New U.S. Department of State Guidance on Nonimmigrant Visa Applications: What You Need to Know

The U.S. Department of State recently issued updated guidance on September 6, 2025, regarding the adjudication of nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applications. This new policy, effective immediately, introduces significant changes for individuals seeking U.S. nonimmigrant visas, emphasizing the importance of applying at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence.

Key Changes in the Updated Guidance

The Department of State now requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. For nationals of countries where the U.S. is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations, the guidance specifies designated locations for visa processing. Below is a summary of the designated locations for affected countries:

What This Means for Applicants

1. Residence Requirement: Applicants applying in a country other than their nationality must demonstrate residence in that country. Failure to prove residency could complicate the visa approval process.
2. Increased Scrutiny for Applications Outside Country of Nationality or Residence: If you schedule a visa interview at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate outside your country of nationality or residence, it may be more challenging to qualify for the visa. Additionally, visa application fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, so choosing the correct location is critical.
3. Appointment Wait Times: Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence may face significantly longer wait times for visa interview appointments. This could delay travel plans, so early planning is essential.
4. Existing Appointments: The good news is that existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will generally not be canceled, allowing applicants with prior bookings to proceed as planned.
5. Exceptions to the Guidance: This policy does not apply to certain visa categories, including A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visas, as well as diplomatic or official visas. It also excludes visa applications for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. In rare cases, exceptions may be granted for humanitarian, medical emergencies, or foreign policy reasons.

Practical Tips for Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants

To navigate this updated guidance effectively, consider the following:

• Verify Your Designated Location: If you are a national of one of the listed countries, confirm the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate for your visa application. For example, Cuban nationals should apply in Georgetown, while Russian nationals can apply in Astana or Warsaw.
• Check Embassy/Consulate Websites: Each U.S. Embassy or Consulate provides specific information about visa application requirements, procedures, and operating status. Visit the relevant website for the most up-to-date details.
• Prepare Documentation: Be ready to provide evidence of residence if applying in a country other than your nationality. This may include utility bills, lease agreements, or other proof of established residency.
• Plan for Delays: If applying outside your country of nationality or residence, anticipate longer wait times for appointments. Schedule your interview as early as possible to avoid disruptions to your travel plans.

The previous practice of sending nonimmigrant visa applicants to third countries for faster visa “stamping” has largely ended, with limited exceptions. From the U.S. government’s perspective, this policy enhances consular control over the volume and flow of visa applications while bolstering national security by preventing applicants from distant countries from traveling to third countries to apply for U.S. visas. The new rule aligns with the Trump administration’s objective of reducing immigration inflows, providing the State Department with an effective mechanism to manage visa appointment wait times based on an applicant’s country of origin, essentially allowing the government to regulate immigration flows by country.

From the applicant’s perspective, the elimination of third-country appointments means that timely visa appointments are more likely to be secured in countries deemed friendly to the United States, creating challenges for applicants from other nations.