Key Changes in US Visa Rules – Major Impact on Indian Applicants

• Non-immigrant visa interviews must now be attended in the applicant’s home country or the country where they legally reside.
• Third-country appointments are no longer allowed.
• Special exemptions given during COVID-19 are now withdrawn.
• Significant impact on Indian tourists, students, and business travelers.

The US government has made important changes to its non-immigrant visa issuance process. Under the new rules, applicants must attend visa interviews only in their home country or the country where they legally reside. The previous option of attending interviews in a third country has been canceled.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to high demand for appointments in India, many applicants traveled to countries like Dubai and Bangkok to complete their B1 (business) or B2 (tourist) visa interviews. That convenience has now been removed.

These changes will affect applicants applying for tourist (B2), business (B1), student (F-1), and temporary work visas (H, L). Especially those planning urgent business trips or family visits to the US may face delays.

Experts suggest that travelers planning a US visit now need to book appointments well in advance. Otherwise, they may need to reconsider their travel plans or explore alternative countries with easier visa rules.