The State Department’s Bureau of Consular Affairs announced a significant strengthening of its interview waiver policy for nonimmigrant visa applicants, effective September 2nd. This measure replaces previous guidance issued on February 18th, mandating in-person interviews for most applicants.
A key change is the elimination of age-based waivers. While applicants under 14 and over 79 years of age were previously exempt from interviews, the new guidance requires in-person interviews for all age groups. This change is expected to complicate the visa application process for families with young children and the elderly.
Most applicants for student visas (F or M visas) and employment (H-1B, L-1, etc.) visas are expected to require interviews, which could lead to longer interview waiting periods.
Experts advise applicants to begin planning their visa applications even earlier.