September 24, 2025
The U.S. Department of State has issued new guidance requiring most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including students, scholars and exchange visitors, to complete their visa interview either at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or their country of legal residence. Nationals of 17 countries where the United States does not conduct routine visa operations must instead apply at a designated consular post. This marks a significant shift from past practice, when many applicants were able to complete visa interviews in third countries for convenience or shorter wait times.
