The United States government has announced sweeping changes to its visa application process, introducing new requirements that affect millions of nonimmigrant visa seekers worldwide.
The policy, which took effect on September 6, 2025, requires all applicants to attend their visa interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate located in their country of nationality or residence.
This replaces the previous system that allowed flexibility in choosing interview locations.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the new measure overrides all earlier guidelines on visa processing arrangements.
“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 Department stated.
Designated processing posts have been outlined for applicants from countries facing conflict or diplomatic restrictions.
These include Islamabad for Afghans, Vilnius and Warsaw for Belarusians, Georgetown for Cubans, Dubai for Iranians, Astana and Warsaw for Russians, Bogota for Venezuelans, and Riyadh for Yemenis.
Applicants will also be required to prove residency in the country where they submit their application if it is based on residency rather than nationality.
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In a related development, the U.S. government has scrapped most interview waivers, making in-person interviews compulsory for nearly all nonimmigrant visa categories.
Beginning September 2, 2025, students, workers, tourists, and family applicants including children under 14 and seniors over 79, must appear for interviews.
A new $250 “visa integrity fee” has also been introduced to strengthen screening processes and reinforce the credibility of applications.
Additionally, the government launched a visa bond pilot programme on August 20, 2025.
Under the initiative, certain B-1 (business) and B-2 (tourist) visa applicants from select countries such as Malawi and Zambia are required to pay refundable bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000.
The bond serves as a financial guarantee that visitors will comply with visa conditions, with forfeiture likely in cases of violation.
Officials explained that the changes are designed to enhance security, reduce visa overstays, and ensure greater accountability among applicants.