US Makes Visa Interviews Mandatory In Applicants’ Country Of Residence

The United States government has rolled out a new visa policy requiring non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants to attend interviews strictly at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

The directive, announced by the State Department on September 6, 2025, takes immediate effect and cancels all previous guidance that allowed applicants to choose alternative processing locations.

According to the policy, nationals of countries where the US does not run routine visa operations must apply at specific designated embassies. These include Afghans in Islamabad, Belarusians in Vilnius or Warsaw, Cubans in Georgetown, Iranians in Dubai, Russians in Astana or Warsaw, Venezuelans in Bogotá, and Yemenis in Riyadh.

The State Department outlined three major adjustments under the new rules. Applicants must prove residency in the country where they apply, interviews outside one’s nationality or residence country may be harder to qualify for and fees paid will not be refunded, and those applying outside their home country should expect longer appointment wait times.

However, existing appointments will generally remain valid, and exemptions will apply for humanitarian or medical emergencies, foreign policy reasons, and certain categories such as diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas.

Officials say the move is intended to streamline visa adjudications, strengthen security, and help clear global application backlogs.

The policy effectively ends the long-standing practice of Nigerians and other applicants seeking faster interview slots in neighbouring countries. Applicants are now urged to check embassy websites for specific requirements and updated wait times.