Effective November 1, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) will require immigrant visa applicants to interview in the consular district designated for their place of residence, or in their country of nationality if requested, with limited exceptions. The National Visa Center will begin scheduling appointments accordingly. This includes Diversity Visa 2026 applicants.
DOS also said that residents of countries where routine visa operations are suspended or paused should apply at designated immigrant visa processing posts, unless the applicant is a national of another country with ongoing operations.
