

“Applicants should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment if applying outside their country,” the department cautioned. Tools like the Global Visa Wait Times page on travel.state.gov can help gauge delays, but with surging demand, proactive planning is essential.

As global mobility rebounds, this policy underscores the U.S. commitment to secure borders without entirely closing doors to visitors.