Summary
The U.S. State Department announced a change in rules for immigrant visa applications, requiring applicants to attend interviews in their country of residence starting November 1. The change limits applicants' flexibility and could result in longer wait times or increased costs. Some exceptions to this rule may apply in specific cases such as emergencies or foreign policy reasons.
Key Facts
- Starting November 1, visa applicants must interview in their country of residence.
- Applicants can request to have their interview in their country of nationality.
- The previous system allowed more flexibility to interview in third-party countries.
- Designated immigrant visa processing posts are set up for countries with suspended visa operations.
- For instance, Afghans apply in Islamabad, Pakistan; Russians can apply in Poland, Kazakhstan, or Uzbekistan.
- Applicants must contact the National Visa Center to transfer consular districts.
- Exceptions to the rules may occur for humanitarian or medical emergencies.
- These rules also apply to Diversity Visa applicants for the DV-2026 program.
