The United States Department of State has announced a sweeping US non-immigrant visa policy change that requires applicants to attend interviews at the embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Announced on September 6, 2025, and effective immediately, the rule replaces all previous instructions on designated visa processing locations.
The Department explained that “Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”
For example, Afghans will now apply in Islamabad, Belarusians in Vilnius or Warsaw, Cubans in Georgetown, Iranians in Dubai, Russians in Astana or Warsaw, Venezuelans in Bogota, and Yemenis in Riyadh.
Under the new US non-immigrant visa policy, applicants must prove residency in the country where they apply. Visa fees will not be refunded or transferred if applicants schedule interviews outside their nationality or residence. Those applying outside the required jurisdiction should also expect much longer wait times.
The Department clarified that existing appointments will not usually be canceled. The new US non-immigrant visa policy does not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas. However, exceptions may be granted for “humanitarian emergencies or foreign policy needs”.
Officials emphasized that the change aims to streamline adjudications, reduce global backlogs, and strengthen security. Officials encourage applicants to visit their local embassy or consulate websites for updated requirements and wait times.
The new policy stops Nigerians and others from traveling abroad to secure faster US visa appointments.
Now, Nigerians and other nationals must apply strictly in their country of residence or nationality. The new US visa policy makes the already long process in Nigeria even harder for applicants.
