Major US Visa Policy Changes Reshape Immigration Landscape in November 2025
The United States implemented significant visa policy changes starting November 1, 2025, fundamentally altering how millions of applicants must navigate the immigration process. The new regulations restrict where immigrant visa interviews can be conducted and introduce a controversial $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions filed after September 21, 2025.
These sweeping changes affect family-based immigration, employment visas, diversity lottery winners, and skilled worker programs. The US Department of State announced the interview location restrictions aim to strengthen security protocols, while the H-1B fee represents one of the most substantial cost increases in US immigration history.
New Visa Interview Location Requirements: What Changed on November 1
Starting November 1, 2025, all immigrant visa applicants must complete interviews in their designated consular district. This marks a dramatic shift from previous flexibility.
- Mandatory Consular District: Applicants must interview in the consular district of their legal residence or country of nationality only
- All Categories Affected: Family-based, employment-based, and DV-2026 diversity visa lottery winners must comply
- Limited Exceptions: Only granted for humanitarian emergencies, medical crises, or foreign policy reasons
- No Direct Contact: Applicants cannot contact embassies directly; all transfer requests must go through the National Visa Center (NVC)
- Additional Documentation: NVC may require proof of residence if requesting interviews outside assigned districts
- Existing Appointments Protected: The NVC will generally maintain previously scheduled appointments to minimize disruptions
This policy reverses years of flexibility where applicants could choose interview locations based on convenience or wait times. Immigration attorneys report concerns about extended processing delays, particularly for applicants in countries with limited consular capacity.
Who Is Affected by These Visa Interview Changes
The new consular district requirements impact diverse groups of immigrant visa applicants worldwide. Understanding your specific situation is critical for successful navigation.
For Family-Based Immigration Applicants
US citizens and green card holders sponsoring family members face significant planning challenges. Beneficiaries living abroad must now interview in their country of residence, potentially requiring international relocation if currently living elsewhere. This particularly affects couples in cross-border relationships or family members temporarily residing in third countries.
For Employment-Based Visa Seekers
Foreign workers pursuing green cards through employer sponsorship must coordinate with their legal residence status. Those working temporarily in countries different from their nationality may need to return to their home country for interviews. Additionally, the new $100,000 H-1B proclamation fee creates substantial financial barriers for certain visa categories.
For Diversity Visa Lottery Winners (DV-2026)
DV-2026 selectees must now interview in their country of chargeability or legal residence. Winners currently living in third countries face difficult decisions about whether to relocate or risk missing their immigrant visa opportunity. The State Department emphasizes that limited exceptions will be granted only for extraordinary circumstances.
How to Navigate the New Interview Requirements - Step by Step
Follow these essential steps to ensure compliance with the November 2025 policy changes:
- Verify Your Assigned Consular District: Check the US embassy or consulate website for your country of residence to confirm your designated district
- Do Not Contact Embassies Directly: Use only the National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form to request case transfers or ask questions
- Gather Residence Documentation: Prepare utility bills, lease agreements, or employment letters proving your legal residence if needed
- Request Transfers Early: If you need an exception, submit your request to NVC immediately after receiving your appointment notice
- Prepare for Longer Waits: Expect processing delays as embassies adjust to increased applicant volumes in specific districts
- Ensure Passport Photos Meet Requirements: Verify your passport photo complies with current State Department specifications before your interview appointment
Understanding the $100,000 H-1B Proclamation Fee
President Trump's September 19, 2025 proclamation introduced a groundbreaking $100,000 fee for certain H-1B visa petitions. The fee applies to new petitions filed after 12:01 AM EDT on September 21, 2025.
- Who Must Pay: Beneficiaries outside the US without valid H-1B visas, or those in the US requesting consular processing
- Payment Method: Employers must pay through Pay.gov before filing the petition with USCIS
- Extensions Exempt: H-1B renewals, extensions, amendments, and change-of-status applications while maintaining valid H-1B status are not subject to the fee
- Legal Challenges: Multiple lawsuits, including US Chamber of Commerce v. DHS, contest the fee's legality
- Implementation Guidance: USCIS published detailed FAQs on October 20, 2025 clarifying payment procedures and exemptions
Important Dates and Timeline for November 2025 Changes
Mark these critical dates to stay compliant with new visa regulations:
- September 19, 2025: President signs H-1B proclamation introducing $100,000 fee
- September 21, 2025, 12:01 AM EDT: H-1B proclamation fee becomes effective for new petitions
- October 20, 2025: USCIS publishes implementation guidance and FAQs for H-1B fee
- November 1, 2025: New mandatory consular district interview requirements take effect worldwide
- December 26, 2025: DHS begins collecting biometric data (photographs and fingerprints) from all noncitizens
- January 30, 2026: Extended deadline for Religious Workers (SR) visa category under H.R. 5371
Frequently Asked Questions About November 2025 Visa Changes
Can I Still Choose My Visa Interview Location?
No. As of November 1, 2025, you must interview in the consular district designated for your legal residence or your country of nationality. The State Department grants exceptions only for humanitarian emergencies, serious medical conditions, or foreign policy reasons. To request a transfer, contact the National Visa Center through their Public Inquiry Form with supporting documentation.
Does the $100,000 H-1B Fee Apply to Visa Renewals?
No. The proclamation fee applies only to new H-1B petitions filed after September 21, 2025, where the beneficiary is outside the United States without a valid H-1B visa or requests consular processing. Extensions, amendments, and change-of-status applications while maintaining valid H-1B status are completely exempt from this fee.
What Happens If My Embassy Has Long Wait Times?
Unfortunately, under the new policy, you cannot transfer to an embassy with shorter wait times unless you can prove legal residence in that consular district. The State Department acknowledges potential delays but maintains the policy prioritizes security and fraud prevention. Consider applying as early as possible and monitor the embassy's appointment availability regularly.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
These November 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant immigration restrictions in over a decade, affecting hundreds of thousands of applicants annually. The mandatory consular district requirements eliminate previous flexibility, while the $100,000 H-1B fee creates substantial financial barriers for employers and skilled workers.
If you're planning to apply for an immigrant visa, start preparing documentation immediately and ensure your passport photo meets requirements for your upcoming interview. Consider consulting an immigration attorney to navigate these complex new rules, especially if you need to request exceptions or transfers. Visit the State Department's visa bulletin regularly for updates, and remember that proper documentation—including compliant passport photos—remains essential for successful visa applications.
--- **Sources:** - [U.S. Department of State - Adjudicating IV Applicants in Their Country of Residence](https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/adjudicating-iv-applicants-in-their-country-of-residence.html) - [Boundless - U.S. Tightens Rules on Where Visa Applicants Can Interview](https://www.boundless.com/blog/us-tightens-rules-on-where-immigrant-visa-applicants-can-interview) - [USCIS H-1B FAQ](https://www.uscis.gov/newsroom/alerts/h-1b-faq) - [American Immigration Council - USCIS Implements H-1B $100,000 Fee](https://www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/blog/uscis-implements-h1b-100000-fee/) - [White House Presidential Actions - Restriction on Entry of Certain Nonimmigrant Workers](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/09/restriction-on-entry-of-certain-nonimmigrant-workers/)