The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced a significant policy change that will affect immigrant visa processing for thousands of applicants including many international nurses pursuing careers in the American healthcare system.
Effective November 1, 2025, the National Visa Center (NVC) will only schedule immigrant visa (Green Card) interviews in an applicant’s country of residence or, if requested, their country of nationality.
Why This Matters for International Nurses Working in the U.S.
For healthcare organizations recruiting foreign-trained nurses, this change could impact timelines and relocation plans. The majority of our nurse clients are based in one country while holding citizenship in another. Under the new rule, unless they qualify for certain exceptions, nurses will need to attend their visa interviews in their current country of residence or in their country of nationality.
The DOS began sending out notices last week requesting proof of residency from individuals with pending Green Card applications. This documentation will now be a required part of the interview scheduling process.
Special Circumstances - Limited Exceptions
The new policy allows for interviews outside of an applicant’s country of residence or nationality only in cases of genuine special circumstances. These situations must be explained clearly to the NVC, and approval must be granted before an interview can be scheduled.
Importantly, DOS has clarified that traveling to or temporarily residing in a different country solely to attend a visa interview will not qualify as a special circumstance.
Potential Impact on Processing Times
Applicants including healthcare professionals interviewing outside their country of nationality may experience delayed visa processing. This could affect staffing timelines for hospitals and long-term care facilities that depend on international nurse recruitment.
What Healthcare Employers and Nurses Should Do Next
VisaMadeEZ, a leading immigration law firm for healthcare organizations, is actively monitoring developments in DOS interview policy and advising clients on strategies to avoid unnecessary delays.
For International Nurses:
If you have an upcoming Green Card interview, be prepared to show proof of residency. Make sure to review DOS requirements well in advance to avoid last-minute issues.
For Healthcare Employers:
Coordinate closely with your legal team to ensure that your sponsored nurses meet the residency proof requirements and that interview locations are scheduled correctly.
Need Assistance?
If you’re unsure whether you or an international nurse you employ will be affected by the new DOS policy, contact the VisaMadeEZ healthcare immigration legal team today. We specialize in helping hospitals, clinics, and long-term care facilities bring world-class nurses to the U.S., and we’re here to guide you through every step of the Green Card interview process.
