On September 6, 2025, the State Department issued guidance on which country foreign nationals can apply for a nonimmigrant visa (“NIV”) such as H-1B, L-1, F-1, O-1, TN, and J-1 at U.S. Embassies/Consulates abroad. This guidance was later updated on October 10, 2025[1], and limits third-country national (“TCN”) nonimmigrant visa processing, except in a narrow set of circumstances as detailed below.
What is TCN processing?
TCN processing is when an individual applies for a U.S. visa in a country other than their home country. Although TCN policies vary widely between consular posts, previously TCN processing provided the option to schedule visa appointments at consular posts with shorter wait times or that were more convenient.
What has changed?
The State Department now directs foreign nationals to schedule NIV appointments at the U.S. Embassy/Consulate in their country of nationality or residence. Applicants must demonstrate residence in the country where they are applying, if the place of application is based on their residency. Applicants who schedule NIV interviews at a U.S. Embassy/Consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence should expect to wait significantly longer for an appointment and 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 State Department confirmed on October 10, 2025 that existing appointments will generally not be cancelled.
