Nonimmigrant Visa Interviews are Now Scheduled in the Country of Residence or Nationality (Effective September 6, 2025)

The U.S. Department of State has issued new guidance requiring most nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants to schedule their interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or current residence. If routine visa services are not available there, applicants must use a designated post assigned for their country.

Key considerations:

• Proof of Residence Required – Applicants must be able to show they reside in the country where they apply if that location is based on residency rather than nationality.

• Non-Refundable Fees – Interview fees are not transferable or refundable, even if applying outside your home country makes qualification more difficult.

• Exceptions – These rules do not apply to A, G, C-2, C-3, or NATO visas, diplomatic/official visas of any classification, or travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. Rare humanitarian, medical, or foreign-policy exceptions may be made.

• Existing Appointments – In most cases, previously scheduled NIV interviews will remain in place and will not be canceled.

This change significantly limits the ability of nonimmigrant visa applicants to choose posts with shorter wait times and reinforces that applicants should generally apply where they live or hold citizenship.

For nationals of certain countries without routine U.S. visa services, the State Department has named specific alternate posts (e.g., Russians to apply in Astana or Warsaw, Iranians in Dubai, Cubans in Georgetown, etc.). A full list of designated consulates is below:

Applicants should check the website of the relevant U.S. Embassy or Consulate for local procedures, required documents, and current operating status. Visa wait times can be accessed here.

If you have questions and would like to schedule a consultation, complete the Inquiry form.