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The U.S. State Department has extended a policy that grants consular officers the authority to waive in-person interviews for certain temporary employment and academic-based nonimmigrant visa applicants and for any nonimmigrant visa applicants renewing a visa that has expired within the last 48 months.
Key Points:
Additional Information: The State Department continues to advise applicants to check the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate to confirm which services are being offered and to find guidelines for applying for a visa without an interview.
BAL Analysis: While the extension of the interview waiver benefits some applicants, consular officers retain discretion to require an interview. At this time, visa services at many consulates are limited because of the COVID-19 pandemic. BAL continues to monitor the administration’s response to the pandemic and will provide updates as information becomes available.
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