The Department of State (DOS) announced changes restricting eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers at the U.S. consulates abroad. The changes are effective September 2, 2025. The new policy drastically narrows eligibility, eliminating interview waivers for the vast majority of visa applicants. Persons applying for E-1/2/3, F-1, H-1B/H-1B1, J-1, L-1, O-1 and TN visas, and all others not listed specifically below, will require interviews at the U.S. consulates to obtain their visas. Additionally, applicants under age 14 or over 79 will now also be required to attend an interview in order to obtain their visas.

Persons Still Eligible for Interview Waivers

The only persons who may be eligible to obtain a visa from the U.S. consulate without an interview include:

• • Persons renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil if they meet the following requirements:
  • • Apply within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration;
  • • Were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance;
  • • Apply in their country of nationality or residence;
  • • Have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and
  • • Have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
• • Persons applying for visas as diplomats, government officials, members of NATO, and related in the A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 categories.

Eligibility for interview waivers is not automatic. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.

These rules do not impact Canadian citizens who are applying in categories that are exempt from the visa requirement. At this time, the rules for Canadian citizens remain the same.

Impact of the New Policy

It will be much harder to obtain an appointment at the U.S. consulates as the demand for appointments increases. The wait time for an interview and processing delays post-interview will likely increase. Given heightened scrutiny on visa applicants across the board, there may be a sharp rise in administrative processing that delays issuance of the visa. Minor violations of status and minor arrests or violations of law could result in a lengthy wait abroad and/or visa refusal or denial.

For additional information, please contact your designated Van Der Hout representative or contact the firm here.