Breaking Changes to U.S. Immigrant Visa Policy
Beginning November 1, 2025, the U.S. State Department implemented sweeping changes to immigrant visa interview requirements, restricting where applicants can complete their consular interviews. All immigrant visa applicants must now interview in their country of residence or nationality, eliminating the previous flexibility to interview at third-country locations.
Additionally, the November 2025 Visa Bulletin released by the State Department shows zero movement in employment-based green card categories, leaving thousands of applicants in extended waiting periods. These policy changes come alongside stagnant priority dates that have disappointed many hopeful immigrants.
New Consular Interview Location Requirements Starting November 2025
The most significant change affects how and where immigrant visa applicants can schedule their crucial consular interviews. Here's what has changed:
- Mandatory Home Country Interviews: All applicants must interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence or in their country of nationality
- Third-Country Interview Ban: Requests to interview in third countries require extensive justification and will rarely be approved
- Universal Application: Affects all immigrant visa categories including family-based, employment-based, and Diversity Visa (DV-2026) lottery winners
- Limited Exceptions Only: Rare exceptions granted only for humanitarian emergencies, medical crises, or foreign policy reasons
- Transfer Request Process: Case transfers must be submitted through National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form—consular sections won't accept direct requests
- Existing Appointments Protected: Most currently scheduled appointments will remain unchanged under grandfathering provisions
This policy represents a dramatic shift from previous practices where applicants enjoyed considerable flexibility in choosing interview locations. The State Department aims to standardize consular operations and reduce administrative complexity.
Who Is Affected By These Visa Policy Changes
The November 2025 policy changes impact millions of visa applicants across multiple categories. Understanding how these changes affect your specific situation is crucial for planning.
For Employment-Based Green Card Applicants
If you're waiting for an employment-based green card, the November 2025 Visa Bulletin brings disappointing news—all EB categories show zero priority date movement. EB-2 India remains stuck at April 1, 2013, while EB-2 China stays at April 1, 2021. EB-3 categories also remain frozen, with India at August 22, 2013. Immigration attorneys expect potential movement in January 2026 as the State Department processes backlogged cases.
For Family-Sponsored Visa Applicants
Family-sponsored categories saw minimal movement in November 2025, with F2A actually retrogressing by one month across all countries. F2B advanced modestly from January 1, 2017 to March 8, 2017, while F3 for Mexico moved forward just two weeks. All family-sponsored applicants must use the "Dates for Filing" chart, not the Final Action Dates.
For Diversity Visa Lottery Winners
DV-2026 program participants face the new interview location restrictions, meaning you must interview in your country of residence or nationality. Furthermore, amendments have reduced the DV-2026 annual limit to approximately 52,000 visas. The DV-2027 lottery has not yet opened, and when it does, a new $1 application fee will apply.
How to Navigate the New Interview Location Requirements - Step by Step
Successfully navigating these new restrictions requires careful planning and documentation. Follow these steps:
- Verify Your Assigned Consular District: Check with the National Visa Center to confirm which consular district corresponds to your current place of residence
- Update Your Address Documentation: Gather proof of residence documents (utility bills, lease agreements, employment letters) showing your current location
- Request Transfers Early If Needed: If you need to interview outside your assigned district, submit transfer requests through the National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form immediately—not directly to consulates
- Document Exceptional Circumstances: If requesting an exception for humanitarian or medical reasons, compile comprehensive supporting documentation including medical records, emergency evidence, or official letters
- Ensure Your Passport Photo Meets Requirements: Before your interview, verify your passport photos comply with strict U.S. visa photo specifications to avoid appointment delays or rejections
- Monitor Your Case Status: Regularly check the National Visa Center portal and State Department announcements for updates on processing times and policy clarifications
Important Dates and Timeline for November 2025 Changes
Mark these critical dates to stay compliant with the new visa policies:
- November 1, 2025: New consular interview location requirements take effect for all immigrant visa categories
- October 30, 2025: Temporary pause on $100 asylum application fee due to ongoing litigation (may resume soon)
- September 30, 2025: Expiration date for Employment Fourth Preference Religious Workers (SR) category extension
- January 2026 (Expected): Potential priority date advancement in visa bulletin after State Department catches up on backlogged processing
- Coming Months: DV-2027 lottery opening with new $1 application fee requirement
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Still Interview at a U.S. Embassy in a Third Country?
Generally no. Starting November 1, 2025, you must interview in your country of residence or nationality unless you qualify for rare exceptions. Third-country interview requests require extensive justification for humanitarian emergencies, medical crises, or foreign policy reasons. Tourist, student, and work visa applicants are expected to apply in their place of residence with very limited flexibility.
Why Did Employment-Based Priority Dates Not Move in November 2025?
The State Department kept all EB-1, EB-2, and EB-3 priority dates frozen to allow consular offices to catch up on visa processing backlogs. Immigration attorneys expect this temporary hold will enable significant priority date advancement in January 2026. The DOS needs time to process the accumulated cases before releasing additional visa numbers.
What Happens If My Interview Appointment Was Already Scheduled Before November 1?
The State Department will keep most existing appointments unchanged under grandfathering provisions. However, if you scheduled an interview in a third country and your appointment is after November 1, 2025, contact the National Visa Center immediately to confirm your appointment status and discuss potential transfer needs.
How Do I Transfer My Visa Case to a Different Consular District?
You must submit transfer requests through the National Visa Center's Public Inquiry Form—consular sections will not accept direct requests. The NVC may request additional documentation to confirm your place of residence or verify whether an exception is appropriate. Processing times for transfer requests vary, so submit your request as early as possible.
What You Need to Know Moving Forward
The November 2025 visa policy changes represent the most significant tightening of immigrant visa procedures in recent years. With interview location flexibility eliminated and priority dates frozen, applicants face longer waiting periods and stricter procedural requirements. Understanding these changes is essential for avoiding costly delays or denials.
If you're preparing for an immigrant visa interview, ensure your passport photo meets all official requirements to prevent appointment complications. Additionally, monitor the visa bulletin closely for expected January 2026 priority date movements, and consider consulting with an immigration attorney to navigate these complex policy changes effectively. For visa application photo requirements, professional photo services can help ensure compliance with strict U.S. specifications.