The U.S. Department of State recently announced changes to visa appointment scheduling locations. Beginning September 6, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants (including those applying for F-1 and J-1 visas) should schedule their interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of residence or nationality. The Department noted that nonimmigrant visa applicants who schedule their interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside their country of nationality or residence may find it more difficult to qualify for the visa, and that application fees cannot be refunded or transferred.
Starting November 1, 2025, immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled in the consular district designated for the applicant's country of residence, or, if requested, in their country of nationality.
Further details, including the list of designated locations for nonimmigrant visa applicants from countries where the U.S. is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations, are available on the Department of State’s website.