ARTICLE
10 September 2025

Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Should Now Apply In Country Of Nationality Or Residence

KL
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP

Contributor

Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer is a world-leading global law firm, where our ambition is to help you achieve your goals. Exceptional client service and the pursuit of excellence are at our core. We invest in and care about our client relationships, which is why so many are longstanding. We enjoy breaking new ground, as we have for over 170 years. As a fully integrated transatlantic and transpacific firm, we are where you need us to be. Our footprint is extensive and committed across the world’s largest markets, key financial centres and major growth hubs. At our best tackling complexity and navigating change, we work alongside you on demanding litigation, exacting regulatory work and complex public and private market transactions. We are recognised as leading in these areas. We are immersed in the sectors and challenges that impact you. We are recognised as standing apart in energy, infrastructure and resources. And we’re focused on areas of growth that affect every business across the world.
The Department of State (DOS) announced that effective immediately, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S.
United States Immigration
Mark Koestler’s articles from Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP are most popular:
  • within Immigration topic(s)
Herbert Smith Freehills Kramer LLP are most popular:
  • within Environment, Coronavirus (COVID-19), Government and Public Sector topic(s)
  • in European Union

The Department of State (DOS) announced that effective immediately, applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIVs) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. According to DOS guidance, if an applicant schedules an interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence, it will likely be more difficult for him/her to qualify for the visa, and in many cases, officers may refuse to conduct the interview.

While existing NIV interview appointments will generally not be cancelled, we advise that all future appointments are booked according to this updated guidance. Furthermore, based on this update, we anticipate that wait times for NIV interview appointments will increase significantly in many cases, particularly in countries with high applicant numbers such as China and India. Employers and foreign national employees seeking to schedule NIV interview appointments should plan accordingly, and check embassy and consulate websites for country-specific information about visa application requirements and procedures.

Nationals of countries where the U.S. is not conducting routine NIV operations must apply at the designated embassies/consulates listed on the DOS website (unless they reside in a country where NIV interview appointments are available).

The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.

Mondaq uses cookies on this website. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies as set out in our Privacy Policy.

Learn More