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State Department to Require In-Person Interviews for Nearly All Nonimmigrant Visa Applicants From Sept. 2

The change reserves interview waivers for diplomats or recent B-visa renewals with strict criteria, boosting security screening among all other applicants.

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Visa interview waiver
US Visa Rules Tighten Again: What Indian Travellers Need To Know Before September 2
US tightens visa interview waiver rules from September 2

Overview

  • The policy takes effect on September 2, 2025, supersedes the February 18 update and ends the 48-month interview-waiver window.
  • All nonimmigrant visa seekers, including those under 14 or over 79, will generally need an in-person consular interview.
  • Waivers remain only for diplomatic and official visas in classifications A-1, A-2, C-3 (with limited exceptions), G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
  • B-1, B-2 and B1/B2 visitor-visa renewals qualify for waivers only if the prior visa expired within 12 months, applicants apply in their country of residence, have no past refusals and show no ineligibility.
  • Consular officers retain full discretion to require interviews on any case, and lawyers warn that the change will drive longer wait times and consular backlogs.