The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has updated its policy for visa interviews, now requiring most immigrant and nonimmigrant visa applicants to complete their interviews in their country of residence, or their country of nationality. This change supersedes previous guidance, including designated visa processing locations.
Immigrant Visa (Green Card) Applicants
What’s New?
Effective November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule all immigrant visa interviews at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in the applicant’s country of residence. In some cases, interviews can be requested in the country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions.
Existing immigrant visa appointments will generally not be rescheduled or cancelled.
Immigrant visa applicants include those of you applying under the following green card categories: EB-1, EB-1C, EB-2 NIW, PERM EB-2 and EB-3, EB-5, EB-5 Regional Centers, EB-5 Visa for Canadians, green card through investment, employment-based green card, family-based green card, marriage-based green card and Diversity Visa program.
Case Transfers
Any requests to transfer an existing case to a different consulate, regardless of whether the case has already been sent to post for interview scheduling, must now be submitted to the NVC using the Public Inquiry Form. Applicants should not contact the consular post directly.
Residence Requirement
To get an interview at a location other than your assigned consular district or country of nationality, you may need to provide the NVC with additional information to confirm your place of residence. The NVC will request details to confirm your place of residence or to see if you qualify for a limited exception. Exceptions may be granted in rare circumstances such as humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.
Designated Processing Posts
If you are residing in a country without a U.S. consular office or where routine visa operations are paused or suspended, you must now apply at a designated immigrant visa processing post, unless you are a national of another country with ongoing operations.
If you are also a national of another country where visa operations are ongoing, then you may apply in that country instead.
Below is the list of designated posts for several countries:
Exceptions
Exceptions to the new rule may be granted in rare circumstances, such as humanitarian or medical emergencies or for foreign policy reasons. Applicants may need to provide additional documentation to the NVC to demonstrate their eligibility for an exception.
DV-2026 Diversity Visa program
These changes also apply to the DV-2026 Diversity Visa program.
For the most current details on visa application requirements, procedures, and the embassy or consulate’s operating status, always check their official website.
Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants
What’s New?
Effective immediately, all nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule their interview at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
If you are applying for a visa in the following categories, you are must now interview in your country of nationality or residence:
Designated Locations
If you are a national of a country where the U.S. government has suspended routine visa operations, you must apply at a designated embassy or consulate, unless you reside in another country. If you reside in another country where visa operations are ongoing, then you may apply in that country instead.
Here is a list of designated locations:
Important Considerations
Exceptions
This guidance does not apply to certain visa types, including A-1, A-2, C-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1, NATO-2, NATO-3, NATO-4, NATO-5, or NATO-6, as well as diplomatic or official visas, or applicants for any visa for travel covered by the UN Headquarters Agreement. Rare exceptions can also be made for humanitarian or medical emergencies or foreign policy reasons.
For more detailed information on visa requirements and embassy operating status, always check the official embassy and consulate websites.
Malescu Law can assist
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We serve companies and individuals across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico.
Contact us or schedule a consultation.
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