NEWSWEEK
The Department of State has announced major changes to its visa interview policies that are set to take effect from September 2.
Under the revised rules, most nonimmigrant visa applicants would be required to attend an in-person interview, ending broad exemptions that had been in place in recent years.
Why It Matters
U.S. consulates are set to adopt a much more limited version of the nonimmigrant visa interview waiver program, according to a State Department announcement. Under the revised policy, almost all applicants would be required to attend an in-person interview, with limited exceptions for most diplomatic visa applicants and certain B-1/B-2 visa holders. Notably, the new rules also mandate interviews for applicants under 14 and over 79 years of age, reversing the long-standing exemption for these age groups.
The move is expected to affect thousands of travelers, students and business professionals seeking entry to the United States and underscores the State Department’s renewed emphasis on in-person vetting and security checks in visa processing.
What To Know
Several categories of applicants would remain eligible for an interview waiver under the revised rules.
These include individuals applying for diplomatic and official visas, such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding personal staff), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1. The waiver would also apply to those renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2 or B1/B2 visas or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals—provided the renewal occurs within 12 months of the previous visa’s expiration and the applicant was at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued.
Applicants seeking an interview waiver based on visa renewal must meet additional eligibility criteria. They must apply from their country of nationality or residence, have no history of visa refusal unless it was later overcome or waived, and must not have any apparent or potential grounds of ineligibility.
Even if applicants meet these conditions, U.S. consular officers reserve the right to request an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.
This policy supersedes the previous interview waiver guidelines announced on February 18 and marks a shift toward tighter screening as global travel returns to pre-pandemic levels.
What People Are Saying
AK Poku Law, an immigration law firm in Virginia, wrote on X: “Due to this change, applicants should expect longer wait times and processing backlogs at U.S. embassies and consulates.”
Reddy Neumann Brown PC, an immigration law firm in Texas, wrote on X: “Long-standing exemptions are being rolled back, appointment demand is expected to surge, and delays could stretch for months.”
What Happens Next
The changes are set to come into effect in September. The State Department is urging applicants to check the official website of the U.S. Embassy or consulate where they plan to apply, as procedures and processing times may vary by location.
THIS ARTICLE ORIGINALLY APPEARED IN NEWSWEEK