US announces new policy on visa interview

The United States has introduced a new visa directive requiring all non-immigrant applicants to schedule their interview appointments strictly at embassies or consulates in their country of nationality or legal residence.

The policy, which took effect on September 6, was announced by the US Department of State. Authorities warned that those attempting to apply outside their country of residence could face extended wait times and risk losing their non-refundable application fees.

“Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments,” the directive stated.

“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. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.”

The State Department further stressed that individuals applying outside their home country may find it more difficult to qualify for a visa. “Applicants who schedule non-immigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred,” it added.

According to the update, waiting times will vary depending on location, with applicants outside their home countries expected to experience much longer delays. Existing appointments, however, will generally not be cancelled.

The new directive exempts certain categories of travellers, including applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visas, as well as diplomatic and official visa types. Exceptions may also be granted for humanitarian or medical emergencies, or foreign policy considerations.

For Nigerian applicants, this means visa requests must now be processed exclusively at the US Embassy in Abuja or the Consulate in Lagos. Many Nigerians had previously sought appointments in neighbouring countries due to long delays at home.

The change marks another step in the steady tightening of US visa procedures, a trend that gained momentum under the Trump administration.