State Department Updates Interview Location Requirements for Immigrant Visa Applicants

Key Point 

• Effective November 1, 2025, immigrant visa interviews must be conducted in the applicant’s country of residence or, if requested, in their country of nationality 

Interview Location Policy 

The U.S. Department of State announced a change to its interview location policy for immigrant visa applicants. Beginning November 1, 2025, applicants must attend interviews in the consular district where they currently live. If preferred, they can request to interview in their country of nationality. 

This update applies to all immigrant visa categories, including Diversity Visa applicants for the DV-2026 program year. Applicants who live in countries without routine visa services must apply at designated processing posts. The State Department provides a full list of designated locations in its official notice. 

The State Department will keep most existing appointments unchanged. Applicants who want to transfer their case to a different consular district must submit a request through the National Visa Center’s Public Inquiry Form. Consular sections will not accept direct requests. The State Department may grant exceptions in limited cases involving humanitarian, medical or foreign policy considerations. 

According to the update, this policy replaces earlier guidance and aims to improve consistency and efficiency in interview scheduling. 

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