Beginning September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will change the eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers. According to the updated policy, all nonimmigrant visa applicants—including those under 14 and over 79—will need to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer unless they meet specific exceptions.
The exceptions include applicants who qualify under certain visa categories such as A-1, A-2, C-3 (excluding attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1. Applicants for diplomatic or official-type visas are also exempted from the interview requirement. In addition, 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 previous visa’s expiration may be eligible for an interview waiver if they were at least 18 years old when their prior visa was issued.
To qualify for this renewal-based waiver, applicants must apply in their country of nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome), and have no apparent or potential ineligibility. The Department notes that consular officers retain discretion to require an in-person interview on a case-by-case basis.
"For the most updated information, please check https://travel.state.gov/"
Applicants who have already sent in their passports for renewal but do not meet the new criteria will have their passports returned along with instructions on how to proceed. Assistance with scheduling regular appointments is available through the call center at Contact Us | Official U.S. Department of State Visa Appointment Service | Guatemala | English.
"Any instructions received prior to September 2, 2025, where family members were able to bring documents to the interview by another family member and be exempted of being physically present, please disregarded that instruction. All applicants that qualify for an in-person interview must be present."