New DOS Policy: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Interview in Country of Residence (Effective November 1, 2025)

​Starting November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) will implement a major policy shift that changes where immigrant visa applicants must attend their consular interview. This update affects many families and individuals currently navigating the U.S. immigration process, and it’s important to understand how it may impact your case.

1. What Changed?

• Mandatory Residence-Based Interviews: All immigrant visa applicants must now be interviewed at a U.S. consulate located in their country of residence, or, if requested, in their country of nationality.
• Post-to-Post Transfers Go Through NVC: Effective immediately, any requests to transfer an immigrant visa case from one U.S. consulate to another must be submitted to the National Visa Center (NVC)—even if the case was already sent to a consulate for interview scheduling.
• Exceptions Are Rare: Exceptions may be granted only in limited situations, such as humanitarian or medical emergencies, or for foreign policy considerations. 

2. Why This Matters
Previously, many applicants—especially those from countries without U.S. consulates or with heavy backlogs—could request interview transfers to other posts with more availability. The new rule significantly limits that flexibility, potentially leading to longer wait times in certain regions.

For example:

• Iranian applicants are now restricted to Abu Dhabi, Ankara, or Yerevan.
• Syrian applicants must interview in Amman or Beirut.
• Afghan applicants are designated to Islamabad.

3. Who Is Affected?

• All Immigrant Visa Applicants (family-based, employment-based, etc.).
• Diversity Visa (DV) 2026 Applicants—this group will also be subject to the new rules.
• Applicants from countries without U.S. consular operations (e.g., Iran, Yemen, Somalia, Sudan, Libya, etc.).

If you already have a scheduled interview appointment, this policy may not affect you. But if you are waiting for scheduling or hoping to transfer your case, this change is critical.

4. What You Should Do Now

1. Confirm Your Designated Consulate: Review DOS’s updated list to see which consular post is assigned to your country of residence or nationality.
2. Avoid Direct Post Request: Do not contact consulates directly for transfers. All transfer requests must go through the NVC Public Inquiry Form.
3. Plan Ahead for Travel: If your designated consular post is in another country, make arrangements for visas, travel, and accommodations early.
4. Consult with an Immigration Attorney: Each case is unique. A qualified attorney can help you explore whether an exception applies, ensure your documents are properly prepared, and guide you through NVC communications.

5. Our Take as Immigration Attorneys
This new rule is likely to create additional hurdles for applicants from high-demand countries. By limiting flexibility in consular processing, applicants may face:

• Longer wait times at heavily burdened posts.
• Travel and logistical challenges when required to attend interviews abroad.
• Increased complexity for families split across multiple countries.

At ImmigraTrust Law, we are closely monitoring how this change will be implemented and how consular posts respond in practice. We recommend that applicants take action early, remain proactive, and seek legal support when needed.

Conclusion
Immigrant visa processing is already complex, and the DOS’s new policy makes advance preparation more important than ever. If you or a family member are affected by these changes, our team can help you navigate the process and advocate for the best possible outcome.

👉 Contact ImmigraTrust Law today to schedule your free introductory call and learn how this change may impact your immigration journey.

About ImmigraTrust Law
ImmigraTrust Law is a U.S.-based immigration law firm led by Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq., a seasoned attorney dedicated to helping families, investors, and professionals achieve their immigration goals. Our firm specializes in:

• Family-Based Immigration (marriage green cards, fiancé visas, parents/children cases)
• Business and Investor Visas (E-2, EB-5, TN, O-1, NIW, EB-1A)
• Humanitarian Relief (asylum, waivers, hardship cases)
• Consular Processing and Administrative Delays

We proudly serve clients worldwide with personalized legal strategies, multilingual services, and a deep understanding of complex consular processes. 

🌐 Visit us at www.immigratrust.com
📞 Call us to schedule your free introductory call today.

​Najmeh Mahmoudjafari, Esq.
Najmeh is the Founder and Lead Immigration Attorney at ImmigraTrust Law, an immigration law practice in Orange County, California, representing individual and corporate clients in all 50 U.S. States and internationally. Najmeh can be reached at [email protected].

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We offer a full range of services including green cards, naturalization, marriage/fiancé visas, student visas, and business visas. Our knowledgeable attorneys provide personalized legal guidance to protect your rights and achieve your immigration goals.

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DISCLAIMER: This article is for general information purposes only. It is not intended and does not constitute legal advice. This article does not create an attorney/client relationship and does not provide an attorney/client privilege. For legal advice about your specific case, please contact an attorney.