DOS Policy Update July 2026: Immigrant Visa Applicants Must Interview in Country of Residence

The U.S. Department of State published updated guidance on July 15, 2026, clarifying that immigrant visa (IV) applicants must now be adjudicated at the U.S. embassy or consulate in their country of current residence, rather than their country of birth or citizenship. This represents a significant procedural shift in how immigrant visa interviews are assigned and conducted globally. For EB-3 applicants who have relocated internationally since filing their petition — whether for work, family, or other reasons — this policy change directly determines which consular post will handle their case. Applicants living outside their home country must ensure their National Visa Center (NVC) records reflect their accurate current country of residence to be assigned to the correct embassy. The policy is intended to streamline consular processing by routing applicants to posts with jurisdiction over their actual place of residence, which may have more scheduling capacity or relevant administrative infrastructure. However, it can complicate cases for applicants whose country of residence differs significantly from their country of chargeability. EB-3 applicants currently waiting for an interview appointment should verify their residency information on file with the NVC is current and accurate. Any discrepancy between recorded residence and actual location could delay scheduling or require a case transfer between consular posts, adding processing time. Applicants should consult with an immigration attorney if they have recently changed their country of residence or hold dual residency, as the determination of which post has jurisdiction can have significant implications for interview wait times and available appointment slots.