08/30/2025
🔹USImmigrating:
🇺🇸 Important Update for Immigrant Visa Applicants — Effective November 1, 2025
The U.S. State Department has introduced a new policy clarifying where immigrant visa interviews will be held. Starting Nov. 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will schedule interviews based on:
• Your country of residence, or
• Your country of nationality, if you specifically request it — exceptions are now rare.
 
Key Details:
• Exceptions (for humanitarian, medical, or foreign-policy reasons) are limited.  
• Already scheduled interviews generally won’t be changed or cancelled.  
• To request a transfer to a different consular district, use the NVC’s Public Inquiry Form — don’t contact the consulate directly.  
• For applicants from countries where U.S. embassy services are limited or paused, interviews will be assigned to designated processing posts. See the State Department’s official list for details.  
• This update covers all immigrant visa categories, including those applying through the DV-2026 (Diversity Visa) program.  
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🔹(USImmigrating)
New Visa Interview Rules — Effective Nov 1, 2025
The U.S. State Department now requires immigrant visa interviews to be held in your country of residence or, upon request, your country of nationality. Exceptions are now very limited.
Already have an appointment? It likely won’t be rescheduled. Need to change your interview location? Contact the National Visa Center using the Public Inquiry Form—do not reach out to the embassy or consulate directly.
If you live in a country where U.S. embassy services are suspended, you may be directed to a designated processing post. These new rules apply to all immigrant visa categories—including DV-2026 applicants.