DOS Scales Back Interview Waivers Effective September 2, 2025

Under the new rules, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will no longer be eligible for interview waivers and will be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. consulate. This change includes applicants who were previously exempt, such as children under 14 and seniors over 79.

Only limited exceptions remain, such as certain diplomatic and official visa categories and some B-1/B-2 visitor visa renewals, provided the renewal is within 12 months of the previous visa’s expiration and other eligibility requirements are met. This policy replaces the previous rule that allowed waivers for visa renewals within 48 months and eliminates much of the flexibility introduced during the pandemic.

Consular officers will continue to have discretion to require an interview even if an applicant meets the new waiver criteria. These changes apply only to nonimmigrant visas and do not affect immigrant visa processing.

For more information, check out Interview Waiver Update July 25, 2025