The US Department of State has unveiled major adjustments to its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, which will go into effect on September 2, 2025. These revisions will reverse a policy implemented earlier in the year on February 18, 2025, and introduce more stringent eligibility requirements for interview waivers.
Under the new guidelines, the eligibility for interview waivers will be sharply reduced, meaning the majority of visa applicants—including children under 14 and seniors over 79—will be required to attend in-person consular interviews, with only a few exceptions. The Department of State has stated that these changes are intended to enhance security measures, but concerns have already arisen regarding potential delays in processing times and accessibility issues for applicants.
New Visa Interview Waiver Guidelines
The updated policy specifies that waivers will only apply to certain categories of applicants, such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (with the exception of attendants to officials), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, TECRO E-1, and holders of diplomatic or official visas.
Regarding renewals, applicants for B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas (including Mexican Border Crossing Cards) will still be eligible for a waiver, but only under the following conditions:
- The renewal application must be submitted within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration.
- The applicant must have been at least 18 years old when the original visa was issued.
- The renewal must be processed in the applicant’s home country.
Additionally, applicants seeking a waiver must not have any prior visa refusals (unless these have been overturned or waived) and must not exhibit any signs of ineligibility. Consular officers will still retain full discretion to require an interview if deemed necessary based on the applicant’s specific case or other factors.
Impact on Applicants
The new rules will have a widespread impact on applicants who had previously been eligible for an interview waiver. While the policy does provide some exceptions, it places an additional burden on individuals who now must undergo an in-person interview. This includes a significant portion of the population, such as families with young children and elderly applicants, both of whom were previously exempt from interviews under certain circumstances.
The Department of State has stated that the policy shift is a direct response to ongoing concerns about security, ensuring that the consular process better reflects contemporary threats and security measures. However, the move has sparked concerns about its practical implications. Immigration lawyers and applicants alike are worried about the long-term effects, such as extended wait times for interviews, the additional burden of attending in-person meetings, and the overall accessibility of the process, especially for those living in regions with fewer consular services.
Expert Concerns
Many experts have raised their concerns about the implications of the updated policy. Legal professionals, particularly those specializing in immigration law, have pointed out that this change will likely lead to longer delays in scheduling appointments. As it stands, many US embassies and consulates already face significant backlogs in processing visa applications, and the increased demand for in-person interviews could further exacerbate these delays.
In addition, the requirement for children to attend interviews has also been a point of contention. Historically, children under the age of 14 were exempt from interviews in many cases, but this new policy revokes that exemption, requiring minors to attend interviews along with their parents or guardians. This is expected to complicate the process for families seeking to travel to the United States, creating logistical and financial challenges.
What Applicants Should Know
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) has reminded applicants that consular officers have the discretion to request interviews based on local conditions, security concerns, or specific case circumstances. Applicants are strongly encouraged to stay updated by regularly checking embassy and consulate websites for the latest information regarding application procedures, processing times, and the operational status of consular offices. Given the complexity of these changes, it is important for all applicants to stay informed and prepared for possible delays in processing.
While the policy change is largely driven by security considerations, it introduces significant practical challenges for many individuals applying for US visas. As the new rules take effect, applicants will need to plan ahead and carefully monitor embassy updates to navigate the revised process. tatus
Tags: US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) US Department of State, visa interview waiver program