Those traveling to the US on a B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa may not require an in-person interview from September. However, applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months before the new application will no longer be eligible for Interview Waiver.
This means, H-1B visa and even F-1 student visa holders will stand to lose the benefit of the Interview Waiver from September.
An in-person interview is compulsory for getting a U.S. visa. However, there are certain exceptions and the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview are constantly updated by the US authorities.
The categories of applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview will be updated by the Department of State with effect from September 2, 2025.
Interview Waiver Categories
All nonimmigrant visa applicants, including applicants under the age of 14 and over the age of 79, will generally require an in-person interview with a consular officer, except:
- 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 renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican nationals) 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.
To be eligible for an interview waiver based applicants renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or a Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals, the applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that they:
- 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.
This supersedes the Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025. Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason.
Previous Updates
In the previous Interview Waiver Update on February 18, 2025, the applicants who previously held a visa in the same category that expired less than 12 months before the new application were added to the interview exemption list. They have been removed in the July 25, 2025 update.
It is important to note that the wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are applicable only for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and any required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate.
The wait time estimate does not account for the time required for a consular officer to adjudicate the application nor the mailing time of passports or other documents.
Consular sections overseas may be able to expedite your interview date if there is an urgent, unforeseen situation such as a funeral, medical emergency, or school start date.
The process to request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview varies by location. You must first submit the online visa application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment. Only at this point will a consular section consider your request for an expedited appointment.
Travel to attend weddings and graduation ceremonies, assisting pregnant relatives, participating in an annual business, academic, professional conference, or enjoying last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments.