Zimbabwe immigrant visa applicants to be processed in Johannesburg, U.S. says
HARARE – Zimbabweans seeking immigrant visas to the United States will now have their applications processed at the U.S. Consulate in Johannesburg, South Africa, under new rules announced by the U.S. Department of State.
The policy, which takes effect on November 1, requires immigrant visa applicants to be interviewed in the consular district of their country of residence or, if requested, in their country of nationality.
The National Visa Center will automatically schedule Zimbabwean applicants in Johannesburg, according to the new guidance. The change affects applicants from countries where the U.S. does not operate routine immigrant visa services.
Existing appointments will generally remain unchanged, but applicants wishing to transfer their cases must make requests through the National Visa Center rather than contacting consulates directly.
Exceptions may be granted in rare cases for humanitarian, medical, or foreign policy reasons. The new rules will also apply to Diversity Visa applicants in the DV-2026 program year.
The Department of State said applicants should check U.S. embassy and consulate websites for updates on operating status, services, and requirements.
