The US has amended the interview waiver list, requiring most non-immigrants to attend in-person immigration interviews starting next month. Most applicants under 14 and over 79, who were previously excluded from interviews, must now appear in person unless they are on the Visa Interview Waiver list. Only certain B1/B2 visa holders will be eligible for the Interview Waiver benefit.
H-1B and F-1 student visa holders who previously had a visa that expired less than 12 months before the current application will be ineligible for the Interview Waiver benefit, effective September.
The U.S. Department of State has announced that most nonimmigrant visa applicants will be required to attend in-person interviews starting September 2, 2025.
The Visa Interview Waiver, also known as Dropbox, that eliminates the need for in-person visa interviews at US Embassies and Consulates for eligible individuals, will be updated from next month.
Compulsory In-Person Interviews
Most applicants under 14 and over 79, who were previously excluded from interviews, must now appear in person unless they are covered in the Visa Interview Waiver list.
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)
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.
This means, renewal of certain B1/B2 visas within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration and being at least 18 years old at the time of issuance may still qualify for an in-person interview waiver from September 2.
To qualify for an interview waiver, applicants must renew their full-valid B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa or Border Crossing Card/Foil for Mexican nationals by applying in their country of nationality or residence and have never been refused a visa and have no apparent or potential ineligibility.
Interview Waiver Update
The Interview Waiver Update of February 18, 2025, has been superseded; however, consular personnel may still request in-person interviews on an individual case basis.
The interview exemption list for applicants whose visas expired less than 12 months before their fresh application was added on February 18, 2025, but was withdrawn on July 25, 2025.
US Visa Fee Hike
For non-petition-based visas, such as B1/B2 visas for business, tourism, medical treatment, and visitor visas, as well as for F-1, F2, and other student visas, including transit visas, the overall cost of the US visa fee will rise by over 148%. The current charge for a non-immigrant visa that is not petition-based is $185.