DOS Rolls Back Interview Waiver Policies

Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State is rolling back longstanding interview waiver policies. All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those who previously qualified for interview waivers, will require an in-person interview with a consular officer

What's Being Eliminated:
- Age-based exemptions: children under 14 and elderly over 79, who were generally exempt from in-person visa interviews, will now have to appear in person;
- Same-category visa renewals: applicants for F, M, J, H, L, and O visas who previously qualified for interview waivers when renewed within specific timeframes (previously 48 months, reduced to 12 months in February 2025) will now have to appear for in-person interviews.

Remaining Limited Exceptions:
- Diplomatic/official visa holders (A, G, NATO categories);
- B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months (must apply in country of nationality; no prior refusals (unless waived); no apparent ineligibilities; age 18+ when prior visa issued);
- Mexican Border Crossing Card renewals.

Practice Impact:
COVID-era expansions significantly broadened waiver eligibility to address massive processing delays, but these have been systematically rolled back in recent months. This latest policy change represents the most restrictive visa interview policy in years. Expect significant consular appointment backlogs and visa issuance delays.

https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/News/visas-news/interview-waiver-update-july-25-2025.html