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ARTICLE · 10 SEPTEMBER 2025

Department Of State Limits Nonimmigrant Visa Applications

Offit Kurman
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On Saturday, September 6th, 2025, the Department of State announced that, effective immediately, all applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments...

United StatesImmigration
Michael J. Freestone
Michael J. Freestone

On Saturday, September 6th, 2025, the Department of State announced that, effective immediately, all 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. Individuals who currently have appointments booked are advised that their appointments "generally will not be cancelled" – however, no guarantee is made that their NIV will be issued.

This policy changes the current guidance for so-called "third country nationals," i.e., individuals who apply for a visa outside of their home country. It has been a long-standing policy that individuals can apply for an NIV anywhere in the world. Some embassies have pushed back on third-country nationals due to the overwhelming number of requests. Some examples include Canada, Mexico, and smaller consulates such as the Bahamas.

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