On September 6, 2025 the U.S. Department of State issued an announcement that directs nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence, with certain limited exceptions.
The Department of State website says “applicants who schedule nonimmigrant 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.”
Citizens of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations (such as Iran, Russia, Ukraine, Venezuela, and others) must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
Applicants should seek details about required documentation to prove residency directly from the U.S. Consulate where they intend to apply.
Prepare Early for Winter Break and Holiday Travel:
Please be aware that wait times for consular appointments may increase as the result of a U.S. Department of State announcement directing nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. We recommend that international students and scholars plan well in advance for winter break/holiday travel.
*International Students should read the ISO Visas and Travel webpages and consult their advisor in the ISO with any questions about travel outside the US.
*International Scholars should read the ISchO website travel pages and consult their ISchO advisor about travel outside the US.