The U.S. Department of State has announced that effective September 2, 2025, there will be new eligibility criteria for nonimmigrants seeking in-person visa interview waivers at U.S. consular posts abroad.
Nearly all visa applicants – including F-1, J-1, H-1B, E-3, O-1 and their dependents --will be required to schedule an in-person interview as part of the visa renewal process. This includes dependents who were previously eligible for interview waivers if under age 14.
Nonimmigrant visa applicants are advised to check U.S. embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information on each consular post’s operating status, availability of in-person visa appointments, visa application requirements and processes.
This supersedes the prior Department of State Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025.
