Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will sharply limit the visa interview waiver program, forcing most nonimmigrant visa applicants—including many who previously qualified—to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies worldwide. This major policy change will affect millions of travelers, students, workers, and families, leading to longer wait times and stricter scrutiny for those seeking to visit or work in the United States 🇺🇸.
The U.S. Department of State announced on July 25, 2025, that it will end most COVID-era flexibilities and earlier 2025 relaxations that allowed many applicants to skip the in-person interview. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move marks the most restrictive interpretation of the visa interview waiver program in recent years, signaling a return to pre-pandemic procedures and a renewed focus on national security and visa integrity.
Who Will Be Affected by the New Policy?
The new rules mean that most nonimmigrant visa applicants will no longer qualify for the visa interview waiver, even if they previously met all the requirements. This includes people applying for popular visa categories such as:
- H-1B (specialty occupation workers)
- L-1 (intracompany transferees)
- E-1/E-2 (treaty traders and investors)
- O-1 (individuals with extraordinary ability)
- TN (NAFTA professionals from Canada 🇨🇦 and Mexico 🇲🇽)
- F-1 (students)
- J-1 (exchange visitors)
- Dependents of the above categories
Even those renewing a visa in the same category will now need to attend an in-person interview. In the past, many renewal applicants could use the dropbox or mail-in process to avoid an interview, but this will no longer be possible for most people.
Age-based exemptions are also eliminated. Applicants under 14 and over 79 years old, who were previously allowed to skip interviews, must now appear in person. Only a very narrow group—mainly diplomats and certain foreign government officials—will remain eligible for the interview waiver.
Limited Exceptions for B-1/B-2 Visa Renewals
There is a small exception for B-1/B-2 tourist and business visa renewals. Interview waivers may still be possible, but only if:
- The renewal is submitted in the applicant’s home country,
- There have been no past visa refusals (unless resolved or officially waived),
- The applicant has no other ineligibilities,
- Even then, consular officers can still require an interview at their discretion.
This means that even if you meet all the requirements, you might still be called for an interview if the officer decides it is necessary.
Why Is This Happening?
The U.S. Department of State says the change is meant to increase security and prevent fraud by making sure more applicants are seen in person. During the COVID-19 pandemic, the interview waiver program was expanded to reduce in-person contact and help with processing delays. In February 2025, the program was already narrowed to allow only renewals within 12 months of visa expiration and to exclude first-time applicants. The new September 2025 policy goes even further, ending interview waivers for almost everyone.
A spokesperson for the State Department explained, “These changes are necessary to uphold the integrity of the U.S. visa system and to ensure that all applicants receive the appropriate level of scrutiny.”
What Does This Mean for Applicants?
The most immediate effect will be longer wait times and more delays. U.S. consulates and embassies will have to handle a much larger number of in-person interviews. As of late July 2025, some consulates already report wait times for B-1/B-2 visa interviews of more than three months. With the new rules, these waits are likely to grow even longer.
Applicants should prepare for:
- Scheduling and attending consular interviews: You will need to book an appointment and appear in person, possibly traveling long distances if your nearest consulate is far away.
- Potentially higher costs: New visa integrity fees may be introduced soon, adding to the standard visa application fees. Details on these new fees are still pending.
- Longer processing times: With more people needing interviews, it may take weeks or even months to get an appointment and complete the process.
Practical Steps for Applicants
To avoid problems and delays, applicants are advised to:
- Review all documents and online profiles for consistency: Make sure your application matches your passport and other records.
- Budget extra time and money: Plan for longer waits and possible extra fees.
- Check embassy and consulate websites often: Appointment slots may open up unexpectedly, and procedures can change quickly.
- Prepare for the interview: Bring all required documents and be ready to answer questions about your travel, work, or study plans.
The U.S. Department of State updates visa wait times monthly and sometimes releases extra appointment slots. Applicants can reschedule for earlier dates if they become available. You can check current wait times and appointment availability on the official U.S. Department of State visa wait times page.
How Will This Affect Different Groups?
- Students (F-1 visas): International students may face delays in starting their studies if they cannot get an interview in time for the start of the school year.
- Workers (H-1B, L-1, O-1, etc.): Companies that rely on foreign talent may see delays in bringing new hires to the United States 🇺🇸, which could affect business operations.
- Families: Dependents of workers and students will also need to attend interviews, making family travel more complicated.
- Tourists and business travelers (B-1/B-2): While some renewals may still qualify for waivers, most applicants will need to attend interviews, especially first-timers.
Indian applicants and those from countries with high visa demand are expected to be hit hardest, as they already face long queues and strict scrutiny. Immigration law experts warn that the new policy will increase the burden on both applicants and consular staff, possibly leading to even longer delays.
Expert Opinions and Broader Impact
Many immigration lawyers and analysts see this as part of a broader trend in U.S. immigration policy. The focus is shifting toward security and fraud prevention, even if it means slower travel and business mobility. Some experts say the move is understandable from a security standpoint but worry about the impact on students, workers, and families who depend on timely visa processing.
A leading immigration attorney commented, “This is a major shift. The rollback of the visa interview waiver program will make it much harder for people to travel, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸. We expect to see a lot more frustration and uncertainty among applicants.”
What Should Applicants Do Now?
- Apply as early as possible: Don’t wait until the last minute. Start your application process well in advance of your planned travel date.
- Stay informed: Policies and procedures can change quickly. Sign up for updates from your local U.S. embassy or consulate.
- Prepare for the interview: Practice answering questions about your background, travel plans, and ties to your home country.
- Keep records: Save all emails, receipts, and appointment confirmations in case you need to show proof of your application timeline.
Looking Ahead
No further expansions of the visa interview waiver program are expected soon. The U.S. Department of State may try to adjust staffing and appointment availability to handle the increased demand, but applicants should not count on quick fixes. It’s important to monitor official embassy websites and the State Department’s visa information pages for the latest updates and guidance.
For more information, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official visa information page, which provides up-to-date details on visa categories, forms, and appointment scheduling.
Conclusion
Starting September 2, 2025, the visa interview waiver program will be sharply reduced, requiring most nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews. This change will lead to longer wait times, higher costs, and more complicated travel plans for millions of people. Applicants should prepare early, stay informed, and be ready for a more demanding visa process. By following official guidance and planning ahead, travelers, students, and workers can improve their chances of a smooth visa experience, even as the rules become stricter.
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