The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant revision to its non-immigrant visa processing protocols, substantially narrowing eligibility for interview waivers. Effective September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants will be required to attend in-person consular interviews, effectively reversing the pandemic-era discretionary authority that had permitted broader use of interview waivers.
This policy change signals a reversion to pre-2020 visa adjudication standards and will affect a broad range of travelers, including those seeking employment, education, and business-related travel to the United States.
Background and Policy Shift
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Department of State exercised temporary discretionary authority—granted under Section 222(h) of the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA)—to waive personal interviews for low-risk applicants across multiple non-immigrant visa categories. This measure was implemented to minimize in-person interactions at U.S. consular posts and to maintain the continuity of visa processing under global health and logistical constraints.
That temporary authority will expire on September 1, 2025, and will not be extended. Beginning September 2, 2025, the discretion to waive interviews will be restricted to a limited number of statutory and policy-based exceptions.
Revised Interview Waiver Criteria
The following categories of applicants may continue to be eligible for waivers of the in-person interview requirement under the revised policy:
1. Diplomatic and Official Visa Applicants
Interview waivers will still be permitted for applicants in the following visa classifications:
- A-1 and A-2 – Diplomatic and foreign government officials.
- C-3 – Government officials in transit (excluding personal staff).
- G-1 through G-4 – Representatives and employees of international organizations.
- NATO-1 through NATO-6 – NATO representatives.
- TECRO E-1 – Employees of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Representative Office.
2. B-1/B-2 Visitor Visa Renewals
Applicants seeking to renew a B-1/B-2 visa may qualify for an interview waiver if all of the following conditions are met:
- The visa being renewed was issued for full validity (typically 10 years).
- The new application is submitted within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration.
- The applicant was at least 18 years of age when the prior visa was issued.
- The applicant is applying in their country of nationality or residence.
- The applicant has never had a visa refusal, unless the refusal was subsequently overcome or waived.
End of Broad Waiver Authority
The following previously eligible categories will now require in-person interviews in nearly all cases:
- H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, H-3 – Temporary workers and trainees.
- L-1A and L-1B – Intra-company transferees.
- O and P – Individuals with extraordinary ability, athletes, and entertainers.
- F and M – Academic and vocational students.
- J – Most exchange visitors.
- Age-based waivers (for applicants under 14 or over 79) are also being significantly narrowed or eliminated.
Legal and Practical Implications
This change has direct and substantial implications for non-immigrant visa applicants, sponsors, and employers:
- Longer Wait Times: Consular appointment demand is expected to increase significantly, especially in countries with high application volumes.
- Planning Is Essential: Applicants must account for additional time for interview scheduling, administrative processing, and potential delays in travel or employment start dates.
- Renewal Complexity: Individuals seeking visa renewals should consult the revised criteria to determine eligibility for a waiver; many will now need to appear for interviews, even for straightforward renewals.
How Immigration Fleet Can Help
At Immigration Fleet, we understand that navigating U.S. immigration processes can be complex and time-sensitive—especially amid evolving regulatory changes. Our team is committed to assisting applicants and organizations in adapting to the new visa interview requirements with clarity, compliance, and efficiency.
Whether you are:
- An employee applying for an H-1B or L-1 visa renewal;
- A student navigating F-1 procedures;
- Or a visitor unsure of your B-1/B-2 renewal eligibility.
Immigration Fleet can help you prepare, plan, and proceed confidently.
Recommendations for Applicants and Sponsors
To mitigate disruption and ensure a smooth visa application process, Immigration Fleet recommends the following:
- Start Early: Begin visa applications well in advance of intended travel dates, especially for employment or academic purposes.
- Consult Professionals: Engage with experienced immigration advisors or attorneys to assess eligibility and prepare for consular interviews.
- Monitor Consular Updates: Each U.S. embassy or consulate may issue country-specific instructions or changes to local processing times. Stay updated.
- Prepare Documentation Thoroughly: Ensure that DS-160 forms, petition approvals (e.g., I-797), and all supporting documents are current, complete, and properly organized.
- Plan for Delays: Account for potential administrative processing or document requests that could extend the visa issuance timeline.
Conclusion
The narrowing of non-immigrant visa interview waiver eligibility, effective September 2, 2025, marks a significant policy shift with broad implications for travellers, workers, students, and sponsoring entities. With most applicants now required to appear in person for interviews, advance planning and proactive compliance are more critical than ever.
For up-to-date guidance, tailored support, or to schedule a visa strategy consultation, contact Immigration Fleet today. We are committed to helping you navigate this evolving landscape with professionalism and precision.
