The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced that effective September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa applicants will require an in-person interview.
With the exception of diplomatic visas and some visitor visa and Border Crossing renewals, most nonimmigrant visa applicants, will require an in-person interview with a consular officer. This includes H-1B, L-1, O-1, E-1, E-2, F-1, J-1, and all other visa categories not listed below. In-person interviews will also be required of applicants renewing visas in the same category, as well as applicants under age 14 and over the age of 79 who were formerly exempted from an in-person interview.
The following categories of applicants will continue to qualify for an interview waiver. However, please note that even for these categories consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
- Applicants seeking to renew a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals), provided that they meet the following criteria:
- Apply within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration;
- 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.
- Applicants seeking 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.
In light of the above, nonimmigrant visa applicants should book visa stamp appointments early, as appointment wait times are likely to increase significantly.
As always, applicants are advised to check with each applicable embassy or consulate for consulate-specific requirements and procedures.
This update was prepared by Melissa O. Nonaka, Senior Associate Attorney, Larrabee Albi Coker LLP.
Legal Disclaimer: This post is provided for informational purposes only and does not substitute for legal advice based on the circumstances of a specific matter. Immigration laws and policies change frequently, often without notice. It is therefore important to seek direct legal counsel based upon individual circumstances