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Original Date Announced
September 6, 2025The 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 ResidenceEffective Date
September 6, 2025Subsequent Trump and Court Action
October 10, 20252025.10.10 DOS - Adjudicating Immigrant Visa (IV) Applicants in Their Country of Residence
The State Department announced that it is now requiring immigrant visa applicants to interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, or in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions. Effective November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center will schedule immigrant visa applicants in their country of residence or, if requested, country of nationality. The notice states that these changes will be applied to diversity visa applicants in the DV-2026 program year.
View DocumentCurrent Status
NoneOriginal Trump Policy Status
Status: Final/ActualTrump Administration Action: Change in PracticeSubject Matter: Non-Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas Immigrant Visas: DiversityAgencies Affected: DOSAssociated or Derivative Policies
Documents
Trump-Era Policy Documents
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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.
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