Update on Visa Interview Location: Immigrant & Nonimmigrant Applicants Must Apply in Country of Residence

Existing appointments generally won’t be rescheduled. Residents of countries where routine visa operations are paused must apply at their designated post unless they’re citizens of another country with operating posts. The rule also applies to Diversity Visa applicants starting in the DV-2026 year. This applies similarly to nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants as well. On September 6, 2025, a parallel policy was released requiring nonimmigrant visa applicants to schedule interviews in their country of nationality or residence. Nationals from countries where U.S. consular operations are not routine must apply at designated embassies or consulates, unless their residence is elsewhere.

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