New “Home Country Only” Visa Interview Rule and Termination of the Interview Waiver

At a Glance

• Effective September 6, 2025, the Department of State has ended “third-country visa stamping.” All non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants must now schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
• Effective September 2, 2025, most NIV applicants will require an in-person interview with a consular officer.
• Applicants should expect longer wait times, especially in high-demand countries like India and China.

New “Home Country Only” Visa Interview Rule

Effective September 6, 2025, the Department of State has ended “third-country visa stamping.” All non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants must now schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. If the place of appointment is based on residency, applicants must be able to provide proof of residency.

Applicants who schedule NIV interviews in third countries will forfeit the fees paid and such appointments cannot be transferred. If an applicant’s country has no embassy services, the State Department has designated alternative consulates where the interview must be scheduled.

The State Department has indicated that it will not cancel appointments that have been made. However, we have seen last-minute changes over the last few months when visa applicants have appeared at the consulate. Therefore, our recommendation is that third-party nationals with visa appointments at consulates other than their home country should contact the consulate to confirm the appointment and avoid unnecessary travel.

Exceptions

The rule does not apply to:

• Diplomats or official visa categories
• A, G, C-2, C-3 and NATO visas
• Applicants covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement

Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian, medical emergency or foreign policy reasons.

Termination of Interview Waiver (Dropbox)

Effective September 2, 2025, most NIV applicants will require an in-person interview with a consular officer. This includes applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79.

Who can still use the Dropbox?

• Diplomatic and official visa categories: A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants / servants / personal employees), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6 or TECRO E- 1.
• B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil renewals, if they meet the following criteria:
  • The prior visa was full-validity and expired within the past 12 months;
  • The applicant was at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued;
  • The renewal is in the same classification;
  • The application is filed in the country of nationality or residence; and
  • There is no history of visa refusal or ineligibility.
• In-person interviews could still be required on a discretionary, case-by-case basis.

What These Changes Mean for International Travelers

Applicants should expect longer wait times, especially in high-demand countries like India and China.