USA Nonimmigrant Visa Updates 2025
Recent changes in USA visa policies have significantly affected applicants for nonimmigrant visas, including tourists, business travellers, temporary workers, and other short-term visitors. Understanding these updates is crucial to avoid delays and ensure proper compliance with U.S. regulations.
📌 Mandatory Interview Location for Nonimmigrant Visas
Effective September 6, 2025, applicants for nonimmigrant visas must schedule their visa interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence. This change eliminates the option to attend interviews in third countries, which had previously allowed applicants to circumvent long wait times. Exceptions are extremely limited and primarily apply to diplomatic or official visas, as well as certain humanitarian or medical emergencies.
The U.S. Department of State explicitly warns:
“Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find it more difficult to qualify for the visa. Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.”
Source
🕒 Current Visa Interview Wait Times in Australia
New rules are likely to increase wait times for applicants. As of the latest data, nonimmigrant visa interview wait times in Australia are approximately:
- Sydney: 3.5 months
- Melbourne: 3 months
- Perth: 4.5 months
Applicants from countries with longer queues will no longer be able to use third countries to shorten waiting times.
📝 Updated Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fees
Several fee adjustments have been introduced to support the U.S. visa system:
- Nonimmigrant Visa Application Fee: Increases from $160 USD to $185 USD for most nonimmigrant visa categories.
- I-94 Arrival/Departure Record Fee: Rising from $6 USD to $30 USD for travelers entering the U.S. by land or from Visa Waiver Program countries, effective end of September 2025.
- Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) Fee: Increasing from $21 USD to $40 USD for Visa Waiver Program travelers, applicable through 2034.
- Visa Integrity Fee: Starting October 1, 2025, certain applicants, including workers and business travelers, will be charged $250 USD as part of visa processing integrity measures.
- Visa Bonds for Designated Countries: Travelers from specific countries, such as Malawi and Zambia, may need to post refundable visa bonds up to $15,000 USD.
❌ End of Interview Waivers
As of September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State ended interview waivers for applicants from 57 countries, including Australia. Previously eligible applicants — such as children under 14, adults over 79, and some renewal applicants — now must attend in-person interviews, though limited exceptions remain for diplomatic and official visas.
⚙️ Steps for Applicants for Nonimmigrant Visas
- Complete the DS-160 Form: Fill out the Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application form accurately.
- Pay the Visa Application Fee: Refer to the U.S. embassy or consulate website in your country for instructions.
- Schedule Your Visa Interview: Book your interview through the U.S. Visa Information and Appointment Services website at the embassy or consulate in your country of nationality or residence.
- Prepare Required Documents: Passport, DS-160 confirmation page, visa fee receipt, and any additional documents as instructed.
- Attend the Visa Interview: Be prepared to answer questions regarding your travel plans and ties to your home country.
- Await Visa Processing: Once approved, your visa will be stamped in your passport and returned to you.
🌐 Official Resources
- U.S. Visas – Travel:
- https://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html
- Visa Appointment Wait Times:
- https://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
- Visa Service Fees:
- https://www.travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/fees/fees-visa-services.html
⚠️ Disclaimer from Student Consultants
Student Consultants takes no responsibility for the accuracy of this information. U.S. visa rules may change at any time without notice. Applicants should always verify the latest information from the relevant U.S. authorities before proceeding with any application.
