While the stated aim of the U.S. Department of State is to “restore fairness” in the visa interview process, these changes place new administrative and financial demands on applicants and employers alike. In a travel environment marked by increased scrutiny and policy volatility, mobility stakeholders must remain vigilant and strategic.
As of September 6, 2025, non-immigrant visa (NIV) applicants must attend their visa interviews in their country of citizenship or legal residence. This policy, announced by the U.S. Department of State, ends a longstanding practice that allowed applicants to “shop” for shorter wait times by booking interviews in third countries.
Applicants may still attend existing appointments scheduled outside their home country, and those from countries with limited or no U.S. consular presence—such as Iran, Cuba, or Russia—must use designated alternative embassies. Individuals applying based on residence must present documentary proof. Exceptions exist for diplomatic and official visa types (A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO), emergency or humanitarian cases, and certain foreign policy considerations.
This shift is expected to lengthen wait times in already strained locations and may complicate qualification for certain visa categories due to unfamiliarity with local consular offices or differing regional adjudication standards.
Impact on business travel and immigration planning.
The implications are significant for corporate travel programs and global mobility teams. Organizations relying on agile travel arrangements or relocation timelines may encounter disruptions, particularly when managing high-volume assignments or navigating complex project deployments.
Increased rigidity in interview locations also introduces new risk variables for travel compliance and may intensify the administrative burden on HR and mobility teams—especially for companies with decentralized or remote international workforces.
$250 visa fee proposal raises financial barriers.
In tandem with the interview rule, the U.S. administration has proposed a substantial $250 application fee for most non-immigrant visas. While not yet finalized, the fee—likely to be implemented in late 2025 or early 2026—would represent a sharp increase from current rates, which range from $160 to $190 depending on visa type.
This proposal comes on the heels of the Trump administration’s visa bond program, which requires select applicants from designated “overstay risk” countries to post bonds ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, further signalling a trend toward financial gatekeeping as a method of migration control.
Together, the new interview policy and proposed fee hike reflect a broader enforcement-centric shift in U.S. visa adjudication—placing increased scrutiny and cost burdens on applicants, including business travelers, international assignees, and short-term visitors.
Recommendations for employers and mobility teams.
Given the evolving U.S. visa landscape, employers should take proactive steps to mitigate risk and manage expectations:
- Reassess consular strategies: Ensure interviews are scheduled in the appropriate jurisdiction to avoid rejection or rebooking delays.
- Plan for higher costs: Factor potential fee increases into budgets for business travel and global assignments.
- Educate employees: Communicate the new rules clearly to impacted travelers and ensure they understand documentation requirements.
- Monitor wait times: Track local embassy scheduling availability, especially in high-demand or under-resourced locations.
- Engage expert support: Use a specialist provider like Newland Chase to navigate interview logistics, evaluate exception eligibility, and ensure compliance with changing U.S. consular rules.
This news alert is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. For case-specific guidance or further information, please contact Newland Chase directly.
