If you’re planning to travel to the United States for study, tourism, business, or work, there’s an important policy change you need to know.
As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State now requires all nonimmigrant visa applicants (tourists, students, workers, and others) to schedule and attend their visa interview only at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
In simple terms: if you live in Nigeria, you must apply in Nigeria. If you’re a national of another country but live in Nigeria, you can also apply here, but you must show proof of residence.
Why Did This Change Happen?
The U.S. says this rule helps strengthen the visa process and reduce complications. In the past, many people tried applying for visas in third countries (a practice called “third-country national” applications). With this new policy, that option is now very limited.
What This Means for You
Here’s how the change could affect your visa journey:
- Apply where you live or hold nationality
No more “visa runs” to other countries unless you actually reside there. - Proof of residence is required
If you’re applying outside your nationality but in your country of residence, be ready to show documentation (residence permit, utility bills, work documents, etc.). - Fees are non-refundable
If you apply in the wrong country, not only will it make your case harder, but any fees you paid cannot be refunded or transferred. - Expect longer waits if applying abroad
If you somehow qualify to apply outside your residence, prepare for longer appointment wait times. - Existing appointments remain valid
If you already booked your interview before this announcement, you don’t need to panic—your appointment still stands.
Who Is Exempt?
Not everyone is affected by this rule. It does not apply to:
- Diplomatic and official visa applicants (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO).
- UN-related visas.
- Emergency or humanitarian cases, and rare situations tied to U.S. foreign policy.
What If Your Country Has No U.S. Embassy or Consulate?
Some countries don’t process routine nonimmigrant visas. If you’re from one of these places (e.g., Afghanistan, Cuba, Venezuela, Syria, etc.), the U.S. has designated specific embassies and consulates where you must apply. For example:
- Afghanistan → Islamabad
- Iran → Dubai
- Ukraine → Warsaw or Krakow
- Venezuela → Bogotá
And so on…
Visa Interview Locations for Countries Without U.S. Offices
| Country of Nationality | Designated Embassy/Consulate |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Islamabad |
| Belarus | Vilnius, Warsaw |
| Chad | Yaoundé |
| Cuba | Georgetown |
| Haiti | Nassau |
| Iran | Dubai |
| Libya | Tunis |
| Niger | Ouagadougou |
| Russia | Astana, Warsaw |
| Somalia | Nairobi |
| South Sudan | Nairobi |
| Sudan | Cairo |
| Syria | Amman |
| Ukraine | Krakow, Warsaw |
| Venezuela | Bogota |
| Yemen | Riyadh |
| Zimbabwe | Johannesburg |
Bottom Line
From now on, your U.S. visa application must happen at home, in your country of nationality or where you legally live. This change will reduce confusion but also means you should plan carefully and prepare your documents well in advance.
If you’re a Nigerian applicant, this means sticking to the U.S. Embassy in Abuja or the U.S. Consulate in Lagos for your interview.
At Agora, we help you understand updates like this and prepare your talent visa journey with confidence.
