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Immigrant Visa (IV) / Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Applicants Adjudication
Visa adjudication is the formal review process conducted by a U.S. consular officer to determine whether a visa applicant qualifies under U.S. immigration law. Each application is evaluated individually based on:
- U.S. immigration statutes and regulations
- The applicant’s purpose of travel
- Supporting documentation
- Background and security checks
The process differs slightly for immigrant and nonimmigrant visas but follows the same legal framework.
Why are Visa Applications Adjudicated in the Home Country?
Adjudicating visas in the applicant’s home country allows consular officers to:
- Verify civil and identity documents more efficiently
- Assess local ties such as employment, family, and residence
- Conduct security and background checks using local and regional systems
- Reduce fraud and misrepresentation
- Apply country-specific adjudication standards consistently
Immigrant Visa (IV) Applicants
The Department of State has announced a new requirement for immigrant visa applicants to interview either in the consular district of their residence or, upon request, in their country of nationality. This policy will take effect on November 1, 2025, with the National Visa Center responsible for scheduling applicants in their respective locations.
Residents in countries with suspended or paused routine visa operations are advised to apply at their designated immigrant visa processing post. Exceptions apply to applicants who are nationals of other countries that are still maintaining ongoing visa operations.
Immigrant Visa Designated Processing Posts
| Resident of | Designated Location(s) | Resident of | Designated Location(s) |
| Afghanistan (except Special Immigrant Visas) | Islamabad | North Korea | Guangzhou |
| Belarus | Warsaw | Russia | Warsaw, Almaty (IR-5), Tashkent (IR-5) |
| Burkina Faso | Lome | Somalia | Nairobi |
| Central African Republic | Yaoundé | South Sudan | Nairobi |
| Eritrea | Addis Ababa, Nairobi | Sudan | Cairo |
| Haiti | Nassau | Syria | Amman, Beirut (for Palestinians with Syrian Travel Documents) |
| Iran | Abu Dhabi, Ankara, Yerevan | Venezuela | Bogota |
| Libya | Tunis | Yemen | Djibouti |
| Niger | Abidjan | Zimbabwe | Johannesburg |
Existing Appointments
Existing immigrant visa appointments are generally characterized by a policy where they will not be rescheduled or cancelled.
Post to Post Transfers
To transfer an immigrant visa case to a new consular district after the National Visa Center (NVC) has scheduled the appointment, the applicant must contact the NVC directly using the Public Inquiry Form provided by the NVC. It is important for the applicant not to contact the consular section directly.
All responses to inquiries made via the NVC Public Inquiry Form will originate from TSGSystem@tsg.state.gov.
Residence Requirement
If an applicant seeks to interview outside of their designated consular district or country of nationality, the National Visa Center may ask for further information to verify that the new location is the applicant’s residence, or to assess the possibility of an exception.
Exceptions
Rare exceptions can be permitted in the context of humanitarian or medical emergencies, as well as for foreign policy considerations.
Diversity Visas
These modifications will affect applicants of the Diversity Visa (DV) program for the year 2026 (DV-2026).
Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Applicants
The U.S. Department of State has released revised instructions for all Nonimmigrant visa (NIV) applicants, detailing the procedures for scheduling visa interviews.
→ Applicants seeking U.S. nonimmigrant visas should book their visa interview appointments at the U.S. Embassy or Consulate located in their country of citizenship or lawful residence.
→ Applicants who are nationals of countries without routine U.S. nonimmigrant visa operations are required to apply at the designated U.S. Embassy or Consulate, except when they maintain legal residence in a different country.
Designated Locations for Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) Processing
| National of | Designates Location(s) |
| Afghanistan | Islamabad |
| Belarus | Vilnius, Warsaw |
| Burkina Faso | Lome |
| Chad | Yaoundé |
| Central African Republic | Yaoundé |
| Cuba | Georgetown |
| Haiti | Nassau |
| Iran | Dubai |
| Libya | Tunis |
| Niger | Lome |
| Russia | Astana, Warsaw |
| Somalia | Nairobi |
| South Sudan | Nairobi |
| Sudan | Cairo |
| Syria | Amman |
| Ukraine | Krakow, Warsaw |
| Venezuela | Bogota |
| Yemen | Riyadh |
| Zimbabwe | Johannesburg |
What Key Information Applicants need to be aware of?
Residence Requirement
Applicants must provide evidence of their residence in the country where they are submitting their application, particularly if the application is contingent upon their residency status.
Appointment Availability
Wait times for nonimmigrant interview appointments differ based on location. Applicants seeking appointments outside of their country of nationality or residence can anticipate considerably longer waiting times.
US Visa Appointment / Interview wait times (2025) for all the countries
Existing Appointments
- Existing nonimmigrant visa appointments are typically not subject to cancellation.
Fees
- Applicants who schedule nonimmigrant interviews at a U.S. embassy or consulate outside of their country of nationality or residence might find that it will be more difficult to qualify for the visa.
- Fees paid for such applications will not be refunded and cannot be transferred.
Exceptions
Nonimmigrant Visa (NIV) is not applicable to individuals applying for A, G, C-2, C-3, and NATO visas, as well as those seeking diplomatic or official-type visas of any classification. Additionally, it does not pertain to visa applications for travel related to the UN Headquarters Agreement. Exceptions may considered in rare cases involving humanitarian or medical emergencies or for foreign policy considerations.
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