ADVERTISEMENTs
Indians must now apply for US visas in home country
The decision is significant for Indian travelers, who face some of the world’s longest visa wait times.
-
Pranavi Sharma - Mon, 08, Sep 2025
- 23:06 EDT
- 611
Representative image. / Pexels
The United States has ended third-country visa appointments for all non-immigrant categories, requiring applicants to schedule interviews exclusively in their country of nationality or legal residence. The new rule, announced by the Department of State on Sept.6, eliminates a workaround that many Indians had used to bypass long wait times at home.
"Effective immediately, the department of state has updated instructions for non-immigrant visa applicants... (they) should schedule visa interview appointments at the US embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence," the statement read.
The decision is significant for Indian travelers, who face some of the world’s longest visa wait times. In recent years, interview slots in India have stretched up to 15–20 months. To avoid delays, many Indians had sought appointments in countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, Dubai, or Germany. After the pandemic, Frankfurt even allocated specific B1/B2 (business and tourist) slots for Indian applicants.
The new rules apply to all major visa categories, including B1/B2, F1 (student), H-1B and O-1 (employment), and J (exchange visitor). Applicants attempting to apply in a third country without proof of legal residence risk rejection. Visa fees, which are non-refundable and non-transferable, add to the stakes.
The change also coincides with restrictions to the interview waiver programme, which had allowed certain eligible applicants to skip in-person interviews. Together, the measures signal a tightening of US visa procedures and stricter enforcement of residency-based applications.
The impact will be felt most sharply in India, where families, business travelers, and students often relied on overseas appointments to meet urgent timelines. Tourists traveling for family events, professionals attending international conferences, and students facing academic deadlines will now have fewer options.
With overseas locations like Bangkok, Dubai, and Singapore no longer available, many Indian applicants may be forced to delay or even cancel travel plans.
For now, Indians must seek appointments at the four US consulates in India — New Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
Related
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
E Paper
ADVERTISEMENT
.jpg)
Video
Comments
Start the conversation
Become a member of New India Abroad to start commenting.
Sign Up Now
Already have an account? Login