US changes rules for obtaining non-immigrant visas: what Ukrainians need to know
Illustrative photo: State Department changes visa rules for foreigners (Getty Images)
The United States has introduced new rules for obtaining non-immigrant visas. From now on, applications must be submitted only in the country of citizenship or permanent residence, according to the website of the Bureau of Consular Affairs of the US State Department.
According to the new list, two application points have been designated for Ukrainians - Krakow and Warsaw. Kyiv is not included in the list.
The State Department also added that:
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existing interview appointments will generally not be canceled;
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applicants must confirm residence in the country where the application is submitted;
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applying in another country may complicate visa approval.
Starting in 2026, the United States will introduce an additional $250 fee for each non-immigrant visa. The total cost of obtaining a tourist visa may rise significantly.
The US is also launching a program that will require foreigners from certain countries to pay a bond of up to $15,000 for tourist and business visas.
In addition, millions of foreign visas will be reviewed in the US, and violators will be deported from the country.
