Interviews Mandatory Again for Many Applicants for U.S. Non-Immigrant Visas
July 30, 2025
On July 25, 2025, the U.S. Department of State announced significant changes to the non-immigrant visa interview waiver policy. Effective September 2, 2025, the criteria for applying for a visa without an in-person interview will be substantially narrowed.
What’s changing for visa applicants?
As of September 2, 2025, most non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, will be required to attend an in-person visa interview. This change reverses earlier policies introduced during the COVID-19 pandemic, which had allowed broader interview waivers in certain cases.
The Department is ending the discretionary authority previously granted to consular officers, which had permitted them to waive interviews for a wide range of applicants, including:
- First-time visa applicants in certain categories (e.g., F, H, J, L, O, P)
- Visa renewals up to 48 months after expiration
- Age-based waivers (for applicants under 14 or over 79)
These changes reflect a return to in-person adjudication as the standard for most visa categories.
Who is still eligible for an interview waiver?
Once the new rules take effect, only a limited group of applicants will remain eligible for an interview waiver. These include:
Diplomatic and official visa applicants
Eligible visa categories include: A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
Certain visa renewals
Applicants renewing a B-1/B-2 visa, Border Crossing Card, or F visa (for Mexican nationals only) may qualify for a waiver if they meet strict criteria. For a detailed assessment of your eligibility, speak to the U.S. team at WINHELLER.
Consular discretion remains limited
Even in the above cases, consular officers retain discretion and may still require an in-person interview depending on the specifics of each application or local conditions.
More intensive screening of visa applicants
According to the State Department, the broader interview waivers were introduced as a temporary measure during the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce health risks and accommodate staffing shortages. With those conditions largely resolved, the Department is returning to traditional practices to ensure thorough vetting through in-person interviews.
Plan more time and preparation for visa applications
The Interview Waiver Update of July 25, 2025, marks a major shift in the global processing of U.S. non-immigrant visas. The new policy is intended to increase consistency and security but will require more time, preparation, and travel for most applicants — including those who previously qualified for streamlined renewals.
We advise on U.S. visas and green cards
If you would like more information or need help navigating these changes, contact our U.S. visa experts. Our team is here to help you understand your options and guide you through every step of the visa application process. Please contact us via e-mail (info@visum-usa.com) or by phone (+49 69 76 75 77 85 26).
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