On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State (DOS) announced significant changes to its visa interview waiver policy, which will take effect on September 2, 2025. These changes substantially limit eligibility for waivers and will require most applicants to attend in-person interviews.
Key Changes
- Major change for children: For decades, children under age 14 were not required to attend visa interviews. This longstanding policy has now been eliminated. All children, including infants, must appear in person for interviews starting September 2, 2025.
- Applicants over 79 must also now appear for interviews.
- Most visa categories affected: Applicants for E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1 and most other nonimmigrant visas will now be required to attend an in-person interview, even if they have previously held the same visa or are renewing.
Interview waivers will still be available for:
- Renewals of full-validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visas or Border Crossing Cards, provided applicants:
- Apply within 12 months of their previous visa’s expiration,
- Were at least 18 years old when their previous visa was issued,
- Apply in their country of nationality or residence,
- Have never been refused a visa (unless successfully overcome), and
- Have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
- Applicants for diplomatic and official visas, including A, C-3, G, NATO, and TECRO E-1 classifications.
Consular officers retain the discretion to require an interview for any applicant, regardless of waiver eligibility.
What This Means for Applicants
- Expect delays: Visa appointment backlogs are likely to increase, particularly at high-volume consulates.
- Plan early: Applicants, especially families with small children, should anticipate longer wait times and plan travel accordingly.
- Country-specific restrictions: For B-1/B-2 waivers, applications must be filed in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence.
We recommend that individuals with upcoming travel plans check the website of their local U.S. embassy or consulate for post-specific guidance and scheduling availability.
For assistance with visa strategy and interview preparation under these new rules, please contact our office.
You can access our previous Client Alerts here.
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