VISA VALIDITY SCHEDULES REDUCED FOR DOZENS OF COUNTRIES UNDER NEW RECIPROCITY RULES

This month, the U.S. Department of State quietly implemented sweeping changes to its visa reciprocity schedule, reducing nonimmigrant visa validity for over 50 countries (The DOS has not yet updated its website tracking these changes.). Most affected applicants will now receive visas valid for just 3 months and a single entry, down from the prior norm of 12 months or longer with multiple entries.

These changes impact a wide range of visa categories, including:

• B (Tourist/Business)

• F (Student)

• H (Temporary Worker)

• J (Exchange Visitor)

• M (Vocational Student)

• O (Extraordinary Ability)

Regulatory Context

Under the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA §§ 221(c) and 281), visa reciprocity schedules are meant to reflect the treatment U.S. citizens receive from foreign governments. The goal, according to the State Department, is to promote fairness and protect U.S. national interests—though critics warn the changes may restrict academic exchange, deter investment, and impact family and business travel.

Who’s Affected?

The changes apply only to newly issued visas. Existing visas retain their original validity. Nationals of countries such as China, Nigeria, Iran, Venezuela, Ghana, and Ethiopia are among those most directly affected. In some cases, countries already subject to President Trump’s June 2025 travel ban (Presidential Proclamation 10949) now face both restricted visa eligibility and reduced visa duration—even if a waiver is granted.

Visa applicants are also reminded that reciprocity rules follow the passport used at the time of application, regardless of dual citizenship. These limitations do not automatically indicate a travel ban, but may overlap with countries listed in Presidential Proclamation 10949, which imposes a full or partial entry ban on 19 countries.