Overview
Effective September 2, 2025, the U.S. Department of State will significantly reduce the scope of the visa interview waiver program that has been in place in an expanded form since the COVID-19 pandemic. As a result, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, including those renewing F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visas, will be required to attend in-person interviews at U.S. consulates and embassies abroad.
This change marks the end of the broad flexibility previously available to many international students. Changes will likely increase wait times and processing complexity for visa renewals.
What was the Visa Interview Waiver policy?
During the pandemic, the Department of State implemented temporary interview waivers to reduce consular backlogs and support safe travel. These measures allowed many visa applicants, including F and J students, to renew visas without an in-person interview, dependent on certain conditions such as prior visa issuance and low risk of ineligibility.
The Department has announced that, beginning September 2, 2025, this flexibility will no longer apply to most categories. Interview waivers will apply only to very specific cases under existing regulations.
Who Will Still Qualify for an Interview Waiver?
According to the Department of State, only the following groups may remain eligible for visa interview waivers after the policy change:
- Diplomatic and official visa holders (visa categories such as A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, and TECRO E-1).
- Certain B-1/B-2 visa or Border Crossing Card renewals for Mexican nationals.
Notably, age-based waivers (under age 14 or over age 79) will no longer be routinely available under the new guidance.
Implications for F and J Visa Holders
Most F-1, F-2, J-1, and J-2 visa applicants will be required to attend an in-person visa interview, even for renewals. Students should expect longer processing times and limited appointment availability at consular posts due to increased demand. These changes apply to both first-time and renewal applicants, unless the narrow exceptions listed above apply.