Immigration Law
On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced an important change to how immigrant visa (IV) interviews are scheduled worldwide. Under this update, effective November 1, 2025, DOS will generally require immigrant visa applicants to attend their consular interview in the district where they reside, or in their country of nationality if requested, with only limited exceptions. This guidance also establishes clear procedures for post-to-post transfer requests, which must now be filed through the National Visa Center (NVC) rather than with a consular post. This change supersedes prior guidance and realigns immigrant visa processing with DOS’s evolving emphasis on interview scheduling based on residence or nationality. This policy change follows a related Department of State update affecting nonimmigrant visa applicants, which we analyzed in detail in our earlier article, “Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants Should Interview in Their Country of Residence: What the New DOS Policy Means.” Taken together, these developments reflect a broader shift by DOS toward anchoring visa interviews to an applicant’s country of residence or nationality and limiting the practical availability of third-country visa processing.
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Residence-Based Interview Scheduling
Under the updated DOS guidance, immigrant visa applicants will be scheduled for their visa interviews in the consular district that corresponds to their place of residence. Applicants may request to interview in their country of nationality instead, but such requests are subject to review and documentation requirements.
For example, if an applicant resides in Germany, DOS will generally schedule their immigrant visa interview at the U.S. Embassy in Berlin, unless the applicant requests and justifies an interview in their country of nationality. Applicants who do not reside in their country of nationality must be prepared to demonstrate legitimate residence in the country where they are applying.
Designated Immigrant Visa Processing Posts
DOS has also published a list of designated processing posts for residents of countries where routine visa services are suspended or paused. In these cases, applicants will be directed to the identified processing consulate or embassy unless they are nationals of another country where routine operations continue.
As of the December 12, 2025 update, the designated posts include:
Applicants residing in countries without routine visa operations should plan to attend their interview at the appropriate designated post.
Existing Appointments
In most situations, existing immigrant visa appointments already scheduled before November 1, 2025, should not be rescheduled or canceled as a result of this change. However, applicants should verify details with NVC and the consular post that issued the appointment notice.
DOS will consider limited exceptions on a case-by-case basis for specific circumstances, including:
These exceptions are rare and require clear justification and supporting documentation.
This immigrant visa policy change parallels a similar DOS update for nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants that became effective earlier in 2025. In September 2025, DOS announced that nonimmigrant visa applicants should schedule interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates in their country of residence or nationality—again with specific exceptions and designated processing posts for countries without routine operations.
The key difference is one of scope and policy language:
In both contexts, the new policies reflect DOS’s effort to standardize visa interview procedures globally and reduce third-country processing outside an applicant’s established ties.
Plan Around Your Consular District
Applicants should anticipate being scheduled for interviews in the consular district covering their residence and prepare travel plans accordingly. This reduces risk of last-minute changes or confusion.
Document Your Residence Clearly
If you request an interview outside your assigned district—for example, in your country of nationality rather than your residence—be prepared to provide documentation confirming your ties to that country. The NVC may request additional evidence to validate residence claims.
Know the Designated Post If Your Country’s Services Are Limited
If you reside in a country where routine visa services are paused or suspended, identify the designated post early and confirm its interview and document requirements. Waiting to discover the designated location at the last minute can result in delays.
Diversity Visa Program Impact
These procedures will also apply to Diversity Visa applicants in the DV-2026 program year, requiring interviews to be scheduled in the appropriate residence or nationality location.
The DOS immigrant visa interview update effective November 1, 2025, marks a significant procedural shift. Applicants are now generally expected to interview in the consular district of their residence or, alternatively, in their country of nationality, and must follow NVC procedures for any requested changes. This is part of a broader trend in DOS policy that also affects nonimmigrant visa processing and underscores the importance of early planning, accurate documentation, and adherence to consular procedures.
If you are planning to consular process an immigrant visa and want guidance on how this new policy affects your case, contact SG Legal Group. Our team can help you understand your designated consular district, prepare for interview scheduling, and navigate exceptions when applicable. Consultations are available in English, Russian, or Romanian. Call 410-618-1288 or visit our Contact page to schedule a consultation.
This article provides general information and is not legal advice. For advice specific to your situation, please contact SG Legal Group directly.
Oleg Gherasimov, Esq.
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