Most Nonimmigrant Visa Interview Waivers Discontinued

On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State issued updated eligibility criteria for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. The new eligibility criteria significantly limits the availability of interview waivers for nonimmigrant visa applicants at U.S. consulates abroad, including eliminating interview waivers for the following groups:

• Children under 14 and elderly over 79, who were generally exempt from in-person visa interviews; and
• 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).

Effective September 2, 2025, all nonimmigrant visa applicants will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer, with exceptions for the following categories:

• Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through 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) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.

Nonimmigrant visa applicants should expect significant consular appointment backlogs and visa issuance delays and should plan their international travel with these delays in mind.