The United States strengthens rules for nonimmigrant visa interviews
The U.S. Department of State updated, effective immediately as of December 12, 2025, the instructions for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants. From now on, visa interviews must, as a general rule, be scheduled at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence.
For citizens of countries where NIV visas are not routinely processed, the government designated specific locations in third countries, such as Bogotá for Venezuela, Georgetown for Cuba, and Nassau for Haiti, among others. The Department warned that applying for a visa outside the country of nationality or residence may involve greater difficulties, longer wait times, and that the fees paid will not be refundable, although existing appointments generally will not be canceled.
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The guidance includes exceptions for diplomatic and official visas, as well as for travel under the UN Headquarters Agreement, and allows limited exceptions for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons. Finally, applicants are advised to consult the websites of each embassy or consulate directly to learn about specific requirements, procedures, and appointment availability.
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