🚨 𝗠𝗮𝗷𝗼𝗿 𝗣𝗼𝗹𝗶𝗰𝘆 𝗦𝗵𝗶𝗳𝘁: 𝗗𝗢𝗦 𝗥𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗧𝗵𝗶𝗿𝗱-𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝗻𝗶𝗺𝗺𝗶𝗴𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘁 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗮 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴

The Department of State (DOS) has announced a significant change impacting many nonimmigrant visa applicants.

Effective September 6, 2025, applicants are now expected to schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.

For years, foreign nationals already in the U.S. could travel to Canada or Mexico for visa stamping after a change of status or extension of stay—saving time and avoiding long trips abroad. Under this updated guidance, that option is dramatically restricted, and many applicants will face longer wait times, stricter eligibility reviews, and non-refundable fees if applying outside their home country.

Key Takeaways:
🌍 Visa interviews should now be scheduled in the applicant’s home country or country of residence.
⏳ Longer wait times are expected for those applying outside their home country.
💸 Fees will not be refunded if a visa is denied or complications arise.
🛑 Exceptions are limited to diplomatic, humanitarian, or emergency cases.

This shift will impact employers, foreign professionals, and immigration attorneys navigating U.S. visa processes.

Companies with employees on H-1B, L-1, O-1, and other nonimmigrant visas should plan ahead to mitigate potential delays in travel and work authorization.