Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will revise its policy on interview waivers for nonimmigrant visa applicants. Under the new guidelines, most applicants—including those under 14 and over 79—will generally need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer.
Exceptions remain for certain categories of applicants. Those classifiable under specific visa symbols (A-1, A-2, C-3 except attendants or employees of accredited officials, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1), as well as those applying for diplomatic or official-type visas, may still qualify for an interview waiver.
Additionally, individuals renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) within 12 months of their prior visa’s expiration may be eligible if they were at least 18 years old when the previous visa was issued. These applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never had a visa refusal unless it was overcome or waived, and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Consular officers retain the discretion to require interviews on a case-by-case basis regardless of eligibility. Applicants are advised to consult embassy and consulate websites for further details about application requirements and local operating status.
"This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025."