U.S. Visa Update: New Guidance for Nonimmigrant Applicants

The U.S. Department of State announced a visa application update that could impact Carnegie Mellon international students and scholars who are planning travel. The update advises nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants (including F, J and H categories) to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. This change reinforces existing policy and impacts students and scholars who are considering applying for a visa in a third country.

According to the update, individuals who attempt to schedule interviews outside their country of nationality or residence may experience significantly longer wait times and additional scrutiny during the visa process.

Exceptions apply for nationals of countries where routine NIV operations are not conducted. Students and scholars from those countries must apply at a designated embassy or consulate unless their residence is elsewhere. A full list of these locations is available on the Department of State’s website. 

It is important to note that visa application fees remain non-refundable and non-transferable — even if the application is denied or delayed.  

For full details, review the official announcement from the Department of State.

The Office of International Education (OIE) recommends that international students, faculty and staff intending to travel internationally plan well in advance and check U.S. Embassy/Consulate websites for country-specific information.

The OIE team is available to provide support and guidance, so if you have questions about applying for a visa, please do not hesitate to contact us at oie@andrew.cmu.edu or 412-268-5231.