The U.S. Department of State has officially ended third-country visa processing for most applicants. Now effective as of September 6, 2025, people applying for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) must schedule their interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Key Updates to the Process
- Residence Requirement: Applicants must prove they live in the country where they apply, unless applying in their country of nationality.
- Designated Locations: Nationals of countries without routine U.S. visa operations must apply in designated embassies or consulates (e.g., Afghans in Islamabad, Cubans in Georgetown, Venezuelans in Bogotá, Russians in Astana or Warsaw).
- Appointment Availability: Interview wait times vary. Applying outside your country of residence or nationality means much longer delays.
- Fees: Application fees are nonrefundable and nontransferable. Applicants applying outside their residence country may have a harder time qualifying for a visa.
- Existing Appointments: Current NIV appointments will generally remain valid.
- Exceptions: This rule does not apply to diplomatic and official visa applicants (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO), or cases covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons.
Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing
Why This Matters
This change effectively closes the door on visa “shopping” in third countries. Applicants who previously applied in nearby embassies for faster processing will now need to return to their country of residence or nationality. Choosing the wrong location could mean wasted fees, long delays, or a denied application.
Final Thoughts
If you are applying for a U.S. nonimmigrant visa, ensure that you schedule your interview in your country of residence or nationality, unless your country is on the designated list. Always check the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website where you plan to apply for the most accurate details on requirements and wait times. With third-country visa processing largely gone, preparation and careful planning are more important than ever.
My name is Daven Ghandi, and I’m a U.S. immigration lawyer and the founder of KAZA Law. In this article, we discussed the challenges and limited options for obtaining a green card while on a tourist visa. If you’re considering adjusting your status or have questions about family-based sponsorship, employment-based petitions, or other immigration pathways, it’s essential to understand the complexities involved. If you need personalized advice or have any immigration-related concerns, I encourage you to schedule a free consultation by clicking this link.
Kaza Law PLLC
This article is general education, not legal advice. Every case turns on its specific facts. If you want guidance on your own situation, reach out and we will look at it with you.