New US Visa Rule Blocks Shortcuts for Indian Students

by Hadiya_Nabi

how-the-new-us-visa-rule-on-fixed-periods-of-stay-could-impact-international-students600×450 33.8 KB

Indian students planning to apply for a US visa from a third country, such as Thailand, Germany, or Brazil, can no longer do so.

What Changed?

The US State Department has issued a new directive (effective September 6, 2025) that:

Student visas (F1) must be applied for only from the applicant’s home country of residence or citizenship.

This ends the practice of applying in countries with shorter interview wait times.

Why It Matters for Students

Earlier, many Indian students scheduled visa interviews in Vietnam, Thailand, or Germany to avoid the long queues in India. (This option was made available during the COVID period.)

With the new rule, all new F1 applications must be processed within India.

This could increase wait times and affect study abroad timelines.

Exceptions

Only applicants from countries where the US has no routine visa operations (e.g., Afghanistan, Iran, Russia) can still apply at designated US embassies or consulates elsewhere.

Worried about how this might impact your Spring intake plans? Join GD Connect to learn how other students are adjusting their timelines and strategies.

Source: Economic Times