State Department to Narrow Interview Waiver Eligibility for Nonimmigrant Visa Renewals Starting September 2
The State Department has notified that starting September 2, 2025, it will update its nonimmigrant visa interview waiver policy. Renewals for F-1, H-1B and J-1 visas will generally require an interview, while eligible B-1, B-2 and B1/B2 renewals, certain visa categories, and diplomatic or official visa applicants may still qualify for a waiver. The new policy replaces the prior one issued February 18, 2025.
The U.S. Department of State has issued a notice that, effective September 2, 2025, the interview waiver policy for nonimmigrant visas will be updated. Under the new rule, renewals of F-1, H-1B, J-1 and similar visas will no longer be exempt from interviews; however, qualifying tourist visas (B-1/2) may still be renewed without an interview, provided the visa expired no more than 12 months ago, the application is filed in the applicant's home country, and there is no prior refusal record.
Specifically, all nonimmigrant visa applicants are generally required to appear for an interview, including those under 14 and over 79 years of age. However, three categories of applicants may be exempt from an in-person interview:
- Specific visa categories: applicants holding certain visa symbols, specifically A-1, A-2, C-3 (but excluding attendants, personal servants, or personal employees of accredited officials), G-1, G-2, G-3, G-4, NATO-1 through NATO-6, or TECRO E-1 visas.
- Diplomatic or official visas: those applying for diplomatic or official visas.
- Certain visa renewals: renewing an expired B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visa, or a Border Crossing Card/Foil (for Mexican citizens), within 12 months of the old visa's expiration. Such applicants must also meet one condition: they must have been at least 18 years old when the visa was first issued.
Applicants in the third waiver category—those renewing B-1, B-2, or B1/B2 visas—must additionally meet the following conditions:
- Applying in country of nationality or residence: the application must be submitted in the applicant's country of nationality or residence.
- No prior refusal record: the applicant has never been refused a visa before (unless the ground of refusal has been overcome or waived).
- No apparent ineligibility: the applicant has no other obvious or potential grounds of ineligibility.
It is worth noting that consular officers still have the authority to require any applicant to appear for an interview based on the specific circumstances. Applicants are therefore advised to follow the official websites of the relevant embassies and consulates for the latest visa application requirements, procedures, and information on embassy or consulate operations and services.
Finally, this new policy will replace the previous interview waiver policy issued on February 18, 2025.
