U.S. Requires In-Person Visa Interviews for Applicants Under 14 and Over 79

Effective September 2, 2025, nonimmigrant visa applicants younger than 14 or older than 79 must attend a consular interview after previously being exempt. Exemptions remain for diplomatic and official categories such as A, G, NATO and TECRO E-1, and for B1/B2 renewals within 12 months if the prior visa was issued at age 18 or older with no refusals or apparent ineligibilities and filed in the country of residence or nationality. Applicants in the affected ages must complete the DS-160 and book two appointments, first at a Visa Application Center for biometrics and then at the embassy or consulate for the interview, with minors required to appear with a parent or legal guardian. Consulates and visa centers anticipate heavier workloads, and experts warn that interview backlogs and seasonal demand could push appointment waits even longer. Separately, the State Department says that starting November 1, 2025, immigrant visa interviews will be scheduled in the consular district of an applicant’s country of residence, with limited exceptions.

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