US visa applicants must attend interviews in their country of residence – State Department

The United States Department of State now mandates non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants to attend their interviews “at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.”

The updated rule overrides previous guidance on visa processing locations, the new directive released on September 6, 2025, stressed.

“Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.

“Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency,” the State Department stated on its portal.

By the new regulation, non-immigrant visa applicants can no longer seek interview appointments in neighbouring countries.

“Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.

“Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment,” the release stated.

The State Department urged applicants to refer to the websites of their local embassies or consulates for detailed requirements and processing duration.