IN PERSON INTERVIEWS WILL NOW BE REQUIRED FOR MOST NONIMMIGRANT VISA CATEGORIES AT U.S CONSULATES

Beginning September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will implement changes to the categories of nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an interview waiver. In general, all nonimmigrant visa applicants – including those under 14 and over 79 years of age – will now be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, with a few exceptions:

• Individuals eligible for visas under the following classifications: A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, domestic workers, or personal staff of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1;
• Applicants requesting diplomatic or official visas;
• Applicants renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), within 12 months of its expiration, provided they were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.

To qualify for the interview waiver under the third category, applicants must also:

• Apply from within their country of citizenship or legal residence;
• Have no prior visa refusals (unless a waiver or successful appeal was granted); and
• Be free of any clear or potential grounds of ineligibility.

It is important to note that consular officers retain the discretion to require an interview in any case, regardless of eligibility for a waiver. Applicants are advised to consult the official websites of the relevant U.S. embassies or consulates for detailed guidance on visa procedures and operational updates.

This update replaces the prior Interview Waiver Guidance issued by the Department of State on February 18, 2025.