U.S. immigrant visa processing has resumed at missions in Hungary and Poland, creating an important exception while temporary appointment disruptions continue at other U.S. consular posts.
U.S. immigrant visa processing has resumed at the relevant U.S. missions in Hungary and Poland, while temporary disruptions to immigrant visa appointments continue at other U.S. embassies and consulates worldwide.
According to reporting published on 8 September 2026, U.S. missions in Budapest and Warsaw have been instructed to prioritise immigrant visa processing. The direction reportedly came from the White House, although the U.S. government has not publicly explained why processing at these two locations has been prioritised.
For applicants whose immigrant visa cases are being handled through Hungary or Poland, the development may allow cases and interviews to progress while applicants in other locations continue to experience disruption.
Why Was U.S. Immigrant Visa Processing Disrupted?
The latest development follows a series of significant changes to U.S. immigrant visa processing during 2026.
In January, the U.S. Department of State suspended immigrant visa issuance for nationals of 75 countries as part of an enhanced review focusing on the risk that applicants could become dependent on public benefits in the United States.
That policy was subsequently challenged in federal court.
On 21 August 2026, the earlier 75-country visa issuance pause ceased to be in effect following a court order. The Department of State confirmed the change while also stating that it was conducting a broader review of screening and vetting policies relating to the public-charge provisions of U.S. immigration law.
Hudson McKenzie previously covered the end of the earlier issuance pause in our update on the U.S. immigrant visa issuance pause for nationals of 75 countries.
Following the court decision, immigrant visa interviews faced further disruption as U.S. consular posts implemented updated training and procedures relating to the assessment of applicants’ financial self-sufficiency.
What Has Changed for Hungary and Poland?
U.S. immigrant visa applications are now being processed again at the relevant U.S. missions in Hungary and Poland despite wider operational disruption elsewhere.
The development should not be interpreted as Hungary and Poland being removed from the earlier list of 75 affected nationalities.
Neither Hungary nor Poland was included in that January list.
Instead, the September development concerns the resumption and prioritisation of immigrant visa processing at U.S. missions in Budapest and Warsaw during the wider disruption affecting immigrant visa appointments.
The U.S. government has not publicly provided a specific policy explanation for selecting Hungary and Poland for prioritised processing.
Applicants should therefore avoid assuming that the measure represents a permanent exemption from future changes to U.S. visa processing policy.
What Does This Mean for U.S. Immigrant Visa Applicants?
For applicants processing an immigrant visa through Budapest or Warsaw, the resumption is a positive development and may allow cases and interviews to move forward while applicants elsewhere continue to experience delays.
However, U.S. immigration and consular procedures remain subject to change.
Applicants should continue to monitor communications from the U.S. Embassy or Consulate handling their case and should avoid making irreversible travel, employment or relocation arrangements solely on the assumption that a visa will be issued by a particular date.
It is also important to distinguish between immigrant visas and nonimmigrant visas.
Immigrant visas are generally used by people intending to obtain permanent residence in the United States. Nonimmigrant visas, by contrast, are used for temporary purposes such as employment, business, study or tourism.
The September development specifically concerns immigrant visa processing.
For broader information about immigration to the United States, applicants and employers can visit our United States immigration page.
What Should Employers and Global Mobility Teams Consider?
Employers and Global Mobility teams managing relocations to the United States should continue to build flexibility into immigration and assignment timelines.
Where an employee or family member is processing an immigrant visa through Budapest or Warsaw, the resumption may improve the prospect of the case moving forward.
However, employers should continue to monitor consular availability, appointment scheduling and any further changes to U.S. immigration policy before confirming start dates or relocation arrangements.
Cases being processed at other U.S. consular posts may continue to experience delays while updated procedures are implemented.
How Hudson McKenzie Can Help
Hudson McKenzie supports businesses and individuals with U.S. immigration matters, including assessing visa options, preparing immigration applications, navigating changing consular procedures and managing immigration requirements for international assignments and relocations.
With U.S. visa policies continuing to evolve, applicants and employers should obtain advice based on their individual circumstances and the latest requirements before taking action.
If you require assistance with a U.S. immigration matter, contact Hudson McKenzie.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice.
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