The US Department State has introduced new guidelines regarding interview locations for people applying for immigrant visas. These changes will take effect on November 1, 2025.
The amendment states that candidates applying for an immigrant visa must attend their interviews in the consular district of their residence or if needed, in their country of nationality. There are very few exceptions to this rule.
The National Visa Centre (NVC) will register applicants in their country of residence or, if needed, in their country of nationality, This ensures that applicants are connected to the right consular office for their interview.
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Who Will be Affected?
The new rules apply to all emigrant visa categories, including the Diversity Visa (DV) 2006 program. Applicants living in countries without routines visa services can attend interviews at designated vise processing locations. Candidates must appear for interviews in their current consular district starting in November. However, they may choose to be interviewed in their home country.
If visa services in a country is suspended or delayed, applicants must go to the assigned processing location unless they have citizenship in another country with active operations.
Additionally, the State Department announced that most non-immigrant visa applicants will have to attend in-person interviews starting September 2, 2025.
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What About the Existing Appointments?
Once a visa appointment is scheduled by the NVC, it usually cannot be cancelled or rescheduled. Applicants who want to change their interview location must contact the NVC directly using the Public Enquiry Form since consular offices cannot handle such requests.
The NVC may ask for more information if the applicant requests an interview outside their assigned district or country of nationality.
