New State Department Rule: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Interview in Their Country of Residence

On August 28, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced a significant change to how immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled. Beginning November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will assign interviews based on an applicant’s country of residence or, if requested, their country of nationality. This replaces prior guidance and introduces new challenges for applicants whose countries have suspended or limited visa operations.

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Key Points of the New Policy

• Primary Interview Location: By default, applicants will be scheduled at the U.S. consular post in their country of residence.

• Optional Nationality-Based Location: Applicants may request to be scheduled in their country of nationality instead.

• Suspended Posts: For residents of countries where routine visa services are paused, cases will be assigned to designated processing posts (e.g., Russians to Warsaw, Belarusians to Warsaw, Iranians to Abu Dhabi, Ankara, or Yerevan).

• Existing Appointments: Already scheduled appointments will generally not be canceled or rescheduled.

• Transfers: To move a case after scheduling, applicants must submit a request via the NVC Public Inquiry Form—not directly to a consular post.

• Exceptions: Rarely granted, limited to humanitarian emergencies, medical needs, or foreign policy considerations.

• Diversity Visas: Policy applies beginning with DV-2026.

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Practical Challenges for Applicants

In my practice at SG Legal Group, I often see clients from Russia, Belarus, and similar countries struggle with the logistical burden of attending interviews abroad. For example, Russian applicants scheduled in Warsaw must first obtain a Schengen visa to enter Poland—an additional step that can delay or even prevent attendance at their U.S. visa interview. This requirement has caused frustration and uncertainty, as the process of securing permission to enter a third country can be difficult and time-sensitive.

Applicants should not underestimate these challenges. Careful planning is essential to avoid last-minute denials or missed appointments.

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Designated Posts for Applicants from Suspended Countries

The State Department has confirmed the following designated immigrant visa posts for residents of certain countries:

• Afghanistan – 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

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What Applicants Should Do Now

• Check your assigned location: Review where your case has been or will be scheduled.

• Plan for entry visas: If your interview is in a third country (such as Poland, Turkey, or Colombia), secure the necessary visa to enter that country as early as possible.

• Contact NVC for transfers: If you need to change your assigned location, use the NVC Public Inquiry Form.

• Prepare to document residence: If you request an interview location outside your residence or nationality, be ready to provide evidence.

• Monitor embassy websites: Each post has unique operating procedures—check regularly for updates.

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My Guidance as an Immigration Attorney

In my experience, the most significant pitfall under this policy will be overlooking the additional travel requirements created when interviews are scheduled in third countries. I recommend that applicants:

• Begin travel planning early, including visa applications for the host country.

• Avoid assuming that an appointment in Warsaw, Ankara, or Bogota automatically guarantees entry—you must also satisfy the host country’s visa requirements.

• Seek professional guidance if your situation involves multiple layers of bureaucracy (U.S. immigration plus foreign entry visas).

At SG Legal Group, I assist clients in English, Russian, and Romanian, and I’ve seen how proactive preparation can prevent costly delays and missed opportunities.

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Conclusion

The State Department’s new policy effective November 1, 2025, requires immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their country of residence—or nationality if requested. While intended to streamline processing, this change poses practical hurdles for applicants from countries with suspended operations. Careful planning, early action on third-country entry visas, and clear communication with the NVC are now more critical than ever.

If you need experienced legal guidance for your immigration case, contact me at SG Legal Group. My team and I will help you navigate the process with confidence. Consultations are available in English, Russian, or Romanian. Call 410-344-7100 or visit our contact page to schedule a consultation.