The United States has announced a new policy requiring all non-immigrant visa applicants to schedule their interviews only at embassies or consulates in their country of nationality or residence.

In a statement issued on September 6, the U.S. Department of State said applicants who attempt to schedule appointments outside their home country could face significantly longer wait times and risk losing their application fees, which are non-refundable and non-transferable.

“Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence,” the directive read.

The department explained that nationals of countries where routine non-immigrant visa services are unavailable must apply at designated embassies or consulates, unless they reside elsewhere. Applicants must also prove residency in the country where they apply.

It added that those applying outside their nationality or residence could “find it more difficult to qualify for the visa,” stressing that existing appointments would generally not be cancelled.

The new rule does not apply to applicants for diplomatic or official visas, A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO categories, or those covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. Exceptions may also be made for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons.

For Nigerians, the change means travellers seeking American visas must apply only at the U.S. embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos, unlike before when some opted for appointments in other countries to escape long delays.

The directive is part of a wider tightening of U.S. visa rules, a process that began under former President Donald Trump’s administration.

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