It is possible to request a change to your U.S. visa interview location, but approval depends on your individual situation. Here are some quick answers about changing the interview location:
Why would I need to change my interview location?
There are several common reasons you may need or want to change your scheduled visa interview location:
- You have moved to a different city or state after submitting your visa application
- There is an emergency situation like illness or death in the family requiring you to be elsewhere
- You applied at the closest embassy/consulate but have decided another location better fits your schedule
- There are long interview wait times at your originally scheduled location
Can I simply choose any U.S. consulate worldwide?
No, you cannot simply select any U.S. consulate globally for your immigrant or non-immigrant visa interview. The U.S. Department of State has jurisdiction rules designating which consular posts can serve applicants residing in certain areas. Some main guidelines include:
- You should schedule your visa interview at the U.S. consulate serving the area where you live, which is usually your home country.
- U.S. embassies (located in national capitals) do not handle visa interviews except in special cases.
- If living abroad temporarily, you may apply at the consulate nearest to your temporary residence.
- Student and exchange visitors must apply at the consulate serving their school’s area, not their home country.
What if my situation has changed after submitting my application?
If your situation changes after submitting your visa application and paying fees at a specific consular post, you may be able to transfer your case to a different U.S. consulate. Some common scenarios include:
- Moving abroad: Update your address with the original interview location and request a transfer to the new consulate nearest your residence.
- Moving to U.S.: If you have already moved to the U.S., contact the original location to request your case be sent to the USCIS domestic office.
- Student transfers: If transferring schools, update your info with both consulates and check if forms need to be re-submitted.
- Emergency situations: Explain your emergency needs to see if you can change locations last minute.
How do I request a visa interview location change?
To request changing your existing visa interview location, you will need to contact the relevant U.S. consulate directly. Steps typically include:
- Check the consulate website for guidance on rescheduling or transferring locations. There may be a form to submit.
- Explain your situation and reason for needed location change in writing.
- If possible, include any relevant supporting documentation.
- Wait for a response approving or denying your transfer request.
- If approved, follow all instructions to finish transferring your case.
What are my chances for approval to change locations?
It depends on your individual circumstances. Some factors that improve chances of approval include:
- Moving residences within the home country nearer another consulate.
- Needing an emergency change due to unforeseen circumstances like medical crisis.
- Transferring from a consulate with long wait times to one with open appointments.
However, factors like wanting to change locations for personal convenience or spring break travel plans may not get approved if the original post can still reasonably accommodate you.
How far in advance should I request a change?
It is best to contact the consulate to request a visa interview change as far in advance as possible. Many consular websites recommend initiating the transfer process:
- At least 3 months in advance for non-emergency situations.
- More than 1 month before your scheduled appointment.
- As soon as feasible in emergency circumstances.
Giving the consulates plenty of notice increases chances they can accommodate your request before appointment dates are finalized.
What are the steps if my request is approved?
If your request to transfer visa interview locations is approved, you will receive instructions from the consulates on next steps to complete the change. Typical next steps include:
- Cancel existing visa appointment at the original location.
- Pay transfer fees and submit any new forms per new consulate’s instructions.
- Wait for case to be transferred electronically between the posts.
- Once received, the new consulate will contact you to schedule the interview.
Do not make travel plans until you have confirmation the new consulate has received your case and set your new interview date.
What if my request to change locations is denied?
If your visa interview transfer request is ultimately denied, you will likely need to proceed with the original appointment as scheduled. Reasons a change request may be rejected include:
- No emergency or compelling reason for the change provided.
- Case already well underway with appointment soon.
- Original location still conveniently accommodates you.
- Policy requires you interview at a designated post.
If your situation genuinely prevents you from attending the original interview, contact the consulate to explain and provide documentation. They can advise if alternatives like rescheduling or a new transfer request are options.
Conclusion
Changing your U.S. visa interview location is possible but should not be assumed. Try to plan your visa application for the appropriate consulate serving your location from the start. But if your situation genuinely changes, submit a well-justified transfer request to the relevant consulate. With reasonable notice and documentation, many compelling requests are approved. Be prepared to still attend the original interview if denied.
Expert Tips
- Check the original consulate’s website for specific instructions before requesting a transfer.
- Be aware that changing locations can delay the case processing timeline.
- Student visa applicants should always coordinate location changes through their university.
- Include supporting documents like proof of address changes or medical paperwork.
- Make sure to meet all new consulate’s requirements if approved to transfer.
Sample Transfer Request Letter
When emailing a consulate to request transferring your visa interview location, your letter may look something like this example:
Dear Consul General,[Consul General Name],
I am writing to request that my upcoming [visa type] visa interview be transferred from the U.S. Consulate General in [City A] to the U.S. Consulate General in [City B] on [date].
I initially submitted my visa application to [City A] Consulate because it was closest to my university. However, I have had to take emergency medical leave from my studies and have moved back in with family in [City B] to recover from unexpected surgery. This situation makes attending my interview in [City A] impractical and a hardship. Documentation of my medical leave and change of residence is attached.
Please advise if I may transfer my case to the U.S. Consulate General in [City B]. I sincerely appreciate your consideration of my circumstances. Please let me know what next steps are required to proceed with this request.
Sincerely,
[Your Full Name]
Sample Approval Transfer Instructions
If approved, the consulate may send instructions like these:
Dear [Applicant Name],
Your request to transfer your visa case from [City A] to [City B] has been approved. To complete the transfer:
- Cancel your existing interview appointment in [City A] on [date].
- Complete enclosed Form XYZ and email it back to us along with the $50 transfer fee payment receipt by [date].
- Once we receive your documents and fee, we will electronically transfer your case to [City B].
- You will receive a new appointment letter from [City B] within 5 business days after we transfer your case.
- Please monitor your email closely for your new interview details from [City B].
Let us know if you have any other questions. We wish you all the best,
[Consulate Representative Signature]What is the typical timeline for obtaining different types of U.S. visas?
The processing time to obtain a U.S. visa can vary greatly by visa type, home country, consulate location, and other factors. Here is an overview of typical timelines:
| Visa Type | Typical Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Tourist/Business Visitor (B1/B2) | 1-3 months |
| Student (F1) | 2-4 months |
| Exchange Visitor (J1) | 1-3 months |
| Temporary Work (H1B, H2B) | 6-12 months |
| Permanent Work (EB1-5) | 12-18+ months |
| Fiance (K1) | 6-12 months |
| Spouse (IR1/CR1) | 12-16 months |
As shown, non-immigrant short term visas generally process faster, while immigrant permanent resident visas take more time completing necessary steps. But individual timelines are not guaranteed, so always check with your consulate.
What factors lead to slower U.S. visa processing times?
A visa application that takes longer than the estimated processing time to be approved may be delayed due to:
- High demand and backlogs at that particular consulate
- Additional administrative processing required
- Missing documents needing to be resubmitted
- Background check requiring external agencies
- Prior visa denials requiring review
- Travel from high security countries
Delays can also happen if the applicant requires a waiver for something like a medical condition or criminal record. Some cases may get stuck in “administrative processing” for months pending further checks.
High Volume Consulates
Consular posts in major population centers can build long backlogs and delays when high volumes of applications exceed capacity:
| Consulate Location | Average Visa Wait Time |
|---|---|
| Mumbai, India | 9+ months |
| Monterrey, Mexico | 15+ months |
| Manila, Philippines | 5+ months |
| Guangzhou, China | 6+ months |
| Nairobi, Kenya | 6+ months |
Applicants can optimize timing by checking wait times at different consulate locations within their country.
Administrative Processing
Visas requiring additional “administrative processing” can get held up for many months awaiting clearance. This could be due to:
- Background check delays
- Request for additional documents
- External agency verification
- Review of prior immigration violations
Unfortunately applicants may not get specific reasons for administrative delays. Patience is required until consulates confirm processing is complete.
Tips to expedite visa processing
While there are no guarantees, applicants may try to improve slow visa processing times using strategies like:
- Optimize application materials: Ensure forms are error-free with accurate details to avoid delays asking for corrections.
- Pre-collect documents: Have all required records pre-organized to submit along with application.
- Check eTA eligibility: Citizens of Visa Waiver Program countries applying for visitor visas should get electronic travel pre-approval via ESTA.
- Schedule early: Book visa interview dates as soon as available to front-load processing.
- Pay for premium processing: Some visas allow paying an extra fee to speed up processing times.
Unfortunately some delays are unavoidable if heightened screening proves necessary. But taking proactive application measures can optimize standard timelines.
Check Visa Processing Times
Applicants can check up-to-date visa processing times for specific consulate locations and visa types using these online tools:
U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Wait Times
The visa section of the U.S. Department of State website allows searching average wait time for appointments at consulates worldwide. It provides estimates by visa category month-to-month: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/wait-times.html
U.S. Immigration Visa Processing Times
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has a visa case processing times tool tracking different petitions and forms. It estimates timelines based on historic data: https://egov.uscis.gov/processing-times/
Individual Consulate Websites
Check the website of your specific consulate interview location for visa processing time reports. Many post monthly updates on their average turnaround speeds by visa type. This information can help set expectations.
Summary
Visa processing times vary substantially based on the applicant’s situation and type of visa applied for. Plan as far ahead as possible, optimize your application materials, and use online resources to track estimated timelines from specific consulates. Understand that additional screening steps can sometimes delay approvals beyond standard processing times but approvals will come through if eligible and simply needing more checks completed.