Archive · 29 Jul 2025
U.S. Visa Interview Waivers Revised: Stricter Rules Take Effect
The U.S. government is changing how it handles visa interviews.
Starting September 2, 2025, almost everyone who wants a visa will need to go to an interview, including kids and older adults.
This is a change from before.
The Department of State is making this change to go back to the standard procedures after the pandemic.
There are a few exceptions, like people with diplomatic visas or those renewing B1/B2 visas if they meet certain requirements.
Check embassy and consulate websites for application instructions.
The U.S. Department of State updated its visa interview waiver guidelines.
Most non-immigrant visa applicants must attend in-person interviews.
The policy change is effective from September 2, 2025.
Applicants under 14 and over 79 are included in the in-person interview requirements.
Specific categories, such as diplomatic visas and certain B1/B2 renewals, qualify for waivers.
- Who
- Most non-immigrant visa applicants.
- What
- Changes to U.S. visa interview waiver policies.
- When
- Effective from September 2, 2025.
- Where
- U.S. Embassies and Consulates.
- Why
- To return to standard procedures and implement stricter screening.
Applicants
U.S. Department of State
Interview Requirement
Applicants
Applicants will have to schedule and attend more interviews.
U.S. Department of State
Potentially avoid an interview if criteria are met.
- Effective Date
- September 2, 2025
- Affected Applicants
- Most non-immigrant visa applicants
- Interview Required
- Applicants under 14 and over 79
- Waiver Eligibility
- Diplomatic/official visas and certain B1/B2 renewals
- B1/B2 Renewal Criteria
- Apply in country of residence, no visa refusals, no ineligibility
Sources
B1/B2 visas added to interview waiver list; compulsory in-person interviews for all including kids and senior citizens
US tightens visa rules: In person interviews back for B1/B2 applicants, other changes from Sept 2
