Third Country Visa Appointments
Adjudicating Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants in Their Country of Residence - September 6, 2025
Effective September 6th, third country visa appointments are no long an option for non-immigrant visa applicants. There seems to be no real reason listed behind this change in policy. However, we are certain that the Department of State will use security as the primary reason. For those of you who might remember, the previous administration pushed third country visa appointments as a way to alleviate backlogs. Unfortunately, this administration does not have an issue removing this option.
Effective immediately, the Department of State has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments:
Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas (NIV) should schedule their visa interview appointments at the
U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
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 list below to determine the designated location for NIV applications.
Learn more on the U.S. Department of State website >
Duration of Status
Establishing a Fixed Time Period of Admission and an Extension of Stay Procedure for Nonimmigrant Academic Students, Exchange Visitors, and Representatives of Foreign Information Media
As we shared last week, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has introduced a proposed regulatory rule that would eliminate the existing Duration of Status (D/S) policy. Under the current D/S policy, F students and J exchange visitors can remain in the US as long as they are making normal progress toward completing their academic or research objectives, or are engaged in Optional Practical Training (OPT).
The proposed rule would replace D/S with a fixed admission period that aligns with the program end date on the student’s immigration form, with limits of four years for undergraduate students and two years for graduate and PhD students. For students in one or two-year programs — such as pathway or ESL programs — their visa would be tied directly to the I-20.
For a complete breakdown, NAFSA provides an excellent explainer. Public comments on the rule are open until September 29, 2025. Shorelight and other organizations are preparing comments, and both NAFSA and the Presidents’ Alliance will offer templates for individuals or organizations wishing to submit feedback. The Presidents’ Alliance is also hosting a webinar next week to discuss the proposed rule and next steps. Please share this information with anyone who might benefit from the conversation.
Unfortunately, this proposed policy attempts to address a problem that doesn’t exist. Our team will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as more information becomes available.
If D/S is abolished, students and exchange visitors will need to file for an extension with USCIS to:
Complete a PhD program;
Complete an undergraduate program that requires more time than four years;
Complete any program where a student falls a few credits short of graduation requirements;
Engage in post-completion practical training or academic training,
Move to a higher level of study;
Transition from an English language program into a degree program; or
Transfer to a new school or program sponsor - the new policy proposes that undergraduate students must complete 1-year before being eligible to transfer schools and graduate and PhD students would be ineligible to transfer schools
Learn more on the Federal Register >
NAFSA Launches Campaign to Defend - Urge Congress to Defend Duration of Status for International Students and Exchange Visitors
This is a quick and easy way to contact your representatives — NAFSA has done all the heavy lifting. Just click the link below, fill in your details, and make your voice heard!
These Nations Are Wooing PhD Students Amid US Funding Uncertainties
With the many international student policy changes under the Trump administration, it’s no surprise that other countries are stepping in to attract top talent. Europe, for example, has launched its “Choose Europe” campaign to woo scientists and researchers. One hopes the administration will consider the long-term consequences of its policies on US growth and innovation.
The United States has long been one of the most popular destinations for international students pursuing graduate studies. But pauses to some of the country’s university PhD programmes and the imposition of visa restrictions for students from certain countries have prompted other nations to try to attract those students who have been affected by the changes or who no longer want to study in the United States.
