Immediate Change to U.S. Visa Application Processing
On Saturday, September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) posted a major policy change requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants to apply only in their country of nationality or residence, effective immediately. The longstanding policy of allowing Third Country National (TCN) processing has ended, meaning, individuals can no longer apply for a U.S. visa from a nation that is not their country of citizenship or country of residence. As of 9/8/25, there is already a report of an Italian citizen (not an ImLaw client) who appeared for a prescheduled visa interview at the U.S. embassy in London, only to be turned away and informed he must schedule his visa appointment in Italy and submit a new DS-160 application form.
What's Changed:
Third Country National (TCN) processing eliminated: Visa applicants must apply and interview in their country of residence or nationality, with very limited exceptions. For certain countries lacking routine U.S. visa operations, DOS has designated specific locations for nonimmigrant visa processing.
No prior notice or transition period: The policy took effect immediately on Saturday, 9/6/25, with no advance notice or grace period.
Widespread impact expected: The new policy applies globally and is not limited to certain countries. It may affect individuals with preexisting visa appointments.
Why It Matters:
Appointment backlogs likely to grow as applicants are redirected to consulates in their home countries, many of which already face significant and unworkable wait times.
Increased cost and delay burdens for applicants who may need to rebook, reapply, or travel at additional expense. Applicants who schedule visa appointments at U.S. consulates outside of their country of nationality or residence will not have their fees refunded or transferred.
Complicates planning for employers, professionals, students, and families who depend on smooth, predictable visa processing to make timely returns/transitions to the U.S. and avoid unnecessary and costly delays and disruptions.
ImLaw's Perspective:
We share our clients’ concern over the suddenness of this announcement with no advance notice or grace period. The new policy adds major logistical challenges for employers and individuals, who should plan for delays. While existing/scheduled visa appointments may or may not be canceled, individuals should be prepared to reschedule their interviews in their country of nationality or country of residence in the worst-case scenario. We recommend contacting the U.S. consulate in advance of the third country national appointment to attempt to confirm whether it will occur as scheduled.
To prove “country of residence”, individuals should be prepared to demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying (e.g., utility bills, lease, mortgage/deed, etc.).
For temporary, nonimmigrant visa holders, we continue to recommend avoiding any unnecessary international travel.
Contact the ImLaw team here with questions or concerns: Contact ImLaw in Grand Rapids, MI • Imlaw