Starting October 1, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants to the United States, including those seeking renewals, will be required to attend an in-person interview with a consular officer. This change affects applicants of all ages and is part of an update to the Department of State’s Interview Waiver Program.
There are limited exceptions to this new requirement. Certain temporary visitors under the B visa classification, temporary agricultural workers in the H-2A category, and some official foreign government travelers may still qualify for a waiver from the interview process. The U.S. Embassy encourages applicants to consult its website for more detailed information on eligibility and application procedures.
Children under 18 and individuals over 79 years old are not exempt from this policy. All must appear in person for interviews at the Embassy as per the updated guidelines.
The Department of State stated that this policy change follows a government order. "An in-person interview with a U.S. consular officer overseas remains one of the most important tools for the Department of State in its efforts to detect fraud, misrepresentation, and other indicators where an applicant is not eligible for a visa."
Implementation is set for October 1 rather than immediate effect to allow time for procedural adjustments at embassies. "We are working diligently to ensure an efficient, smooth, and effective visa process. The additional lead time will allow the U.S. Embassy to make necessary adjustments to our procedures that will make our country safer," according to information provided by embassy officials.
Applicants can find further details about these changes and ongoing updates on visa requirements by visiting the U.S. Embassy Santo Domingo website.