After your I-140 is approved under the National Interest Waiver category, the next big step is the consular interview. But what happens if your circumstances change and you need to attend your interview in a different country?
This is a situation we recently encountered with one of our clients. His work required frequent international travel. Initially, his interview was scheduled to take place at the United States Embassy in Seoul, South Korea. However, due to work obligations, he relocated to Singapore, and we successfully arranged for the interview to be moved to the United States Consulate in Singapore. Later, as his work assignment changed again, he moved to Belgium. To make the process as convenient as possible for him and his family, we guided him through the necessary steps to change the interview location once more.
We stayed closely involved throughout the process, providing clear guidance on who to contact, what documents to prepare, and how to present the situation effectively. Following our advice, he received approval from the United States Consulate in Singapore to move the interview to the United States Embassy in Brussels. One of the key reasons for the change was to ensure that his young child’s education would not be disrupted. Going back to Singapore just for the medical check and interview would have caused unnecessary interruptions to the child’s school schedule. We made sure the visa process accommodated his professional and family needs.
Why Would You Need to Change Your Interview Location?
For professionals who frequently travel for work, circumstances can change unexpectedly. You may find yourself in a different country from where you originally planned to attend your interview. For families with young children, it can be especially challenging to move back to the original location. Thankfully, it is possible to request a change in the interview location, but it requires a strategic approach.
How to Change Your Interview Location
If you need to change your interview location after your I-140 approval, it is possible to do so by contacting either the National Visa Center or the United States consulate directly. The method you use will depend on various factors, such as when you make the request and which specific consulate is involved. Each consulate may have different procedures, and timing can influence which option is more effective.
In our client’s case, we carefully assessed the circumstances at each stage and provided comprehensive guidance to make sure the change request went as smoothly as possible. We stayed actively engaged, helping him understand the procedural steps and ensuring that he had all the necessary information and documentation. Our priority was making the visa process convenient, considering the client’s work obligations and the need to keep his young child’s studies uninterrupted.
Why Choose Us for Your NIW Process
We understand that professionals with valuable skills often face unpredictable schedules and relocations. That is why we try to make the visa process as easy as possible. Our proactive support ensured a smooth change of interview location without causing family disruptions.
Things to Keep in Mind
Timeliness is essential when requesting a change in the interview location. Make the request as soon as you know you need it. The earlier you start the process, the simpler it becomes. If you do not hear back after a few weeks, it is important to follow up with the appropriate office. Sometimes cases can be delayed due to administrative processing, but proactive communication can help move things forward.
Why It Matters
It is essential to ensure your interview is scheduled at the correct consulate. Changing the interview location from South Korea to Singapore and then to Belgium not only allowed our client to proceed with consular processing without needing to return to a previous location but also made his family’s life easier.
Thath Kim II
US Attorney
Licensed in Oregon
11F 1108, Seocho-daero 77gil 17, Seocho-gu, Seoul, Republic of Korea 06614