On September 6, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) announced that, effective immediately, U.S. consulates will no longer process nonimmigrant visas for third country nationals, except in very limited circumstances. DOS noted that existing visa appointments will not be cancelled, but applicants may experience processing delays. Prior policies gave broad discretion to U.S. consulates to process visas for nationals and residents from other countries, and many applicants commonly utilized third country processing.

This follows the announcement of restrictions on immigrant visa processing (for permanent resident applications) for third country nationals that will go into effect on November 1, 2025.

What does this mean for visa applicants?

• • Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.  Applicants must be able to demonstrate citizenship or residence in the country where they are applying.
• • Those with existing appointments outside of their home country generally will not have appointments cancelled, but consulates do have discretion to require applicants to apply in their home country. Applicants may face longer processing times outside of their home country.
• • Applicants with existing appointments who choose to cancel or reschedule in their home country must pay new fees and will not receive refunds.
• • Nationals of countries for which the U.S. government does not offer routine nonimmigrant visa services must apply at a specifically designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.  DOS published a list to determine the designated location for NIV applications.
• • Limited Exceptions:   A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, applicants for diplomatic-type or official-type visas (regardless of classification), or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement will not be subject to restrictions.  Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.

Please check U.S. consulate websites prior to visa issuance and prior to travel for existing appointments for updated information. DOS published visa wait times, but these are subject to change.

We will continue to monitor changes in policy and how new rules are implemented. If you have questions regarding your case, please reach out to immigration counsel prior to departing the U.S.