United States | Interview waiver eligibility update

The Department of State updated the categories of applicants that may be eligible for a nonimmigrant visa interview waiver, effective Sept. 2, 2025.

Key Points:

• All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer.
• Those eligible for a visa interview waiver include:
  • Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6 or TECRO E-1
    • C-3 applicants who are attendants, servants or personal employees of accredited officials are not eligible for an interview waiver
  • Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas
  • Applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration date
    • To be eligible, these applicants must also have been 18 years old when the prior visa was issued, apply in the country of their nationality or residence, have never been refused a visa and have no apparent or potential ineligibility
• Consular officers may still require in-person interviews for applicants who are eligible for a waiver on a case-by-case basis and for any reason.
• This update supersedes the Feb. 18, 2025, interview waiver update.

Additional Information: Applicants are encouraged to check embassy and consulate websites for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, as well as the operating status and services of the embassy or consulate.

This alert has been provided by the BAL U.S. Practice Group.

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