US Tightens Interview Waiver Eligibility For Visa Applicants From September 2

• The U.S. Department of State will implement a revised policy on nonimmigrant visa applications starting September 2, 2025.
• The new policy will limit eligibility for interview waivers, which allow applicants to renew or obtain a visa without an in-person interview.
• The changes aim to streamline visa application procedures while enhancing immigration oversight.

The U.S. Department of State has announced a revised policy that will limit eligibility for interview waivers in nonimmigrant visa applications, effective from September 2, 2025.

An interview waiver allows certain applicants to obtain or renew a U.S. visa without attending a face-to-face interview at a U.S. embassy or consulate. The upcoming changes aim to streamline procedures while reinforcing immigration oversight.

Key Policy Changes

Under the updated rules, most applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will now generally be required to appear in person for visa interviews. Only a few narrowly defined groups will continue to be eligible for the waiver.

Categories Still Eligible for Interview Waivers

Applicants may still qualify for a waiver if they fall into one of the following groups:

• Individuals applying for diplomatic or official visas, such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants and servants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
• Renewals of full-validity B-1/B-2 visas or Border Crossing Cards for Mexican citizens, provided the application is submitted within 12 months of expiration and the original visa was issued when the applicant was 18 years or older.

Additional Conditions for Renewals

• Even eligible renewal applicants must meet these conditions:
• They must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
• They must not have had any visa denials, unless those were later overturned or waived.
• They must not show any potential or actual grounds for ineligibility.

Consular Discretion Remains

Despite meeting waiver criteria, applicants may still be asked to attend interviews at the consular officer’s discretion.

The State Department advises all applicants to consult the official websites of U.S. embassies or consulates in their region for specific guidelines and appointment procedures.

This new directive replaces the previous policy issued on February 18, 2025, and reflects the government’s broader effort to strengthen visa issuance while safeguarding U.S. borders.

What Applicants Should Do Now

1. Review Your Eligibility

If you’re planning to renew a B1/B2 visa and think you qualify for an interview waiver, try to submit your application before September 2, 2025.

• Check Embassy Websites Frequently

Policies and appointment slots may vary by country. Stay updated via your local U.S. embassy or consulate’s official site.

• Schedule Early

High-demand locations such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines may experience quick booking fill-ups. Early appointments are recommended.

• Stay Up to Date

Keep monitoring U.S. government sources like embassy pages and USCIS for the latest news on visa processing.