The United States Department of State has rolled out a sweeping policy change that will affect millions of people applying for non-immigrant visas. From now on, applicants must schedule their interviews strictly at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
The new directive, announced on September 6, 2025, immediately replaces all previous guidelines. According to the State Department, this move is aimed at streamlining visa processing and cutting down the global backlog of applications. However, it also means stricter restrictions for many hopeful travelers.
In its notice, the Department explained that people from countries where America does not operate routine visa services will have to apply at designated embassies. For instance, Afghans must apply in Islamabad, Belarusians in Vilnius or Warsaw, Cubans in Georgetown, Iranians in Dubai, Russians in Astana or Warsaw, Venezuelans in Bogota, and Yemenis in Riyadh.
For applicants everywhere, three major changes stand out. First is the residence requirement—only those who can prove residence in the country where they apply will be considered. Second, visa fees are non-refundable and cannot be transferred if the application is done outside one’s country of residence or nationality. Third, appointment wait times will be much longer if people try applying outside their own country.
The Department, however, clarified that existing appointments will mostly remain valid. Exemptions will also exist for humanitarian or medical emergencies, and for special diplomatic cases. Still, the message is clear: applicants must start adjusting to the new structure.
In Nigeria, this policy shift is particularly significant. For years, many applicants unable to secure slots in Lagos or Abuja turned to consulates in nearby countries like Ghana, Cameroon, or even far-off places like Canada or the Dominican Republic. That shortcut is now officially closed.
This change will likely make an already tough process even harder. With the notoriously long wait times in Nigeria, applicants may now face longer delays and stricter scrutiny. U.S. officials argue that the move is necessary to improve fairness, security, and efficiency—but for ordinary Nigerians, it adds another hurdle to the dream of traveling to America.
