Visa Applications Just Got Harder
A new rule from the U.S. State Department, effective August 28, 2025, is making it far more difficult for immigrants to obtain visas. Previously, applicants could request interviews at embassies outside their home countries—called third-country processing—for convenience, safety, or speed.
Now, under this rule, you must complete your immigrant visa interview in your home country unless there are extreme circumstances. Requests for exceptions require supervisor review and are rarely granted.
This change affects both non-immigrant visas (like student or work visas) and immigrant visas for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens. The biggest impact, however, is on immigrant visas—where delays and bureaucratic roadblocks are about to grow dramatically.
How Consular Processing Worked Before
Let’s say a U.S. citizen sponsors their spouse from Iraq. After filing the I-130 petition with USCIS, approval could take 10–16 months. Once approved, the case goes to the National Visa Center (NVC) for document verification.
After being documentarily qualified, applicants could usually choose an embassy for their interview. For example, an Iraqi doctor living and working in London could request the London embassy instead of returning to Iraq. If the embassy had capacity, the request could be approved.
This flexibility allowed applicants to avoid dangerous or slow home-country embassies and sped up the process.
What Changed in 2025
The new rule eliminates most third-country processing. Applicants must now attend interviews in their home country except in extreme cases, such as:
- Home country embassy closure or unsafe conditions
- Severe humanitarian concerns
Even then, approval requires high-level supervisor review, and exceptions are rare.
The practical effect: visa backlogs will worsen, especially in countries with slow or inconsistent consular services. Applicants from Africa, South America, or other heavily backlogged regions may face years of delays, while applicants from faster European posts continue relatively unhindered.
Real-World Impact
Returning to our example: the Iraqi doctor in London now must interview in Baghdad or Amman, both of which are often unreliable or slow. This not only increases wait times but also adds risk, expense, and uncertainty.
For many applicants, the new rule could delay visas for 3–5 years, even for spouses, parents, and children of U.S. citizens. Minor errors in paperwork or missed deadlines could restart the process, compounding delays.
Why This Matters
This rule change is part of a broader trend under the current administration to:
- Slow legal immigration
- Limit options for applicants
- Centralize control over immigration processing
- Reduce chain migration by delaying family reunification
It’s essential for applicants to plan early, avoid mistakes, and understand the new rules to minimize delays.
How to Protect Your Case
- Start early – Begin the visa process as soon as possible to beat long wait times.
- Prepare thoroughly – Errors in petitions or documentation can lead to denials and further delays.
- Document extreme hardship – If requesting an exception to the home-country interview, detailed evidence is required.
- Work with an immigration attorney – Experienced lawyers can ensure your case is filed correctly and help navigate delays.
Final Advice
Visa applicants now face longer wait times and less flexibility. Doing everything correctly and planning ahead is more important than ever.
At Landerholm Immigration, A.P.C., we help families navigate consular processing, minimize delays, and fight unnecessary denials. Don’t risk costly mistakes—start your case right, as early as possible.
📞 Call us today to discuss your immigration needs and ensure your application moves as quickly and smoothly as possible.