U.S. Updates Nonimmigrant Visa Rules with New Residence Requirements and Controversial Integrity Fee
Applicants Must Apply in Their Country of Residence While Industry Voices Concern Over Additional $250 Visa Integrity Fee
The U.S. Department of State announced stricter guidelines requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews within their nationality or residence countries. Applicants from countries lacking routine visa services must attend interviews at designated embassies, including Islamabad for Afghanistan and Warsaw for Russia.
Those applying outside their residence face higher scrutiny, longer wait times, and forfeited fees if applications fail, raising applicant concerns significantly.
Residence Proof, Fees, and Exceptions Under Updated Visa Instructions
Applicants must demonstrate residence in their country of application, ensuring embassies can properly adjudicate cases with clear, verifiable personal ties. Nonrefundable fees present challenges, as denied applicants cannot transfer payments, adding financial risks while further complicating travel planning for families.
Exemptions exist for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO, and diplomatic visas, alongside limited humanitarian or foreign policy-based emergency cases.
Industry Questions Surround $250 Visa Integrity Fee
Starting October 1, nearly all nonimmigrant categories face an additional $250 visa integrity fee, introduced as compliance incentive for applicants. Officials describe it as a refundable security deposit, though unclear timelines for reimbursements leave travellers and agents confused about logistics.
Agents voice frustration, citing absent communication from authorities, limited clarity on refund policies, and inconsistent updates across platforms like Sherpa and IATA.
Impact on Leisure and Business Travel
Industry experts warn the added fee increases costs beyond $420 USD per person, discouraging families and price-sensitive leisure travellers from visiting. Corporate travellers may continue trips unless administrative processes become overly burdensome, potentially impacting both business ties and international tourism confidence.
Agents warn that other countries may follow if the U.S. model succeeds, reshaping global visa policies and raising worldwide travel costs.
Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa Processing
| Nationality | Designated Embassy/Consulate |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan | Islamabad |
| Belarus | Vilnius, Warsaw |
| Chad | Yaoundé |
| Cuba | Georgetown |
| Haiti | Nassau |
| Iran | Dubai |
| Libya | Tunis |
| Niger | Ouagadougou |
| Russia | Astana, Warsaw |
| Somalia | Nairobi |
| South Sudan | Nairobi |
| Sudan | Cairo |
| Syria | Amman |
| Ukraine | Krakow, Warsaw |
| Venezuela | Bogota |
| Yemen | Riyadh |
| Zimbabwe | Johannesburg |