The U.S. Department of State has updated its guidance for scheduling nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview appointments. These changes are effective immediately and apply to all applicants worldwide.
Applicants must now schedule their NIV interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine visa services must apply at a designated embassy or consulate.
Designated Processing Locations
If you are a national of one of the following countries, you must apply at the specified U.S. embassy or consulate (unless you reside elsewhere):
- Afghanistan – Islamabad
- Belarus – Vilnius, Warsaw
- Chad – Yaoundé
- Cuba – Georgetown
- Haiti – Nassau
- Iran – Dubai
- Libya – Tunis
- Niger – Ouagadougou
- Russia – Astana, Warsaw
- Somalia – Nairobi
- South Sudan – Nairobi
- Sudan – Cairo
- Syria – Amman
- Ukraine – Krakow, Warsaw
- Venezuela – Bogotá
- Yemen – Riyadh
- Zimbabwe – Johannesburg
What Applicants Need to Know
- Residence Requirement: You must demonstrate that you reside in the country where you are applying, if applying outside your nationality.
- Fees: Visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable. If you apply outside your country of nationality or residence, it may be harder to qualify for a visa.
- Appointment Wait Times: Expect significantly longer waits if you apply outside your country of residence or nationality.
- Existing Appointments: Previously scheduled NIV appointments will generally not be cancelled.
- Exceptions: This policy does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, diplomatic, or official visas, or for travel under the UN Headquarters Agreement. Rare exceptions may be made for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons.
