The U.S. Department of State (DOS) has announced significant changes to its visa interview waiver policy that will impact consular processing worldwide. Practitioners and applicants should prepare for a return to routine in-person interviews and the possibility of increased processing times.

Key Developments

H-2A Renewals Regain Limited Relief
On September 18, 2025, DOS confirmed that H-2A visa holders renewing within one year of their prior visa’s expiration once again qualify for interview waivers. This exception supports agricultural workers who must arrive in the United States within narrow seasonal windows. All applicants must still meet the general waiver criteria outlined below.

Major Rollback of Interview Waivers
Earlier, on July 25, 2025, DOS announced sweeping restrictions—effective September 2, 2025—eliminating interview waivers for most other visa categories, even for repeat or renewal applications.

DS-160 Requirements Tightened
As of June 24, 2025, applicants must ensure that all DS-160 information is complete and accurate before scheduling a visa appointment. Using placeholder or “dummy” confirmation numbers will block appointment registration.

What’s Changing

  • Mandatory In-Person Interviews: Most visa categories—including E-1, E-2, F-1, H-1B, J-1, L-1, O-1, and others not specifically exempt—now require an in-person interview, regardless of prior visa history.
  • Age Exceptions Eliminated: Applicants under 14 or over 79 are no longer automatically exempt and must also interview in person.

What Remains

Interview waivers are still available in limited situations:

  • Renewals of Full-Validity H-2A, B-1, B-2, B-1/B-2 visas, or Border Crossing Cards if the applicant:
    • Applies within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration
    • Was at least 18 years old when the prior visa was issued
    • Applies in their country of nationality or residence
    • Has never been refused a visa (unless the refusal was overcome or waived)
    • Has no apparent or potential ineligibility
  • Diplomatic/Official Categories: A-1, A-2, C-3, G-1 through G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, and TECRO E-1 applicants remain eligible for waivers.

Consular officers retain discretion to require an interview in any case.

Practice Implications

  • Longer Wait Times: Visa appointment backlogs and processing delays are likely to grow, particularly at high-volume consulates.
  • Return to Interviews as the Norm: Clients—even repeat applicants with clean histories—should plan for in-person interviews.
  • Consular Shopping Risks: To qualify for an interview waiver, eligible B-1/B-2 applicants must now apply only in their country of nationality or residence.

Applicants should regularly review the website of the relevant U.S. embassy or consulate for post-specific requirements and updates.

Effective Date: These restrictions took effect September 2, 2025.