Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence

As of September 6, 2025, the Department of State has revised its protocols for processing nonimmigrant visas, specifically affecting F and J student categories. The new mandate specifies that applicants should generally seek visa interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate located within their home country or their country of legal residence. For those living in regions where U.S. visa services are currently unavailable, applications must be routed through specific, pre-designated alternative locations.

While third-country visa processing has always been a complex route for international students, this recent policy shift suggests that obtaining a visa outside of one's home country will become significantly more restrictive.

Key Impact on F and J Visa Holders

• Reduced Interview Locations: The practice of "visa shopping"--traveling to a nearby country with shorter wait times (such as students visiting Vancouver, Canada)--is now actively discouraged under the new rules.
• Emphasis on Local Planning: It is critical to apply through the U.S. post in your country of nationality or residence. We recommend monitoring local appointment wait times immediately and preparing documentation that proves your local residency (e.g., leases, local bank records, or university identification).
• Non-Transferable Fees: If you currently have a third-country appointment and choose to pivot to an appointment in your home country, remember that visa application fees are generally non-refundable and cannot be transferred between different consular jurisdictions.
• Status of Current Appointments: If you already have a scheduled interview in a third country, the Department of State has noted that these are typically not being canceled automatically. However, you should evaluate whether keeping that appointment poses a higher risk of denial compared to applying locally.

Processing for Designated Countries

If your country of citizenship or residence does not currently offer routine nonimmigrant visa services, you are required to use the following designated locations: