The U.S. Department of State has tightened guidance around third-country national (TCN) visa processing, significantly changing how and where nonimmigrant visa applicants can apply.
Under the new guidance, applicants are generally expected to apply in their country of nationality or legal residence, rather than a third country. This shift affects students, temporary workers, and visitors who previously applied for visas while traveling.
What the New Rule Says
- U.S. embassies now strongly prefer to adjudicate visa applications in the applicant’s country of nationality or legal residence.
- TCN applications are no longer presumed acceptable; many consulates may refuse to schedule or process them.
- The policy is not absolute—embassies retain discretion in limited or exceptional cases.
- The objective is improved security, stronger local context, and more reliable verification of an applicant’s ties.
Who Is Most Affected
- Students and scholars who previously traveled to neighboring countries for visa renewals.
- Applicants who used third-country filings as a workaround when their home-country embassies had long wait times or limited capacity.
- Individuals living abroad long-term without a home-country embassy in their place of residence, who must now clearly document local ties.
Why This Change Was Made
- Visa officers rely heavily on local context—public records, addresses, tax history, and national databases.
- Strengthens security and consistency in visa adjudication.
- Reduces the administrative burden of cross-border case processing.
- Aligns with broader U.S. visa integrity and compliance goals.
What This Means in Practice
- You can no longer assume you can apply while traveling; appointments may be canceled or denied.
- Applicants must show documented legal residence in the country where they apply (e.g., lease agreements, employment letters, enrollment records, tax documents).
- Travel-based flexibility is reduced—visa planning must assume filing through your home or resident consulate.
- Many nonresident embassies may now reject TCN applicants outright.
How to Adjust
- Apply in your country of nationality or legal residence, even if you are temporarily abroad.
- Prepare strong proof of residence: utility bills, rental agreements, employment contracts, school enrollment, or tax records.
- Confirm eligibility in advance by checking directly with the consulate if TCN filings are permitted.
- Plan early—last-minute filings increase the risk of delays, cancellations, or lost fees.
If your travel or visa plans relied on third-country filings, this guidance fundamentally changes the playbook. Careful planning, proper documentation, and choosing the right consulate are now more critical than ever.
Platforms like VOYA help applicants track embassy policy shifts in real time—showing where to file, what residency proofs are required, and how to avoid costly mistakes.
