The United States has requested that all non-immigrant visa applicants arrange their interviews solely at embassies or consulates in their country of citizenship or residency.

The US Department of State issued a new guideline on September 6, warning that applicants outside their country of residency may face longer appointment wait periods and risk losing their application costs, which are non-refundable if denied.

“Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments,” according to an order.

“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.

“Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.  See the list below to determine the designated location for NIV applications.”
The US State Department said applicants must demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency.

“Applicants who schedule non-immigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred,” the policy reads.

“Wait times for non-immigrant interview appointments vary by location.  Applicants applying outside their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment.

“Existing non-immigrant visa appointments will generally not be cancelled.

“This guidance does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, applicants for diplomatic-type or official-type visas (regardless of classification), or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement.  Rare exceptions may also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.”

Except in rare cases, Nigerian visitors seeking American visas must apply at the US embassy in Abuja or the consulate in Lagos under the new policy. Previously, many Nigerians with lengthy appointment delays in Abuja and Lagos chose to apply for US visas in other countries.

The development is the latest in the ongoing tightening of US visa regulations, which began under Donald Trump’s administration.