The United States Department of State has issued new, immediate instructions impacting all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants, as of September 6, 2025. This update marks a significant change to where applicants must schedule their visa interviews and the process for individuals from several countries.

Summary of Major Changes

Country of Residence Requirement: The Department now requires that all nonimmigrant visa applicants schedule their interviews at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

Designated Locations for Certain Nationalities: Nationals of countries where routine U.S. nonimmigrant visa services are not available are required to apply at designated embassies or consulates. Those living outside their country of nationality must apply in their current country of residence. The designated locations are as follows:

·      Afghanistan – Islamabad

·      Belarus – Vilnius, Warsaw

·      Chad – Yaoundé

·      Cuba – Georgetown

·      Haiti – Nassau

·      Iran – Dubai

·      Libya – Tunis

·      Niger – Ouagadougou

·      Russia – Astana, Warsaw

·      Somalia – Nairobi

·      South Sudan – Nairobi

·      Sudan – Cairo

·      Syria – Amman

·      Ukraine – Krakow, Warsaw

·      Venezuela – Bogota

·      Yemen – Riyadh

·      Zimbabwe – Johannesburg

What Applicants Need to Know

Residence Documentation: Applicants must be ready to prove residence in the country of application if applying based on residency.

Fees: Visa application fees paid for interviews outside one’s country of nationality or residence are non-refundable and non-transferable—even if the applicant does not qualify for the visa.

Appointment Availability: Nonimmigrant visa interview wait times vary by location. Applicants not applying in their country of nationality or residence should expect longer waits.

Existing Appointments: Most scheduled nonimmigrant visa appointments will not be cancelled due to these new requirements. However, there is a very high likelihood that the visa application will be denied.

Further Information: Applicants are strongly advised to consult the official websites of relevant U.S. embassies and consulates for specific requirements, procedures, and the latest updates on operating status and services.

At this point, applying for a visa outside of your home country (country or residence) runs a high risk of visa denial. If you would like to discuss a specific scenario please reach out to one of the attorneys at Graham Adair.