US Ends Third-Country National (TCN) Visa Stamping: New Policy in Force October 12, 2025
New US visa stamping rules October 2025
From October 12, 2025, USA officially going to stop issuing the third-country visa stamping.
Let us see in detail about what is third-country visa stamping, who will affect with these changes, what should you can do etc.
Due to this policy to stop issuing the third-country visa stamping amended by US, many international students, skilled workers, travelers those who previously relied on nearby U.S. consulates (such as Canada or Mexico) to renew or revalidate their visas without returning to their home country.
What Is Third-Country Visa Stamping?
By using third-country visa stamping, any foreign nationals can travel to a neighbor country to get visa renewal at US Consulate located there instead of going to home-country for the visa renewal.
What can you do if US stopped third-country visa stamping / How to renew your visa when you are in US?
Due to the new rule applied by US, One must have to travel to their home country to renew their visa from OCtober 12, 2025.
Who Is Affected by the Change?
- H-1B visa holders (and dependents on H-4 visas)
- F-1 students seeking revalidation
- J-1 exchange visitors
- L-1 intra-company transferees
If you are on one of these visa categories, you will no longer be able to book stamping appointments in Canada, Mexico, or other third countries.
What is the reason behind ending Third-Country Visa Stamping?
The U.S. Department of State explained that this move is intended to:
- Improve security checks
- Reduce backlogs in high-demand consulates like Canada and Mexico.
- Align with broader immigration reforms and fee changes.
How can you avoid this situation / What is the plan?
- Book a slot for stamping appointments in your country
- Monitor the wait times of U.S. embassy websites in your country
- Start preparing the documentation
List of Indian Visa Application Centre in USA
How to apply and obtain Indian Visa: Procedures, Documents required?
Check the Procedure to apply and obtain Indian Visa: Procedures, Documents required through the above link.