Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence

On September 06, 2025 the Department of State announced updated guidance on the adjudication of nonimmigrant visas including F and J student categories. Applicants for these visas should now schedule and attend their visa interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate.

While this guidance has been recently updated by the Department of State, it has always been more challenging for F and J international students to secure visas in a third country. However, with this updated guidance we anticipate that securing a visa through a third-country consulate or embassy will become even more difficult moving forward. 

How does this affect F and J international students?

1. Limited Flexibility for Third-Country Interviews

Previously, students sometimes applied for interviews in countries with shorter wait times, for example, at U.S. posts in nearby countries. Many UW students have opted to renew their visas at the U.S. consulate in Vancouver, Canada. That option is no longer encouraged.

2. Plan Ahead with Local Consulates or Embassies

You must apply through your home or residence country’s U.S. embassy or consulate. Be sure to:

• Check visa appointment wait times, as they may be longer than before.
• Gather evidence of local residency, such as utility bills, student ID, lease agreements, or bank statements.

3. Fees Are Final

If you had scheduled or are considering scheduling a third-country interview, be aware that fees cannot be refunded or transferred, even if your appointment is canceled or you change plans.

4. Existing Appointments Likely Still Valid

If you’ve already booked an interview abroad, DOS indicates that most of these appointments will not be cancelled automatically. Still, it’s wise to double-check and weigh if switching to your home country might avoid future complications.

What if my country of citizenship or residence does not issue non-immigrant visas?

If you’re residing temporarily in a country that lacks routine visa operations, you must apply at a designated consulate or embassy: