US Consulates Expand Waivers of In-Person Interview Requirements for Certain Visas

The Department of State has authorized consular officers to waive the in-person interview requirement for certain visa applications through the end of 2022.  Visa applicants would apply for visas through the mail instead of scheduling an in-person interview at the US Consulate.  By reducing the number of visa applicants who need to appear in person for an interview, the State Department will hopefully alleviate the tremendous delays in getting appointments at US Consulates worldwide. 

Waivers of an in-person interview should be available to visa applicants in the following visa categories:

  • H-1;

  • H-3;

  • H-4;

  • L;

  • O;

  • P; and

  • Q.

In order to qualify for the interview waiver, the applicant also must meet the following criteria:

  • You are applying for a visa at the US Consulate in your country of nationality or residence.

  • You have previously been issued any type of visa, OR, you have previously traveled to the United States on an ESTA. 

  • You have never been refused a visa, unless such refusal was overcome or waived.

  • You are not otherwise inadmissible to the United States.

DHS also has extended the visa interview waiver for certain students, professors, research scholars, short-term scholars, or specialists (F, J, and M visa applicants) through the end of 2022. 

Because each Consulate in the world is different, we encourage you to visit your local Consulate’s website or contact them for more information regarding their specific requirements for waiving the in-person interview and their process for applications by mail. 

This alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact me if you would like to discuss this development further.

Nadia Yakoob