U.S. Department of State Updates Guidance for Visa Interview Waivers at U.S. Consulates: Impact on Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

The U.S. Department of State has announced updated guidance restricting eligibility for nonimmigrant visa interview waivers at U.S. Consulates. Under the revised guidance, nonimmigrant visa applicants may be eligible for an interview waiver if they previously held a visa in the same category and their prior visa expired within the last 12 months or is still valid, among other eligibility requirements. The guidance also provides that individuals applying for visas in certain diplomatic or official government organization visa classifications may be eligible for visa interview waivers.  Visa applicants who do not meet the revised narrower criteria will be required to attend an in-person interview at a U.S. Consulate to apply for their visa.

Prior Policy and What Has Changed

Previously, nonimmigrant visa applicants were eligible for an interview waiver and drop box processing if they held an approved nonimmigrant visa in any category that had expired within the last 48 months. This prior guidance was introduced following the COVID-19 pandemic to reduce consular visa application backlogs and streamline visa application processing.

Under the updated criteria, nonimmigrant visa applicants may be eligible to renew their visas without a visa interview if they meet the following criteria:

• 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.

The guidance also indicates that consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions.

The more restrictive criteria for visa interview waivers are consistent with the directive of “maximum vetting” as announced in the Administration’s Executive Order of January 20, 2025.

Impact on Nonimmigrant Visa Holders

This change will likely increase the wait times for in-person visa appointments at U.S. Consulates worldwide.

The Department of State has not confirmed yet how consular posts will treat interview waiver eligibility for drop box appointments that have already been scheduled, or interview waiver visa applications that are currently pending adjudication. There have been reports that some applicants with scheduled interview waiver appointments who do not meet the updated criteria have been turned away and told to schedule in-person interview appointments instead.

Individuals who have already made a consular appointment under the interview waiver program and whose prior visa was in a different category or expired more than 12 months ago, may be required to schedule an in-person interview.

Prior to travel, individuals that require a new visa stamp to return to the U.S. should carefully review U.S. Consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and the specific U.S. Consulate’s operating status and services.

Gibney is closely monitoring these developments and will provide additional updates as they are announced. If you have questions or require assistance, please contact your Gibney representative or email info@gibney.com.