The Department of State of the United States published an update on the processing of non-immigrant visas (NIV) that took effect immediately and has direct implications for Cubans residing outside the island.
The new regulation -signed on July 15- states that "Applicants for non-immigrant visas to the U.S. must schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence."
For Cubans, the update includes a significant exception: those who legally reside in a country with a U.S. embassy or consulate will be able to process their NIV visa there, without needing to go to the designated location for Cuban citizens in Georgetown, Guyana.
However, taking advantage of that exception requires meeting specific conditions.
The first requirement is to demonstrate legal residency in the country where the application is submitted. Without that documentary support, the application will not proceed through this avenue.
Additionally, the fees paid are non-refundable and non-transferable, regardless of the outcome of the application.
The State Department also warns that applying outside of the country of nationality or residence, or outside the designated processing office, "may result in a significantly longer wait."
The list of designated NIV visa offices did not record any changes with this update.
The measure does not apply to applicants for A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visas, nor to diplomatic or official visas, nor to those applying for visas for travel covered by the United Nations Headquarters Agreement.
The State Department also clarifies that "exceptions can be made in cases of humanitarian or medical emergencies, or for reasons of foreign policy."
This update comes amid a sustained tightening of the Trump administration's immigration policies toward Cubans.
In 2025, Washington required Cuban citizens to submit their NIV visa applications exclusively at the Georgetown office in Guyana.
That same year, starting from June 9, 2025, the travel ban suspended B-1, B-2, F, M, and J visas for Cuban citizens, with very limited exceptions.
Since January 21, 2026, Cuba has been included in the mandatory bond program for B1/B2 visas, with deposits ranging from 5,000 to 15,000 dollars based on the determination of the consular officer, without a guarantee of approval.
The U.S. embassy in Cuba currently offers limited services for non-immigrant visas, although it processes all categories of immigrant visas.
In parallel to this update, on July 15, the U.S. also announced a pilot program effective from July 1 to December 31, 2026 that allows B1/B2 visa applicants to pay an additional $750 to access an expedited interview appointment, within a timeframe of up to 10 business days and subject to availability at participating embassies and consulates.
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