The Department of State has revised its guidelines for all nonimmigrant visa applicants who are scheduling visa interview appointments. Foreign nationals intending to apply for a US visa will be notably affected by two major alterations to the nation’s immigration policies. A new regulation mandates that all applicants must submit their visa applications solely from their country of residence or their country of nationality. The US Embassy in India has conveyed this information in a post on X, indicating that the State Department will require all visa applicants to apply from their country of residence or nationality. This new visa appointment regulation will affect all foreign students seeking F-1 study visas and H-1B work permits, among others. The United States has also rescinded the interview waiver policy, commonly referred to as the ‘Dropbox,’ for most foreign travelers seeking a US visa. The US State Department has restricted the eligibility for visa interview waivers to a limited group of travelers.
Previously, certain non-immigrant applicants could submit their visa applications by mail or at specified locations without the necessity of attending a personal interview. On September 6, the Department of State updated its guidelines for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments. These instructions and the new regulation took effect immediately, starting September 6. Individuals applying for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should arrange their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Generally, existing non-immigrant visa appointments will not be canceled. While wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments may differ by location, applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should anticipate significantly longer wait times for an appointment. Applicants must provide proof of residence in the country where they are applying if their application is based on their residency.
