The US has changed its visa rules, including for Ukrainians: details

The United States has updated its rules for issuing non-immigrant visas, and the changes directly affect Ukrainians. Now, applications can only be submitted at the US consulates in Warsaw and Krakow, which complicates the process and increases waiting times. Find out what new requirements have been introduced and how they will affect visa applications

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The United States has updated its rules for applying for non-immigrant visas. The changes affect foreigners around the world, including Ukrainian citizens. The new requirements came into effect on 6 September 2025, according to the US State Department.

Where Ukrainians can now submit their documents

The procedure has become more restrictive for Ukrainians. Due to the war and the absence of standard visa operations in Ukraine, citizens must apply for a visa only at US consulates in Poland. Applications can be submitted in two cities:

▪️ Warsaw

▪️ Krakow

Ukraine is included in the list of 17 countries whose citizens are required to apply for visas in third countries. This list also includes russia, Belarus, Afghanistan, Cuba, Iran, Venezuela, Yemen and other countries.

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What else has changed in the rules

Residence and place of application

Now you can only apply in your country of citizenship or permanent residence. The exception is countries where visa operations have been suspended. However, in this case, you must confirm your legal residence in the country where the visa is being processed.

Difficulties in scheduling an interview

If the applicant applies to a US embassy outside their country of citizenship or residence, the process may be more complicated. In this case, the visa fee paid is non-refundable and non-transferable.

Waiting times

The time it takes to schedule an interview will vary significantly depending on the country. In cases where documents are submitted outside the country of citizenship, the wait may be prolonged for months.

Existing appointments

Appointments for interviews that have already been made will remain valid and will not be cancelled.

Exceptions

The new rules do not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, NATO visas, as well as diplomatic and official visas. Rare exceptions may be made for humanitarian or medical reasons.

What should Ukrainians understand?

Now all Ukrainian citizens who do not have permanent residence in other countries are required to apply for a US visa in Poland. This means additional costs for travel, accommodation and organising the submission of documents. In addition, waiting times will increase due to the large number of applicants – not only Ukrainians, but also Russians and Belarusians are being sent to Warsaw and Krakow.

American diplomats emphasise that before submitting documents, applicants should carefully study the consulates' websites and clarify the current conditions and deadlines.

When applying for a visa, it is always important to have proper legal support. You can always turn to the immigration law specialists at Visit Ukraine for help. Our lawyers provide professional advice on staying abroad, preparing documents and preventing risks that could lead to visa cancellation or deportation.

Reminder! The US has launched a large-scale check of visa holders. Find out who will be affected by the checks and what risks arise for Ukrainians.

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