Third-country visa stamping has officially ended for non-immigrant and immigrant visas. The U.S. Department of State (DOS) recently changed its rules so that visa applicants must now interview in their country of nationality or legal residence.
Consular officers now require strong proof of residence to confirm visa applicants’ eligibility.
Here’s what to know.
The Change
- On September 6, 2025, the Department of State announced that non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants must interview in their country of nationality or legal residence.
- On August 28, 2025, DOS announced that immigrant visa interviews would follow the residence rule. From November 1, 2025, interviews will be scheduled in the applicant’s country of residence or country of nationality.
- Previously, many applicants used third-country consulates for visa runs, that is, to get interviews faster or when their home country had backlogs. That option is now restricted.
Reason for the Change
The official reason for the change is to reduce fraud by preventing applicants from “visa shopping” and to strengthen vetting.
This change shifts more power to local consulates, forcing you to deal where your ties are strongest.
Who Does the Change Affect?
- Students who used nearby countries for stamping their study visas to avoid delays in enrolling or starting programs.
- Workers on employment visas whose companies arranged interviews abroad.
- Tourists or business visitors who plan to reset a visa in a third country.
- Immigrant visa applicants who expect to be interviewed outside their country of residence.
In all these cases, travel costs will increase, and scheduling will change.
The Proof You’ll Need
Applicants who want to satisfy the visa interview in the country of residence requirement will need evidence showing they are legally living there.
Here’s a list of the common evidence that embassies accept:
- Valid local residence permit, visa, or proof of lawful status.
- Lease or rental agreement under your name.
- Utility bills or local services bills.
- Employment contract or payslips.
- Bank statements printed locally.
- Enrollment in a local university or school and tuition receipts.
- Tax records showing local income or filing.
Each embassy may have its own list. Always check the embassy website to know what they accept.
Risks of Not Following the New Rule
- Your appointment in a third country may be canceled or rejected.
- Fees paid for third-country interviews may not be processed; if they are, they will not be refunded.
- You may have to reapply from scratch in your country of residence.
- Visa timelines can stretch, and you risk missing school or resuming work on time.
- In immigrant visa cases, you may be referred back to the National Visa Center or refused consular processing.
Exceptions & Permissions
Not every applicant has to interview in their country. There are a few exceptions, like:
- Countries without a U.S. embassy or consulate. Applicants from those nations may be assigned to a nearby embassy.
- Diplomatic or official visa categories (A, G, NATO) often follow different rules.
- Humanitarian or emergency cases may get flexibility.
- In cases of instability in the home country or a lack of consular capacity, consulates may handle cases outside the country.
Don’t assume you qualify for an exception. Verify with the embassy first or ask a professional in the ImmigrationQuestion.com attorney network.
How to Prepare
- Find out where your interview will hold.
Check the DOS announcement and the embassy websites in your country of nationality and residence.
- Gather proof of legal residence.
Get documents like leases, bills, employment records, student IDs, and local tax returns. Scan and save every copy.
- Cancel or reschedule any third-country appointment you already made.
If it’s after the policy date, it will likely be refused.
- Budget more time and money.
You may need to travel to your country of residence. Flights, lodging, and delays add up.
- Plan your timing.
Submit visa applications early to allow for interview delays or administrative processing.
- For immigrant visa cases, keep active communication with NVC.
Inform them if your address or country of residence changes.
Stay Informed with ImmigrationQuestion.com
The country-of-residence interview rule is a big change. It ends much of the flexibility people had for choosing where to get stamped.
If you plan to get a U.S. visa in 2025, expect to return to your home base. Prepare your documents early and gather proof of residence. Don’t assume third-country shortcuts will work.
At ImmigrationQuestion.com, we’ll keep tracking updates on rules like this, so you don’t get blindsided. Follow us to stay in the know.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still go to another country for my visa interview?
No, unless you fall into any of the exemption categories. The third-country visa stamping option has ended. You must now interview in your country of nationality or legal residence.
What does “country of residence” mean?
It’s the country where you legally live, not just to visit or stay temporarily. If you’re on a student visa, work permit, or permanent residency in another country, that counts as your country of residence.
What proof do I need to show I live there?
You’ll need proof of residence, like a residence permit, visa, rental lease, bills in your name, work or school documents, or tax records. Each embassy has its own list, so be sure to check their website before your interview.
What happens if I have already booked a visa appointment in another country?
You’ll likely lose that slot. The consulate may cancel the interview due to the new requirement. You’ll have to reschedule in your country of residence or nationality.
Does this rule apply to all visa types?
Yes, it affects both non-immigrant and immigrant visas. Some diplomatic and emergency cases may be exceptions.
Why did the U.S. make this change?
It’s a means of reducing fraud and visa shopping. It also helps consulates better assess ties to your home or residence country.
What if my home country doesn’t have a U.S. embassy or isn’t doing visa interviews?
If you’re from a country where the U.S. isn’t running regular visa operations, you can apply at the designated embassy or consulate assigned to handle your country’s applications. But if you are living legally elsewhere, you should do it in that country instead.
Will this delay visa processing times?
Yes, most likely. More people will now compete for limited interview slots in their home countries, so apply early and plan.
I used to renew my visa in a nearby country. Can I still do that?
Not if you don’t live there. The third country visa stamping option is closed to most people unless there’s no U.S. presence in your country.
How can I avoid issues under the new rule?
Apply early, keep your residence documents up to date, and avoid applying for a visa in a country you’re only visiting. Also, always double-check your embassy’s latest guidance before scheduling an interview.
