Interviews at US consulates have resumed, but not yet in all countries: reported cases involve Kazakhstan, Poland, Hungary, and Georgia. Document requirements have noticeably tightened, especially regarding the sponsor’s financial situation: even income that meets the minimum may prove insufficient for visa approval.

Where Interviews Have Already Resumed

According to reported cases, interviews are taking place and are expected at US consulates in Kazakhstan, Poland, Hungary, and Georgia. Interview invitations are not yet possible in every country, so before preparing it’s worth checking which consulate has jurisdiction over the case.

What Documents Are Requested Before a Repeat Interview

Applicants facing a repeat interview often have to update documents and provide additional information. This mainly concerns an updated DS-260 form, current tax returns, and proof of the sponsor’s income. Consulates also request a US job offer, health insurance information, a credit report, and bank statements confirming savings.

The specific list varies depending on the case and the consulate.

For Form I-864, the sponsor’s income generally must be at least 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines for the relevant household size. However, a trend has emerged: income is stated and meets the requirements, yet the consulate still demands additional proof of financial stability.

In some cases, applicants received a 221(g) notice requesting additional documents. This doesn’t mean a final visa denial, but it does mean the application hasn’t been approved yet. The consulate evaluates not only Form I-864 but also the applicant’s education, professional skills, age, and health condition. The goal is to reduce the likelihood that the immigrant will depend on public assistance in the US.

What’s New in the DS-260 Form

The updated form includes additional questions. Applicants now must provide information about siblings: first and last names, dates of birth, and citizenship.

Additionally, while travel history was previously requested for the last 5 years, it now covers 15 years. Applicants must list countries visited, cities visited, arrival dates, length of stay, and who paid for the trips.

An Interview Invitation Does Not Guarantee a Visa

Since interviews resumed, applicants’ financial situations are being scrutinized far more carefully than before. If the sponsor’s income is at the bare minimum level, Form I-864 alone may not be enough for a favorable decision. Being invited to a repeat interview doesn’t mean the visa will be issued and approved: in practice, the opposite also happens.