Starting September 2, 2025, the United States Department of State will implement significant changes to its nonimmigrant visa (NIV) interview waiver (IW) program.
The updated policy will restrict eligibility for interview waivers and reintroduce mandatory in-person interviews for many categories of visa applicants previously covered under exemptions.
Key Changes To The Interview Waiver Policy
Under the revised guidelines, only specific categories of B-1, B-2, and B1/B2 visa holders as well as diplomatic and official visa applicants will remain eligible for interview waivers.
This marks a departure from the broader policy implemented earlier this year, which allowed many nonimmigrant visa holders, including H-1B and F-1 applicants, to renew their visas without attending an in-person interview, provided their prior visa expired within the last 12 months.
From September, those with H-1B, L, and F visas will no longer qualify for the interview waiver based on the 12-month expiration rule.
This change is expected to significantly impact visa holders in employment and academic categories, who must now prepare to appear in person before a consular officer, even for renewals.
Additionally, applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79 who were previously exempt will now be required to attend interviews, except in diplomatic or official visa categories.
Who Are Eligible For Interview Waivers?
Despite the new restrictions, certain applicants can still avoid in-person interviews. These include:
Holders of full-validity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas or Border Crossing Cards/Foils (for Mexican nationals) whose previous visa expired within 12 months or remains valid.
Applicants classifiable under diplomatic or official visa categories (A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1).
To qualify for a waiver, eligible applicants must also:
Apply in their country of nationality or residence.
Have no record of prior visa refusal (unless overcome or waived).
Show no apparent or potential ineligibility for a visa.
Even for applicants who meet these criteria, consular officers retain the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis.
Interview Waivers Implications
This update supersedes the previous Interview Waiver Update issued on February 18, 2025, which had extended the waiver eligibility to broader nonimmigrant visa categories.
With the July 25 update, that flexibility has been rolled back, signaling a tighter and more security-focused visa adjudication process.
For B-1 and B-2 visa applicants, this means a continued pathway to visa renewal without interviews provided they meet the outlined conditions.
For others, including professionals on H-1B visas and international students on F-1 visas, this policy shift means preparing for longer wait times and the added step of scheduling and attending a consular interview.
Application Process And Expedited Appointments
Applicants must continue to submit the DS-160 online visa application form, pay the required visa fees, and book the first available appointment slot.
Those facing urgent, unforeseen circumstances such as a medical emergency or a school start date may request an expedited interview.
However, reasons such as tourism, weddings, or routine conferences do not qualify for expedited appointments.
It is also important to note that the interview waiver wait times only apply to locations where applicants submit their documents and passports. They do not include the time required for visa adjudication or document delivery.
As the U.S. adjusts its visa policies, applicants are advised to plan ahead, understand the specific requirements for their visa class, and ensure compliance with the new rules.
The latest changes reflect a more stringent approach to visa processing, particularly for employment-based and student categories, and underscore the importance of staying informed through verified official updates.
