State Department Eliminates Third Country Nonimmigrant Visa Appointments

On September 6, 2025, the State Department announced that, effective immediately, foreign nationals should only schedule and attend nonimmigrant visa appointments in their country of nationality or residence. Foreign nationals from countries without routine US visa operations are instructed to apply at the embassy or consulate designated for their country on the State Department website. The announcement states that "applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.” Existing appointments will remain valid. 

This policy update essentially eliminates third country visa appointments, where foreign nationals were able to schedule interviews in another country they are visiting for work, vacation, or another purpose.  

Read the State Department announcement here.