The US Department of State recently announced changes to its visa interview waiver policy, which will come into effect from September 2, 2025.
Students aiming to pursue studies in the United States in the upcoming academic year may now encounter extra procedures in the visa application process.
The announcement represents a shift from the interview waiver guidelines issued on February 18, 2025, which had permitted a broader range of applicants to bypass in-person interviews based on factors such as age, visa category, or prior visa history. However, the interview waivers will still be granted in limited situations.
According to a recent official notification, all non-immigrant US visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer except:
– Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except 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; and
– Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance.
Who Is Exempt?
Under the revised rules, the interview requirement may still be waived for:
Applicants under specific diplomatic and official visa categories: A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants or personal staff), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1
Applicants seeking diplomatic- or official-type visas
Applicants renewing a full-validity B-1 (business), B-2 (tourist), or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), within 12 months of visa expiry, and who were at least 18 years old when their previous visa was issued
Additional Criteria
To qualify for an interview waiver under the renewal category, applicants must also:
– Apply from their country of nationality or residence
– Not have been refused a visa in the past (unless that refusal was later waived or overturned)
– Have no obvious or potential grounds for ineligibility
The department has stressed that consular officers retain discretion to require an interview in any case, regardless of eligibility, including due to local conditions or individual circumstances.
Guidance for Applicants
Applicants are encouraged to visit the official websites of US embassies or consulates for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding visa procedures and local services.
“This policy update replaces the previous interview waiver guidance issued on February 18 , 2025,” the statement said.