The US State Department has announced new restrictions on non-immigrant visa applications, including H-1B, F-1, and B1/B2 stampings. This rule, effective from September 6, 2025, could mean more delays for Indian applicants.
End of Third-Country Processing
The rule requires most applicants to apply only in their home country or legal residence. This ends the popular practice of “third-country processing,” where people used faster consulates abroad to avoid long waits.
Limited Exceptions
Exceptions may exist, but only for senior officials or rare emergency cases. The Department says this change improves consistency, as visa officers in the applicant’s home country better understand local context.
Impact on H-1B Workers
Legal experts note that this affects stamping at consulates, not USCIS filings. H-1B workers in the US can still extend visas domestically. But for international travel, they must now return home for stamping.
End of Dropbox System
This move follows another rule change: the end of dropbox facilities from September 2, 2025. Most applicants now need in-person interviews, adding further delays in high-demand countries like India.
More Delays for Indians
Many Indian applicants relied on third-country slots to skip long queues. The new rules mean extra travel, longer waits, and possible delays in jobs or college admissions. The process has become more difficult for thousands.
Political Context
Critics argue the changes increase bureaucracy instead of easing backlogs. They see the delays as deliberate, reflecting the Trump administration’s tough anti-immigration stance, with little effort to streamline the system.
