On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced a significant update to the adjudication of immigrant visa applications. Effective November 1, 2025, applicants must attend their consular interview in the district of their residence or, if requested, in their country of nationality. The DOS clarified that exceptions will be very limited, typically applying only in cases involving humanitarian emergencies, medical needs, or foreign policy concerns.
Key Change: Post-to-Post Transfers
In addition to the residency-based interview requirement, DOS also announced that all requests for post-to-post transfers must now be submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC). This rule applies even if a case has already been forwarded to a consular post for scheduling. Applicants are advised to refrain from contacting consular posts directly about transfers and instead use the NVC Public Inquiry Form.
What This Means for Applicants
- Current Appointments Remain Valid: Most applicants who already have an appointment scheduled should not be affected.
- Transfers Will Require NVC Review: Applicants seeking to move their interview location will need to justify the request and may be required to submit evidence of residence.
- Impact on Diversity Visa (DV) 2026: Diversity Visa applicants in the 2026 fiscal year will be subject to these requirements.
- Applicants Without a Consular Post in Their Country: Individuals living in countries without U.S. consular operations will be directed to designated processing posts. For example, Venezuelan nationals will continue to process through Bogotá, Colombia, and Iranian nationals may interview in Abu Dhabi, Ankara, or Yerevan.
Designated Processing Posts (Examples as of August 28, 2025)
- Afghanistan: Islamabad
- Russia: Warsaw, Almaty (IR-5 only), Tashkent (IR-5 only)
- Iran: Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan
- Venezuela: Bogotá
- Syria: Amman, Beirut (for Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents)
A complete list is available through the Department of State.
Practical Considerations for Applicants
Applicants should plan ahead to avoid delays. If you reside outside your country of nationality and wish to be interviewed elsewhere, you may need to provide proof of residence. Exceptions will only be considered under limited and clearly defined circumstances.
Next Steps
If you are applying for an immigrant visa or seeking to transfer your case, it is critical to act early. The NVC will play a central role in evaluating post transfer requests, and delays may occur if documentation is incomplete.
