EB-3 Visa What To Do Now: Consular Processing Couples Face Record Interview Wait Times in 2026

Couples navigating the U.S. immigration system through consular processing are confronting some of the longest wait times in recent memory. Embassies and consulates around the world are struggling to schedule visa interviews within reasonable timeframes, leaving many families separated for extended periods while their cases remain in limbo. The delays are compounded by recent policy shifts, including the suspension of visa interviews at numerous posts worldwide. This has created a cascading backlog that disproportionately affects those relying on consular processing rather than adjustment of status — a pathway commonly used by applicants who are outside the United States at the time of filing. For EB-3 applicants specifically, the situation presents a critical decision point. Those with approved petitions who have not yet entered the consular processing stage may want to evaluate whether adjustment of status is an available alternative, particularly if they are currently in the U.S. on a valid nonimmigrant visa. Consulting with an immigration attorney to assess eligibility is strongly recommended. Advocacy groups and immigration attorneys have raised alarms about the humanitarian impact of these delays on bi-national couples and families. Some organizations are actively pursuing legal challenges to compel the State Department to resume normal interview scheduling operations at affected posts. Applicants currently in the consular processing pipeline are advised to monitor their National Visa Center (NVC) case status regularly, ensure all required documents are submitted promptly to avoid additional delays, and stay informed about any embassy-specific updates that may affect their scheduled or pending interview appointments.