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(1) ALL VISA APPLICANTS TO BE INTERVIEWED
In an earlier policy this summer about visa interview waivers, the DOS announced that all nonimmigrant visa applicants – including those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 – will generally require an in-person interview. The exceptions to the interview requirement include:
- most A diplomatic visas,
- most G visas for international organizations and NATO visas, and
- Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.
For this last category, to be eligible for the interview waiver the B-1/B-2 applicants must also: (1) apply in their country of nationality or residence; (2) have never been refused a visa (unless overcome or waived); and (3) have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
(2) DOS LIMITS WHERE APPLICANTS CAN APPLY FOR THEIR VISAS
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued policies that essentially eliminate the ability of visa applicants to apply for a visa in a third country and limit where all visa applicants can apply for their visas.
Immigrant visas: In its policy of August 28th, DOS announced that beginning November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa (IV) applicants – both family sponsored and employment sponsored - will be required to complete their interviews in the consular district designated for their place of residence or, if requested, in their country of nationality.
Any interviews already scheduled in a third country will be allowed to proceed.
Nonimmigrant visas: On September 6th, the DOS issued a similar policy for all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants, effective immediately. This policy indicates that all applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
Existing NIV appointments will generally not be cancelled, according to the policy.
For both NIV and IV applicants, if their country of nationality is not conducting interviews, they must apply at the consular post designated by the DOS. These designated posts are listed in the policy links.
Both policies also made possible rare exceptions for possible humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons. However, no guidance is provided as to what will qualify for these exceptions.
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