US INTRODUCES NEW VISA POLICY: APPLICANTS MUST INTERVIEW IN COUNTRY OF NATIONALITY OR RESIDENCE
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By Aishat Momoh. O.
The United States Department of State has announced a sweeping policy change for non-immigrant visa applicants, mandating that interviews be scheduled strictly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
The directive, published on September 6, 2025, on the State Department’s official visa portal, takes immediate effect and supersedes all previous instructions on designated visa processing locations.
According to the Department, nationals from countries where routine U.S. visa operations are suspended—such as Afghanistan, Belarus, Cuba, Iran, Russia, Venezuela, and Yemen—must apply at designated embassies or consulates, including Islamabad, Vilnius, Dubai, Astana, Bogota, and Riyadh.
Applicants were also cautioned about three major changes:
Residence Requirement: Proof of residence is now mandatory when applying outside one’s country of nationality.
Fees: Payments will not be refunded or transferred if an applicant fails to qualify when applying outside their country of residence or nationality.
Appointment Delays: Those applying abroad should expect significantly longer wait times.
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While existing appointments will generally not be cancelled, the State Department clarified that the new rules do not apply to diplomatic, NATO, or UN-related visas. Limited exceptions may be made for humanitarian emergencies or foreign policy considerations.
Officials explained that the policy shift aims to streamline visa adjudications, strengthen security, and address global backlogs.
The change is expected to impact many applicants worldwide, including Nigerians who have traditionally secured faster appointments by applying in neighbouring countries such as Ghana, Cameroon, or Namibia. Under the new system, Nigerians must now apply exclusively in Abuja or Lagos, regardless of availability.
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