Archive · 19 Aug 2026
US Embassy Requires All Minor Visa Applicants In-Person Interviews
Children applying for US visas in India must go to their visa interviews in person.
This rule applies even to newborns and babies.
It also applies to teenagers who are almost 18.
Parents can go with their children, but they cannot take the interview for them.
Some young children could previously qualify for interview waivers in certain situations.
The embassy says there is now no age-based exemption for minor applicants.
Officials say seeing applicants helps check their identity and eligibility.
Families should plan appointments so every required child can attend.
The US Embassy in India says every minor visa applicant must appear in person for a consular interview.
The requirement applies to newborns, infants, young children, and teenagers under 18.
Parents and guardians may accompany children but cannot attend the interview on their behalf.
The clarification removes age-based interview exemptions for minor applicants, including those previously available to some children under 14.
The embassy says in-person interviews support identity verification, eligibility checks, national security, and public safety.
- Who
- The US Embassy in India and parents or guardians applying for US visas for minor children
- What
- A clarified requirement that every minor visa applicant must appear personally for a consular interview
- When
- The clarification was provided during the embassy's Visa Friday social-media session; no specific date was stated
- Where
- At the US consular interview window in India
- Why
- The embassy says in-person interviews help with identity verification, eligibility assessment, national security, and public safety
- Issuing authority
- US Embassy in India
- Requirement
- All minor visa applicants must appear in person for consular interviews
- Age range
- Newborns through 17-year-olds
- Parent role
- Parents or guardians may accompany minors but cannot appear instead of them
- Previous practice
- Some children, particularly those under 14, could qualify for interview waivers in certain circumstances
- Stated purposes
- Identity verification, eligibility assessment, national security, and public safety
- Announcement venue
- The embassy's Visa Friday social-media session
