Interview Waiver Update September 18, 2025

Effective October 1, 2025, the Department of State will replace the classes of candidates which may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.  All nonimmigrant visa candidates, together with candidates beneath the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will usually require an in-person interview with a consular officer besides:

• Applicants classifiable beneath the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (besides attendants, servants, or private staff of accredited officers), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 by NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
• Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas;
• Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican candidates) inside 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity on the time of issuance and the applicant was no less than 18 years previous;
• Applicants renewing an H-2A visa inside 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity on the time of issuance and the applicant was no less than 18 years previous.

To be eligible for an interview waiver, candidates should additionally meet sure standards, together with that she or he:

• apply in his or her nation of nationality or common residence (besides diplomatic and sure official visa candidates);
• 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 require in-person interviews on a case-by-case foundation for any purpose.  Applicants ought to test embassy and consulate web sites for extra detailed details about visa utility necessities and procedures, and to study extra in regards to the embassy or consulate’s working standing and companies.

This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of July 25, 2025.