The United States has announced new rules that will reshape how immigrant visa interviews are scheduled worldwide. Beginning November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants will be required to attend their interviews at a U.S. consular post located in their country of residence or, when instructed, in their country of nationality.
This shift eliminates the flexibility that many applicants relied on in the past. Until now, individuals could choose where to appear for their immigrant visa interview, often opting for embassies or consulates with shorter wait times. The new directive removes that option and aligns with broader policies aimed at tightening immigration oversight.
Why the U.S. Is Changing Immigrant Visa Interview Locations
The Department of State (DOS) has described this rule as part of ongoing efforts to strengthen security and improve oversight in immigration processing. By requiring applicants to appear in their country of residence or nationality, U.S. officials aim to:
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Verify local ties: Interviews conducted in an applicant’s home country make it easier for consular officers to confirm identity, background, and supporting documents.
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Increase accountability: Centralizing interviews reduces the chance of applicants “shopping” for favorable posts.
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Improve coordination: Local embassies often have better access to regional records, making fraud detection more effective.
The policy applies across all immigrant visa categories, including:
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Family-sponsored visas (parents, spouses, children, siblings).
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Diversity Visa (DV) lottery winners.
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Special categories such as immigrant investors and certain humanitarian cases.
Exceptions to the New Rule
The DOS has stated that only “rare exceptions” will apply. These exceptions may cover:
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Medical emergencies where travel to the home country is impossible.
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Humanitarian cases requiring urgent relocation.
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Closed or suspended embassies where services are unavailable.
In these situations, applicants may be reassigned to a designated consular post in another country. However, the DOS has not yet released detailed criteria for approving exceptions.
Applicants should expect strict enforcement, meaning very few cases will qualify for exemptions.
What the Change Means for Families Seeking an Immigrant Visa
Families applying for a family-based immigrant visa will face new hurdles under the tightened rules. Applicants should expect:
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Longer wait times: Local embassies with high demand may experience growing backlogs.
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Higher travel costs: Some families will need to travel within their country, or in rare cases, to a designated embassy in a third country.
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Extra documentation: Consulates may request more region-specific records, creating delays if families are unprepared.
For instance, a U.S. citizen petitioning for a spouse in a country with limited consular staff could face significant delays. The best way to avoid setbacks is to prepare early by gathering civil documents, certified translations, and medical exams before the interview stage.
To understand how sponsorship works and how to prepare, see our detailed guide on the family-based immigration process
How Diversity Visa Lottery Winners Are Impacted
Winners of the Diversity Visa (DV) lottery already work under strict timelines, and the new rules add more pressure. Applicants will need to:
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Attend interviews in their country of residence: Flexibility to choose other consulates is no longer available.
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Return home if abroad temporarily: Living overseas will not excuse applicants from appearing in their home country.
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Avoid missing appointments: Failure to attend at the assigned location could mean losing eligibility altogether.
Because Diversity Visas are time-sensitive and subject to annual quotas, winners must act quickly. Early preparation such as securing documents, completing medical exams, and monitoring embassy schedule, is now more critical than ever.
Countries Without U.S. Embassies
In certain regions, U.S. embassies remain closed or do not process immigrant visas. The DOS has designated alternate consulates where affected applicants must go. Examples include:
| Country Without Embassy | Assigned Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | Yerevan, Armenia | Applicants must secure regional travel visas. |
| Syria | Amman, Jordan | High demand may lead to longer queues. |
| Venezuela | Bogotá, Colombia | Travel documents and logistics remain challenging. |
For citizens of such countries, planning ahead is essential. Travel arrangements, regional visas, and accommodation costs should be factored into the application timeline.
Practical Steps for Applicants Under the New Rule
Applicants should take proactive measures to avoid disruptions:
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File early: Submit petitions and forms as soon as eligible.
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Confirm local requirements: Each embassy may have unique documentation rules.
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Budget for travel: Plan for transportation, lodging, and regional visas if interviews are held outside your home city.
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Monitor embassy updates: Check the official U.S. Embassy and Consulate website for changes in visa services.
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Consult professionals: Immigration attorneys can anticipate complications and prepare strong cases.
Broader Implications of the Rule
This policy reflects a larger trend of tightening immigrant visa oversight. It signals that flexibility in the process is shrinking, while scrutiny is increasing. Key implications include:
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Reduced options for applicants who once sought faster interview locations abroad.
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Heavier strain on local embassies in high-demand regions.
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More responsibility for applicants and sponsors to plan ahead and comply.
The government’s goal appears clear: ensure that applicants demonstrate strong ties to their country of residence or nationality while streamlining fraud detection.
Why Early Legal Guidance Matters
For families and employers, these changes highlight the importance of planning. Delays, costs, and strict new rules could derail timelines if not addressed early.
Maple Crest Immigration Law offers tailored support for:
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Families reuniting through immigrant visas.
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Employers sponsoring workers for permanent roles.
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Diversity Visa lottery winners racing against deadlines.
Our attorneys help applicants understand embassy-specific requirements, prepare complete filings, and anticipate possible setbacks.
Conclusion: Prepare Now for the November 2025 Change
The immigrant visa process is becoming more rigid, with less room for applicants to choose interview locations. Families, workers, and Diversity Visa winners must adapt quickly to avoid costly mistakes.
Starting November 1, 2025, every immigrant visa applicant will need to attend their interview in their home country or assigned consular district. Rare exceptions will exist, but most people should not count on them.
Applicants and sponsors should act now; file early, prepare documents, and consult legal professionals to stay ahead of the rule. With proper planning, families can reunite, employers can secure talent, and Diversity Visa winners can achieve their American dream.
Maple Crest Immigration Law stands ready to help applicants navigate this tightening system. Contact us today to begin your immigrant visa journey with confidence.
