The United States Department of State has introduced revisions to its non-immigrant visa interview waiver policy, which came into effect on 1 October 2025. The updated guidelines outline new eligibility criteria for applicants seeking exemptions from in-person consular interviews.
Under the revised policy, applicants across all non-immigrant visa categories, including those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. However, certain categories are exempt from this requirement.
Categories Eligible for Interview Waivers
The updated policy specifies that the following groups of applicants qualify for interview waivers:
- Individuals classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas.
- Renewals of B-1, B-2, B1, or B2 visas, or Border Crossing Cards or Foils (BBBCC/BBBCV for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of their prior visa’s expiration. This applies only if the prior visa was issued for its full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old at the time of issuance.
- Renewals of H-2A visas within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided the initial visa was issued for its full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old.
Additional Criteria for Waivers
To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet several other conditions. They must apply in their country of nationality or usual residence, except in cases of diplomatic or certain official visas. Additionally, applicants must not have had a visa refusal in the past unless the refusal was resolved or waived. Moreover, there must be no apparent or potential ineligibility in the applicant’s case.
Supersedes Previous Policy
This new policy replaces the earlier Interview Waiver Update announced on 25 July 2025, which came into effect on 2 September 2025. The previous guidelines had outlined exemptions for applicants in similar categories, including those with diplomatic or official visas and certain visa renewals.
Consular Discretion
Although the policy provides clear exemptions, consular officers retain the authority to require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants are advised to consult the websites of US embassies and consulates for specific information on application requirements, operating procedures, and services.
The updated policy underscores the Department of State's efforts to streamline visa application processes while maintaining rigorous security measures.
