US Tightens Rules: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Attend Interviews in Their Home Country
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a major policy change requiring all immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their home country or, in some cases, their country of nationality. The new rule takes effect on November 1, 2025.
Previously, applicants could choose where to schedule their interviews, but that flexibility will no longer be allowed. According to the DOS, the decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten immigration regulations and strengthen oversight.
The policy applies to all immigrant visa categories, including family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and the Diversity Visa lottery program.
While the DOS noted that “rare exceptions” may be made in cases of humanitarian or medical emergencies, it did not provide details on how these exceptions would work.
For applicants in countries where U.S. embassies remain closed or visa services suspended, the Department has designated alternative locations where interviews will be conducted.
The change could lead to longer wait times, increased travel costs, and stricter documentation requirements for families seeking reunification. U.S. companies that sponsor immigrant workers may also face delays and higher expenses, particularly if employees must travel to third countries for their interviews.
Despite these concerns, the DOS has emphasized that “most applicants will not have their interviews canceled or moved.” Still, immigration lawyers are urging families and businesses to prepare early to avoid potential disruptions.
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a major policy change requiring all immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their home country or, in some cases, their country of nationality. The new rule takes effect on November 1, 2025.
Previously, applicants could choose where to schedule their interviews, but that flexibility will no longer be allowed. According to the DOS, the decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten immigration regulations and strengthen oversight.
The policy applies to all immigrant visa categories, including family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and the Diversity Visa lottery program.
While the DOS noted that “rare exceptions” may be made in cases of humanitarian or medical emergencies, it did not provide details on how these exceptions would work.
For applicants in countries where U.S. embassies remain closed or visa services suspended, the Department has designated alternative locations where interviews will be conducted.
The change could lead to longer wait times, increased travel costs, and stricter documentation requirements for families seeking reunification. U.S. companies that sponsor immigrant workers may also face delays and higher expenses, particularly if employees must travel to third countries for their interviews.
Despite these concerns, the DOS has emphasized that “most applicants will not have their interviews canceled or moved.” Still, immigration lawyers are urging families and businesses to prepare early to avoid potential disruptions.
US Tightens Rules: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Attend Interviews in Their Home Country
The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a major policy change requiring all immigrant visa applicants to attend interviews in their home country or, in some cases, their country of nationality. The new rule takes effect on November 1, 2025.
Previously, applicants could choose where to schedule their interviews, but that flexibility will no longer be allowed. According to the DOS, the decision is part of the Trump administration’s broader push to tighten immigration regulations and strengthen oversight.
The policy applies to all immigrant visa categories, including family-sponsored visas, employment-based visas, and the Diversity Visa lottery program.
While the DOS noted that “rare exceptions” may be made in cases of humanitarian or medical emergencies, it did not provide details on how these exceptions would work.
For applicants in countries where U.S. embassies remain closed or visa services suspended, the Department has designated alternative locations where interviews will be conducted.
The change could lead to longer wait times, increased travel costs, and stricter documentation requirements for families seeking reunification. U.S. companies that sponsor immigrant workers may also face delays and higher expenses, particularly if employees must travel to third countries for their interviews.
Despite these concerns, the DOS has emphasized that “most applicants will not have their interviews canceled or moved.” Still, immigration lawyers are urging families and businesses to prepare early to avoid potential disruptions.
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