On July 25, 2025, the Department of State (DOS) announced an updated visa interview waiver policy, which will take effect on September 2, 2025.
Previously, visa interviews could be waived for applicants who previously held most types of visas in the same category that expired less than 12 months prior to the new application, as well as for children under 14 or adults over age 79.
Now, visa interviews are only available for B-1/B-2 visa renewals (and certain diplomatic visas) within 12 months of the prior visa’s expiration. Additional applicant criteria include:
Application is in their country of nationality or residence (physical presence is required).
Applicant has never been refused a visa (unless such refusal was overcome or waived).
Applicant has no apparent or potential ineligibility.
In addition, interviews for children under 14 or adults over the age of 79 must be conducted in person.
This further restricted policy will certain cause visa appointment wait times to rise, as nearly all visa applicants must be interviewed in person by a consular officer before visa issuance.
© Jewell Stewart Pratt Beckerson & Carr PC 2025