What the change means for visa applicants

Under the new guidance, a person applying from Country A but temporarily residing in Country B generally must interview at the consulate corresponding to Country B (if residence). If operations are suspended in that country, the notice provides fallback “designated posts.” Applicants may request the alternative designation by nationality, but the NVC may require supporting documentation to confirm eligibility.

Importantly, existing IV interview appointments will not be canceled automatically simply because they fall outside the newly assigned venue. Transfers of appointments must be requested through the NVC’s Public Inquiry Form rather than by contacting embassies directly.

Scope, limitations, and exceptions

The rule applies broadly to family-based and employment-based immigrant visas. Diversity Visa (DV) applicants will be subject to the same scheduling rules beginning with DV-2026.

Exceptions are restricted to humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy considerations. The NVC may also request additional proof if an applicant seeks to interview outside the assigned district.

As part of State’s consular policy overhaul, the Department also confirms that the venue rule supersedes prior guidance, effectively standardizing consular control across global posts.

Implications for legal practitioners and policy watchers

This shift reduces flexibility for venue choice, which may increase processing delays if consular posts become oversubscribed. Lawyers and applicants should monitor wait-times and capacity changes at their assigned posts. Coordination with local embassies and strategic requests under exceptions may increase in importance.

Stakeholders may also need to update internal intake workflows, particularly for clients who travel frequently across countries. The change intersects with other visa trends, such as the evolving interview waiver policies and pauses in routine operations. (See border policy.)

For background on rights during consular processing or cross-border travel, see our guides on advance parole and know your rights. For broader oversight context, consult ICE oversight.