On September 6, 2025, the US Department of State (“DOS”) announced the end of a decades-old practice that allowed nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in third countries—places other than their country of nationality or legal residence. The change sweeps broadly, affecting students applying for F-1 and J-1 visas, visitors requiring B-1/B-2 visas, and professionals applying for H-1B, O-1, and other work categories. The announcement comes at the heels of a previous decision announced on July 25th that effective September 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer putting an end to the visa drop box or Interview Waiver Program.
Why the State Department Made the Change
The shift is consistent with the Trump Administration’s call for enhanced vetting and security screening of foreign nationals applying for US visas. The Foreign Affairs Manual instructs consular officers to apply closer scrutiny when applicants apply outside their home or residence country, since verifying identity documents, local ties, and residence status is more difficult. Consolidating interviews at posts where applicants have clearer records reduces these complications. But practical considerations appear just as important. In high-demand countries like India, China, and Brazil, wait times for visa interviews can stretch for months. Many applicants had used third-country posts as a workaround to bypass those backlogs. By closing that door, DOS is essentially pushing all applicants back into their home queues.
There are limited exemptions to this new policy. Diplomats (A Visas) and employees of international organizations (G Visas) as well as NATO visas, and applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement are not subject to the new rule. Furthermore, exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons in rare circumstances.
How the Change Will Be Felt
The broader consequences are predictable. Wait times in already backlogged consulates will climb higher, placing particular strain on students and professionals whose plans hinge on precise timing. A Times of India report described Indian students now facing months-long delays that could jeopardize their academic start dates, while US employers have been warned of uncertainty in employment based immigration as visas are pushed further into the future. There is also concern as to how the longer visa times will affect spectators at the FIFA 2026 men’s World Cup.
A Newsweek article on August 21st, ahead of the implementation of the new regulations, reported that “appointment wait times for visitor and tourist visas jumped by 69 percent between January and August, per U.S. Department of State data, while student visas were up by more than 250 percent across the board.” For residents of seventeen designated countries, where the US does not have a consulate conducting routine visa services DOS designated alternative locations where nationals “must” process their visa applications, “unless their residence is elsewhere.” Iranians, for example, must head to Dubai, and Venezuelans must make their way to Bogota to apply for a visa.
What Foreign Nationals Can Do Proactively
For those preparing to apply for a visa stamp, there are steps that can help minimize delay and strengthen an application in this new environment:
Plan Early: Applicants should monitor visa wait times closely on the State Department’s website and build additional months into their travel and academic or employment plans.
Document Residence Clearly: Since legal residence is now critical, maintaining thorough records of residence status such as visas, permits, or proof of lawful stay, will be essential.
Prepare a Complete File: Submitting accurate, well-organized applications reduces the risk of delays caused by missing documentation or requests for further evidence.
Use Consular Resources: Many consulates provide guidance on appointment scheduling, emergency requests, and student or work visa prioritization. Applicants should take advantage of these channels, particularly in time-sensitive cases.
Switch Privacy Settings on Social Media Accounts to Public: If applying for a student visa (F, M or J) in particular this is a required part of the application process although it is likely to be requested of other visa applicants as part of their vetting process and to establish their identity and admissibility to the United States
The Department of State has framed this change as a step toward fairness and consistency. But without corresponding investment in consular staffing, its impact will be felt most acutely by those least able to absorb delays. For foreign nationals, the best strategy is to anticipate longer timelines, prepare carefully, and ensure applications are as strong and complete as possible when the interview finally comes.