Overview

• Starting Sept. 2, most first-time and renewing nonimmigrant visa applicants must appear for an in-person consular interview under a new State Department rule.
• The policy carves out limited exceptions for diplomatic and official visas and conditional waivers for B1/B2 renewals issued at age 18 or older and renewed within 12 months.
• Conflicting reports on whether minors under 14 and seniors over 79 remain exempt have left embassies and applicants awaiting final implementation guidance.
• The interview mandate is part of a broader U.S. effort that includes a $250 visa integrity fee, a consular bond pilot requiring refundable bonds and stricter USCIS family petition vetting.
• Embassies warn the requirement will boost biometric and consular appointments and prolong wait times at high-demand posts such as Mexico.