US Department of State Ends Third Country Nonimmigrant Stamping: Visa Applicants Must Interview in Country of Nationality or Residence Effective September 6, 2025

Effective as of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) requires all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants to schedule their interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or legal residence (see DOS alert).  Applications outside these jurisdictions will generally be disallowed.   This ends the practice of third country nonimmigrant visa stamping which allowed visa applicants to obtain initial visas and renewals at consular posts with lower demand and wait times.

This change is in addition to major restrictions on the visa interview waiver (dropbox) process requiring in-person interviews for most visa applicants.

In-person Interview in Country of Nationality or Residence Now Required

As a result of this change, all nonimmigrant visa applicants must now schedule their interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of citizenship or legal residence.     Applicants applying on the basis of their residence will  be expected to show proof such as government ID, residency permit, lease, utility bills, etc.

For example, an Indian citizen residing in the U.S. on H-1B visa will only be interview at a U.S. Consulate in India.    A Chinese citizen residing in Toronto, Canada, will be able to schedule a U.S. visa interview in China (Beijing, Shanghai, etc.) or in Canada (Toronto, etc.).

If the U.S. does not provide routine visa services in the country of citizenship or residence, visa applicants must use a designated embassy or consulate (for example, Afghans → Islamabad, Cubans → Georgetown, Venezuelans → Bogotá, Iranians → Dubai).   See additional consulates.

According to DOS, appointments already scheduled—even in third countries—will generally still be honored. But all new appointments must follow the updated rules.   Exemptions apply to diplomatic and official visa holders (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas) and travelers covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.

Conclusion:  Significant Impact of This Policy Changes

This policy change, together with the recent major restriction to the “dropbox” availability, means even more restrictions and challenges to visa applicants:

• No more consulate “shopping”: Travelers can no longer choose a third country with shorter wait times or more convenient appointments.

• Longer delays ahead: Applicants from high-demand countries like India, China, and Brazil should prepare for longer appointment backlogs in their home jurisdictions.

• Impact on students and workers: International students, employees on work visas, and business travelers may face disruptions to travel plans, start dates, or employment timelines.

• Designated posts matter: Nationals of countries without U.S. visa services must plan for travel to the specific consulate assigned by the State Department—often requiring extra time and expense.

• Higher stakes for planning: Because fees are non-refundable and schedules are tighter, applicants should double-check eligibility and location rules before booking appointments.

Please feel free to subscribe to our free weekly newsletter to obtain developments on this and related topics. If our office can be of any help please feel free to contact us.