The United States Department of State has introduced new rules requiring most non-immigrant visa applicants to complete their interviews in their country of nationality or residence, in a move that could significantly affect thousands of travelers worldwide.
Policy Takes Immediate Effect
The new guidance, announced on Saturday, takes effect immediately and overrides all previous instructions regarding where applicants may schedule visa appointments. The Department said the update is designed to streamline residency verification and ensure embassies process applications within their operational capacity.
Countries Most Affected
The change primarily impacts applicants from countries where routine U.S. visa operations are suspended or limited, including Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen. In many of these states, political tensions or security issues have long restricted consular services.
Residency Requirement Introduced
Applicants must now prove residence in the country where they are applying. Those seeking interviews outside their country of nationality or residence may face stricter scrutiny and potentially longer wait times, according to the Department of State.
Impact on Existing Appointments
The Department confirmed that most appointments already scheduled will remain valid.
However, applicants who booked interviews outside their home country could experience processing delays. Consular fees already paid will not be refunded or transferred, even if the appointment is postponed.
Exceptions for Diplomats and Emergencies
The new rules do not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas. Limited exemptions will also be granted in cases of humanitarian emergencies, urgent medical needs, or special foreign policy considerations.
Longer Wait Times Expected
Officials warned that applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect extended delays.
Students, workers, and tourists who previously sought interviews at embassies in third countries are likely to be among the most affected.
Guidance for Applicants
The State Department advised travelers to plan ahead and closely monitor their local embassy or consulate websites for updated procedures and appointment availability.
Failure to follow the new residency requirement could result in significant delays, rejection of applications, or ineligibility for certain services.
Global Implications
The announcement represents one of the most sweeping changes to U.S. visa policy in recent years.
Immigration experts say the decision reflects both security concerns and the strain on consular operations worldwide, as demand for visas continues to rebound following the COVID-19 pandemic.
For now, applicants are urged to prepare documentation proving residency, allow for longer processing times, and avoid scheduling interviews outside their country of nationality unless absolutely necessary.
