Hyderabad, Sept. 15 -- Starting now, if you want a US nonimmigrant visa (NIV), you must apply either from your home country or the country where you live legally.

The new law will be effective from November 1, 2025.

Nationals of countries where the US is not conducting routine visa operations must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless they reside elsewhere.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate their residence if applying based on residency.

Key requirement for US visa

Proof of residence: If you apply based on where you live, you must show documents proving you live there.

Fees: If you apply from a country where you don't live or aren't a citizen, it might be harder to get a visa, and the fees won't be refunded or tran...