Effective November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State has shaken up the global visa system — and the ripple effects will be felt from Islamabad to Warsaw, from Nairobi to Bogotá.
The Big Shake-Up
In a move that’s already raising eyebrows among migration experts and travelers alike, the U.S. government has announced that all immigrant visa (IV) applicants must now attend their interviews strictly in the country where they live — or, if they prefer, in their country of nationality.
No more hopping over to a neighboring nation to skip long queues. No more scheduling interviews at faster-moving consulates just because you can afford the flight.
This is the end of what was once called “third-country visa shopping.”
The new directive, published on October 10, 2025, will take effect from November 1, 2025, and is being enforced by the U.S. National Visa Center (NVC) — the nerve center for processing tens of thousands of green card and immigrant visa applications each year.
Why This Matters Globally?
For millions around the world — skilled workers, family members, refugees, and students — this isn’t just bureaucratic housekeeping. It’s a game-changer.
1# The End of Flexibility
Before this change, if your local U.S. embassy was overbooked or not even operational, you could choose another country’s consulate. For example, Iranians often traveled to Yerevan or Ankara, and Venezuelans to Bogotá to complete their interviews. Now, that freedom is gone — unless you qualify for rare humanitarian exceptions.
2# Longer Waits, Bigger Costs
The move is expected to stretch waiting times in already overwhelmed embassies and increase costs for travelers forced to return to their home country just to attend a 10-minute interview.
Imagine saving for years, landing a job in the U.S., only to discover you must fly home — across continents — because that’s now the only place you’re allowed to interview.
3# Real People, Real Impact
- A Nigerian engineer in Dubai? Must interview in Abu Dhabi — not an easy task if slots are full.
- A Syrian student in Lebanon? Bound to Amman or Beirut — no exceptions unless in crisis.
- A Russian parent in Kazakhstan? Warsaw or Tashkent are now your official stops.
This change will ripple through families, businesses, and even universities relying on timely visa processing.
“A Return to Strict Borders”
Analysts say the policy reflects a “return to stricter jurisdictional control” — part of Washington’s effort to tighten oversight of global visa flows and reduce perceived loopholes.
It comes amid a broader series of moves by U.S. authorities to centralize visa operations, expand social-media background checks, and limit discretionary flexibility for consular officers.
In short: it’s about order — but it may come at the cost of accessibility.
What the State Department Says?
The official memo states:
“Immigrant visa applicants are now required to interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, or in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions.”
Exceptions will only be granted for humanitarian emergencies, medical crises, or foreign policy reasons.
And for those countries without functioning U.S. embassies — such as Afghanistan, Yemen, Libya, Sudan, and Somalia — applicants will be redirected to designated visa posts in other nations (Islamabad, Nairobi, Tunis, Cairo, etc.).
The Global Reaction
Migration advocates are calling this policy a “logistical nightmare” for displaced populations and migrant workers who live abroad. Others say it’s a wake-up call for international travelers to plan their visa journeys much earlier than before.
Business leaders are concerned that stricter processing could delay global hiring, while families fear longer separations during immigration backlogs.
And in capitals across the world, consulates are quietly bracing for a surge of local interview requests that may far exceed their capacity.
What You Should Do?
If you or someone you know plans to immigrate to the U.S. in 2026 or beyond:
- Apply early. Delays are expected as consulates adjust to the new jurisdictional rules.
- Confirm your designated embassy. Check your country’s listing on travel.state.gov.
- Do not transfer cases directly to consulates — only use the National Visa Center’s Public Inquiry Form.
- Prepare documentation proving your residence or nationality — it may now be required for scheduling.
- Watch for updates: humanitarian or foreign policy exceptions may expand in 2026 depending on global developments.
⚡ In Short
This isn’t just a visa update — it’s a global reshuffle of how and where people can access the U.S. immigration system.
For many, it could mean higher costs, longer waits, and fewer choices. For Washington, it’s about control and consistency.
One thing’s for sure: come November 2025, the “visa game” changes forever for US!