The U.S. Department of State has announced an update on the visa interview waivers, requiring most nonimmigrant visa applicants to attend in-person interviews starting September 2, 2025.
The Visa Interview Waiver or the Dropbox program, which streamlines visa renewal by eliminating the need for in-person visa interviews at US Embassies and Consulates for eligible individuals, has been updated.
New Update from September 2
All applicants, including children under 14 and adults over 79, who were exempted earlier, will now be required to attend in-person interviews, unless specific exceptions are met.
In-person appointments may be more challenging to secure, particularly in busy embassies and consulates, leading to longer wait times.
However, a notable exemption is for those flying to the United States on a B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa. They may not be required to attend an in-person interview from September 2 onwards.
Visitor visas are nonimmigrant visas for persons who want to enter the United States temporarily for business (B-1 visa), for tourism (B-2 visa), or for a combination of both purposes (B-1/B-2 visa).
As of now, US visas require an in-person interview of all visa applicants but with exceptions for certain nonimmigrant visa categories.
13 and younger: Interview generally not required
14-79: Interview Required (some exceptions for renewals)
80 and older: Interview generally not required
US authorities keep on updating the categories of applicants eligible for waivers, ensuring a fair process for all applicants.
Interview Waiver List
The next date for the update to the interview waiver list has been announced. 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.
Most under-14 and over-79 applicants were formerly excluded from interviews, but must now appear in person unless covered by the exclusions listed above.
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 on applicants’ renewal of 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.
The Interview Waiver Update from February 18, 2025, has been superseded, but consular officers may still request in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis.
The interview exemption list for applicants with expired visas less than 12 months prior to their new application was added in the February 18, 2025 update, but removed in the July 25, 2025 update.
H-1B and F-1 student visa holders who previously held a visa that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application will no longer be eligible for the Interview Waiver benefit from September.
It is always better for the applicants to visit the embassy and consulates for comprehensive information on visa application requirements, procedures, and the embassy’s operational status and services.
The total cost of the US visa fee will see an increase of almost 148% for the non-petition-based visa, such as B1/B2 visas for Business, Tourism, Medical treatment, Visitor Visas, and also for F-1, F2, and other student visas, including transit visas. Currently, $185 is the cost of a non-petition-based nonimmigrant visa fee.
Interview Wait Times
The wait times for applicants eligible for Interview Waiver are only applicable for locations where applicants schedule appointments to submit their passport and required documents to a U.S. embassy or consulate, and do not include the time for consular officer adjudication or 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.
To request an expedited nonimmigrant visa interview, you must submit the online application form (DS-160), pay the application fee, and schedule the first available interview appointment, which will only be considered by a consular section.
Travel for weddings, graduation ceremonies, assisting relatives, attending business conferences, or last-minute tourism does not qualify for expedited appointments.