In August 2026, the State Department told U.S. embassies and consulates to stop holding immigrant visa interviews while consular officers were trained on public charge rules. At the time, an official suggested the pause would be over by mid-September. As of early November, many posts still have not resumed interviews, and the State Department has not announced a restart date. Meanwhile, some consulates have begun sharing a list of the kinds of financial and household questions applicants should expect once interviews return.
Where Things Stand
Each consulate must finish the training and have it certified before it can schedule interviews again, so the timing varies by location. Reuters has reported that a few posts, including those in Hungary and Poland, have resumed, while most others remain paused. Applicants are hearing about their cases directly from the post that will handle their interview. There is no single worldwide date to plan around.
The “Interview Preparation Addendum”
According to a November 2 report, some posts have circulated a document called the Immigrant Visa Interview Preparation Addendum. It lists sample questions, and it notes that officers may ask others. The topics include:
Where the applicant will live, and with whom. What work the applicant plans to do, whether they have the needed qualifications or licenses, how much they expect to earn in the first year, and how they will support themselves before starting work. Whether every family member will have health insurance, what the premiums are likely to be, and how ongoing medical needs will be paid for. How many dependents are in the household, whether other adults work, and whether anyone needs long-term care. What savings, investments, property, and debts the applicant has. Whether the applicant has ever received public benefits or been in government-funded institutional care. In family-based cases, questions about any joint sponsor.
These questions apply to family-based and employment-based applicants alike, including EB-5 investors, who may need to show how they will cover living and health costs apart from their investment.
How to Get Ready Now
Use the waiting time to build a clear financial picture. Gather recent bank and investment statements, proof of any property, and records of debts. Look up health insurance options in the area where you plan to live and note the expected monthly cost for each family member. If you have a job offer, keep the offer letter, salary details, and any licensing requirements on hand. Re-read your DS-260 and the underlying petition so your answers match what you filed, and be ready to explain anything that has changed. Finally, avoid selling property, giving notice at work, or booking flights based on an interview date that has not been confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Has the State Department announced when interviews will resume?
No. Posts are restarting one by one as they complete training, and applicants should follow updates from their own consulate.
Is the addendum an official list of required documents?
No. It is a set of sample questions that some posts have shared. Officers may ask other questions as well.
Does the public charge review apply to employment-based cases?
Yes. The sample questions cover employment-based and EB-5 applicants as well as family-based cases.
What should I bring to my interview once it is scheduled?
Follow your consulate’s instructions and bring current evidence of income, assets, housing plans, and health insurance, along with your usual civil documents.
Should I make travel plans now?
Wait until your interview is confirmed in writing before making travel or relocation plans.
If you or your family members have questions about how this or other immigration and nationality matters may affect you, please do not hesitate to contact the immigration and nationality lawyers at NPZ & B Law Group. You can reach us by emailing info@visaserve.com or by visiting our website at www.visaserve.com for more information.