Whether you’re a student planning to study in the U.S., a worker with a job offer, or a family member awaiting visa approval, staying informed on U.S. visa operations in your country is crucial. This year, embassies have started taking visa appointments, but there is more focus on new rules and checking of documents.
At Orange Law, our immigration attorneys guide clients through every stage of the visa journey—helping you stay ahead of policy changes, appointment availability, and document requirements. Below, we break down the current landscape of U.S. visa services in major countries as of July 2025 and what it means for your application.
Key Federal Policy Changes in 2025
Before diving into country-specific updates, let’s look at a few federal-level changes affecting all applicants:
- Public Social Media Requirement: Since June 18, 2025, applicants for F, M, or J visas must set their social media profiles to “public” during the vetting process.
- Travel Ban in Effect: After the travel ban which has come into effect in June 2025, the visa process has been temporarily blocked for people from some countries.. Applicants from affected nations should consult a qualified immigration lawyer before proceeding.
- Stricter DS-160 Rules: As of May 2, 2025, applicants must ensure that the barcode on their DS-160 form exactly matches the one used to schedule the interview. Mistakes lead to automatic interview rescheduling.
- COVID-19 Vaccine No Longer Mandatory: As of March 11, 2025, COVID-19 vaccination is no longer a requirement for immigrant visa applicants.
Regional Visa Status: What’s Happening in Your Country?
India
Immigrant visa services have fully resumed at the U.S. Consulate in Mumbai. However, interview waiver appointments for B1/B2 visas are now centralized in New Delhi. With high demand and platform changes, applicants are encouraged to double-check their DS-160 barcodes and appointment details.
Tip from Orange Law: Use the new support email (support-india@usvisascheduling.com) for any queries, and consult an attorney to avoid rescheduling delays.
Brazil
Routine visa services are active, but as of July 1, 2025, immigrant applicants arriving without original documentation will not be interviewed. They must reschedule their appointment entirely.
Orange Law Insight: Document preparation is everything. Always bring originals, not copies. Ask your attorney for a pre-appointment checklist.
China
All major consulates have resumed visa services, but there’s a new rule: From June 10, 2025, children under 14 must attend in-person interviews with at least one parent. The interview waiver option no longer applies.
Note: Required documents include both parents’ passports and the child’s household registration (hukou) where applicable.
Philippines
Embassy staff will no longer interview immigrant visa applicants without complete original documentation. Missed paperwork means months of delay.
Legal Tip: Check the list of required documents at least a week before your appointment. Incomplete cases face automatic rescheduling.
Mexico
While routine and emergency nonimmigrant visa services are back on track, immigrant visa interviews—including fiancé(e) visas—are processed at the Ciudad Juarez consulate.
Pro tip: If you qualify for an earlier appointment slot, request it through the consular system. Be prepared to justify urgent travel needs.
Russia
Due to political tensions and staffing shortages, all U.S. visa services in Russia remain suspended. Applicants must travel to Warsaw, Tashkent, or Almaty depending on their visa type.
Orange Law Note: Russian nationals should prepare for cross-border travel and extra paperwork. An attorney can help reroute your case efficiently.
Cuba
Routine immigrant visas have resumed, but nonimmigrant services remain limited. Tourist and business visa applicants must travel to a third country for processing.
Categories Allowed: Diplomatic (A/G), H, J, L, O, P, Q, and R visa categories are currently accepted.
Canada and U.K.
All routine nonimmigrant and immigrant visa services are back on schedule. Wait times are generally shorter here compared to high-demand countries.
If You’re Eligible: Consider applying in these countries if you hold dual citizenship or residency status.
Nigeria
A two-visit process is now mandatory for immigrant visa applicants. The first appointment is a document review, and the second is for the interview.
Legal Tip: Your supporting documents must be thoroughly reviewed ahead of time. Orange Law can help you pre-screen for completeness and accuracy.
Vietnam, Israel, Lebanon, Indonesia, and Thailand
Routine visa services are back across all categories. However, certain nonimmigrant renewals in Indonesia may require in-person interviews, even if you had prior visas.
Interview Waiver Caution: Don’t assume you’re eligible for a waiver. Policy changes often invalidate prior exemptions.
Lithuania
Immigrant visa processing has moved from Vilnius to Stockholm. Residents must now travel to Sweden for interviews, even for K-1 and family-based categories.
Ukraine
Limited visa categories are being processed in Kyiv mainly fiancé(e) and diversity visas. Most other services remain suspended due to ongoing conflict.
Venezuela and Sudan
Embassies remain closed. Venezuelan applicants must seek services in Colombia. Sudanese nationals should consult emergency evacuation and resettlement options via the State Department.
Why Legal Representation Matters Now More Than Ever
With evolving rules, embassy-specific variations, and sudden shifts in policy, visa applicants are at greater risk of delays or rejections due to simple mistakes. Whether it’s a barcode mismatch, missing birth certificate, or misunderstanding eligibility for interview waivers, one misstep can set your case back months.
Orange Law works closely with international clients to navigate:
- DS-160 accuracy and matching issues
- Social media compliance for F, M, and J visas
- Travel ban waivers and eligibility concerns
- Documentation reviews for interview readiness
- Emergency appointment requests and rescheduling
- Cross-country processing when local embassies are closed
Stay Ready, Stay Advised
The U.S. immigration process is changing fast, and what applied in one month may not apply the next. Don’t rely on outdated assumptions or social media hearsay.
Contact Orange Law to schedule a consultation and receive tailored legal guidance for your visa type and country of application.
Need Help Preparing for Your U.S. Visa Interview in 2025? Call 713-885-9787 to speak with an attorney at Orange Law or submit your details through our contact form. We’ll help you proceed with clarity, confidence, and compliance.
