On Saturday, September 6, 2025, then again on October 10, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) issued an announcement, effective immediately, directing nonimmigrant applicants to schedule their visa appointment at a consular post in their country of citizenship or residence. Since the Department of State severely restricted interview waiver eligibility criteria in late July, international students, scholars and employees should plan to schedule and attend in-person visa interviews when applying for or renewing a nonimmigrant (F, J, H-1B, etc. ) visa.
All applicants for nonimmigrant visas (F-1, J-1, H-1B, etc.) should schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of citizenship or residence, instead of in a third country. The announcement indicates that third country appointments will generally not be cancelled, but applicants may be subject to increased scrutiny and longer wait times if they apply in a country that is not their country of citizenship or residence.
Nationals of countries where the U.S. government does not conduct routine nonimmigrant visa applications should apply at the designated embassy or consulate listed in the announcement.
Should you already have scheduled travel which involves renewing a visa, please review/consider the State Department statement fully/carefully.
Those with a scheduled nonimmigrant visa appointment in a third country should discuss the possible impact of this new policy with an advisor in the International Center.
International students and scholars in F- or J-status should review these IC resources related to travel, visa application tips, and (re)entering the U.S. after travel abroad.
International faculty and staff in H-1B, TN or E-3 status should review the FSIS travel page prior to travel.
The International Center will continue to monitor the implementation of the new policy at consular posts and will provide updates as appropriate.
Last Updated: 12/9/2025