Ending Visa Flexibility: U.S. Ends Third-Country Interview Privileges

In a move that’s sending ripples across the globe, the U.S. government has officially ended “third-country visa stamping” for most nonimmigrant visa applicants. As of early September 2025, visa applicants — including those applying for H-1B, F1, J1, or B1/B2 visas — must now do their visa interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence.

This change means that individuals who previously traveled to a third country (for example, to avoid long waiting lists or consulate backlogs in their home country) can no longer use that workaround. For many, that flexibility helped bypass delays and increased processing times in their home consulates. With this policy change, wait times, travel costs, and logistical complications are likely to rise.

The consequences are especially heavy for those living in countries with limited U.S. consular services, or where visa demand is high. Students, business travelers, families — all may see delays or find themselves in more complex planning situations. Some might have to wait longer for appointments; others may need to adjust travel, course enrollment, or job start dates.

For those affected, here are a few key strategies: check your U.S. consulate’s current wait times, apply early, avoid assuming you can schedule in third-countries, and stay informed about any exceptions (for some diplomatic or emergency categories) that may still apply. Also, keep documentation ready in case consular officers question past travel or legal residencies.

This policy reflects the broader trend under the Trump administration: tighter control and fewer exceptions. For many international visa applicants, life just got a little more rigid — and more urgent.

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