In a major shift affecting international travel and immigration processing, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced stricter location requirements for both immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants. The days of freely choosing a "third-country" consulate with shorter wait times—often referred to as "visa shopping"—appear to be effectively over.
On December 12, 2025, the DOS has released two separate announcements detailing these changes, which prioritize adjudicating applications in the applicant's country of residence or nationality. Here is what you need to know about the new landscape for U.S. visas.
1. Immigrant Visas: Residency Rules Strictly Enforced
Effective November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will strictly schedule immigrant visa (IV) appointments based on the consular district of the applicant's place of residence. Applicants are now required to interview in the district where they reside. While they may request their country of nationality, they can no longer simply choose a convenient third country. However, if your appointment has already been scheduled, it will generally not be cancelled or rescheduled under this new policy.
Case Transfers: If you have already been scheduled but wish to move your case to a new district (e.g., you have moved), you must contact the NVC directly via their Public Inquiry Form. You should not contact the embassy directly.
Verification: If you request an interview in a location that is not your assigned district or country of nationality, the NVC may pause processing to request proof of residence or justification for an exception.
2. Nonimmigrant Visas (Tourist, Student, H-1B, etc.)
Effective immediately, the DOS has updated its instructions to state that nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants "should schedule" their appointments in their country of nationality or residence. While the language for NIVs is slightly softer than for IVs, the practical implications are severe for those attempting to apply as "Third Country Nationals" (TCNs):
The DOS warns that it may be "more difficult to qualify" for a visa outside your home country.
Financial Risk: If you are denied or turned away, visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable.
Longer Wait Times: Applicants applying outside their country of residence should expect "significantly longer" wait times compared to residents.
Proof of Residence: If you apply in a country claiming it is your residence, be prepared to demonstrate proof of that residency.
Exceptions: These new NIV restrictions do not apply to diplomatic or official visas (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, or UN Headquarters travel).
3. What if My Country Has No U.S. Embassy? (The "Homeless Nationalities")
The DOS recognizes that routine visa operations are suspended in several countries (e.g., Russia, Iran, Venezuela). For nationals of these countries, the DOS has assigned specific Designated Processing Posts. You are not free to choose any embassy; you must go to the one assigned to your country. For example, Russian nationals must apply for immigrant visas at Warsaw, while North Koreans must apply at Guangzhou.
Conclusion
These changes represent a clear effort by the Department of State to standardize processing and reduce the administrative burden on consulates that have been overwhelmed by third-country nationals. If you are planning to apply for a visa, you should apply where you live. Attempting to bypass wait times by booking an appointment in a third country now carries a high risk of denial, lost fees, and indefinite delays.
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