The United States has changed its visa policy, creating new hurdles for many Indians. From 6 September 2025, people applying for US non-immigrant visas—like student (F-1), visitor (B1/B2) and work (H-1B, O-1)—must now apply only in their home country.

Earlier, many Indians applied for visas in places such as Vietnam, Thailand, Dubai or Europe to avoid the long interview wait times in India, which often stretch over a year. This “third-country” option was introduced during the Covid period to reduce backlogs but has now been withdrawn.

Experts say this change will hurt thousands of students and travellers. Slots for student visas in India are already limited and fill up very fast. Applicants who had filed in another country will need to withdraw, reapply in India, and pay fees again.

Combined with stricter checks under the current US administration, the rule means longer delays, higher costs and more uncertainty for Indian students, tourists, and professionals hoping to reach the US.