US Visa Applicants Must Interview in Home Country
Effective from September 6, 2025, the US State Department has introduced a new rule:
All nonimmigrant visa applicants (including students applying for F, M, or J visas) must now schedule their visa interviews at the US embassy/consulate in their own country of residence or nationality.
What This Means
- No more third-country interviews
- During the pandemic, students used to bypass long wait times at home by booking visa interviews in nearby countries.
- This is now no longer allowed, except in rare humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy-related cases.
- Higher risk of rejection if applying outside your country
- The State Department explicitly warned that applicants who try to schedule in another country may find it harder to qualify for the visa.
- Non-refundable fees
- If you pay for an appointment in another country and later can’t proceed, the fee will not be refunded or transferred.
Visa Wait Times – A Growing Concern
This change is expected to worsen wait times, especially in countries where US embassies already face heavy backlogs:
- Nigeria (Abuja) → ~14 months wait for student visas.
- Ghana (Accra) → ~11 months.
- Pakistan (Karachi) → ~10.5 months.
Such long delays could prevent many students from starting their studies on time.
Additional Factors Slowing Processing
- A pause on student visa interviews earlier this summer already caused major disruptions.
- Enhanced social media vetting for student visa applicants is also contributing to delays.
Special Cases
For nationals of countries where the US has no routine visa operations, the State Department has assigned alternative embassies/consulates.
For example:
- Afghanistan → Islamabad
- Iran → Dubai
- Russia → Astana or Warsaw
- Sudan → Cairo
- Yemen → Riyadh
(and others listed in the announcement).
- Students and other applicants must apply from their home country.
- Expect longer wait times in many regions.
- Exceptions are rare and only for emergencies.
- Plan visa applications well in advance to avoid missing enrollment deadlines.
📌Need guidance on US study visas?
At WAC Consultants, we assist students in navigating complex visa procedures and planning applications on time.
📞 Contact us today to secure your study abroad journey with expert support.
📩 Email: info@wacconsultants.com
📞WhatsApp: +92 320 9422666