Interview Waiver Update July 25, 2025

Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will replace the classes of candidates that could be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. All nonimmigrant visa candidates, together with candidates underneath the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will typically require an in-person interview with a consular officer besides:

• Applicants classifiable underneath the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (besides attendants, servants, or private workers of accredited officers), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 via NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
• Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) inside 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who had been a minimum of 18 years previous on the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

To be eligible for an interview waiver primarily based on the third bullet level above (candidates renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals), candidates should additionally meet sure standards, together with that they:

• apply of their nation of nationality or residence;
• have by no means been refused a visa (except such refusal was overcome or waived); and
• haven’t any obvious or potential ineligibility.

Consular officers should still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case foundation for any motive. Applicants ought to examine embassy and consulate web sites for extra detailed details about visa software necessities and procedures, and to be taught extra concerning the embassy or consulate’s working standing and companies.

This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.