Effective Aug 1, 2026, the U.S. Department of State realigned routine visa services from 24 embassies/consulates (including Abuja, Harare, Lusaka, Maputo, Windhoek) to 20 regional hubs such as Lagos, Nairobi, Johannesburg, Accra and Dakar. The change covers nonimmigrant and immigrant categories, including F, J, H and O visas.
Home › Founders News › Visa & Immigration
State Dept moves US visa services in 24 African posts to 20 regional hubs Aug 1
Why this matters for founders
If you're hiring or sponsoring talent from an affected African country, factor in extra travel and longer lead times to a hub city for H-1B/O-1 interviews and start scheduling appointments earlier than usual.
Source: Fragomen
Related updates
More that helps you.
H-1B lottery becomes wage-weighted for FY2027, favoring higher-paid roles
DHS's final rule (published Dec 29, 2025) replacing the random H-1B lottery with wage-weighted selection took effect Feb 27, 2026 and governed the FY2027 cap season (registration M…
USCIS can again deny incomplete petitions without an RFE or NOID
A USCIS policy alert effective Aug 5, 2026 lets officers deny a benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of Intent to Deny (NOID) when required…
USCIS can now deny visa filings without an RFE, effective Aug 5, 2026
A USCIS policy alert effective August 5, 2026 restores officers' discretion to deny an immigration benefit request without first issuing a Request for Evidence (RFE) or Notice of I…
State Dept makes visa bond pilot permanent for some B-1/B-2 applicants Aug 3
Effective Aug 3, 2026, the Department of State finalized regulations making the Visa Bond Pilot Program a permanent requirement for certain B-1 (business visitor) and B-2 (tourist)…
Get briefs like this tuned to you.
In the app, Founder Briefs are personalized to your country, industry and stage, and you can save the ones that matter.
See plans →
Keep exploring
Related across the site
ToolDocuSignDocuSign lets you send documents for legally binding electronic signature and track their status. It handles contracts, NDAs, offer letters, and other agreements with an audit trail.ToolGustoGusto runs full-service payroll for US businesses, handling paychecks, tax filing, and direct deposit, plus benefits, onboarding, and contractor payments. It automates federal, state, and local payroll tax compliance.ChecklistHire your first employee the legal wayEverything a first-time employer needs, in order: classification, registration, workers' comp, payroll, and a first week that sets your new hire up to succeed.ChecklistStart a moving company the right wayStart a moving company with the right truck, permits, and pricing, plus the marketing that keeps the calendar full.GuidePlan a new hire's first week rightA new employee's first week sets the tone for everything after. Plan training, checklists, and a 30-day check-in so your first hire ramps up fast and feels set up to win.ToolCalendlyCalendly is a scheduling tool that lets people book meetings with you by picking an open slot, syncing to your calendar and avoiding back-and-forth emails.