Effective September 2nd, 2025, the Department of State will update the categories of applicants who may be eligible for a waiver of the nonimmigrant visa interview.
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 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 when renewing a full validity B-1, B-2, B1/B2 visa, applicants must also meet certain criteria, including that the applicant:
· 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.
Consular officers may still require in-person interviews on a case-by-case basis for any reason. Applicants should check our website https://tt.usembassy.gov/visas/ for detailed information about visa application requirements and procedures.