What Does the State Department’s September 2025 Visa Guidance Mean for Third-Country Processing?

If you’re a professional or student in the U.S., the idea of a “quick trip” to Canada or Mexico for a visa stamp has always been a tempting shortcut. But a new notice from the U.S. Department of State, released on September 6, 2025, is a crucial reminder that this path is getting riskier. The guidance clarifies that nonimmigrant visa applicants are expected to apply in their country of nationality or residence. While third-country processing (TCN) is still possible, applicants now face longer waits, stricter scrutiny, and no guarantee their case will be accepted. For nonimmigrants in Nebraska and across the U.S., this update underscores the importance of planning ahead and weighing your risks carefully. You can read the official notice here.

What the September 2025 Notice Actually Says

The State Department’s message is straightforward: the default expectation is that you apply for your visa in your home country or where you currently live. If you try to apply somewhere else, the consulate can still hear your case, but you should be prepared for a tougher road. The guidance warns that applicants in this situation may find it harder to qualify for their visa, and that they’ll likely wait much longer for an appointment. It also makes clear that visa fees are non-refundable and non-transferable, even if your case is denied.

That said, there are a few narrow exceptions. Diplomatic and official visa categories—like A, G, NATO, and certain transit visas—are not subject to these same rules. The State Department also leaves room for rare humanitarian or foreign policy exceptions. And if you’ve already scheduled a TCN interview, the notice reassures that those appointments generally won’t be cancelled.

What This Means for Third-Country Processing

The takeaway here is that third-country visa processing hasn’t been banned, but it’s far less reliable than it used to be. Consular officers still have discretion to accept these cases, but applicants must be ready to show strong evidence of residence if applying outside their home country. More importantly, the risks have grown: the wait times are longer, the scrutiny is higher, and the costs are sunk even if you don’t succeed.

In short, third-country processing isn’t the easy shortcut it once seemed—it’s a calculated gamble.

Why It Matters for Nebraska Families and Businesses

Here in Nebraska, these changes are more than just policy updates. They affect real people and real families. Imagine a software engineer in Omaha planning to hop up to Toronto for stamping, only to face weeks of delay. Or a UNL student in Lincoln heading to Mexico for a renewal and then getting stuck abroad when their case is placed into administrative review. Employers lose valuable employees, families are separated, and communities feel the ripple effects.

For a state like ours—where international students, professionals, and families play a vital role in healthcare, education, agriculture, and technology—these risks can’t be ignored.

Frequently Asked Questions

So what does this mean in practice? The most common question I hear is whether you can still apply in Canada or Mexico. The answer is yes, but it depends on the specific consulate’s willingness to take your case, and you should be ready for extra scrutiny and delays.

If you already have a TCN appointment scheduled, you’ll probably be relieved to know that the State Department has said those interviews will generally not be cancelled.

Another question is why the Department released this guidance at all. The purpose was to set clearer expectations. Too many people assumed that applying in a third country would be faster or easier, and consulates have been overwhelmed. This release is essentially a reset, reminding applicants that the home-country rule is still the baseline.

Finally, many people ask whether it’s safer to just apply at home. The answer is usually yes. It may be less convenient, but it’s often more predictable because consular officers in your home country know the local conditions and are more familiar with the documents they expect to see.

Bottom Line: Strategy Over Rumor

The September 2025 State Department release doesn’t end third-country visa processing. But it does make it clear that the process is less reliable, slower, and riskier than before.

Before you book that plane ticket, let’s talk. As a Nebraska-based immigration firm, we can help you create a strategy that protects your status, your job, and your family. Contact us today to assess your options and build your backup plan.