New State Department Rule: Immigrant Visa Interviews Must Be Scheduled in Country of Residence

On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced new guidance for immigrant visa processing. Starting November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants will be scheduled for an interview at the U.S. embassy or consulate serving their country of residence. Applicants may alternatively request to interview in their country of nationality, with only limited exceptions allowed.

This policy change impacts family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Visa (DV-2026) applicants, and supersedes all previous guidance on designated visa processing posts.

Key Changes for Immigrant Visa Applicants

• Country of Residence Requirement: Applicants must attend their visa interview at the consular post serving their residence. Interviews in the country of nationality may be requested instead.
  
  
• Exceptions: Rare exceptions may be granted for humanitarian emergencies, medical needs, or U.S. foreign policy interests.
  
  
• Case Transfers: If an interview has already been scheduled, applicants must request a transfer through the National Visa Center (NVC) Public Inquiry Form. Applicants should not contact consulates directly.
  
  
• Residence Verification: Applicants requesting interviews outside their country of residence or nationality may need to provide proof of residence or additional documentation.
  
  
• Existing Appointments: Current visa interview appointments will generally remain unchanged.
  
  

Designated Immigrant Visa Processing Posts

For residents of countries where routine U.S. visa services are suspended or limited, the Department of State has assigned specific processing posts. 

What Immigrant Visa Applicants Should Do

1. Check embassy and consulate websites for operating status and updated procedures.
   
   
2. Monitor NVC communications for scheduling details.
   
   
3. Use the NVC Public Inquiry Form for all transfer requests.
   
   

This update reflects the State Department’s effort to streamline immigrant visa processing and ensure cases are tied to applicants’ country of residence or nationality. Applicants with upcoming cases should prepare to follow the new scheduling rules beginning November 1, 2025.