This article was prepared with the assistance of ABIL, the Alliance of Business Immigration Lawyers, of which Loan Huynh is an active member.
On December 12, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) announced that it has updated its instructions for all nonimmigrant and immigrant visa applicants scheduling visa interview appointments.
Nonimmigrant Visas
- Applicants for U.S. nonimmigrant visas should schedule their visa interview appointments at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of nationality or residence.
- Nationals of countries where the U.S. government is not conducting routine nonimmigrant visa operations must apply at the designated embassy or consulate, unless their residence is elsewhere.
Immigrant Visas
- Immigrant visa applicants must interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence or in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions.
- Residents of countries where routine visa operations are suspended or paused should apply at their designated immigrant visa processing post, unless the applicant is a national of another country with ongoing operations.
The announcements include a list of designated processing posts for applications.
