Can I still get my US visa stamped in a third country in 2026?
TL;DR: No, not for most applicants. Since September 2025, the State Department requires nonimmigrant visa applicants to interview in their country of nationality or legal residence — closing the long-standing "third-country visa stamping" workaround that H-1B and L-1 holders used via Canada or Mexico.
The Claim
A once-popular shortcut just became a liability if you assume it's still open.
The Evidence
Yale OISS, WashU OISS, and multiple immigration law trackers confirm the State Department's policy shift: applicants must now schedule visa interviews at the embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or legal residence, with significantly longer waits reported for anyone still attempting third-country appointments. Facebook/legal alerts from law firms describe the change as effective "Sept. 6, 2025," curtailing third-country national (TCN) visa appointments that were common for renewing H-1B, L-1, and other work visas.
Comparison Table
| Scenario | Before Sept 2025 | 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| H-1B renewal via Canada/Mexico consulate | Common, fast | Largely closed |
| Visa interview location | Any consulate willing to accept TCN applicants | Country of nationality/legal residence only |
| Wait times for exceptions | N/A | Significantly longer where still permitted |
Step-by-Step
- Check current visa appointment wait times at your home-country consulate before making any travel plans.
- Don't book a third-country slot assuming it will still be honored — confirm eligibility directly with that post first.
- Build renewal timelines around your home-country consulate's posted wait times.
- If you already have a booked third-country appointment, verify its status directly with that consulate — don't assume it will proceed.
- Ask your employer's immigration counsel about interview-waiver (dropbox) eligibility as an alternative where available.
FAQ
Are there any exceptions to this rule? A small number of posts may still process limited third-country cases, but this is no longer the default and shouldn't be assumed. What about existing third-country appointments already booked? Confirm directly with that consulate — many were cancelled or converted. Does this affect visa renewals via interview waiver (dropbox)? Dropbox renewal rules are separate and generally still tied to your home country or last visa's issuing post. Which visa types are affected? The policy targets nonimmigrant visas broadly, including H-1B, L-1, and other work and student categories.
By Pinal Dave Last updated: 2026-07-24