State Department Revises Interview Waiver Policy for Nonimmigrant Visas

Key Point 

• Beginning October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will now require in-person interviews, with limited exceptions 

Interview Waiver Eligibility Narrowed 

On September 18, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced updated guidance that significantly restricts eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. Starting October 1, 2025, consular officers will generally require all applicants, including those under 14 and over 79, to attend an in-person interview.

Interview waivers will only be considered for: 

• Diplomatic and Official Visa Holders under categories A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1. 
• Renewals of B-1, B-2, B1/B2 and Border Crossing Cards (for Mexican nationals) are issued for full validity if the prior visa expired within 12 months and the applicant is at least 18. 
• Renewals of H-2A Visas under the same conditions as above. 

To qualify, applicants must: 

• Apply in their country of nationality or residence (except for diplomatic/official visas). 
• Have no prior visa refusals (unless overcome or waived). 
• Have no apparent or potential ineligibility. 

Supersedes Prior Guidance 

Consular officers will continue to exercise discretion in requiring interviews on a case-by-case basis. This update replaces the earlier policy announced on July 25, 2025, which took effect on September 2, 2025. 

The July guidance had already: 

• Removed age-based exemptions for applicants under 14 and over 79 
• Shortened the visa renewal window from 48 months to 12 months 

The September 18 revision reinforces those changes, further clarifies eligibility criteria for interview waivers, and moves the effective date to October 1, 2025, reflecting the Department’s ongoing efforts to standardize and strengthen visa adjudication procedures. 

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