US Department of State to Restrict Immigrant Visa Interviews to Home or Residence Country Starting November 1, 2025

The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant shift in its immigrant visa interview policy, effective November 1, 2025. Immigrant visa applicants will generally only be scheduled for an interview in the consular district of their country of residence or, upon request, their country of nationality  .

Previously, applicants could often choose a third-country consulate for their interviews—a flexibility that will largely no longer be permitted. Exceptions will be limited to humanitarian emergencies, medical crises, or situations where routine visa services are suspended or paused in the applicant’s home country  .

The new policy aims to streamline processing, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure applicants are adjudicated in locations where they have stronger ties and clearer documentation  .

What This Means for Applicants in Ghana

If you’re residing in Ghana and applying for an immigrant visa:

  • Your interview will likely be scheduled at the U.S. Embassy in Accra.
  • You may request an interview in your country of nationality—if different from Ghana—though this will require approval and may be granted only under special circumstances.
  • If visa operations in Ghana are suspended or limited, you may be directed to a designated alternate post for processing  .

Why the Change Matters

This policy change marks a departure from the more flexible third-country interview arrangements that some applicants previously relied upon. While it may simplify scheduling and strengthen vetting processes, it also reduces flexibility—potentially affecting applicants who previously sought more convenient or faster-space options abroad.

Yet, in cases of crisis—such as evacuation scenarios, natural disasters, or pandemic-related closures—exceptions remain in place to help avoid putting applicants in harm’s way or leaving them stranded  .

Policy Timeline

  • August 28, 2025: U.S. Department of State issues the update, titled “Adjudicating Applicants in Their Country of Residence”  .
  • November 1, 2025: New interview scheduling policy takes full effect  .

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