The United States has introduced fresh rules for nonimmigrant visa applications, requiring applicants to apply only in their country of citizenship or permanent residence – www.naijnaira.com reports.
According to the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. embassies and consulates will now enforce stricter guidelines on where interviews are scheduled, limiting flexibility for travelers.
Travel.State.Gov confirmed that applicants from countries without U.S. visa services, such as Ukraine, must turn to designated embassies in neighboring nations like Poland, with Warsaw and Krakow currently handling cases.
“Applicants must attend interviews in the country of their residence or citizenship,” stated the Bureau of Consular Affairs, U.S. Department of State.
The new rules do not affect diplomats, NATO personnel, UN officials, or holders of official government visas, and exceptions remain possible for emergencies or humanitarian missions.
Pending interviews already booked will remain valid, though officials warned of longer waiting times and possible delays in processing.
Authorities also reminded applicants that proof of residence in the country where the application is submitted is now mandatory.
This move comes after an August policy requiring some travelers to pay a refundable bond of up to $15,000 to guarantee their departure on time.
In 2025, U.S. immigration policy increasingly focused on border security and illegal migration, with President Trump making the issue central to his campaign messaging.
“Border enforcement will be my top priority, and millions of migrants will be deported,” Trump declared during a rally earlier this year.
His administration temporarily suspended the physical entry of undocumented migrants at the Mexican border in January, deploying additional military units in March to enforce the order.
By June, the U.S. government expanded restrictions, banning entry for citizens of 12 nations across Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America, citing security risks.
The broader trend in 2025 shows Washington tightening entry rules while balancing humanitarian exceptions against growing domestic debates over migration.
Article updated 1 week ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
