The US issues a new visa rule: nonimmigrant visa applicants, including Indians, must schedule interviews in their citizenship country. There are no longer any third-country shortcuts available.
New US Visa Rule 2025: Big Change for Indians Who Want to Apply
The US has made a big modification to its nonimmigrant visa (NIV) program. The new rule says that all NIV applicants, including Indian citizens asking for B1/B2 tourist and business visas, can only arrange their visa interviews in the country where they are citizens or permanent residents.
This change stops the long-standing practice of Indian applicants going to other countries like Thailand, Vietnam, Singapore, or Germany to get appointments faster.
Main Points of the Rule
- Interviews must be done in the applicant’s home country: all NIV applicants must have interviews only in their home country.
- No bookings from third countries: Applicants can no longer avoid delays by applying abroad.
- Most applicants, even those who are renewing their visas, will now have to come in for an interview.
- Limited waivers: Only a few people will be able to interview overseas, like candidates from countries that don’t have US visa offices.
What It Means for Applicants from India
Longer Wait Times
- The wait times in India right now are between 3 and 9 months, depending on the city.
- With all candidates now restricted to India, it’s likely that delays will worsen.
No Shortcuts Abroad
- In the past, a lot of Indians flew abroad to get faster slots, but this option is no longer available.
A more strict process for renewing
- There are presently very few interview waivers (dropbox), even for people who travel a lot.
- The new law also limits exemptions for seniors and kids.
Effects on Students and Professionals
- Students, IT workers, and people who travel for work a lot probably have a harder time planning their trips.
Exceptions to the Rule
People from nations that don’t have US consulates can still be interviewed in certain third countries.
For the time being, interviews scheduled at foreign embassies will remain valid.
Quick Summary Table
| Change | Impact on Indians |
|---|---|
| Interviews must be in home country | No more faster slots abroad |
| In-person interviews mandatory | Fewer waivers, stricter checks |
| Wait times increase | Longer queues in Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Hyderabad |
| Rare exceptions only | For applicants without US visa services at home |
What Applicants Need to Do Next
- We kindly encourage you to apply early, as spots are expected to fill up soon.
- Get your papers ready. Please ensure that all of your forms, including the DS-160, passport, and old visas, are up to date.
- Monitor embassy updates and current wait times by visiting the official US visa website.
- Plan Your Trip Accordingly—Before you order tickets, think about how long it will take to process them.
Conclusion
The new US immigration rule for 2025 represents a significant change for Indians seeking B1/B2 and other nonimmigrant visas. The US aims to simplify its immigration system by eliminating the option for third-country interviews. However, this entails lengthier waits, harsher checks, and fewer exemptions for Indian candidates.
Stay tuned with News Heaven for updates on visa processing times, embassy announcements, and policy changes affecting Indian travelers and students.