U.S. Restores 12-Month Interview Waiver for Most B1/B2 Renewals Sept 2025

The U.S. Department of State will reinstate stricter rules for the Interview Waiver Program (IWP) for B 1/B 2 visas starting September 2, 2025. This change means only certain applicants can renew their visas without an in-person interview, ending the temporary rule that allowed more people to skip interviews. The update affects thousands of travelers and workers worldwide, especially in high-demand countries like India, and is expected to make getting a visa appointment harder for many.

The most important change is that, from September 2, 2025, only people whose B 1, B 2, or B1/B2 visa expired within the last 12 months can apply for a renewal without an interview. Before this, the U.S. allowed renewals up to 48 months after expiry without an interview, which helped many people during the COVID-19 pandemic when consulates faced huge backlogs. Now, the U.S. Department of State is returning to the original, stricter 12-month rule.

This policy shift also removes H 1B and F 1 visa holders from the Interview Waiver Program. Starting in September, these applicants must attend an in-person interview, even if they are renewing their visas. The U.S. Department of State says this change is necessary for national security and public safety, as well as to help consular officers better review each case.

Who Is Still Eligible for the Interview Waiver Program?

To qualify for the Interview Waiver Program after September 2, 2025, applicants must meet all of the following:

• Hold a full-validity B 1, B 2, or B1/B2 visa issued when they were 18 or older
• Apply for renewal in their country of nationality or residence
• Have no past visa refusals (unless those refusals were later resolved or waived)
• Have no known or possible visa ineligibility issues, such as security or fraud concerns
• Meet all biometric requirements
• Be between 14 and 79 years old (those under 14 or over 79 usually need an interview unless otherwise allowed)

Even if an applicant meets all these rules, U.S. consular officers can still require an in-person interview if they think it is needed. This can happen if there are questions about the application, local security concerns, or other reasons.

Who Is No Longer Eligible?

The following groups will not qualify for the Interview Waiver Program after the rule change:

• Anyone whose previous B 1/B 2 visa expired more than 12 months ago
• Applicants changing to a different visa category
• Applicants with unresolved visa refusals or ineligibility issues
• Applicants not applying in their country of nationality or residence
• H 1B and F 1 visa holders, who were previously allowed to renew without an interview during the pandemic

This means that many people who used to benefit from the easier process will now have to attend in-person interviews, which could make the process longer and more stressful.

Step-by-Step: How to Renew a B 1/B 2 Visa Under the New Rules

If you want to renew your B 1/B 2 visa after September 2, 2025, and hope to use the Interview Waiver Program, follow these steps:

1. Check Your Eligibility: Make sure your previous B 1/B 2 visa expired within the last 12 months and you meet all the other requirements listed above.
2. Prepare Your Application: Fill out the DS-160 form, which is the main application for a U.S. visa. Gather your passport, a recent photo, the MRV fee receipt, and a copy of your previous visa.
3. Apply in Your Home Country: Submit your application and documents at the official drop-box location in your country of nationality or residence.
4. Wait for Consular Review: A consular officer will review your application. They may still ask you to come for an interview if they have questions or concerns.
5. Processing Time: If you qualify for the waiver, your application usually takes up to 21 days to process. It may take longer if more information is needed.
6. Track Your Status: Keep an eye on your application status and be ready to provide more documents or attend an interview if asked.

Why Is This Change Happening Now?

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. made it easier for people to renew visas without interviews. The Interview Waiver Program was expanded from a 12-month window to 48 months to help clear backlogs and reduce in-person contact. This helped thousands of travelers, workers, and families, especially in countries like India where visa demand is very high.

Now, as the pandemic has eased and backlogs have gotten smaller, the U.S. Department of State says it is time to return to the original rules. Officials say this will help them focus on security and make sure each case gets the attention it needs. According to analysis by VisaVerge.com, this move is expected to make it harder for many people to renew their visas quickly, especially those who have not traveled to the United States 🇺🇸 in the last year.

What Does This Mean for Applicants in India and Other High-Volume Countries?

India is one of the countries with the highest demand for U.S. visas. Many people there used the 48-month Interview Waiver Program to renew their B 1/B 2 visas without an interview. With the new rule, only those whose visas expired within the past year can use the waiver. Everyone else will need to book an in-person appointment, which could mean much longer wait times.

This change is likely to affect:

• Tourists and business travelers who visit the United States 🇺🇸 regularly
• Families who travel for visits, weddings, or emergencies
• Employers who need to bring workers to the United States 🇺🇸 quickly
• Students and workers who previously used the dropbox process for renewals

With more people needing interviews, appointment slots will fill up faster. Some people may have to wait months for an available date, which could disrupt travel plans, business trips, or family visits.

What Should Applicants Do Now?

If you plan to renew your B 1/B 2 visa soon, here are some practical steps to follow:

• Check if you qualify for the Interview Waiver Program: If your visa expired within the last 12 months and you meet all other requirements, apply as soon as possible.
• Apply from your home country: This is a strict rule. You cannot use the waiver if you apply from another country.
• Book early: With more people needing interviews, appointment slots will be in high demand. Schedule your application and any travel plans well in advance.
• Monitor embassy and consulate websites: Local rules and appointment availability can change quickly. Check the U.S. Department of State’s official website for the latest updates.
• Plan for delays: Be ready for possible longer wait times, especially if you need an in-person interview.
• Consult an immigration attorney if needed: If you have a complicated case or past visa refusals, professional help can make the process smoother.

How Will This Affect Employers and Students?

U.S. employers who hire workers from abroad may face longer onboarding times. Workers who need to renew their visas will have to wait for interview slots, which could delay their start dates. Students who used to renew F 1 visas through the dropbox process will now need to attend interviews, which could affect their ability to return to school on time.

Employers should:

• Plan for longer processing times
• Help employees gather documents early
• Stay in touch with local consulates for updates

Students should:

• Apply for renewals as soon as possible
• Check with their schools for support
• Be ready for possible delays in returning to the United States 🇺🇸

Background: Why Was the Interview Waiver Program Expanded?

The Interview Waiver Program was expanded during the pandemic because U.S. consulates faced huge backlogs. Many offices were closed or had limited staff, and it was hard for people to get appointments. By letting more people renew visas without interviews, the U.S. helped reduce wait times and kept travel moving.

Now that most consulates are open and backlogs are smaller, the U.S. Department of State says it is safe to return to the original rules. Officials believe this will help them focus on security and make sure each application is reviewed carefully.

What Do Experts and Advocacy Groups Say?

Immigration attorneys and advocacy groups have mixed feelings about the change. Some say it is important for security, but many worry about longer wait times and the impact on families and businesses.

One immigration lawyer explained, “This change will make it much harder for people to renew their visas quickly. Many families and workers will face long delays, especially in countries with high demand.”

Consular officers have the final say on whether an interview is needed. Even if you meet all the rules, you may still be called for an interview if there are questions about your application.

What If I Scheduled a Dropbox Appointment Under the Old Rules?

If you already booked a dropbox appointment under the 48-month rule, your appointment may be canceled, or you may be asked to come for an interview instead. It is important to check your email and the embassy or consulate website for updates.

Are There Any Exceptions or Special Cases?

Some diplomatic or official visa holders may still qualify for waivers, but most regular travelers and workers will need to follow the new rules. If you have special circumstances, contact your local embassy or consulate for advice.

Looking Ahead: Will the Rules Change Again?

As of July 27, 2025, there are no plans to expand the Interview Waiver Program again. The U.S. Department of State says it will keep watching local conditions and may make changes if needed, but for now, the 12-month rule is here to stay.

Key Takeaways for Applicants

• From September 2, 2025, only B 1/B 2 visa renewals within 12 months of expiry qualify for the Interview Waiver Program
• H 1B and F 1 visa holders must attend in-person interviews for renewals
• Plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays
• Check official sources for the latest updates
• Be ready for possible longer wait times and changes to your appointment

For more details and the latest updates, visit the U.S. Department of State’s official visa page.

In summary, the U.S. Department of State’s decision to restore stricter rules for the Interview Waiver Program will have a big impact on travelers, workers, and families worldwide. By understanding the new rules, checking your eligibility, and planning ahead, you can make the visa renewal process as smooth as possible. If you have questions or face challenges, consider reaching out to an immigration attorney or your local U.S. embassy or consulate for help.

Learn Today

Interview Waiver Program → A U.S. State Department policy allowing some visa renewals without in-person interviews under specific conditions.
B1/B2 Visa → A nonimmigrant visa for temporary business (B1) or tourism (B2) visits to the United States.
In-Person Interview → A required face-to-face meeting at a U.S. consulate or embassy for visa application processing.
Visa Expiry → The date a visa becomes invalid, after which renewal or a new visa application is needed.
Consular Officer → A U.S. government official who reviews visa applications and decides if interviews are necessary.

This Article in a Nutshell

The U.S. tightens the Interview Waiver Program rules starting September 2, 2025. Only recent B1/B2 visa renewals qualify, removing H1B and F1 exemptions. This shift impacts applicants globally, especially in high-demand countries like India, leading to longer waits and more in-person interviews for visa renewals.
— By VisaVerge.com