On July 25, 2025, the Department of State announced a major change to the Interview Waiver policy for nonimmigrant visa applicants. Starting September 2, 2025, the rules for who can skip the in-person interview at U.S. embassies and consulates will become much stricter. This update reverses many of the temporary, more flexible rules that were put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic. The new policy will affect almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, with only a few exceptions. Here’s a detailed look at what’s changing, who is affected, and what applicants need to know to prepare.
Summary of the Changes
The main change is that almost everyone applying for a nonimmigrant visa will now have to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. Before, many people could get a visa without an interview, especially if they were renewing a visa or were in certain age groups. Now, only a few groups will be able to skip the interview, and even they must meet strict requirements.
Who Can Still Get an Interview Waiver?
There are only a few exceptions to the new rule. The Department of State has listed these exceptions clearly:
- Diplomatic and Official Visa Applicants:
People applying for visas under the following categories can still get an interview waiver:- A-1, A-2, C-3 (except for attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials)
- G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4
- NATO-1 through NATO-6
- TECRO E-1
- Any other diplomatic- or official-type visas
- Certain B Visa Renewals:
If you are renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), you may qualify for an interview waiver if:- You apply within 12 months of your previous visa’s expiration
- You were at least 18 years old when your last visa was issued
But even if you fit into one of these groups, you must also meet all of the following conditions:
– You must apply in your country of nationality or residence
– You must never have been refused a visa (unless the refusal was later overcome or waived)
– You must have no apparent or possible reason for ineligibility
Consular Discretion Remains
It’s important to know that even if you meet all the requirements for an interview waiver, a consular officer can still ask you to come in for an interview. This can happen for any reason, such as local security concerns, changes in your personal situation, or simply because the officer wants to ask more questions. Applicants should always check the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they plan to apply for the latest information about local rules and procedures.
Background: How Did We Get Here?
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State made it much easier for people to get nonimmigrant visas without an in-person interview. The goal was to reduce crowds at embassies and consulates and keep everyone safe. For a while, people could renew their visas without an interview if their old visa had expired up to 48 months earlier. Some first-time applicants could also skip the interview if they had held a visa in another category before.
On February 18, 2025, the Department of State started to roll back these flexible rules. The window for renewing a visa without an interview shrank from 48 months to just 12 months. People switching from one visa category to another (for example, from a student visa to a work visa) could no longer skip the interview.
Now, with the July 25, 2025 announcement, the Department of State is going even further. The new policy, which takes effect September 2, 2025, brings the rules back to what they were before the pandemic, and in some ways, makes them even stricter.
Practical Implications for Applicants
These changes will have a big impact on people who want to visit, study, or work in the United States 🇺🇸. Here’s what applicants and their families need to know:
- Most People Will Need to Attend an Interview:
Almost all nonimmigrant visa applicants will have to go to the U.S. embassy or consulate in person for an interview. This includes children under 14 and adults over 79, who were often exempt before. - Longer Wait Times Are Likely:
Because more people will need interviews, embassies and consulates will probably have longer wait times for appointments. Processing times may also increase, especially in busy locations. -
Employers and Travelers Need to Plan Ahead:
If you are an employer who needs to send workers to the United States 🇺🇸, or if you are planning a trip for business, study, or tourism, you should allow extra time for the visa process. The days of quick renewals or dropbox options are mostly over. -
Enhanced Security and Vetting:
The Department of State says the main reason for these changes is to improve security and make sure every applicant is properly screened. This approach is similar to policies from the Trump administration, which focused on stricter checks for all visa applicants.
Step-by-Step Process for Applicants (Starting September 2, 2025)
If you plan to apply for a nonimmigrant visa after September 2, 2025, here’s what you should do:
- Check If You Qualify for an Interview Waiver:
- Review the new rules carefully. Unless you are a diplomat, official, or renewing a B visa within 12 months and meet all the extra requirements, you will need to schedule an interview.
- Visit the Embassy or Consulate Website:
- Each embassy or consulate may have its own procedures. Always check their official website for the latest instructions, appointment availability, and any local updates. The main Department of State visa page is travel.state.gov.
- Prepare Your Application:
- Gather all required documents. Complete the DS-160 form, which is the main application for nonimmigrant visas. You can find the official DS-160 form here.
- Schedule an Appointment:
- If you do not qualify for an interview waiver, book your in-person interview as soon as possible. With more people needing interviews, early scheduling is important.
- Follow DropBox or Mail-In Instructions (If Eligible):
- If you do qualify for a waiver, follow the instructions from the embassy or consulate for submitting your documents by mail or dropbox.
- Attend Your Interview (If Required):
- Go to your appointment with all your documents. Be ready to answer questions about your travel plans, background, and ties to your home country.
- Wait for Processing:
- After your interview or document submission, wait for your visa to be processed. Sometimes, additional checks or documents may be needed.
Expert and Stakeholder Perspectives
Many immigration lawyers and advocacy groups are worried about the impact of these changes. They say that requiring almost everyone to attend an interview will create big backlogs and make it harder for people to get visas on time. This could be especially tough for students, business travelers, and families who need to travel quickly.
Employers are also concerned. They may have to wait longer to bring workers to the United States 🇺🇸, which could affect business operations. Some business groups and universities have asked the Department of State to keep some of the pandemic-era flexibility, but so far, the Department has not changed its mind.
The Department of State says that these changes are needed to keep the United States 🇺🇸 safe. They believe that in-person interviews help consular officers spot fraud, check for security risks, and make better decisions about who should get a visa.
What Should Applicants Do Now?
- Plan Early:
Start your visa application process as soon as you know you need to travel. Don’t wait until the last minute, as appointments may be hard to get.
- Check Official Sources:
Always use official government websites for information. The Department of State’s main visa page is travel.state.gov. Each embassy and consulate also has its own website with local details. -
Consult an Immigration Attorney:
If you have a complicated case or have been refused a visa before, it’s a good idea to talk to an experienced immigration lawyer. They can help you understand your options and avoid mistakes. -
Stay Updated:
Policies can change quickly. Check embassy and consulate websites often for updates, especially as the September 2, 2025 date approaches.
Looking Ahead: Will There Be More Changes?
Right now, there is no sign that the Department of State will make the Interview Waiver rules more flexible again. The current policy is a return to the stricter, pre-pandemic rules. However, the Department may update its guidance or procedures as the new policy is put into practice. It’s important for applicants and employers to keep an eye on official announcements for any last-minute changes or clarifications.
Official Resources
- Department of State Visa News:
For the latest updates, visit travel.state.gov and look for the “Visas News” section. -
Embassy and Consulate Websites:
Each U.S. embassy or consulate has its own website with local information, appointment booking, and contact details. -
Visa Application Form DS-160:
The main form for nonimmigrant visa applications is the DS-160. You can access it here.
Key Takeaways
- Interview Waivers Are Now Very Limited:
Only diplomats, officials, and some B visa renewals (with strict requirements) can skip the interview. -
Most Applicants Need In-Person Interviews:
This includes children and elderly applicants, who were often exempt before. -
Expect Longer Waits and Processing Times:
Plan ahead and allow extra time for your visa application. -
Check Official Sources and Stay Informed:
Use only official government websites for the latest information. -
Consult Experts If Needed:
If you have questions or a complicated case, get help from a qualified immigration attorney.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, these changes mark a significant shift in U.S. visa policy, with a strong focus on security and thorough vetting. The Department of State’s new rules mean that almost everyone seeking a nonimmigrant visa will need to prepare for an in-person interview, making early planning and careful attention to official instructions more important than ever.
For more details and updates, always refer to the U.S. Department of State’s official visa information page. This is the best place to find accurate, up-to-date guidance on visa policies, forms, and procedures.
In summary, the Interview Waiver policy for nonimmigrant visas is now much stricter. Only a few groups can skip the interview, and even they must meet tough requirements. Most people will need to attend an in-person interview, so it’s important to plan ahead, check official resources, and be ready for possible delays. This update replaces all earlier guidance, including the February 18, 2025 policy, and will shape the visa process for the foreseeable future.
Learn Today
Interview Waiver → Permission to skip an in-person visa interview under specific eligibility conditions.
Nonimmigrant Visa → A visa for temporary travel to the U.S. for business, tourism, or study.
Consular Officer → Authorized U.S. official who conducts visa interviews and decides eligibility.
DS-160 Form → Online application form required for all nonimmigrant visa applicants.
Border Crossing Card → Special visa document allowing Mexican nationals temporary entry into the U.S.
This Article in a Nutshell
The Department of State tightens nonimmigrant visa interview waivers starting September 2, 2025. Almost all applicants must attend in-person interviews, reversing pandemic-era flexibility. Only diplomats and limited B visa renewals qualify for waivers. Expect longer wait times and stricter processing focused on security and thorough applicant screening protocols.
— By VisaVerge.com
