Visa Interview Locations

Page updated: 10:30am - September 12, 2025

Effective September 6, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) has implemented a new policy requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants, including F-1 and J-1 students, to schedule their visa interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence. This change impacts most nonimmigrant visa categories and effectively ends the practice of "third-country stamping." Previously, applicants could seek visa appointments in countries other than their home nation to bypass long wait times.

Key Aspects of the New Policy

Mandatory Interview Location: All new visa interview appointments must be scheduled and conducted at a U.S. Embassy or Consulate within your country of citizenship or legal permanent residence.

Non-Transferable Fees: Visa application fees (MRV fees) are non-transferable. If you book an appointment in a country where you are no longer eligible to apply under this new rule, your payment will be forfeited.

Existing Appointments: If you scheduled a visa appointment in a third country before September 3rd, your appointment is generally expected to be valid under the previous policy. However, you are strongly advised to verify the current policy directly with the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where your appointment is scheduled. All new bookings must comply with this updated regulation.

Exemptions: The policy does NOT apply to:

• Diplomats or official visa categories (A, G, NATO)
• Travelers covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement
• Emergency medical, humanitarian, or urgent foreign policy cases (these are rare and determined by the DOS)

Special Cases: Applying When Your Country Lacks Embassy Services

For nationals of countries where routine U.S. visa services are not available, the U.S. DOS has designated specific alternative consulates. If you are from one of these countries, you will be directed to apply at a specific location:

• Afghanistan: Islamabad
• Belarus: Vilnius, Warsaw
• Chad: Yaoundé
• Cuba: Georgetown
• Haiti: Nassau
• Iran: Dubai
• Libya: Tunis
• Niger: Ouagadougou
• Russia: Astana, Warsaw
• Somalia: Nairobi
• South Sudan: Nairobi
• Sudan: Cairo
• Syria: Amman
• Ukraine: Krakow, Warsaw
• Venezuela: Bogota
• Yemen: Riyadh
• Zimbabwe: Johannesburg

Unless you fall into one of these specific categories, you must return to your country of citizenship or legal residence for visa stamping.

For the most current information, including any policy changes or specific procedural details, students should always refer to the official U.S. Department of State website: travel.state.gov (Navigate to "U.S. Visas" for relevant information).

Furthermore, it is imperative to check the website of the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you plan to apply, as local procedures and appointment availability can vary.

Recommendations from ISS

Plan Travel Carefully: Do NOT make any non-refundable travel arrangements (flights, hotels, etc.) until you have successfully secured and confirmed a visa interview appointment in your eligible home country and, ideally, have received your visa.

Check Wait Times: Review the current visa wait times for interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in your home country well in advance of any potential travel. These wait times can be extensive.

Individualized Advising: If you have questions about your specific situation and how this new policy impacts your F-1 or J-1 status, please schedule an appointment with an ISS Advisor. Depending on the complexity of your case, we may recommend that you also consult with an experienced immigration attorney for legal advice.

Stay Informed: Immigration policies can change. ISS will continue to monitor developments and update this page as new information or clarifications become available from the Department of State.

Resources: 

U.S. DOS News Posting: Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence - September 6, 2025

Visa regulations and requirements can change. For the most current and accurate information, always check the official website of the U.S. Department of State's Bureau of Consular Affairs at travel.state.gov (navigate to "U.S. Visas"). Additionally, it is crucial to check the website of the specific U.S. Embassy or Consulate where you will be applying, as local procedures and requirements can sometimes differ.

NAFSA: Association of International Educators: https://www.nafsa.org/regulatory-information/dos-announces-nonimmigrant-visa-applicants-should-schedule-visa-interview

The information in this article is provided for general guidance and informational purposes only. It is not intended to be, nor should it be considered, legal advice. Immigration laws and policies are subject to change. For legal advice on your specific situation, please consult with an experienced immigration attorney.