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15h ago

U.S. to Reinstate In-Person Interviews for Nearly All Non-Immigrant Visa Applicants in September

The policy introduces a $250 processing fee to strengthen security screening ahead of September implementation

U.S. Department of State sign is seen at the State Department in Washington.
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Overview

  • Starting September 2, nearly all non-immigrant visa applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, must attend in-person interviews at U.S. embassies and consulates.
  • Interview waivers remain narrowly available for diplomatic and official visa holders and for B-1/B-2 renewals within 12 months under strict eligibility criteria.
  • Consulates will enforce new DS-160 submission deadlines and mandate public social media profiles for student and exchange visitor visa candidates.
  • Travelers under the Visa Waiver Program, including Singaporeans, remain exempt from interview requirements but must secure valid ESTA authorization.
  • Immigration lawyers warn that the expanded interview mandate will lengthen appointment waits and worsen processing backlogs at U.S. consular posts.