On Sept. 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that applicants for nonimmigrant visas, such as F, J, H-1B must schedule visa interview appointments in their country of nationality or residence. This requirement is effective immediately and includes both initial entry and renewal visas. 

Anyone who applies in their country of residence, not their country of nationality, will be required to provide proof of residency. 

Applicants for a non-immigrant visa should not schedule visa interview appointments in a country where they do not have nationality or residence. This includes a country they are visiting for professional or personal reasons. 

DOS also designated specific consulates where nationals of countries without routine U.S. non-immigrant visa operations must apply. 

The announcement did not mention changes to existing non-immigrant visa appointments for third-country national processing. However, the agency warns that non-immigrant visa applications for third-country nationals may be held to a higher eligibility standard. 

ISSS advises you to plan ahead for U.S. visa appointments and to allow extra time for processing. This new requirement, along with previous changes, will likely increase wait times for visa appointments and increase visa processing times, especially in countries with high volumes. You can check estimated visa appointment wait times on the DOS website.