Major U.S. Visa Policy Changes in November 2025
Visa policy changes announced in November 2025 represent the most significant overhaul of U.S. immigration procedures in decades. These changes affect interview requirements, application locations, and fees for millions of visa applicants worldwide.
The Department of State and USCIS have implemented multiple new regulations since September 2025. Understanding these updates is essential for anyone planning to apply for a U.S. visa or renew existing immigration status.
Key Visa Policy Changes You Need to Know
Here are the most critical updates affecting visa applicants in late 2025:
- Interview Location Requirement: Starting November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview at a U.S. consulate in their country of residence or nationality only
- Interview Waiver Elimination: Since September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa categories (H-1B, L, F, O-1) require in-person interviews—no more waivers
- $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee: New fee required for every H-1B petition filed after September 21, 2025, if the beneficiary is outside the U.S. without a valid H-1B visa
- TPS Terminations: Temporary Protected Status ended October 3, 2025, for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and other countries
- Travel Bans Expanded: Citizens from 12 countries cannot enter the U.S. unless they held valid visas before June 9, 2025
- ESTA Fee Increase: Electronic travel authorization fee increased from $21 to $40 effective September 30, 2025
These changes have already increased visa processing times significantly. Applicants who previously scheduled interviews in third countries like Mexico or Canada must now return to their home countries.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Policy Changes
The November 2025 visa policy changes impact several distinct groups of immigrants and visitors.
For H-1B and Work Visa Holders
The new $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee applies to employers sponsoring workers currently abroad. Additionally, work visa renewals now require in-person interviews, ending the convenience of interview waivers that existed since the pandemic.
For International Students
F-1 and M-1 student visa applicants must now attend mandatory in-person interviews. New international student enrollment at U.S. universities dropped 17% in fall 2025—the largest non-pandemic decline in 11 years.
For Green Card Applicants
The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows no movement in employment-based categories. Family-sponsored and employment-based applicants must use the "Dates for Filing" chart. Interview location restrictions now apply to all immigrant visa categories.
For Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
DV-2026 selectees face the new interview location requirements. The annual limit has been reduced to approximately 52,000 visas due to NACARA and NDAA provisions.
How to Navigate the New Visa Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure your visa application complies with current requirements:
- Verify Your Interview Location: Confirm you can interview in your country of residence or nationality—third-country options are no longer available
- Schedule Early: Book your visa interview as soon as possible, as wait times have increased significantly at most consulates
- Prepare Complete Documentation: Ensure your passport photo meets requirements and all supporting documents are current
- Calculate New Fees: Budget for increased application costs including the ESTA increase and potential H-1B proclamation fee
- Check TPS Status: If you held TPS for an affected country, consult an immigration attorney immediately about alternative status options
Important Dates and Timeline
Mark these critical dates on your calendar:
- September 2, 2025: Interview waiver elimination for most nonimmigrant visas took effect
- September 21, 2025: $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee became mandatory
- September 30, 2025: ESTA fee increased to $40
- October 3, 2025: TPS terminated for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and other countries
- November 1, 2025: Immigrant visa interview location restrictions began
- January 30, 2026: Religious Workers (SR) category extension expires
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Apply for a Visa in a Third Country?
No. As of November 1, 2025, immigrant visa applicants must interview in their country of residence or nationality. Nonimmigrant visa applicants faced similar restrictions starting September 6, 2025. Limited exceptions exist for emergency situations only.
Do I Need an In-Person Interview to Renew My H-1B Visa?
Yes. Interview waivers for H-1B, L, F, and most other nonimmigrant categories were eliminated September 2, 2025. Only certain B visa renewals and diplomatic visas may still qualify for waivers.
How Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Work?
The proclamation fee applies to H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, when the beneficiary is abroad without a valid H-1B visa. Employers must pay this fee in addition to standard filing fees. The fee does not apply if the worker already holds a valid H-1B visa.
What Happens to My TPS Status?
TPS for Afghanistan, Cameroon, Haiti, and other countries terminated October 3, 2025. Former TPS holders should consult immigration attorneys about alternative status options such as asylum, adjustment of status, or other visa categories.
What You Need to Know - Bottom Line
The November 2025 visa policy changes mark a significant shift toward stricter immigration enforcement. Longer processing times, higher fees, and mandatory in-person interviews are now standard for most visa categories.
To prepare successfully, applicants should verify their interview location requirements early, ensure their visa photo specifications meet current standards, and budget for increased costs. Those affected by TPS terminations or travel bans should seek legal counsel immediately to explore alternative immigration pathways.
Sources: - [U.S. Department of State Visa Bulletin November 2025](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/legal/visa-law0/visa-bulletin/2026/visa-bulletin-for-november-2025.html) - [Holland & Knight Immigration Updates](https://www.hklaw.com/en/insights/publications/2025/11/immigration-recent-changes-and-new-regulations) - [Boundless Immigration Weekly News](https://www.boundless.com/blog/boundless-weekly-immigration-news) - [State Department Interview Waiver Update](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-sept-18-2025.html) - [USCIS Filing Instructions](https://www.uscis.gov/green-card/green-card-processes-and-procedures/visa-availability-priority-dates/when-to-file-your-adjustment-of-status-application-for-family-sponsored-or-employment-based-118)