Must I apply for my visa from a US Consulate in my home country?

The U.S. Department of State recommend an individual to file for the US visa in their home country or country of residence.  To file in another country, the US Consulate would require the applicant show their are special circumstances why you are applying in a country that is not your home country/country of residence and you are not returning to your home country prior to travel to the US.  Special circumstances may include, for example:  applying in the country where you currently reside for work purposes, attendance at a professional conference, doing academic research in that country, visiting family who hold status in that country.  While a US Consulate in this “third country” may accept your application, there is no guarantee the visa will be granted.  If the visa application is denied, then the applicant is advised to return to their home country or country of residence to apply for their US visa at the US Consulate in that country.

Please be sure to check information on the particular U.S. Embassy/Consulate, including any guidance on “third country national” applicants, on their website (links available at https://usembassy.gov).