New DOS Rule: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Interview in Country of Residence

The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has issued a major policy shift that will have an impact on how immigrant visa applicants worldwide schedule and attend their interviews. Effective November 1, 2025, applicants must interview at the U.S. consular post in their country of residence or, with a properly filed request, in their country of nationality. With very limited exceptions, applicants will no longer have the freedom to choose where they complete the immigrant visa process.

What This New DOS Rule Means in Practice

For decades, some applicants were able to request “post-to-post transfers” for certain consular posts that offered faster processing times or more convenient travel options. Those days are over. DOS is now requiring that:

• All interview requests be tied to the applicant’s place of residence or nationality.
• All post-to-post transfer requests must go through the National Visa Center (NVC). Direct requests to a consular post are no longer permitted.
• Exceptions will only be granted in rare circumstances, such as humanitarian or medical emergencies or important foreign policy considerations.

Why the Change?

According to DOS, the policy is designed to streamline operations and reduce logistical strains for consular posts worldwide. By limiting applicants to their country of residence or nationality, DOS is trying to make sure this process is consistent and reduce forum shopping (when applicants seek out posts with shorter wait times).

Managing Partner Rosanna Berardi, Esq. notes:

“This new rule is one more restriction in the immigration process, especially for applicants who used to transfer cases for convenience. But being informed and prepared is the best way to minimize stress. Knowing where your case will be handled from the start allows you to plan ahead with confidence and keep your case moving forward without delays.”

Special Considerations

Some applicants will face unique challenges under this new rule:

• Countries Without U.S. Consular Services: Applicants who live in countries where the U.S. does not operate consular posts will be directed to specific designated processing posts. For example, applicants from Iran may be routed to Abu Dhabi, Ankara, or Yerevan, while applicants from Russia may be processed in Warsaw, Almaty, or Tashkent.
• Diversity Visa (DV) Applicants: The change will also affect DV-2026 applicants, who will now have to attend interviews in their country of residence or nationality instead of choosing a post.
• Existing Appointments: Applicants who already have an interview scheduled before November 1, 2025, should generally not be affected by the change.

Steps Applicants Should Take

This policy makes preparation more important than ever. Here are important steps to keep in mind:

• Confirm Your Designated Post: Check the list of designated posts if you live in a country without consular operations. Knowing where you’ll need to appear can help you plan any necessary travel well in advance.
• Submit Transfer Requests Properly: If you believe you qualify for an exception, submit your request directly to the NVC using the Public Inquiry Form, not to the consular post.
• Plan for Processing Times: Since you can no longer choose a faster post, plan around the processing times in your assigned location. Build in flexibility for delays, as they can pop up unexpectedly.
• Work With Legal Counsel: Immigration attorneys can help identify whether exceptions may apply to your case and guide you through the process of submitting a strong transfer request, if needed.

FAQs on the New DOS Policy

Can I choose to interview in a different country if I don’t want to appear in my country of residence?
Generally no. DOS now requires interviews in the country of residence or nationality, unless a limited exception applies.

What if my country does not have a U.S. consular post?
You will be assigned to a designated processing post. For example, applicants from Libya will interview in Tunis, and applicants from Somalia will interview in Nairobi.

I already have an appointment scheduled. Will I need to move it?
In most cases, no. If you have an existing interview scheduled before November 1, 2025, you should be able to attend that appointment as planned.

Stay Ahead of DOS Changes and Immigration Updates

This new DOS policy marks a big shift in immigrant visa processing. While it reduces flexibility, it also creates more predictability in how and where cases will be handled. For applicants, the key will be early planning, careful preparation, and (where appropriate) finding legal guidance.

At Berardi Immigration Law, our team is here to help you navigate these changes. From confirming your designated consular post to preparing your application and interview, we can ensure you’re ready for every step of the process. Click here to book a consultation with one of Berardi Immigration Law’s amazing attorneys.