The United States Department of State has announced a move to implement stricter U.S. visa interview waiver eligibility criteria effective September 2, 2025.
This new policy will see the reduction of individuals eligible for the U.S. visa interview waiver.
Pan-Atlantic Kompass reports that a visa interview waiver allows eligible individuals to apply for or renew certain U.S. visas without attending an in-person interview at a US embassy or consulate.
However, according to the latest update, all applicants, including minors under age 14 and seniors above age 79, will generally be required to attend in-person interviews with consular officers.
Only a few specific categories will remain eligible for waivers.
The new policy shift also reduces the eligibility window for interview waivers from 48 months to 12 months, requiring more applicants, including those for B1/B2, H-1B, and F-1 visas, to attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies or consulates.
The U.S. Department of State said the change aims to enhance vetting procedures but is expected to increase appointment wait times globally.
The agency also added that the change follows U.S. President Donald Trump’s Executive Order 14161, issued to strengthen visa vetting processes.
The U.S. visa interview waiver program, initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce consular backlogs, now reverts to pre-pandemic standards.
Who qualifies for interview waivers?
Applicants who may still qualify for an interview waiver include:
• Individuals applying under diplomatic or official visa categories such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants or servants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
• Applicants seeking diplomatic or official-type visas.
• Those renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or Border Crossing Cards (for Mexican nationals), within 12 months of the visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued.
However, even those renewing visas must meet specific eligibility criteria:
• They must apply in their country of nationality or residence.
• They must not have had any visa refusals, unless the refusal was later overcome or waived.
• They must have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
• Final decision still lies with consular officers
Despite the outlined exemptions, the State Department emphasized that consular officers reserve the right to require in-person interviews at their discretion, regardless of eligibility.
Applicants are advised to visit the official websites of US embassies or consulates in their countries for detailed requirements, application procedures, and updates on operational status.
