Applicants of Nonimmigrant Visas Must Now Apply in Their Country of Nationality or Residence

Effective immediately, the Department of State is requiring all nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applying in a country where the visa applicant is neither a national nor resident will no longer be allowed.  As such, the practice of non-Canadians and non-Mexicans (e.g., India and Chinese nationals) applying at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate in Canada or Mexico will no longer be allowed.

The Department of State has indicated that existing nonimmigrant visa appointments already secured at a country where the applicant is not a citizen or resident of will generally not be cancelled.

This new rule does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, applicants for diplomatic-type or official-type visas (regardless of classification), or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.  Additionally, the Department of State indicated that rare exceptions to this new rule may be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact your ILG attorney or reach our firm at .