The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant procedural update that affects how immigrant visa applicants will be scheduled for their interviews. Beginning November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa interviews will be conducted in the applicant’s country of residence or, upon request, in their country of nationality, with limited exceptions for humanitarian or foreign policy reasons.
This change applies to applicants across all immigrant visa categories, including family-based and employment-based cases, and will also extend to Diversity Visa (DV-2026) applicants.
Key Changes to Immigrant Visa Processing
- Residence-Based Interview Location:
The National Visa Center (NVC) will now schedule interviews based on the applicant’s current country of residence. This policy aims to ensure that cases are processed through consulates familiar with local documentation, reducing fraud and improving coordination. - Requests for Alternate Locations:
Applicants who wish to attend their interview outside their assigned district—such as in their country of nationality—may do so only by submitting a formal request through the NVC Public Inquiry Form. The NVC may ask for documentation to verify residence or determine eligibility for an exception. - Limited Exceptions:
Exceptions will be granted only in rare humanitarian or medical emergencies or for foreign policy considerations. For example, residents of countries where U.S. consular operations are suspended will continue to process at designated alternative posts (e.g., Afghan nationals in Islamabad, Iranian nationals in Abu Dhabi, Ankara, or Yerevan, Russian nationals in Warsaw or Almaty). - Existing Appointments:
Current appointments already scheduled at other consulates will not be automatically rescheduled or cancelled. Applicants seeking transfers should coordinate directly with the NVC—not the consulate.
Implications for Immigrant Visa Applicants
This update underscores the Department of State’s intent to streamline case management and enhance procedural consistency worldwide. However, applicants must remain attentive to the following:
- Monitor NVC Communications: Any change in residence should be promptly reported to avoid processing delays.
- Plan Ahead for Travel: Those residing in countries with suspended or limited operations should consult the list of designated visa posts before scheduling travel.
- Diversity Visa Applicants: Individuals selected in the DV-2026 program should follow embassy-specific instructions and monitor consular websites for updates on interview scheduling.
Designated Immigrant Visa Processing Posts
For residents of countries with paused operations, designated posts include:
- Afghanistan: Islamabad
- Iran: Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan
- Russia: Warsaw, Almaty, Tashkent
- Venezuela: Bogotá
- Yemen: Djibouti
- and other locations as listed by the Department of State.
Applicants are advised to check the U.S. Embassy and Consulate Directory for current operational updates.
Legal Insight from Ahluwalia Law Offices
For individuals with pending immigrant petitions—particularly those awaiting consular processing or relocation—it is essential to evaluate how this new policy might affect interview logistics and admissibility planning. Our legal team at Ahluwalia Law Offices, PC assists clients in coordinating with the National Visa Center, preparing documentation for consular interviews, and managing changes in residence or jurisdiction.
