US Overhauls Visa Appointment Policy: Non-Immigrant Applicants Must Apply Only in Home Country or Country of Residence

The US Department of State has announced a major change to its global visa appointment policy for non-immigrant categories, effective immediately. Under the new rule, applicants must schedule their visa interviews only in their home country or the country where they legally reside, eliminating the option of third-country appointments. This move is a significant blow for Indian travellers applying for US visas such as B1/B2 (tourist/business), H-1B, O-1 (specialty occupation), and F1 (student), many of whom previously booked interview slots in countries like Thailand, Vietnam, or Germany to bypass long wait times at Indian consulates. With this flexibility now removed, travellers face increased delays, as visa interview wait times in India already exceed three months in major cities including New Delhi, Mumbai, and Chennai. While domestic visa extensions and status changes filed through USCIS remain unaffected, international travellers needing fresh visa stamps to re-enter the US must now secure appointments in their country of nationality or residence, adding new challenges for business professionals, students, and frequent flyers. The policy, aligned with earlier tightening of visa procedures, will intensify demand on Indian consulates, making early planning and preparation more crucial than ever for those seeking US travel.