Starting September 2, 2025, the US Department of State will eliminate most nonimmigrant visa interview waivers, meaning the majority of applicants, including children under 14 and seniors over 79, must attend in-person interviews unless they fall under narrow exceptions.
What Is an Interview Waiver?
A visa interview waiver allows eligible travelers to renew or apply for certain US visas without visiting a US embassy or consulate. This streamlined process, popular during the pandemic, reduces wait times and simplifies visa renewals.
Current Rules Before Rollback
Until September 1, 2025, many applicants (children under 14, seniors over 79, and select renewals) could bypass the interview if they applied from their home country and met eligibility criteria.
Who Still Qualifies?
Exemptions are limited to holders of diplomatic and official visas (A‑1, A‑2, C‑3), G‑1 through G‑4, NATO‑1 to NATO‑6, and TECRO E‑1 categories. All other applicants will now face in‑person interviews.
Limited Renewal Window
Renewing full-validity B‑1, B‑2, B‑1/B‑2 visas or a Mexican Border Crossing Card may still qualify for an interview waiver if applied for within 12 months of expiration, issued while 18 or older, applied from their home country, no prior refusals, and no ineligibility issues. Consular officers retain discretion and can require interviews regardless.
Why the Policy Shift?
According to the State Department, the rollout is aimed at enhancing security. Compelling consular officers to assess risk more thoroughly reflects heightened vigilance in a dynamic global environment.
Immigration attorney Steven Brown criticized the change on X, stating, “They’re basically getting rid of Dropbox for most categories,” warning it will significantly slow appointment availability.
Travelers planning visits for tourism, work, or study should check eligibility now, especially B‑1/B‑2 renewal applicants who may still qualify before the deadline. Monitor embassy appointment calendars, book interviews early, and stay updated via official US embassy and USCIS channels.
