On February 18, 2025, the Department of State announced an Interview Waiver Update that changes the eligibility requirements for nonimmigrant visa applicants who may qualify for an in-person visa interview waiver. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis or because of local conditions. Check the U.S. embassy or consulate in your region for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.
What is the new policy?
Consular officers have the authority and discretion to waive the in-person interview for the following categories:
- Applicants classifiable under the visa symbols A-1, A-2, C-3 (except attendants, servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1;
- Applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas; and
- Applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
- apply in their country of nationality or residence;
- have never been refused a visa (unless they later overcame or received a waiver for that refusal); and
- have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
What changed from the previous guidance?
- Previous guidance allowed applicants in the same visa category to receive an interview waiver if their prior visa had expired within the past 48 months.
- It also allowed consular officers to grant an interview waiver to first-time nonimmigrant visa applicants who had previously held any nonimmigrant visa classification (other than a B visa) if that visa had expired within the past 48 months.
This new guidance supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of December 21, 2023.