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Interview Waiver Update Effective October 1, 2025 Last Updated: September 18, 2025

  • visa code
  • Sep 19
  • 2 min read

AI Generated
AI Generated


The U.S. Department of State will implement an updated policy on October 1, 2025, regarding eligibility for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview. This new policy update released on September 18, 2025 can be found here.


Under the new guidelines, all nonimmigrant visa applicants including those under age 14 and over age 79 will normally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, with certain exceptions.


Applicants who may qualify for an interview waiver include:


  • Visa holders classified under the symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1.

  • Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas.

  • Applicants renewing a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, or Border Crossing Card/Foil within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, provided the prior visa was issued for full validity and the applicant was at least 18 years old at issuance.

  • Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration under similar conditions.


To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet the following criteria:


  • Apply in their country of nationality or usual residence (with exceptions for diplomatic and certain official visa applicants).

  • Have never been refused a visa, unless the refusal was overcome or waived.

  • Have no apparent or potential grounds of ineligibility.


Consular officers retain the discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis.


Applicants are advised to check specific embassy or consulate websites for updated visa application requirements, procedures, and operating status.


Major changes from July 2025 policy update:


  • Applicants renewing an H-2A visa within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration when the prior visa was issued for full validity at the time of issuance and the applicant was at least 18 years old.

  • Diplomatic and certain official visa applicants are exempted from the requirement to apply in his or her country of nationality or usual residence.


This update supersedes the prior Interview Waiver guidance issued on July 25, 2025.

 
 
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