NEW DELHI / WASHINGTON, D.C. — The U.S. government has announced a significant update to its nonimmigrant visa (NIV) application policy, requiring most applicants to apply in their country of residence or nationality beginning September 6, 2025.
According to the U.S. Mission in India and the U.S. Department of State, all NIV applicants must submit their applications either:
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In their home country, or
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At a U.S. Embassy or Consulate officially designated to process visas for their country of residence or nationality.
The updated rule will apply with limited exceptions, which officials say will be outlined in further guidance through official U.S. government travel and visa resources.
The change is intended to standardize visa processing, improve security procedures, and streamline adjudication by ensuring applicants apply in locations equipped to verify local residency and documentation.
Applicants who previously sought visa appointments in third countries—often due to long wait times—may now face restrictions under the new policy.
U.S. officials are urging travelers, students, workers, and exchange visitors planning future travel to the United States to carefully review the updated guidance well in advance of scheduling visa appointments.
More detailed information about the new nonimmigrant visa adjudication requirements is available through the U.S. Department of State’s official travel and visa platforms.
As of September 6, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants should apply in their country of residence or nationality, or at the U.S. Embassy or consulate that has been designated to cover their country of residence or nationality, subject to limited exceptions. For more… pic.twitter.com/UwJBaUlZYD
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) December 3, 2025