(UNITED STATES) Most nonimmigrant visa applicants worldwide will soon have to appear in person for interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates, ending the broad interview waiver era that started during the pandemic. The U.S. Department of State announced on July 25, 2025, that, effective September 2, 2025, interview waivers will be sharply limited. In practice, this means a personal appearance will be required for the vast majority of applicants, including many who previously mailed in documents or used “dropbox” renewal programs.
The change applies across nearly all categories, including H-1B, L-1, E-1/E-2, O-1, TN, F-1, J-1, and M-1, plus their dependents. It also reverses long-standing age-based exceptions: children under 14 and adults over 79 will now need to attend interviews. Diplomatic and official categories (A, G, NATO, and TECRO E-1) generally remain eligible for waivers, and a narrow set of B-1/B-2 renewals for Mexican nationals may qualify if strict criteria are met, such as renewal within 12 months and no prior refusals. Consular officers retain discretion to require an interview in any case.
According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, the most immediate effects will be longer lines and more complex planning for students, workers, and families who counted on waivers to save time and travel costs. Consular posts worldwide are preparing for higher foot traffic and have already tightened procedures, including closer checks to ensure application data matches appointment records.
Policy changes — what’s new
The State Department framed the step as a return to pre-2020 norms with even narrower waiver limits. Officials cite security and fraud prevention as key reasons for moving back to in-person vetting. Before COVID-19, most nonimmigrant visa applicants attended an interview. During 2020–2025, consular sections used flexible waiver authority to cut backlogs and keep travel moving. That era is now closing.
Key elements effective September 2, 2025:
– Interviews required for most categories, including renewals.
– Age-based exemptions end; applicants under 14 and 80+ are no longer excused by default.
– “Dropbox”/mail-in renewals largely end for work, study, and exchange categories.
– Limited waivers remain for A, G, NATO, and TECRO E-1, plus a narrow set of B-1/B-2 renewals for Mexican nationals.
This policy is global — applying at U.S. embassies and consulates in all regions. Consular officers always retained the power to request interviews; that discretion continues.
Procedural details applicants must know
- The DS-160 online application is a frequent pain point: the DS-160 confirmation number must match the number used to book the interview. If numbers don’t match, applicants are being told to reschedule.
- Third-party agents can cause issues. If an agent creates a new DS-160 after booking and the confirmation numbers differ, the appointment can’t proceed.
- Applicants should confirm every field before booking and avoid editing the DS-160 afterward unless they’re ready to rebook.
Required documents commonly include:
– A valid passport
– The DS-160 confirmation page
– Compliant photos
– Any category-specific forms
Category-specific examples and official references:
– Students: bring Form I-20 — https://www.ice.gov/sevis/i-20
– Work visas: often require Form I-129 and petition approval notices — https://www.uscis.gov/i-129
– All applicants: DS-160 information — https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas/visa-information-resources/forms/ds-160-online-nonimmigrant-visa-application.html
For official policy and post-specific links, see the State Department’s visa page: https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/us-visas.html.
Impact on applicants — who will be affected
This shift comes during peak student travel and before fall business travel, so timing is critical.
Examples of likely impacts:
– A graduate student in India who expected an F-1 dropbox renewal may now need to book an interview slot, travel to a consulate, and plan for biometrics and screening.
– A Canadian-based engineer on TN status who used to renew quickly may now face similar hurdles.
– Families with young children will likely have extra trips and unexpected costs due to the removal of the age-based waiver.
Expect:
– Longer wait times in high-demand countries
– Higher foot traffic and stricter checks at consulates
– Potential slowdowns for businesses relying on quick visa turnarounds
Practical next steps — checklist for applicants
- Verify whether you truly qualify for any remaining waiver under the new limits — most will not.
- Complete the DS-160 and ensure the confirmation number matches your appointment. If you edit the DS-160, be prepared to rebook.
- Schedule an in-person interview at the post serving your residence.
- Bring all required items:
- Students: Form I-20
- Many work categories: Form I-129 and employer supporting evidence
- Passport, DS-160 confirmation, photos, and any additional documents requested by the post
- Monitor official channels for local instructions or document delivery rules.
Additional practical tips:
– Book early — target an interview date well before planned travel.
– Keep your passport valid and in good condition.
– Organize evidence showing ties to your home country, past travel history, and clear U.S. plans.
– Read post-specific instructions on document delivery and security rules.
Important: Officers retain discretion to require interviews even when a waiver might otherwise appear available. Do not assume eligibility for a waiver based on age, category, or past visas.
Wider implications and what to watch for
- The State Department signaled more updates may follow, including guidance for appointments after September 2, 2025.
- A new visa integrity fee authorized by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA) is expected, though rollout details and implementation timing have not been finalized. If implemented, applicants could face higher costs in addition to travel and time off work or school.
- Employers in tech, health care, and higher education report preparing for onboarding slowdowns as foreign hires wait for interview slots.
- Universities warn newly admitted students and scholars to watch report dates and orientation timelines closely; a missed interview can affect housing, class starts, or research schedules.
VisaVerge.com and consular posts stress that while in-person interviews increase verification of identity and document integrity, they also require more planning and time from travelers.
Final takeaway
This policy marks a clear shift back to face-to-face screening for the nonimmigrant visa system. While the move aims to boost security and reduce fraud, it will require more planning from applicants and produce higher demand at consulates already busy with student and work seasons.
Applicants who:
– prepare early,
– keep records consistent,
– follow official guidance closely,
will be best positioned to move through the new process without extra delays.
This Article in a Nutshell
The State Department ends broad interview waivers effective September 2, 2025, reinstating in-person interviews for most nonimmigrant visas. Applicants must match DS-160 confirmation numbers, prepare category documents like I-20 or I-129, and expect longer waits, higher consular traffic, and stricter verification to reduce fraud and enhance security.
