On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced a new policy requiring all immigrant visa applicants to attend their consular interview in their country of residence. Applicants may alternatively request to interview in their country of nationality, subject to approval. This change will take effect November 1, 2025 and will apply to nearly all immigrant visa categories, including the Diversity Visa 2026 program.
What’s Changing and Why
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Immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled in the applicant’s consular district of residence.
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Requests to interview in the country of nationality will be considered upon request.
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This update is designed to streamline case processing and improve alignment with applicant residency records.
Exceptions and Designated Posts
Applicants living in countries where routine visa services are suspended must interview at an alternate designated consular post. Below is the official list of designated locations for impacted countries:
Immigrant Visa Designated Processing Posts
| Resident Of | Designated Post(s) |
|---|---|
| Afghanistan (except Special Immigrant Visas) | Islamabad |
| Belarus | Warsaw |
| Eritrea | Addis Ababa, Nairobi |
| Haiti | Nassau |
| Iran | Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan |
| Libya | Tunis |
| Niger | Abidjan |
| North Korea | Guangzhou |
| Russia | Warsaw, Almaty (IR-5), Tashkent (IR-5) |
| Somalia | Nairobi |
| South Sudan | Nairobi |
| Sudan | Cairo |
| Syria | Amman, Beirut (for Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents) |
| Venezuela | Bogota |
| Yemen | Djibouti |
| Zimbabwe | Johannesburg |
Additional Notes
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Existing Appointments: Most already-scheduled appointments will not be canceled or changed.
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Post-to-Post Transfers: All transfer requests must go through the National Visa Center’s Public Inquiry Form. Applicants should not contact consulates directly.
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Documentation Requirements: Requests to interview outside your residence or nationality may require supporting evidence.
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Exceptions: Only considered in cases of humanitarian emergencies, medical needs, or foreign policy reasons.
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Diversity Visa 2026: The updated interview requirement will apply to all applicants in the upcoming DV-2026 program year.
What Applicants Should Do
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Review Where You’re Scheduled: Check your consular post assignment and confirm it aligns with your residence—or request a change if needed.
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Follow NVC Protocol: Use the Public Inquiry Form to request transfers or clarify interview location—avoid contacting posts directly.
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Prepare Documentation: Be ready to confirm your residence with evidence if you’re applying outside your consular district.
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Track DV Program Changes: If applying through the Diversity Visa (DV) Program, this rule applies to your cohort starting in 2026.
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Monitor Embassy Status: Stay updated on operations and announcements from embassies/consulates—for updates or changes to processing locations.
Conclusion
This new policy marks a significant shift in the Department of State’s immigrant visa adjudication process. Beginning November 1, 2025, immigrant visa interviews will align with applicants’ country of residence—with limited exceptions. If you’re affected, it’s essential to verify your assigned post, follow proper channels for changes, and ensure your documentation reflects your residency status.
Schedule a Consultation with an Immigration Lawyer
Source:
U.S. Department of State – Immigrant Visa Updates (August 28, 2025)
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