Breaking Immigration Policy Changes Reshape Visa Process
On November 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department implemented strict new rules requiring all immigrant visa applicants to interview in their country of residence or nationality, eliminating the previous flexibility to choose interview locations. Meanwhile, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce filed a federal lawsuit on October 16, 2025, challenging the Trump administration's controversial $100,000 H-1B visa fee, calling it unlawful and economically harmful to American businesses.
These policy changes affect millions of applicants across family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Visa categories. The interview location restrictions apply globally, while the H-1B fee represents a nearly thirtyfold increase over existing costs.
New Visa Interview Location Requirements Starting November 1, 2025
The State Department's new policy fundamentally changes where immigrant visa applicants can schedule their consular interviews. Here are the key requirements:
- Default Location: All applicants must attend interviews in the consular district designated for their current place of residence
- Alternative Option: Applicants may request to interview in their country of nationality instead of residence
- Limited Exceptions: Only humanitarian or medical emergencies qualify for exemptions from these location requirements
- Special Processing Posts: Applicants from countries with suspended visa operations (Somalia, Sudan, Venezuela) must use designated processing posts like Nairobi or Bogota
- Documentation Required: Requests to interview outside assigned locations require additional proof of residence or exception eligibility through the National Visa Center
The policy tightens oversight of the immigration process and eliminates the convenience of "visa shopping" at different consular locations. However, existing appointments will generally remain unchanged unless applicants request transfers.
Who Is Affected by These Immigration Changes
The new policies impact different groups of visa applicants in significant ways. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is critical for proper planning.
For Family-Based Immigration Applicants
Family-sponsored visa applicants must now carefully consider their residential status when scheduling interviews. The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows the F-2A category retrogressed by one month to October 2025, while F-2B advanced two months to March 2017. If you're waiting for a priority date, ensure your passport photo meets current requirements before your interview becomes available.
For Employment-Based Visa Holders
Employment-based applicants face both the new interview restrictions and the controversial H-1B fee increase. The November 2025 Visa Bulletin shows no movement in employment-based categories, with backlogs growing 67% this quarter. EB-1A approvals dropped to 67%, the lowest in three years, while EB-2 National Interest Waiver approvals fell sharply to 54%.
For Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
DV-2026 program participants must comply with the new interview location rules when scheduling consular appointments. Additionally, the annual limit has been reduced to approximately 52,000 visas. When the DV-2027 lottery opens, applicants will face a new $1 application fee.
For H-1B Employers and Workers
Companies sponsoring H-1B workers now face the prospect of paying $100,000 per petition if the Chamber of Commerce lawsuit fails. This represents a dramatic increase from the current fees of approximately $3,000-$4,000, potentially pricing out most small and medium-sized employers from accessing skilled foreign workers.
How to Navigate the New Visa Interview Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these steps to ensure compliance with the November 1, 2025 interview location policy:
- Verify Your Residence Status: Confirm your current country and consular district of legal residence with supporting documentation like lease agreements or employment contracts
- Check Your Assigned Location: Contact the National Visa Center to confirm which consular post handles interviews for your residential district
- Prepare Required Documents: Gather all standard visa application documents plus additional residence verification if requesting an alternative location
- Submit Transfer Requests Early: If you need to interview outside your assigned district, submit requests through the National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form at least 60 days before your preferred date
- Update Your Passport Photos: Ensure your visa application photos meet current specifications for your destination country and document type before scheduling
- Monitor Your Case Status: Regularly check the National Visa Center portal for updates on interview scheduling and location confirmations
Important Dates and Timeline for 2025 Immigration Changes
Mark these critical dates on your calendar to stay compliant with new immigration policies:
- November 1, 2025: New immigrant visa interview location restrictions take effect globally for all visa categories
- November 21, 2025: Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syria expires, requiring affected individuals to seek alternative status
- October 16, 2025: U.S. Chamber of Commerce files federal lawsuit challenging $100,000 H-1B visa fee
- September 30, 2025: Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers (SR) category extension expires unless renewed by Congress
- Throughout 2025: $100 asylum application fee and $100 annual waiting fee remain in effect for new asylum cases
- Coming Months: DV-2027 Diversity Visa lottery opens with new $1 application fee requirement
Frequently Asked Questions About November 2025 Immigration Changes
Can I Still Interview at a Different Embassy if I Have Family There?
No, the November 1, 2025 policy eliminates this flexibility. You must interview in your country of residence or nationality only. Having family members in another country no longer qualifies as grounds for choosing an alternative interview location, except in rare humanitarian emergencies approved by the National Visa Center.
What Happens to My Existing Visa Interview Appointment?
The State Department will honor most existing appointments scheduled before November 1, 2025, even if they're at locations outside your current residence. However, if you want to transfer your case to a different consular district, you must submit a formal request through the National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form with supporting documentation.
Will the $100,000 H-1B Fee Actually Go Into Effect?
The fee's implementation is currently uncertain due to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce lawsuit filed on October 16, 2025. The Chamber argues the fee exceeds presidential authority and contradicts immigration laws set by Congress. Courts will determine whether the Trump administration has legal authority to impose such fees without Congressional approval.
How Do I Prove My Country of Residence for Visa Interviews?
You'll need to provide documentation such as rental agreements, utility bills, employment contracts, or tax records showing at least six months of continuous residence. The National Visa Center may request additional evidence to confirm your residential status if there are any questions about your eligibility to interview at a specific location.
Are There Any Exceptions to the Interview Location Rules?
Yes, but they're extremely limited. The State Department may grant exceptions for humanitarian emergencies, serious medical conditions requiring specific treatment locations, or security concerns in your country of residence. You must submit detailed documentation supporting your exception request through the National Visa Center.
What You Need to Know About These Immigration Policy Changes
The November 2025 immigration policy changes represent the most significant tightening of visa procedures in recent years. The new interview location restrictions eliminate flexibility and require careful planning for applicants worldwide, while the H-1B fee lawsuit could reshape employment-based immigration if upheld by courts.
If you're preparing for a visa application, act now to verify your residential status, confirm your assigned consular district, and ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your specific document type. Additionally, monitor the November 2025 Visa Bulletin for priority date movements in your category, as minimal advancement means longer waiting times for most applicants. For accurate, compliant visa photos that meet specifications for 172 countries and over 952 document types, proper preparation is essential to avoid application delays.