This change, effective 9/6/2025, eliminates the ability to apply for a nonimmigrant visa in a third country which often resulted in shorter wait times or was more convenient based on personal or business reasons.
Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.
Exceptions include applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, and applicants for diplomatic-type visas. Rare exceptions may be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.
Because this is a new policy, we have yet to see how or if exceptions will be made on a discretionary basis.