Third-Country Stamping Is Over: Why You Must Apply for Your Visa in Your Home Country Now
- Deepak B
- 6 days ago
- 5 min read
1. What Is Third-Country Visa Stamping?
Third-country visa stamping refers to attending a U.S. visa interview in a country other than your country of citizenship or permanent residence.
For example:
An Indian passport holder applying for a U.S. visa in Dubai, Singapore, or Bangkok
A worker traveling during vacation and getting visa stamping done abroad
Earlier many people who wanted to apply for something used this option to:
Avoid long wait times in their home country
I want to combine travel with my visa renewal. This means I will travel and at the time I will renew my visa. I think combining travel with visa renewal is an idea because I can do two things at once. I can pick a place to travel to. Then renew my visa while I am there. Combining travel, with visa renewal will make my life easier. I can. Renew my visa at the same time so I do not have to do them separately.
Get faster appointments
2. What has changed now with the new location based interview rule?
The United States Department of State has a rule. This rule says that people who want a visa have to apply in the country where they're from or where they live. So now the people who work at the consulates are told to focus on visa applications from the United States Department of State. They will only look at applications from people who are applying in the country where they are, from or where they live, which is the country of nationality or the country of residence of the visa applicants, specifically the country of nationality or residence of the visa applicants.
People who live in the country where the embassy or consulate is situated the citizens of that country they are the ones who are affected by the embassy or consulate the citizens of the country where the embassy or consulate is located these people have to deal with the embassy or consulate on a basis.
People who can show that they really live in that country
This effectively ends the convenience of applying for U.S. visas while traveling or residing temporarily elsewhere.
3. Why the U.S. Stopped Third-Country Stamping
The Department Of State has always liked it when people apply from their country. They do not want people to apply from places because they want things to be consistent and safe. They also want to be able to keep an eye on things. The Department Of State wants this so they can make sure everything is done properly.
When it comes to Standardized Vetting, the people who work at the consulate in the applicants home country really know what they are doing. They are very familiar with the documents that people use in that country. They also know the ways to check if someone is telling the truth or not.. They are used to seeing the kinds of tricks that people try to use to cheat the system. So when they do a background check on an applicant, for Standardized Vetting they can do a better job of figuring out if everything is okay. This makes the whole process of Standardized Vetting more consistent. It works more effectively.
The goal of this policy is to stop people from doing something called "Consulate Shopping". Consulate Shopping is when people look for Consulate offices in countries that they think will be easier to deal with or have shorter lines. The policy wants to put an end to this practice of looking for Consulate offices with standards or shorter wait times, for Consulate services.
Increased Scrutiny/Vetting: The new rules coincide with the implementation of enhanced security and online presence reviews, which have reduced the daily interview capacity at many posts.
4. Who Is Most Affected by This Rule?
International students who wanted to renew their visas while they were traveling abroad are now facing problems. The international students are very worried, about their visas. International students need to renew their visas so they can stay in the country. Many international students are trying to figure out what to do about their visas. International students have to deal with a lot of paperwork to renew their visas.
Work visa holders (H-1B, L-1, etc.) seeking renewal outside home country
Digital nomads and remote workers living abroad
People, from countries that have long waiting times for visas
Those with expired visas needing renewal while abroad
Third-country nationals studying/working in another country
5. So you want to know what happens if you still try third country stamping.
Third country stamping is when you go to a country to get a stamp on your passport.
If you still try third country stamping the officials at the border may not let you do it.
They will probably ask you a lot of questions about why you're trying to get a stamp from a third country.
You might get in trouble for trying to do something that is not allowed with your third country stamping.
The rules for country stamping are in place for a reason so it is not a good idea to try to do it if it is not allowed.
If you get caught trying to do third country stamping when it is not allowed you could have problems, with your travel plans and your third country stamping.
6. Applicants attempting third-country stamping now face
Appointment cancellations after booking
They said no because the area of authority is not suitable. The reason, for the refusal is that the jurisdiction is not appropriate.
Long administrative processing
Being asked to return and reapply in the home country
In some cases, applicants get stuck abroad without a valid visa.
7. What You Should Do Now (Practical Guidance)
You should only apply in the country where you live. This is very important to remember when you are applying. Always make sure you do this in your home country the country where you live and have your home.
Book VAC and Embassy appointments locally
Expect stricter review but fewer surprises
Plan Travel Carefully
If you need to get a visa stamp it is an idea to avoid traveling to other countries. This is because visa stamping can be a hassle. You should avoid travel if visa stamping is required. It is better to wait until you have your visa stamp before you travel to another country. This way you can avoid any problems. International travel can be tricky if visa stamping is required. It is best to avoid it.
Do not assume third-country stamping will work
Get ready to do a job in your interview. You want to make an impression on the people who will be interviewing you. Prepare for an interview so you can feel confident and do your best. Remember that a strong interview is very important for the job you want. Prepare for an interview and you will be happy, with how it goes.
Clear purpose of travel
Consistent information across DS-160, documents, and online presence. Honest, confident answers
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