Cotonou: CR1/IR1 visas issued

Immigrant visa: Spouse of U.S. citizen

Visa services moved elsewhere

Since August 1, 2026, you cannot apply here for most visas, including immigrant visas. Citizens and residents of this country now apply at another U.S. embassy or consulate that the State Department chooses.

Details

Since August 1, 2026, the State Department has moved routine visa services at this post, including immigrant visas, to regional hubs: embassies and consulates in Africa that handle visas for nearby countries. Citizens and residents of this country apply at the immigrant visa post that the State Department names for it.

Source: State Department: Realignment of U.S. Visa Services in Africa to Regional Hubs.

Last checked Oct 13, 2026.

Interview scheduling at Cotonou

The State Department’s tool still shows a month for Cotonou. Do not rely on it. See “Visa services moved elsewhere” above.

The State Department sends immigrant visa applicants from Benin to Abidjan, not Cotonou.

Details

Its list of embassies and consulates for immigrant visas names Abidjan.

Source: State Department IV Scheduling Status Tool, updated Oct 7, 2026.

Visas issued, Mar 2025 – Feb 2026

174

up 76% from the year before

Per month

For now, from our reading of the numbers: Cotonou issued none in January and February 2026, against about 17 a month from March to December 2025.

Visas issued show how busy the post is, not how long you will wait.