Jose Gonzalez
What’s Changing in U.S. Visa Interviews — December 2025 Update for California Immigrants

Introduction: Major Visa Interview Changes Now in Effect

As of November 1, 2025, the U.S. Department of State officially implemented new rules governing where immigrant visa interviews are held.

This change — which has now been in effect for over a month — alters how and where immigrants must appear for their consular interviews. For many applicants, especially those from countries with limited U.S. consular services, the adjustment has created confusion, longer wait times, and additional travel burdens.

At Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C., our California immigration attorneys have been helping clients adapt to these new procedures. As we move into December 2025, here’s what the change means, who’s affected, and how to prepare for a smooth visa process in 2026.

What Exactly Changed in November 2025?

Previously, visa applicants often had the flexibility to select a U.S. consulate in another country for their interview — usually wherever appointments were faster or more accessible.

Starting November 1, 2025, that flexibility ended. Under the new State Department policy, visa interviews must now be scheduled based on either:

  • The country of the applicant’s nationality, or

  • The country of their legal residence, if the consulate there accepts non-citizen applications.

This reform is part of an effort to standardize consular practices worldwide and reduce administrative transfers between embassies. However, for immigrants living abroad or those waiting in high-demand regions, it can mean fewer options and longer waits.

Who Is Most Affected by the Policy

The change primarily impacts immigrant visa applicants, but certain nonimmigrant categories may also feel indirect effects.

Those most affected include:

  • Applicants living outside their home country (e.g., students, expatriates, or long-term residents abroad).

  • Family-based visa applicants from countries with backlogs — such as Mexico, the Philippines, India, and China — whose relatives reside in California.

  • California residents sponsoring family members through petitions (Form I-130) who now face stricter interview location limits.

  • Employers in California sponsoring foreign professionals who may need to plan for different consular locations and timelines.

For many of our firm’s clients, this means adjusting expectations — especially if the assigned consulate is now farther away or more congested.

December 2025: Early Impacts We’re Seeing

After one full month of implementation, several trends have emerged:

  • Longer scheduling delays at heavily used consulates, such as Ciudad Juárez and Manila.

  • Increased document requests as consular officers verify local residence.

  • Confusion about case transfers, especially for applicants previously scheduled in third countries.

  • More RFEs (Requests for Evidence) from the National Visa Center when applicants’ addresses or residency records don’t match their assigned post.

At Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C., we’re already helping clients navigate these growing pains by filing transfer requests, correcting consular assignments, and ensuring documentation aligns with the new rules.

How to Prepare for a Visa Interview in 2026

As we approach the new year, now is the time to get ready for a successful visa interview under the new system. Here’s how to prepare:

1. Confirm Your Assigned Consulate

Check your National Visa Center (NVC) correspondence or CEAC portal to verify which consulate has jurisdiction over your case. Do not assume prior assignments still apply.

2. Update Your Residence Information

Submit updated proof of residence (lease, utility bill, local ID) to ensure your interview is correctly assigned to your country of legal residence.

3. Plan for Travel and Scheduling Early

Popular consulates in Mexico, India, and the Philippines may require months of advance planning. Book early to avoid last-minute stress.

4. Stay Alert for Policy Updates

The State Department continues to adjust guidance for edge cases — for example, dual nationals or refugees. Follow official updates and consult your attorney regularly.

5. Consult with an Experienced Immigration Lawyer

Professional legal guidance can help you navigate the nuances of consular jurisdiction, expedite interviews where possible, and prevent costly mistakes.

How Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C. Can Help

Our team at Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C. specializes in family-based immigration, employment visas, and consular processing for clients throughout California and abroad.

We assist clients by:

  • Determining the correct interview location under the new policy.

  • Filing case transfer or expedite requests when delays are unreasonable.

  • Preparing documentation to meet consular and NVC standards.

  • Guiding applicants through interview readiness, including practice sessions and document review.

  • Exploring alternative options such as Adjustment of Status within the U.S. for eligible applicants.

Whether you’re reuniting with family, sponsoring a spouse, or pursuing a work visa, our experienced attorneys are here to protect your interests every step of the way.

Key Takeaway: Adapt Early for a Smoother 2026 Immigration Process

The November 2025 visa interview rule is now fully in place, reshaping how immigrant cases are processed around the world.

If you or a loved one plan to attend a visa interview in 2026, early preparation is essential. Working with a trusted California immigration law firm like Calderon & Gonzalez, P.C. can make the difference between a delayed case and a smooth approval.