New U.S. Visa Interview Rules: Where Non-Immigrant Must Apply in 2025

If you are planning a trip to the United States and need a non-immigrant visa, be aware of a new policy change which comes into effect on September 6, 2025.

The U.S. Department of State has tightened its rules for non-immigrant visa applicants. Effective immediately, travellers must schedule their visa interview appointments either in their country of nationality or in the country where they legally reside.

The Core Change

From now on, applicants for U.S. non-immigrant visas are expected to schedule their interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate located either in their country of nationality or the country where they live. In practical terms, this ties most travellers to their home embassies or to the country where they can prove legal residence.

Countries Without Routine Visa Services

For nationals of certain countries where the U.S. is not conducting regular visa operations, designated embassies in third countries will serve as processing centres. Travellers from these nations will need to go to the following locations:

National of	Apply at
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	Bogotá
Yemen	Riyadh
Zimbabwe	Johannesburg

What Applicants Need to Know

Proof of Residence

Applicants must show they legally reside in the country where they are applying. If you book an interview outside of your nationality or residence country, you may face tougher scrutiny.

Fees Are Nonrefundable

Visa fees are tied to the application post. If you apply in the wrong location, you will not get your money back.

Appointment Wait Times

Visa interview slots can vary widely depending on location. Applicants applying outside their home country should expect significantly longer wait times.

Existing Appointments

If you already have an interview scheduled under the old rules, your appointment will generally remain valid.

Exceptions

This policy does not affect applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, diplomatic or official visas, or travel under the UN Headquarters Agreement. Limited exceptions may also be made in urgent humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy cases.

What This Means for Travellers

For most applicants, the rule is straightforward: apply in your country of nationality or residence. The main impact will be on nationals of countries where the U.S. has suspended regular visa services. For them, the designated locations above are now the only valid options.

The State Department urges applicants to carefully check the official website of the embassy or consulate where they plan to apply. Each location has its own procedures, wait times, and operating status.

This new guidance replaces all previous instructions on where to apply for non-immigrant visas.