New Rules for Immigrant Visa Interview Locations
Effective November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will implement a significant change to the immigrant visa (green card) interview process. Under the new policy, applicants will be required to attend interviews at the U.S. embassy or consulate in the consular district of their country of residence. In limited cases, applicants may request to interview in their country of nationality, subject to approval.
The Department says the policy is intended to streamline processing and ensure applicants are interviewed in locations where they have established ties.
Key Policy Changes
Residence-Based Scheduling: The National Visa Center (NVC) will now assign immigrant visa interview locations based on an applicant’s country of residence, or, if requested and approved, their country of nationality.
Existing Appointments: Interviews that have already been scheduled will generally not be changed, rescheduled, or canceled under the new rules.
Designated Posts for Suspended Operations: For applicants living in countries where routine visa services remain suspended, interviews will be scheduled at designated immigrant visa processing posts.
Post-to-Post Transfers: Applicants seeking to transfer their interview location after scheduling must submit a request to the NVC through the Public Inquiry Form. Consular sections should not be contacted directly.
Residence Verification: Applicants requesting interviews outside their assigned district or nationality-based location may be required to submit proof of residence. Exceptions will only be granted in limited cases.
Exceptions: Humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy considerations may justify exceptions to the new interview requirements.
Diversity Visa Program: The updated policy will also apply to applicants under the DV-2026 program.
Contact Vong Law Group if you have questions about your immigrant visa interview.
