The United States Department of State has declared modifications to its interview waiver for non-immigrant visa candidates, which will be effective September 2, 2025.
A visa interview waiver permits qualified persons to make an application for or continue specific United States visas without going for an in-person interview at a United States embassy or consulate, making the procedure quicker and more stable.
The update will highly narrow the classes of persons qualified for interview waivers.
ALSO SEE: CANADA: ONTARIO READY TO ROLL OUT LABOUR AND IMMIGRATION REFORMS BY AUGUST 2025
Based on the July 25, 2025, update, all candidates, including children under 14 and adults above 79, will commonly be required to go for in-person interviews with consular officials. Only a few particular classifications will be qualified for waivers.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE FOR INTERVIEW WAIVERS
Candidates who may still be eligible for an interview waiver include:
- Persons making an application under diplomatic or official visa classifications like A-1, A-2, C-3 (exempting attendants or servants), G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 via NATO-6, and TECRO E-1.
- Candidates looking for diplomatic or official visas.
- People continuing a total-authenticity B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa for Border crossings Cards for Mexican citizens, within 1 year of the visa’s cessation, and who were a minimum of 18 years of age by the time the past visa was provided.
Hence, even people renewing visas are required to satisfy certain qualification measures:
- They are required to make an application in their nation of citizenship or residence.
- They are not required to have any visa rejections unless the rejection is later overruled or waived.
- They are required to have no clear or prospective unqualification.
FINAL DECISION DEPENDS ON CONSULAR OFFICIALS
Regardless of the outlined exclusions, the State Department highlighted that consular officials maintain the liberty to request in-person interviews at their discretion, despite their qualifications.
Candidates are advised to go to the official webpages of United States embassies or consulates in their nations for explicit conditions, request processes, and updates on functional status.
This guideline update replaces the directives provided on February 18, 2025, and shows the Department’s ongoing actions to toughen visa processing protocols while retaining federal safety.
WHAT VISA CANDIDATES ARE REQUIRED TO DO NOW
- Review your qualification:
If you are continuing a B1/B2 visa and want to ensure your eligibility for the interview waiver, consider presenting your request before the September 2, 2025, final date.
- Check embassy webpages
Conditions and appointment obtainability can differ by nation; therefore, it is crucial to frequently review the webpage of the United States embassy or consulate in your area.
- Schedule your appointment on time.
Interview spots can be filled quickly, mostly in high-demand nations such as India, Mexico, and the Philippines. Booking on time is strongly recommended.
- Remain informed
Visa guideline updates can change over time. For current statements and processing modifications, concentrate on official United States embassy webpages and USCIS channels.
