US Visa Applicants Must Apply From Home

The US Department of State has announced that all nonimmigrant visa applicants must now schedule their interview appointments at the US Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

Nationals of countries where the US does not provide routine visa services will need to apply at designated locations. For example, Afghans must apply in Islamabad, Cubans in Georgetown, Iranians in Dubai, Russians in Astana or Warsaw, and Venezuelans in Bogota.

The State Department cautioned that applicants who try to apply outside their country of residence or nationality may face longer wait times and more difficulty qualifying, with fees non-refundable and non-transferable.

Existing

appointments will generally remain valid. Exceptions apply for diplomatic, NATO, and UN-related visas, as well as humanitarian or medical emergencies.

Applicants are advised to check individual embassy and consulate websites for detailed requirements and appointment availability.