If you are planning to apply for a U.S. visa renewal, better do it now as the Department of State has announced a major rollback of its interview waiver policy, effective September 2.
Immigration attorney Johnson L. Myalil High-Tech Immigration Law Group, PLLC suggests those planning to apply for visa renewal should immediately check if any visa appointments are available prior to Sep 2.
The updated guidance issued July 25 drastically narrows eligibility, ending interview waivers for the vast majority of visa applicants. In-person interviews will be required for most visa categories, including E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1 and several others.
READ: US visa renewals to lose interview waiver starting September (July 29, 2025)
Interview waiver remains for applicants of A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1, and applicants for diplomatic- or official-type visas. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
The interview waiver will no longer be available, even for repeat applicants or renewals. Applicants under age 14 or over 79 will also be required to interview in-person.
Interview waivers remain available for applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican
nationals) provided they:
Are applying within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration, and who were at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa’s issuance;
Apply in their country of nationality or residence;
Have never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived); and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
READ: US immigration crackdown leads to sharp decline in Indian student visas (July 9, 2025)
Applicants should check embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures, and to learn more about the embassy or consulate’s operating status and services, the guidance suggested.
The new guidance supersedes the State Department’s interview waiver update of Feb. 18.