In-Person Interview Mandatory for H1B and L1 Visa Renewals

The U.S. Department of State has ended most interview waivers for visa renewals and will require applicants to attend in-person consular interviews starting September 2, 2025. The move applies to many categories, including H-1B, L-1, H-4, L-2, F-1, F-2, M-1, J-1, and O-1, and effectively closes the widely used “dropbox” or renewal-by-mail path used during the pandemic. The change affects visa holders worldwide who need a new visa stamp to reenter the United States 🇺🇸 after travel. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this shift will likely increase appointment demand and extend timelines for workers, students, and families planning international trips.

Policy changes overview

Under the updated policy, the Department of State says interview waivers are now largely limited to a narrow set of cases. The broad exemptions that allowed many renewals without a trip to the consulate—expanded during COVID-19 to reduce crowding and ease backlogs—are no longer available for work and student categories. For most renewing applicants in the H-1B and L-1 groups, an in-person appointment with a consular officer is now required.

A few exceptions remain. Diplomatic and official visas (A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1) continue to qualify for waivers under limited circumstances.

Certain Mexican nationals renewing B-1/B-2 visitor visas or Border Crossing Cards may still skip the interview if all of the following apply and a consular officer agrees:

• The prior visa was full-validity and expired within the past 12 months.
• The applicant was at least 18 when the prior visa was issued.
• The application is filed in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence.
• There has never been a refusal (unless that denial was overcome or waived).
• There is no apparent or potential ineligibility.

Even for these narrow groups, consular officers retain full discretion. Officers can call any applicant for an interview if they believe it’s needed. The long-standing age-based waivers—once common for children under 14 and adults over 79—are also no longer routine. In practice, that means parents should plan for children to appear at the consulate, and older applicants should not expect an automatic pass.

The Department of State frames the rollback as a return to pre-pandemic standards and a way to reinforce security screening after several years of temporary flexibilities. The timing comes as demand for work visas has remained high and program integrity remains a focus across government. A separate DHS rule modernizing the H-1B program took effect on January 17, 2025, but that regulation does not change the interview requirement; consular decisions remain under DOS authority.

With this policy, consulates and embassies will again rely on face-to-face review for most renewals. Consular sections will adjust staffing and calendars to handle higher volumes of interviews, but applicants should assume longer waits for dates—especially in locations that already had heavy traffic. Processing speed will vary by post, and local instructions will direct how to book visits and submit documents.

Impact on applicants and employers

For people on H-1B and L-1 visas who plan to travel and return to the United States, the immediate effect is more planning. The interview waiver “dropbox” that many used over the past few years will no longer be the norm. Travelers should build in extra time to secure appointments and to handle possible follow-up checks after the interview.

Students (F-1, F-2, M-1) and exchange visitors (J-1) face the same new reality: bring your paperwork, sit for the interview, and be ready to answer detailed questions.

Expect the following practical changes once this policy takes hold:

• Longer timelines for renewals: With more people needing interviews, appointment availability may tighten.
• More thorough document checks: Officers may request extra proof of employment, study, or qualifications.
  • H-1B: questions about job duties, worksite, and employer-employee relationship.
  • L-1: explanation of intracompany role, managerial or specialist duties.
• End of most drop-off renewals: The “dropbox” or mail-in path is closed for most categories.
• Children and seniors: Families should prepare for children to attend; older applicants should not assume exemption.

Employers with global teams will need to update travel policies and plans:

• Urge employees to check visa validity before booking trips.
• Weigh the risk of employees getting stuck abroad while waiting for an interview or post-interview processing.
• Consider scheduling travel through less busy consular posts or adjusting project timelines.
• Coordinate with immigration counsel and renew well before the visa expires.

A practical scenario: a software engineer on H-1B planning a short visit home to renew a visa that expires in two months. Under the old waiver system she could mail in documents and get the passport back within days. Under the new rule she must book an interview, which might be weeks out. If the officer requests additional documents or runs further checks, her return could be delayed. Similar examples will affect L-1 transferees, H-4 and L-2 dependents, and F-1 students who need fresh visas to reenter after travel.

What applicants should do now (step-by-step)

The basic steps remain the same, but in-person attendance is now standard:

1. Complete the online DS-160 application and save the confirmation page. Access the form here: DS-160 online application.
2. Pay the visa fee as instructed by the local embassy or consulate and schedule an interview in your country of nationality or residence.
3. Gather documents:
   • Workers: employment letters, pay records, approval notices (e.g., I-797), and details on job or transfer.
   • Students: I-20 or DS-2019, proof of funds, and school records.
   • Dependents: proof of relationship and the principal’s status.
4. Attend the interview on the scheduled date with your passport, photos, and supporting papers.
5. After the interview, wait for a decision: the officer may issue the visa, request more documents, or place the case in administrative processing.

Be honest, concise, and consistent with your filings. If something changed since your last visa—new work location, updated program dates, or a past refusal—state it clearly and provide the supporting paperwork. If you have past immigration issues, consider seeking legal advice before the appointment.

Budget and logistical considerations

This shift affects both budgets and timelines. Traveling to consulates often means flights, hotels, and days off work or school. Families planning joint travel should decide whether everyone needs a new visa now or whether staggered trips make more sense. Employers may reimburse costs or adjust deadlines to avoid disruption.

Universities and program sponsors will likely update their checklists for graduating students, new admits, and exchange visitors. Applicants should:

• Map out international travel with interviews in mind.
• Build cushions into project timelines.
• Keep records organized.
• Consider renewing well before the need to fly, especially for time-sensitive cycles.

Limited waivers and consular discretion

For the small set of cases that still qualify for an interview waiver—such as certain diplomatic categories and limited B-1/B-2 or Border Crossing Card renewals for Mexican nationals—remember:

Waivers are not guaranteed. Consular officers can require an interview at any time.

Applicants who think they qualify should watch local embassy instructions closely and be prepared to appear if called. For official guidance on nonimmigrant visas and processing, refer to the U.S. government’s visa resource page: U.S. Visas – travel.state.gov.

Recommendations for employers and individuals

For employers managing H-1B and L-1 populations, helpful steps include:

• Tracking employee visa expiration dates and planned travel.
• Setting internal deadlines for booking interviews months in advance.
• Providing standard document packets for consular review.
• Coordinating with counsel for tricky cases (prior refusals, complex worksites).

For individuals, preparation tips:

• Know your job title, duties, employer’s name and location, and where you’ll work.
• H-1B: be ready to explain how your degree relates to the role.
• L-1: explain your specialized knowledge or managerial duties and your role in the company’s global structure.
• Students: be ready to describe your program and funding.

Final takeaway

The era of widespread mail-in renewals is over. Most renewing applicants will sit in front of a consular officer again. With early planning and solid paperwork, many will still move through quickly. But those who assume an easy drop-off may find themselves grounded. As consulates reestablish face-to-face reviews, preparation—and patience—will be just as important as a valid petition or school record.