The U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced that all nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants must now schedule their visa interview appointments at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
Previously, applicants had the flexibility to schedule interviews in third countries with shorter wait times. The updated policy standardizes where NIV interviews may take place, reducing this flexibility. The change follows a similar DOS announcement last week regarding immigrant visa interview locations and is part of ongoing efforts to tighten the U.S. visa process.
The policy applies to nearly all NIV applicants, including those seeking temporary work visas (H, L), student visas (F, M, J), and tourism/business visas (B-1/B-2). Certain visa categories, including diplomatic, official, and UN-related visas, are exempt. Applicants from countries where routine NIV operations are unavailable must apply at designated embassies or consulates.
For Caribbean applicants, the designated posts under the new policy are:
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Cuba: Georgetown
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Haiti: Nassau
Applicants who schedule interviews outside their country of residence or nationality may face greater difficulty qualifying for a visa. Fees will not be refunded or transferred if appointments take place outside the required location. Exceptions for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons may be granted at the DOS’s discretion. Existing appointments generally will not be changed or canceled.
The DOS warned that travelers from countries without routine NIV operations may face longer wait times and higher travel costs under the new rules.
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