US Announces Major Policy Change for Visa Applicants
- The United States Department of State has sent an important message to non-immigrant visa applicants
- The US Department of State said every non-immigrant visa applicants must schedule their interviews in the country of residence
- Non-immigrant visa applicants were also warned of three critical changes in the major policy change
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering metro, government policy, and international issues
Washington DC, United States - The United States Department of State said non-immigrant visa applicants must schedule their interviews “at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.”
The new policy change for visa applicants supersedes all previous instructions on designated visa processing locations.
Source: Twitter
However, existing appointments “will generally not be cancelled,” and the Department emphasised that the new rules do not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas.
As reported by The Punch, the new policy was disclosed on the State Department’s official visa portal on Saturday, September 6, 2025.
According to the statemeht, the new guidance takes effect immediately.
“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.”
The statement disclosed that exceptions may still be granted for “humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.”
The US Department of State urged applicants to check their local embassy or consulate websites for details on requirements and wait times.
US warns visa applicants of 3 critical changes
- Residence Requirement: “Applicants must be able to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.”
- Fees: “Applicants who schedule non-immigrant 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.”
- Appointment Availability: “Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.”
The US further stated that nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate
The list of designated locations covers nationals from conflict-affected or diplomatically restricted states such as Afghanistan (Islamabad), Belarus (Vilnius, Warsaw), Cuba (Georgetown), Iran (Dubai), Russia (Astana, Warsaw), Venezuela (Bogota), and Yemen (Riyadh).
US officials sweeping adjustment is to streamline nonimmigrant visa adjudications while managing global backlogs and security considerations.
The new policy is also to stop people from travelling to neighbouring countries to secure interview appointments.
US revises visa reciprocity policy for Nigeria
Recall that the US announced that most non-immigrant, non-diplomatic visas issued to Nigerians will now be single-entry visas with a three-month validity period.
The update was communicated in a statement issued by the US Embassy and Consulate in Nigeria, and takes immediate effect.
However, the statement clarified that all US non-immigrant visas issued before Tuesday, July 8, 2025, will retain their original status and validity.
U.S. visa application: 6 requirements Nigerians must meet
In a previous story, Legit.ng reported that six new requirements was released for Nigerians applying for a visa to the United States of America (USA).
The United States Mission in Nigeria has asked applicants to submit all social media usernames and handles.
The new requirements cover other aspects of the visa application and process for Nigerians travelling to the United States.
Source: Legit.ng
