E-2 Visa Changes in 2025: No More Third-Country National Visa Processing

As of September 6, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has introduced a sweeping change that affects all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those applying for the E-2 investor visa. Under the new rule, visa applicants must now apply in their country of nationality or residence. This means that applicants can no longer choose a U.S. consulate in another country to file their application. For E-2 investors, entrepreneurs, and professionals, this marks a major shift with long-term consequences.

What Changed with E-2 Visa Processing in 2025?

Before September 2025, many visa applicants took advantage of what was often called “consulate shopping.” This meant applying at U.S. consulates outside their home country to:

• Avoid long wait times.
  
  
• Find consulates with higher approval rates.
  
  
• Work around strained U.S. relations in their country of nationality.

For example, Canadians could apply in Toronto, Bern, or other consulates believed to process cases faster. Similarly, applicants from countries with backlogs often went to Canada, Europe, or Latin America for quicker processing.

Now, those options are gone. The new mandate requires applicants to apply only in their home country or the country where they legally reside.

Why This Matters for Canadians

For Canadian E-2 visa applicants, this is a big deal. In the past, Canadians could apply at different U.S. posts depending on appointment availability. Many relied on alternate locations to save time, especially when some consulates had months-long backlogs.

With the new system:

• No more switching consulates to find faster appointments.
  
  
• No more “backup” options if a local consulate is booked.
  
  
• Processing will be centralized in the applicant’s own region.
  
  

This change limits flexibility and will likely result in longer wait times for many pursuing E-2 visas.

The Global Impact on Other Applicants

The consequences extend far beyond Canada. For applicants from countries with:

• Long wait times: Countries such as India, Brazil, and Mexico already face significant delays. Without access to alternative consulates, backlogs could become overwhelming.
  
  
• Strained U.S. relations: Applicants from countries with tense diplomatic ties may face longer or more difficult processing.
  
  
• High demand categories: Investors and entrepreneurs applying for E-2 visas may find their plans delayed or canceled due to processing issues.

Those who previously relied on Canadian or European consulates for faster service will now face a tougher road ahead.

Why E-2 Investors Should Act Quickly

The E-2 investor visa is already one of the more complex nonimmigrant visas, requiring applicants to:

• Make a substantial investment in a U.S. business.
  
  
• Show that the business will create jobs and contribute to the U.S. economy.
  
  
• Maintain active involvement in the business.
  
  

With these new restrictions:

• Investors may lose valuable time waiting for appointments.
  
  
• Business launch timelines may be disrupted.
  
  
• Nonrefundable application fees may be lost if appointments are canceled.

This policy change could be the first of many adjustments to E-2 processing. If you’re considering applying, waiting could become more costly.

What You Can Do Now

If you’re pursuing an E-2 visa, here are some practical steps:

1. File as soon as possible – Don’t delay your application, since wait times are expected to increase.
   
   
2. Plan around local consulate backlogs – Research appointment availability in your home country and prepare for longer waits.
   
   
3. Work with an experienced immigration attorney – A lawyer can help you avoid mistakes, maximize approval chances, and navigate shifting rules.
   
   
4. Prepare for flexibility – Have contingency plans if your consulate experiences unexpected delays or changes in processing.

Perfect — here’s a strong FAQ section you can add to the end of the blog for SEO and reader clarity:

Frequently Asked Questions About the 2025 E-2 Visa Changes

 

1. Can Canadians still apply for the E-2 visa after September 6, 2025?

Yes. Canadians remain eligible for the E-2 investor visa. The change only affects where you apply. As of September 6, 2025, you must apply through a U.S. consulate in your country of nationality or residence, not in another country.

 

2. What does “no more third-country national visa processing” mean?

It means that U.S. consulates will no longer accept nonimmigrant visa applications from people who are not residents or citizens of that country. In the past, many applicants would apply at consulates in other countries with shorter wait times. That option is no longer available.

 

3. How does this impact E-2 visa processing times?

Processing times are expected to increase in many countries, especially where U.S. consulates already face long backlogs. Applicants will no longer be able to avoid delays by applying at a different consulate.

 

4. What happens if my local U.S. consulate is fully booked?

Unfortunately, you must wait for an available appointment in your country of nationality or residence. Consulate shopping is no longer permitted under the new rule.

 

5. Are other visa types affected, or just the E-2 visa?

This change applies to all nonimmigrant visa categories, including B-1/B-2 visitor visas, F-1 student visas, H-1B work visas, and others. However, the impact will be especially significant for E-2 investors and entrepreneurs, since business timelines often depend on faster visa approvals.

 

6. What should E-2 investors do right now?

E-2 applicants should start preparing their cases as early as possible. Gather your documents, finalize your investment, and work with an experienced immigration lawyer to avoid costly delays. Acting sooner rather than later is the best way to minimize risks under the new system.

How we can help… 

The end of third-country national visa processing as of September 6, 2025, is a game-changer for E-2 investors and other nonimmigrant visa applicants. For applicants worldwide, it could mean longer waits, higher costs, and more uncertainty.

If you’re serious about pursuing an E-2 investor visa, the best time to act is now. Immigration rules are shifting quickly, and future changes could make the process even harder.

👉 Schedule a strategy session today to get personalized guidance on your E-2 application: Book here.