The US Department of State has implemented sweeping visa rule changes, effective immediately, requiring all non-immigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews exclusively in their country of citizenship or legal residence. The policy eliminates the popular practice of “visa shopping” – applying from third countries with shorter wait times.
US Implements New Visa Rule: Global Implementation
“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 State Department announced Saturday.
Indian Applicants Hit Hardest Amid US’s Decision
The restriction directly impacts thousands of Indians who previously bypassed domestic backlogs by scheduling appointments in Singapore, Thailand, and Germany. This strategic workaround allowed faster access to B1 (business) and B2 (tourism) visas, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic when Indian wait times stretched up to three years.
Travel agents report that during peak backlog periods, Indians frequently traveled to Germany for visa interviews. The US Embassy in Frankfurt even reserved slots “specifically for Indian applicants” two years ago when domestic wait times reached 15-20 months.
Limited Exceptions
The new policy permits applications at designated embassies only for nationals from countries where the US doesn’t conduct routine visa operations, including Afghanistan, Cuba, Chad, Russia, and Iran. However, even these applicants must apply where they legally reside.
Worsening Backlog Concerns
Industry observers warn the restriction may exacerbate existing delays. Current visa wait times across India vary dramatically – from 3.5 months in Hyderabad and Mumbai to five months in Kolkata, with Chennai reaching nine months.
Additional Changes
The policy coincides with another significant change implemented September 2: mandatory in-person interviews for most non-immigrant visa categories. The State Department scaled back its Interview Waiver Program (Dropbox), requiring face-to-face meetings for H, L, F, M, J, E, and O visa categories – even for applicants previously exempt, including those over 79 and children under 14.
Strategic Impact
These combined changes represent the most significant tightening of US visa procedures in recent years, potentially forcing thousands of Indian applicants into longer domestic queues. The moves appear designed to streamline processing while ensuring applicants apply through proper channels, though critics worry about increased delays for legitimate travellers.
