Criteria for Visa Interview Waivers Narrowed
Effective September 2, 2025, the Department of State will further restrict the categories of visa applicants who may qualify for an interview waiver. These changes supersede the February 2025 updates and significantly reduce the pool of applicants eligible to renew a visa without appearing in person.
Eligible categories under the new criteria are limited to:
A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials)
G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1
Diplomatic or official visas
Individuals renewing a full-validity B-1, B-2, or B-1/B-2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), provided that renewal is within 12 months of expiration and the applicant was at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued
Additional requirements for B visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil renewals:
The application must be filed in the applicant’s country of nationality or residence
The applicant must never have been refused a visa
The applicant must have no apparent or potential ineligibility
Important caveats:
Interview waiver eligibility does not guarantee that an interview will be waived. Consular officers retain discretion to require an in-person interview, either case-by-case or due to local conditions.
Processing times may lengthen as consular posts implement enhanced screening procedures under the administration’s Executive Order Protecting the U.S. from Foreign Terrorists and Other National Security and Public Safety Threats.
Key change from prior criteria:
Previously, applicants could qualify for an interview waiver if they had any visa in the same category that expired within the past 12 months. That policy allowed many applicants to renew by mail or drop-off without appearing at a consulate. Under the new, narrower framework, many applicants who previously qualified will now be required to appear for an interview.
Next steps:
Applicants should carefully review the website of the U.S. embassy or consulate where they intend to apply for the most up-to-date instructions. Because appointment wait times and visa processing may lengthen, applicants should plan well in advance.
The alert is for informational purposes only. Please contact us if you would like to discuss this development further.