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2.0

State Department requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule visa interview appointments in their country of nationality or residence

  1. Original Date Announced

    September 6, 2025

    The State Department announced that it has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments. Applicants for nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview in their country of nationality or residence; nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at designated embassies or consulates unless they reside elsewhere. The State Department warned that applicants who do not follow these instructions "might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa" and "should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment."

    Existing NIV appointments "generally" will not be cancelled and the new guidance does not apply to applicants for certain diplomatic visas. "Rare exceptions" may be made for "humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons."

    Trump 2.0 [ID #1967]

    2025.09.06 DOS - Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Applicants in Their Country of Residence
  2. Effective Date

    September 6, 2025

Current Status

None

Original Trump Policy Status

Status: Final/Actual
Trump Administration Action: Change in Practice
Subject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas
Agencies Affected: DOS

Associated or Derivative Policies

Commentary

  • 2025.09.08 New York Times: Getting a Visa to Visit the U.S. Could Take Even Longer

    The New York Times reports that the change to longstanding practice may lead to longer wait times to enter the United States.

    Go to article

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