Visa interview waivers to be discontinued by the US, effective from September 2nd.
Starting September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will require in-person consular interviews for most visa applicants, including those seeking renewals, eliminating most prior interview waivers. This policy change affects major visa categories such as E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1, M, and others.
The new guidance on US visa application requirements and procedures, effective July 9, 2025, supersedes the State Department's interview waiver update of Feb. 18.
Interview waivers remain available only for:
- Certain diplomatic and official visa categories (A-1, A-2, C-3 except personal employees, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, TECRO E-1)
- B-1/B-2 visa renewals and Mexican Border Crossing Card renewals, but only if all these conditions are met:
- Renewal within 12 months of prior visa expiration
- Applicant was at least 18 years old at the time of prior visa issuance
- Application made in country of nationality or residence
- No previous visa refusals (or refusals overcome/waived)
- No apparent or potential ineligibility
Even for these exceptions, consular officers retain discretion to require in-person interviews.
Additional implications:
- This policy change may increase wait times and travel costs due to limited interview slots.
- Applicants and employers should plan ahead and expect in-person interviews as the standard.
- Social media vetting requirements also apply, with F, M, and J applicants needing to set public social media accounts for government review starting June 2025.
It is important to note that applicants under 14 years old and over 79 years old—who were previously exempt—must now also attend interviews.
Applicants are advised to check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.
[1] U.S. Department of State: Updated Visa Interview Waiver Policy [2] U.S. Department of State: Social Media Vetting Requirements [3] U.S. Department of State: Visa Interview Waiver Policy [4] U.S. Department of State: Visa Interview Waiver Policy for Mexican Nationals [5] U.S. Department of State: Updated Visa Interview Waiver Policy
Traveling for work or education may become more time-consuming and costly due to the increasing demand for in-person consular interviews, as a result of the updated visa application requirements and procedures, effective September 2, 2025. Changes to the visa policy may necessitate an adjustment in individual lifestyles to accommodate the interviews, which may lead to increased wait times and travel expenses.
