Visa interview requirements to be reinstated as of September 2 in the United States
The U.S. Department of State has announced a significant change to its visa renewal policy, effective September 2, 2025. This update will impact many nonimmigrant visa categories, including F, J, H, L, M, and O-1 visa holders, who will now be required to attend an in-person visa interview for renewals.
Starting from September 2, 2025, most nonimmigrant visa renewals will require an in-person interview. However, there are exceptions to this rule. Interview waivers will be limited to diplomatic and official visas, such as A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 to G-4, NATO-1 to NATO-6, TECRO E-1, and certain B-1/B-2 visa renewals or Mexican Border Crossing Cards.
To be eligible for an interview waiver, applicants must meet specific criteria. They must have been at least 18 years old at the time of the prior visa's issuance, apply in their country of nationality or residence, have no prior visa refusals (unless overcome), and have no apparent ineligibility.
It's essential to note that consular officers retain discretion to require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis. Age-based waivers will no longer be routinely available.
This change marks a rollback of pandemic-era interview waivers that had allowed many students and nonimmigrant visa holders to renew without interviews. As a result, visa processing time and complexity are expected to increase starting September 2, 2025.
Immigration attorney Johnson L. Myalil recommends checking for visa appointments before September 2, 2025. Applicants should also refer to their embassy and consulate websites for more detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.
In summary, the U.S. Department of State is implementing a major rollback of its interview waiver policy for U.S. visa renewals, effective September 2, 2025. It's crucial for visa holders to plan accordingly and check for available appointments to ensure a smooth renewal process.
Starting from September 2, 2025, those renewing their visas may find it necessary to travel for an in-person interview, especially if their visa category such as F, J, H, L, M, or O-1 is affected by the new policy. In cases where applicants meet specific criteria, they might qualify for interview waivers, including those with diplomatic or official visas and certain B-1/B-2 visa renewals or Mexican Border Crossing Cards, but travel might still be required for others.
