The U.S. Department of State has updated its guidelines for all nonimmigrants visa (NIV) applicants. Effective immediately, applicants seeking initial and renewal visas are advised to do so in their country of nationality, with certain special designations for citizens of countries where visa services are currently not being provided. This will impact F-1 students and J-1 students and scholars. 

Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.  See the U.S. Department of State's announcement (updated 10/10/25) for more information as well as the list of designated locations for NIV applicants from countries where U.S visa services are not currently being provided.

Applicants should check their respective country’s U.S. embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, wait times, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services.