Trump Executive Order Suspending Visa Interview Waiver Program

President Donald Trump is expected to sign an Executive Order that will immediately suspend the current Visa Interview Waiver Program (IWP), which will likely cause delays for current nonimmigrant visa holders seeking to renew their visas.

The Department of State currently waives the visa interview process for certain nonimmigrants who are applying for a visa renewal and who have already submitted required biometric information in connection with their prior visa application. These applicants may use a “drop box” at the consulate and are not required to complete an in-person interview.

It is important to note that this Executive Order does not affect the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), which permits citizens of 38 countries to travel to the United States for business or tourism for up to 90 days without having to obtain a visa.

BAL Analysis: Suspending the IWP will require more visa applicants to appear for in-person interviews at the consulate in their home country, and will likely lead to delays in scheduling interview appointments. Applicants who now must complete an interview may need to allow for several weeks of additional time to obtain an interview appointment. BAL is continuing to monitor developments associated with the expected Executive Order.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice group. For additional information, please contact BerryApplemanLeiden@bal.com.

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