New US Visa Rules requires interviews in country of residence or nationality
The United States has rolled out a new directive restricting non-immigrant visa applicants to schedule their interview appointments only in their country of nationality or residence.
The updated policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State on September 6, warns that individuals applying for visas outside their home country or place of residence could face much longer wait times and risk forfeiting their application fees, which remain non-refundable and non-transferable.
“Effective immediately, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should book their interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” the department said in its guidance.
For nationals of countries where the U.S. has suspended routine visa services, designated embassies or consulates will handle applications. Applicants must also prove residency in the country where they file their application.
The State Department cautioned that those who attempt to apply outside their country of nationality or residence may find it harder to qualify for a visa. Even if granted an appointment, they should expect significantly longer processing times.
However, the directive exempts applicants seeking diplomatic or official visas, as well as A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visa categories. Exceptions may also be granted in urgent humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy cases. Existing visa appointments will generally remain valid.
In practice, the new rules mean Nigerians seeking U.S. visas will now be required to apply only at the embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos. This move ends the common practice where many Nigerians previously sought quicker appointments by applying in other countries.
The policy marks the latest tightening of U.S. visa regulations, a trend that first gained momentum under the Trump administration.
