On Oct. 10, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) modified their previous announcement of Sept. 6, 2025, that all applicants for nonimmigrant visas, including F, J, and H-1B visas, should schedule visa interview appointments only in their country of nationality or residence. In other words, applicants should not schedule visa appointments in countries where they are neither citizens nor residents.
According to the DOS announcement:
- Anyone who applies for a visa in their country of residence, not their country of nationality (citizenship), will be required to provide proof of residency.
- Applicants who have scheduled nonimmigrant 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 visa applications at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.
- In general, existing nonimmigrant visa appointments will not be cancelled.
- Nationals (citizens) of countries without routine U.S. nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated specific consulates.
- Applicants seeking appointments outside their country of nationality or residence are likely to experience substantially longer wait times.
Therefore, UCF Global strongly recommends that nonimmigrant visa applicants schedule interviews only in their country of citizenship or residence, not in countries they are visiting for personal or professional reasons.
Please read carefully our General Travel Advisory before planning any international travel and departing the United States. The DOS Global Visa Wait Times website provides current wait times for visa interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide
Consult with an International Program Advisor if you have questions about how policy changes may affect you.
Phone: 407-823-2337
General Advising Email: intladvising@ucf.edu
Meet an International Program Advisor during advising hours.